Date: December 1, 2025
TO: Du Quoin CUSD 300 Families
From: Diana Rea, Superintendent
Subject: 2025-2026 Winter Weather Letter
With winter weather on the horizon, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the District’s procedures regarding school closings. Please read and save this letter for future reference.
Weather-Related Decisions
The decision to change school schedules is made after careful review of information, including consulting with the school bus company, District maintenance departments, and the local weather service. Road conditions, sidewalk status, precipitation, and temperatures are considered when making a determination concerning emergency days impacting school. In making a decision about weather-related schedule changes, our top priority is to ensure our students and staff are safe.
When we are able, we will endeavor to decide in advance (the prior evening, for example); however, with the uncertainty of weather forecasts, and the additional factors we must account for – building readiness, bussing, etc. – it is simply not always the right decision to make a call in advance. In those situations, decisions are typically made by 5:00 am in order for proper notification to the bus company and staff. You will typically receive notification by 5:30 am. Likewise, while the communities on our borders may sometimes make different decisions, we are making a decision based upon the information we have regarding the roads, the buildings, and the buses specific to Du Quoin CUSD 300.
Communication
Du Quoin CUSD 300 utilizes several tools to communicate information regarding weather-related closings.
When we need to communicate a closure, we use our communication platform, which calls/texts ALL phone numbers listed in your child’sTeacherEase account. The messages come from Du Quoin Schools. Please make sure your contact numbers listed in TeacherEase are continually updated throughout the year.
SMS & Push Notifications - After the decision to close school is made, the district may send a text message and push notification to anyone who has downloaded Du Quoin Schools’ mobile app. This app helps students, parents, and the community keep up to date on school happenings, right from their phones. On the app, you can find dining menus, contact information for staff, and event information. You can download the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play (search for Du Quoin Schools). After downloading the app, be sure to go into the settings menu to turn on push notifications.
Other - After the decision to close school is made, the district notifies local television stations, shares information on social media (Facebook - Du Quoin CUSD 300 page), and updates the district website (www.duquoinschools.org)
Snow Routes - When needed, the District will use snow routes for bus transportation. Please see the graphic below for snow route information.
When the weather is a concern, our goal is to make sure our families are kept up to date with timely and accurate information. Please be sure you monitor weather-related closings to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Diana Rea, Superintendent
Du Quoin CUSD 300
845 East Jackson Street
Du Quoin, IL 62832
(618) 542-3856