With another inclement weather closure Tuesday, the Howard County Public School System will add four of its five scheduled makeup days to the end of the school year. The last day of school for students was originally scheduled for June 11, but following a three-day closure earlier this month and Tuesday’s closure due to ice, the final day will now fall on June 17.

According to an email sent by the school system, most school parking lots and pathways were cleared after weekend snow, but as temperatures dropped to extreme levels, refreeze caused layers of ice to form that were unsafe even with a two-hour delay to allow time to warm up.

With temperatures below freezing forecast through Friday by the National Weather Service, the school system urged parents to make sure students are dressed with appropriate layers and encouraged drivers, especially those in high school, to use caution.

The school system built five inclement weather makeup days into the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year from June 12-18. If inclement weather closures surpass five days, the district will work with the Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education to create a plan, Brian Bassett, director of communications and engagement for HCPSS, has said.

Districts can offer virtual learning during inclement weather closures under a 2023 state law, but only once all inclement weather days have been used.

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