Students at Fairfax County Public Schools are getting another snow day.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced this evening that schools will be closed tomorrow (Thursday) due to still-challenging road conditions after a storm dumped six to 10 inches of snow across the county on Monday (Jan. 6).
School officials determined that schools should remain closed until they can “can ensure safe travel” for all students, Reid said.
“The Virginia Department of Transportation has been prioritizing clearing secondary roads, however clearing bus stops and sidewalks has continued to be problematic,” Reid said in a message to staff and families. “Many sidewalks and bus stops (we have 45,000 bus stops!) continue to be covered in snow.”
It has been nearly three weeks since students last set foot in a classroom, with four consecutive snow days following a winter break that began on Dec. 23 and was supposed to end Monday. All activities on school grounds have also been canceled.
Administrative staff will still be called into work, with school offices and FCPS’ central office opening to the public at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
The decision by FCPS deviates from some other jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, including neighboring Arlington Public Schools, which is opting to open on a two-hour delay.
There has been one sign of road conditions improving: the National Park Service reopened the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway around 4:30 p.m. today. The roadway had been closed from I-495 in McLean to Spout Run in Arlington since 6 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 5) because of the weather.
“Drivers should continue to stay alert while driving through the construction zone, observe traffic signs, respect the 40-mph speed limit, expect delays through narrow travel lanes, and plan alternate routes,” the National Park Serivce said. “Due to weather, the traffic configuration will be single lane through the construction corridor both North and South bound.”
Reid’s full message on the decision to close FCPS another day is below.
Hello FCPS Staff and Families,
As we navigate through another day of cold weather and icy roads, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your patience as we work to reopen our schools to students and staff. I also remain inspired by our outstanding custodial, facilities, transportation, and grounds crews who continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of our schools and vehicles.
I want to provide an update on tomorrow’s school status. The Virginia Department of Transportation has been prioritizing clearing secondary roads, however clearing bus stops and sidewalks has continued to be problematic. Many sidewalks and bus stops (we have 45,000 bus stops!) continue to be covered in snow. With that in mind, we feel that closing all Fairfax County public schools tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, is the best decision until we can ensure safe travel to and from school.
While schools will be closed, school offices and central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m.
The following activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled:
- Extracurricular activities
- Interscholastic contests
- Team practices
- Field trips
- Middle school after-school programs
- Professional learning and training courses
- Adult High School and GED
- Adult and Community Education (ACE) classes
- Recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS
- School Age Child Care (SACC) centers are closed
- Homebound and home-based instruction are canceled.
Please stay safe. We will update you regarding Friday’s status tomorrow and appreciate our shared interest in prioritizing student and staff safety.
Warmest regards,
Michelle Reid
