Students return to D.C. area schools after week-long snowstorm closure

Students across the Washington, D.C. region returned to classrooms on Wednesday after schools closed for nearly a week due to last month’s snowstorm.

What’s Happening: Schools in Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County reopened on Wednesday.

What’s Important: Fairfax County builds in 10 emergency weather days each year and has used four, including Monday. Officials said crews have been working around the clock to clear campuses, bus loops and sidewalks. The district does not expect to change the end of the school year. Prince George’s County builds in five snow days but has used seven. Montgomery County students were out for more than a week.

How This Affects Real People: Prince George’s County scheduled an emergency school board meeting for Wednesday to discuss how to make up the lost time. Options include using Presidents Day or adding days in June.

What Happens Next: Montgomery County says snow days will continue to be traditional closures, not virtual learning days. The district cited limited device access, the start of a new semester, and the lack of a state-approved virtual plan.