Snow Days Extend School Year for Baltimore-Area Students

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) announced a two-hour delay for schools on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, due to inclement weather, marking another disruption in a winter season already plagued by snow days. The delay affects morning childcare programs, half-day pre-kindergarten sessions, and RECC classes, while afternoon activities remain on schedule.

School officials stated that morning childcare programs sponsored by the Columbia Association and the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks will also operate on a two-hour delay. Offices within the district will open late, and morning ARL classes are canceled, though afternoon ARL sessions will proceed as planned.

Students enrolled at Howard Community College (HCC) who cannot attend due to the delay are advised to notify their professors via MyHCC email or Canvas. The district emphasized that it will reassess conditions by 7:30 a.m. to determine if the delay should be upgraded to a full cancellation.

This winter has seen multiple snow-related closures, forcing schools to extend the academic year into June to meet state-mandated instructional hours. Parents and students have expressed frustration over the disruptions, with some calling for more flexible scheduling options.

“It’s been a challenging winter,” said HCPSS spokesperson Brian Bassett. “We understand the inconvenience, but our priority is ensuring the safety of students and staff.”

Maryland law requires public schools to provide 180 days of instruction, leaving districts with little room for flexibility when weather forces closures. Howard County is among several districts in the Baltimore region grappling with the impact of this year’s harsh winter.

As the school year stretches into summer, families are adjusting plans for vacations and summer programs. “It’s frustrating, but we know the schools are doing their best,” said parent Sarah Thompson. “We just hope the weather improves soon.”