School Closing

On occasion, poor weather conditions or other emergencies may arise which make it necessary to delay the start of school, dismiss early or close school. Families will need to have a plan in place that addresses the change in routine when these situations arise.

In addition to a parent/guardian receiving a phone call and an email from Skylert, the District’s notification system, the following radio stations and TV channels will announce delays, dismissals or school closings:

  • WIUM (FM 91.3)
  • WCAZ (FM 93.1)
  • WKAI (FM 100.1)
  • WJEQ (FM 102.7)
  • KHQA (Quincy Channel 7)
  • WGEM (Quincy Channel 10)

Weather Related Cancellation Process

Snow, Ice, Current and Expected Road Conditions

Weather forecasts that predict significant snowfall or ice will prompt the following procedures:

  1. Superintendent will begin driving snow routes by 4:00 a.m. to check the current road conditions. Macomb CUSD 185 is divided into four quadrants.  The Superintendent will drive bus routes in all four quadrants.
  2. If Superintendent determines the conditions fall into the “normal” winter driving conditions for Central Illinois, then the Superintendent will contact the transportation company and inform them we are having school and to prepare the buses.
  3. If Superintendent determines the current conditions are unsafe but will be safe in a few hours, Superintendent will institute the two-hour delay. This allows the road crews to clean and clear the roads making travel safer.
  4. If Superintendent determines the current conditions are unsafe and it is unlikely they will improve in two hours, school will be cancelled. Superintendent will do their best to make this decision no later than 5:30 a.m.

Extreme Cold Temperatures

Weather forecasts that predict extreme cold temperatures will prompt the following procedures:

  1. Superintendent will walk one mile at 5:00 a.m. During this walk the Superintendent will wear a medium weight winter coat with no hat or gloves.
  2. If Superintendent can walk the full mile and is not experiencing unbearable skin pain, then the Superintendent will call the transportation company and inform them we are having school and to prepare the buses.
  3. If the cold and wind are such that the Superintendent cannot finish the mile walk but the temperature will rise above the -20 below mark in a few hours, Superintendent  will institute the two-hour delay.
  4. If Superintendent determines the current conditions are unsafe and it is unlikely they will improve in two hours, Superintendent will cancel school. Superintendent will do their best to make this decision no later than 5:30 a.m.

To learn more about the decision making process as it pertains to weather related closings, please see the letter regarding the weather related cancellation process.

Delayed Start

When there is a delayed start due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the school day will begin two hours later than the normal start time.  

  • MacArthur Early Childhood AM session will NOT have class.  The PM session WILL come to school as normal.   
  • Early Bird PE will be canceled.
  • Doors will open 30 minutes before the delayed start time so students may eat breakfast.
  • Students should dress appropriately for the concerning weather conditions.

Early Dismissal

When there is an early dismissal due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the school day will end the designated amount of hours earlier than the normal dismissal time.

  • MacArthur Early Childhood the AM session WILL be in class as normal.  The PM session would NOT come to school.
  • All after school sports and activities will be canceled.
  • There will be no YMCA after school program (MAP) and no Crossing program.
  • Please contact your child's school office with updated afternoon plans.

No School:  E-Learning Day

When there is no school due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the day will be an E-Learning Day.  Please see the E-Learning Day page for more information.