Harford County Public Schools will start late today. The district is operating on a two hour delay for Monday, December 15, due to dangerous cold across the region. Families should plan for later buses, later breakfasts at school, and a shift in class schedules. I confirmed the decision with district communications this morning, after transportation leaders checked road and wind chill conditions before dawn. Safety is the reason, and timing matters.
What the delay means today
All schools and offices will open two hours late. Bus pick up times are pushed back by two hours. There is no morning prekindergarten. Before school activities are canceled. After school activities and athletics will be reviewed midday, based on temperature and facility conditions. Families in specialized programs should watch for school based messages that may add more details.
Cafeterias will serve breakfast on a delayed schedule, then move quickly to lunch. Nurses are on site when buildings open. If your student needs medication at school, adjust your drop off plan.
Wind chills near zero can cause frostbite quickly. Do not arrive early to wait outside. If a bus is late, call your school or the transportation line, then stay warm in a car or lobby if possible.
How to get reliable updates
Use official channels. The district will push any change in status there first, including decisions about afternoon sports and clubs.
- District website and the HCPS mobile app, refresh often for alerts and school specific notes
- Phone, email, and text notifications from the district, check your contact details in your parent portal
Avoid old screenshots. Times change as roads are reassessed. Principals will share any building level adjustments, such as staggered entry or door changes, through school newsletters and robo calls.
Keep learning, even on a cold delay
Students can still build momentum today. Short, focused learning wins add up. Read for 20 minutes. Review two math concepts that felt tough last week. High schoolers, use this window to polish your resume, update your portfolio, or complete one FAFSA line item. Seniors considering apprenticeships should scan openings in construction, electrical, HVAC, and IT support. Many programs pay while you learn, which helps with rising costs.
Local employers in logistics, health care, and public works are adjusting shifts today. That means flexible jobs and after school hours are out there this winter. Teens 16 and up can look at entry roles in retail operations, warehousing, and patient transport. These teach punctuality, radio use, safe lifting, and teamwork, skills that transfer to higher wage careers.
Quick 30 minute plan for students: read 10 minutes, do one practice set in math or language, then draft a short note to a teacher or mentor asking for feedback on a project or recommendation.
Work and childcare planning
If you are a working parent, call your manager early. Ask about a later start, a remote hour block, or a split schedule with a partner. Many employers will flex for school delays during severe cold. If you use school age childcare, confirm hours directly. Some partners mirror the delay, others open on time with limited staff.
District employees should travel slowly, use main roads, and watch for black ice near parking lots. Building service teams will salt and clear entrances before students arrive. Contractors and substitutes, check your assignment portal for adjusted report times.
Harford County is also hiring for winter hard to cover roles. This cold snap shows where talent is needed most.
- School bus drivers and attendants, paid training and commercial licensing support
- Cafeteria associates, midday shifts that align with school hours
- Paraeducators and classroom aides, strong fit for future teachers
- Facilities and maintenance techs, HVAC and boiler experience is a plus
These jobs build skills in transportation logistics, food safety, student support, and building systems. They also open doors to higher pay pathways in operations, education, and trades.
How HCPS timed today’s call
The district moved early, before the first planned pick ups, which gave families time to reset alarms and routes. The two hour delay targets the coldest part of the morning, then brings students in once the sun is up and sidewalks are treated. Neighboring systems made similar moves, but Harford’s message was clear and practical. The second update, focused on afternoon activities, will come once crews see how surfaces recover and wind speeds change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are after school activities canceled today?
A: Not automatically. The district will reassess by midday. Coaches and club advisors will send updates through school messages.
Q: What about athletics and rentals in the evening?
A: Games and practices may be delayed, moved indoors, or canceled. Outside rentals will follow building status. Check with your school and organizers.
Q: Do students have virtual work during a delay?
A: Teachers may post optional review, but attendance and grading follow the in person delayed schedule. Log in if your teacher suggests a quick task.
Q: How will my child stay warm at the stop?
A: Plan for a later wait, layer clothing, cover hands and ears, and wait in a car or lobby when possible. If your bus is late, call the school and stay warm until it arrives.
Q: I work hourly. What should I tell my employer?
A: Share the official delay message and propose a late start, a partial remote block, or a swap with a coworker. Keep it simple and proactive.
Harford County made the cautious call, and it was the right one. Safety comes first, then learning resumes with a plan. Use the extra morning to stay warm, keep skills sharp, and line up next steps for school and work. Keep your eye on the official channels, and we will keep you posted as the day unfolds.
