Inclement Weather Policy
Inclement Weather/Snow Policy
FCS follows decisions made by the Prince George's County school system. In case of inclement weather, please consult local television or radio stations for up-to-date Prince George's county decisions (the name "Friends Community School" will not appear; look for the Prince George's County listing to determine the FCS decision). When Prince George's County schools are closed, FCS is also closed.
Delayed Opening/Early Closing Policy
- One-hour late opening: FCS starts at 9:20am, no morning Ex-Day.
- Two-hour late opening: FCS starts at 10:20am, no morning Ex-Day.
- One-hour early closing: All grade levels dismissed at 2:00pm, no afternoon Ex-Day.
- Two-hour early closing: All grade levels dismissed at 1:00pm, no afternoon Ex-Day.
Wednesdays:
- One-hour early closing: All grade levels dismissed at 2:00pm, no afternoon Ex-Day.
- Two-hour early closing: All grade levels dismissed at 1:00pm, no afternoon Ex-Day.
Sources for school closing updates:
- TV: All major networks, PGCPS TV channel 96 (Comcast), Channel 38 (Verizon Fios)
- Radio: WTOP 103.5 FM, 1500 AM; WASH 97.1 FM
- Web: pgcps.org; wusa9.com; myfoxdc.com; nbcwashington.com; wtop.com; washfm.com; schools-out.com (fee)
When school opens late, no Extended Day program is available. No supervision is available until the announced opening time.
When school closes early, we expect that parents will institute their carpools, or other pick-up arrangements, as soon as the announcement is made in the media. We will attempt to contact each family via e-mail.
Within 30 minutes after the announced closing time, students who have not been picked up will be put in a temporary Extended-Day program and we will continue to make every effort to reach parents. We do not anticipate any charges for this temporary care; however, it is important for families to know that in these situations our Extended-Day staff are not available, and the faculty and administrative staff must supervise the students. In order for everyone to travel home safely, we appreciate parents' efforts to make pickup arrangements as quickly as possible.
We may send your child home with a person you have designated on your Emergency Form. It is important that we have the most up-to-date information about your home and work phone numbers, email, and early closing arrangements.