School Closings

Inclement weather or other safety conditions may necessitate the closure or delayed opening of MSD. Making these decisions involves a thorough evaluation of various factors within a tight timeframe. Whenever possible, we aim to make these determinations early, particularly for morning closings and delays. It is important to note that the decision to close MSD or delay its opening is a complex process, especially given that MSD has two campuses, each with a residential program, and that transportation for our students is provided by individual counties.
— The General Rule
 
As a general rule, MSD Frederick campus follows Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), while MSD Columbia follows Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS). In most cases, we will align our decisions with those made by FCPS or HCPSS. However, there may be times when it becomes necessary for us to make independent decisions.
 
Please note there is a new addition the inclement weather policy in the MSD Handbook. If one campus is two hours delayed, the other campus will also follow the two-hour delay. This policy is also applicable to early dismissal. 
 
— We Are One School
 
On occasions, there may be instances where Frederick County Public Schools or Howard County Public School System closes while the other remains open. In such cases, as MSD operates as a single school entity, both campuses will be closed. 
—  How to Find Out
 
Here are all the ways we will communicate should MSD close or open late due to weather events or safety conditions:
 
One Call Now: email and text
 
MSD Website: www.msd.edu 
 
Social Media sites:
Local News Stations:
    • Columbia: WJZ-TV 13, WMAR 2, WBAL-TV 11, WBFF Fox 45
    • Frederick: WTOP, NBC 4, WJLA-ABC 7, WUSA 9, WTTG-Fox 5, WDVM-NBC, KEY 103.1, WFRE 99.9, WFMD 930
— County Buses
 
If schools in specific counties are closed due to inclement weather, please note that county buses will not provide transportation to MSD even if we are open. Absences will be considered excused for those students who are unable to attend school due to the lack of bus transportation on that day. 
If Other County Schools And MSD Then Buses to MSD
Are On Time Is Delayed Will be Delayed
Are Delayed Is On Time Will be Delayed
Are Delayed Is Closed There will be no transportation
Are Closed Is Delayed There will be no transportation
Have Early Dismissal Has Normal Schedule Will have Early Dismissal
Have Normal Schedule Has Early Dismissal Will have Early Dismissal
— Parents/Guardians Can Decide
 
Student safety is paramount. Families reserve the right to keep their child home on days when weather makes travel hazardous. The absence will be treated as an excused absence.
 
— Sending Students Home
 
If a significant storm is predicted, MSD will send home all day students and the residential students who have daily transportation available to them to ensure that they are being transported in safe conditions and are home with their families rather than stormbound at school.
 
— After School Events
 
Please know that anytime school is closed due to inclement weather, all school activities including athletic events, practices, and rehearsals are cancelled as well.
Stay Informed with Text Notifications via One Call Now.
 
Receive important reminders and announcements conveniently through text messages with One Call Now. To begin receiving these text notifications, simply text #ConnectMSD to 22300.