Closings & Delays
Students & Families
In the event of an unscheduled school closing, delay, or early/late dismissal it is our goal to notify the community in an efficient and timely manner. This page shows the many ways we use to provide that notification.
Cold Weather Delay/Closing Guidelines
The district will make the official announcement of a school delay or closing through the automated calling system, social media, and other media sources. The protocol for extreme cold watch and warning is intended to provide a guideline but it does not replace the responsibility of the district to make the best decision for most students and families.
The Difference Between Extreme Cold Watch and Extreme Cold Warning
Extreme Cold Watches and Extreme Cold Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. It’s helpful to understand what these terms mean in terms of possible late starts or school cancellations, and even more importantly, to have information on some best practices in helping students dress appropriately for very cold weather. Past practice has been that the Superintendent would only call a two-hour late start or a cancellation due to weather if an Extreme Cold Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
Extreme Cold Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when dangerously cold air, with or without wind is possible. Check the forecast, and be prepared in case a Warning is issued.
Extreme Cold Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when dangerously cold air, with or without wind is expected. Conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Limit time outside, dress in layers, and cover up exposed skin.
Some recommendations for dressing for cold temperatures include the following:
- Wearing several lighter layers of clothing. Layers allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions. Layers will also create an air space between the skin and the old and this space helps to insulate against the cold.
- Light-weight synthetic materials are a good choice for the layer next to your skin. For the middle layer consider wool or fleece (you might even have several thin layers). The outer layer is to help protect you from the wind and water. Waterproof or water-resistant materials such as nylon are especially good for the outer layer. Coats with hoods are helpful for students in case they misplace a hat.
- A hat and scarf are important, even if your child’s coat has a hood. Cover all exposed areas (head, ears, face, and neck).
- Layering applies to your hands and feet, too. Wear two pairs of socks: a thin pair against your skin and a thicker sock on top of that. When wearing gloves and mittens try putting a thin pair of gloves on first and placing a thicker or waterproof pair over them.
If your student needs additional clothing for cold weather, please contact your school counselor’s office or the main office at your school. Staff members will work to assist your child.
As always, parents can make the decision to keep their children home from school if they feel that weather conditions pose a hazard. Please call the school to let the office know if your child will not be attending classes that day.
ParentSquare
The school district uses a notification service known as ParentSquare to initiate automated phone calls or mass-email messages. A large number of phone numbers can be called and texted in a short amount of time. The phone numbers for each student or faculty member are polled from our student database system. Download the ParentSquare app available for iPhone and Android devices to log in to your account. It is very important that these numbers be kept current. If you have any questions please call the building secretary where your student attends.
TV & Radio
In the event there is a need to close, delay, or dismiss the Muscatine School District early, the following news media will be notified.
| TV Stations | Radio Stations |
|---|---|
| WHBF (CBS) Channel 4 | KWPC – AM 860 |
| KWQC (NBC) Channel 6 | WLLR – FM 103.7 |
| WQAD (ABC) Channel 8 | KCQQ – FM 106.5 |
| KLJB (FOX) Channel 18 | KUUL – FM 101.3 |
| KMXG – FM 96.1 | |
| KZIA – FM 102.9 | |
| KGYM – AM 1600 |
Newspapers
MCSD Website & Social Media
We will post an alert on our website and social media channels as well.