staff comm logo        
April 16, 2020
In This Issue
Dr. Wistrom Finalist for MASA Pearce Award
Katie Zeller Named Schofield Assistant Principal
Message from CTA
Employee Volunteer Form
Send Us Your Photos
30 Day Challenge
Work Expectations
Building Restrictions
Free Meal Option During COVID-19 Closure
Community Resources
Probationary Contracts

Like us on Facebook

 

Follow us on Twitter

 

 

Hello, team! It's been SO LONG since we've all been in district together at the same time. We miss you all and the normalcy of the school year. We hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy. 

As we announced last week, Governor Parson has indicated schools need to remain closed for the rest of the school year. We are so sad to close our actual doors on the 2019-20 school year, but appreciate EVERYTHING you all are doing to support our families and each other during this time.

We will continue to update the following page   https://www.republicschools.org/healthupdates  and are working diligently to come up with answers for the many questions this closure has created. As soon as we have answers and specific plans we will let you know! 

Please know how much we appreciate you! Take care!

Dr. Wistrom Named Finalist for MASA Pearce Award
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chance Wistrom has been named one of eight finalists for the Missouri Association of School Administrators' Robert L. Pearce Award. This is one of MASA's most prestigious recognitions as it honors outstanding superintendents in Missouri who go above and beyond in serving students, families and employees. The Pearce Award recipient will be announced by MASA later this month. Join us in congratulating Dr. Wistrom for this well-deserved recognition! 
Katie Zeller Named Schofield Assistant Principal
Schofield Elementary will welcome a familiar face in a new place! Ms. Katie Zeller has been selected as the new assistant principal for the 2020-2021 school year! Ms. Zeller has been a Republic Tiger for her entire career in education. She has taught for nine years and has experience with both fifth and second grade students. She earned both her degrees in education at Missouri State University, and holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration. Congratulations, Ms Zeller!
Message from CTA
Employee Volunteer Form 
The form found at the below link was created to provide an opportunity for any district employee that would like to volunteer to assist during the COVID-19 school cancellation. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form. Volunteers are being contacted as needed. Thanks to those who have already answered the call to pitch in!

Send Us Your Photos
We'd love to see what's happening in your classrooms and work environments during this closure! You are helping us continue to make our mission possible, and we want to showcase that work! PLEASE email pictures to your principal, supervisor and Josey McPhail! 

**HIGH SCHOOL: Please also send your photos to Kristin Howard to help with the yearbook! 
30 Day Challenge
30 DAY CHALLENGE TIME! During the "stay at home" order we invite you to join us for a challenge of your choosing! Why not set a goal for yourself or your family during this time? Here are a few ideas:  

**30 days of spending 30 minutes together daily doing a family activity. 
**30 days of writing on a topic of your choice for 15 minutes each day.
**30 day gratitude challenge. Each day write or talk about three things you're thankful for! 
**30 days of reading for 15 minutes each day. 
**30 day fitness challenge of your choice! 
**30 days of drawing or art projects.  

We'll check in each week and would love to see pictures or video of you completing your 30 DAY CHALLENGE! Private message pictures to any of our Facebook pages. #repmoproud #repmo30daychallenge 

Work Expectations
During the closure we will continue our current rotational work schedules at sites along with the food service and childcare for healthcare and emergency/first responders programming during the "stay at home" order. Below is a reminder of those work expectations:


WORK EXPECTATIONS:
  • Teachers (including SPED) are being asked to meet virtually on a weekly basis in order to develop optional educational plans for students and families wanting to pursue academic growth during this closure. Teachers are also asked to monitor communication with students and families throughout this time. ***CIA team members and Process Coordinators will also be asked to support this effort remotely. Dr. Yonke and Mrs. Morris will follow-up with specific information.
  • Our counseling teams will also meet remotely (and in-person as needed) to focus on master schedules and elementary class lists along with other upcoming projects.
  • Our 11 and 12 month employees (administrators, some directors, most secretaries) are reporting to work on a rotational basis. If you fall within this category your administrator/director will be sharing out schedules for these rotations during the closure. 
  • Classified employees that do not fall under 11 or 12 month contracts which include nurses, school police, food service workers, bus drivers (assist with food deliveries) IT employees, custodial and maintenance workers are reporting to work on a rotational basis. If you fall within this category your director will be sharing out schedules for these rotations during the closure.
  • All employees, specifically those that do not fall under the above categories (aides and paraprofessionals, specifically), are considered to be "on call" in the case that the district would need them to assist with various duties. 
Building Restrictions
All school buildings and facilities will be closed to anyone not working on site or completing essential tasks to support our mission. We ask that everyone follow these restrictions. Contact your school building should you need access. This will be granted on an appointment basis. Office hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
Free Meal Option During COVID-19 Closure
Daily grab-and-go lunch and breakfast (for the next day) pick-up at Republic Middle School and other designated locations across the community (scheduled/locations below) for any Republic child will continue during the closure. This service will be available Monday-Friday. 

Car line at Republic Middle School: Open 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please follow the arrows on the map to the back of the building for food pick-up. Stay in your car and food items will be brought to you.



Mobile Locations: School buses will be delivering grab-and-go style lunches Monday-Friday from approximately 11:00-11:30 a.m. at the below locations. Simply come up to the bus and a food bag will be given to you. Please avoid congregating in large groups in these areas. 
Alpine Village
S. Lewis Street in Battlefield near the Prairie Oak Village Apartments
Old Stone Apartments
Hines Street Pharmacy
Calvary Baptist Church

Community Resources
Republic area churches and organizations are mobilizing to provide various resources for citizens. Further details can be found at 417OUTREACH.COM. 
Probationary Contracts
Probationary contracts were mailed Tuesday, March 24. Please sign and return to Sheryl Blankenship at CO using the self-addressed envelope for your convenience. Extended duty contracts will be issued in July. If you have not received your contract, please email Sheryl at 
[email protected]
 

For questions or comments please contact me via email or by calling 417-732-3605.
  
Sincerely,
  

Josey McPhail

Director of Communications
Republic School District