Anonymous wrote:Sounds like it wasn't the whole cluster, just 3 specific schools?

DHS, Baker Middle School, and Hallie Wells Middle School were closed due to icy conditions. I understand that all of the elementary schools in the cluster remained on the two hour delay despite the fact that the conditions there were also terrible.

It was because of parking lots and sidewalkes at those specific schools. Roads were fine.

Sounds like it wasn't the whole cluster, just 3 specific schools?

Anonymous wrote:How is this equitable for students and staff. Will they be required to make up a school day at the end of the year? How are those staff able to work one less day than all other staff.

You do know that individual school closures happen from time to time all the time right? Such as if there are building issues (gas leak, pipe bursting, etc.)

This would be treated no differently than those incidents.

How is this equitable for students and staff. Will they be required to make up a school day at the end of the year? How are those staff able to work one less day than all other staff.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's on the Damascus High School website.

FINALLY. MCPS is understanding that they need to adjust according to location. I know it's complicated for students who are bussed to special programs, and I hope everyone was adequately warned...

It's not about students, it's about staff who live in these areas. Were all staff who live in Damascus able to stay home too? What happens when there is zero administrators who show up to work in a Silver Spring school? Or there's not a single kindergarten teacher who is able to come in? Or their kids are home from school today?

If a single administrator or teacher can't get out of their driveway, does a child in Silver Spring have school?

No is not a reasonable answer

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's on the Damascus High School website.

FINALLY. MCPS is understanding that they need to adjust according to location. I know it's complicated for students who are bussed to special programs, and I hope everyone was adequately warned...

It's not about students, it's about staff who live in these areas. Were all staff who live in Damascus able to stay home too? What happens when there is zero administrators who show up to work in a Silver Spring school? Or there's not a single kindergarten teacher who is able to come in? Or their kids are home from school today?

Adults are expected to show up for work. If an adult cannot get to work due to the ice in their driveway than they need to use leave. If they are a parent and need to stay home with their child since their childs school is is closed, they need to take leave. This is what leave is for. If they don't have leave, then they call work and let them know they are unable to come in and they probably will not get paid for that day. It sucks but that's how parenting works.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's on the Damascus High School website.

FINALLY. MCPS is understanding that they need to adjust according to location. I know it's complicated for students who are bussed to special programs, and I hope everyone was adequately warned...

It's not about students, it's about staff who live in these areas. Were all staff who live in Damascus able to stay home too? What happens when there is zero administrators who show up to work in a Silver Spring school? Or there's not a single kindergarten teacher who is able to come in? Or their kids are home from school today?

Wrong. Students are minors, and the school system has a particular duty of care towards the minors they serve. Staff are adults, they signed a work contract and they are required to show up to work. Leniency or using leave will depend on the school, JUST LIKE FOR EVERY OTHER EMPLOYEE OF EVERY OTHER BUSINESS.

Anonymous wrote:It's on the Damascus High School website.

FINALLY. MCPS is understanding that they need to adjust according to location. I know it's complicated for students who are bussed to special programs, and I hope everyone was adequately warned...

It's not about students, it's about staff who live in these areas. Were all staff who live in Damascus able to stay home too? What happens when there is zero administrators who show up to work in a Silver Spring school? Or there's not a single kindergarten teacher who is able to come in? Or their kids are home from school today?

It makes sense. Harford County does this.

It's on the Damascus High School website.

FINALLY. MCPS is understanding that they need to adjust according to location. I know it's complicated for students who are bussed to special programs, and I hope everyone was adequately warned...

Found this: https://mocoshow.com/2025/12/15/ice-conditions-force-closures-at-three-upcounty-schools/

Really? Damascus Cluster is closed? I didn't see that.

Why is anyone surprised?
They only succeeded in not pissing off the families at the other 209 or so schools.

Interesting that the county decided to close just one cluster of schools and not the whole county. I wonder if this will be the new way