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Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled classes for Monday, Feb. 2, extending a storm-related shutdown that has already kept students home for a full week.
The school system cited continuing concerns about whether students and employees can travel safely to and from schools as compacted snow and ice remain on sidewalks, roads and bus stops following Winter Storm Fern on Jan. 25.
FCPS initially issued a notice indicating that School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers would open Monday. Its latest website alert, however, said both programs will remain closed.
School buildings and offices will open on time for full-time staff, but school grounds will be closed. Field trips, middle school after-school programs, adult education classes, homebound instruction, and professional learning and training courses are canceled.
Superintendent Michelle Reid said more than 1,000 employees have worked to clear accumulated snow and ice. She and other school officials also spent the weekend inspecting conditions across Fairfax County.
“The challenge continues to be snow piles and ice on sidewalks and bus stops (we have 45,000 bus stops!) that have proven difficult to remove,” Reid said.
Before the cancellation, Reid had asked residents to help clear sidewalks and areas surrounding bus stops, which are generally the responsibility of adjoining property owners. She also encouraged families to arrange carpools or offer rides to students who normally walk.
Free meal kits containing breakfast, lunch, a snack and supper will be available to all children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at:
- Annandale High School
- Falls Church High School
- Herndon High School
- Mount Vernon High School
- Dogwood Elementary School
- London Towne Elementary School
- Lynbrook Elementary School
With neighborhood sidewalks and some intersections still obstructed, FCPS said it hopes to reopen schools Tuesday, Feb. 3, likely with a two-hour delay. The school system plans to announce Tuesday’s status on Monday.