St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) will implement a 2-hour early dismissal for all students today, Thursday, April 16, in response to continued excessive heat. 

Our school buildings are equipped with commercial heating and cooling systems that operate differently from residential (home) systems. Most homes can switch between heating and cooling with the touch of a button. However, our schools utilize a two-pipe system, which requires a deliberate, multi-day process to transition from heating to cooling and vice versa. This process is essential to ensure the system operates efficiently throughout the season.

When forecasted daily temperatures are consistently above 68°F and daytime temperatures exceed 72°F for two to three consecutive days, SMCPS initiates the two-day process to switch from heating to cooling mode, typically by April 15th. This changeover may also be delayed based on actual weather conditions.

Last week, our region experienced frost warnings and low overnight temperatures that required heating. As a result, many of our buildings are still in heating mode. Because the changeover to cooling is a multi-day process and cannot be completed immediately, some classrooms and hallways were experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures during this sudden heat event.

The early dismissal will allow us to minimize exposure to high indoor temperatures while we continue our seasonal changeover. After-school activities will not be impacted. 

We are currently planning to return to normal school hours on Friday, as temperatures are forecast to be more seasonal. While it won't be 90 degrees on Friday, it will be in the low 80s. We encourage families to ensure students are dressed in lightweight clothing and to send water bottles, if possible.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. For updates and additional information, please visit the SMCPS website or follow our official communication channels.