Three Southern Maryland public school districts—Charles County, Calvert County, and St. Mary’s County—announced coordinated two-hour early dismissals for Monday, March 16, 2026, in response to forecasts of inclement weather, including risks of severe storms and high wind gusts. The moves prioritize student and staff safety during anticipated hazardous conditions expected to peak in the afternoon.
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will dismiss all schools and centers two hours early. No half-day prekindergarten programs will run that day. All after-school and evening activities are canceled, including the AlphaBEST after-school program. The district directed families to www.ccboe.com for updates, as conditions could change.
Calvert County Public Schools adopted a similar two-hour early dismissal schedule. Schools close two hours ahead of normal. Ten- and eleven-month employees release two hours early from their contractual end times. School-based Child Nutrition Staff depart after feeding students and securing kitchens, barring emergencies. Twelve-month and emergency personnel maintain regular hours unless released by the superintendent. Evening Building Service Staff shift to 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After-school and evening activities cancel entirely, and after-school childcare programs close at 3:30 PM, with parents urged to pick up children promptly.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) cited monitoring of forecasted weather and winds, with peak gusts expected between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. All students dismiss two hours early, and all after-school activities cancel. The district pointed families to www.smcps.org/status for further details.
These decisions align with regional patterns across Maryland, where multiple districts implemented early releases or adjustments ahead of severe weather threats, including potential tornado risks in the afternoon. Southern Maryland districts acted proactively to avoid student travel during the strongest forecasted periods. The announcements, issued late Sunday, March 15, 2026, reflect close tracking of National Weather Service outlooks and local conditions.
Families should confirm exact dismissal times with individual schools, as they vary by grade level and building. Transportation routes adjust accordingly, and parents relying on after-school arrangements need immediate alternatives. Officials emphasize checking district websites directly for any last-minute reversals or additional guidance as forecasts evolve.