FCCPSAlert
Today is
4:00 p.m. Status Report
Blown transformers and downed power lines have cut power to three of the four Falls Church City Public Schools - Mount Daniel, Mary Ellen Henderson and George Mason. At Central Office power also has been on and off periodically throughout the day. Power companies are working to restore power but this is not expected to be a quick process.
We will keep you updated as to the ongoing status of repairs and decisions regarding school tomorrow as soon as we can - but no later than 10:30 p.m. this evening.
All afternoon and evening activities at all schools are canceled.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Inclement Weather/Emergency Notification Methods:
On days of inclement weather, or during other emergencies, FCCPS school operations and closing information is available on this website and ALL of the following:
RADIO:
- WTOP - Washington, DC - FM 103.5 & Frederick, MD - FM 103.9
- WPGC - Washington, DC - FM 95.5
- WAVA - Washington, DC - FM 105.1
- WMAL - Washington, DC - AM 630
- WWRC - Washington, DC - AM 980
- WDCT - Washington, DC - AM 1310
- WMDO - Washington, DC - AM 1540 (Spanish)
TELEVISION:
- FCC-TV - (Cox - Ch. 11, RCN - Ch. 2, Verizon Ch. 35)
- NBC 4 - Channel 4 (WRC - Washington, DC)
- FOX 5 - Channel 5 (WTTG - Washington, DC)
- ABC 7 - Channel 7 (WJLA - Washington, DC)
- Newschannel 8 - Channel 8 (WJLA - Washington, DC)
- 9 News - Channel 9 (WUSA - Washington, DC)
How We "Make The Call"
A great deal of consideration goes into deciding whether students can safely be transported to school on a snowy morning.
City and school employees physically inspect the roads and sidewalks across the city and later discuss their findings. The team also consults with meteorologists, city streets and roads officials and law enforcement authorities for additional information including road conditions, outdoor temperature and the weather forecast for the day.
By 5:00 a.m., the team reports the information to the superintendent, who makes a determination about whether to cancel classes for the day. If schools are closed, the information is made public by 5:30 a.m. via the above-listed ways.
If snow falls during the school day, a decision on whether to close early is made with much the same consideration, and the information is made public by 11:30 a.m.
Because our community is small and has its own snow removal resources, the city is often able to clear snow from streets very quickly. As a result, our schools are often able to remain open when school systems in surrounding areas have to close.
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