Update: School District Holds Off on Canceling First Day of School

Updated at 3:57 p.m.

Howard County school officials held off on canceling the first day of school Monday, saying they would announce any changes to the school schedule on Sunday night, after Hurricane Irene is forecasted to bring heavy winds and rain to Columbia.

Also, all Howard County Public School System facilities and fields will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. All school-sponsored activities, including athletic practices, and community-sponsored events are canceled, according to a press release.

School officials met at 2 p.m. today to discuss whether to cancel the first day of school.

School officials are coordinating emergency response with Howard County government through the Howard County Emergency Operations Center.

If Howard County is without power on Sunday, parents are asked to listen to radio stations that are part of the Regional Emergency Broadcast Alert System for the latest school information (WBAL-AM, WIYY-FM, WMAL-AM, WTOP-AM,WTOP-AM). 

School system maintenance crews will be inspecting buildings and grounds as soon as possible on Sunday. Any change in the school schedule for Monday will be announced early Sunday evening.

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