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Preparing Each Student for a Successful Future
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As a reminder, the Staff Communicator will be distributed each Thursday that we are in session, and two summer issues are also distributed. Archived copies can be found on the "Communications Department" web page.
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Online Staff Meal Payment Option
Unfortunately, the option of online meal payments through SISK12 is not currently available as it is for our families. That said, another option is available by clicking
HERE. A link can always be found under the "Staff" tab of the district website.
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Training Videos Due August 23, TOMORROW
Earlier this month all employees received an email from "Republic R-III" with the subject line "SafeSchools Online Training."
This email houses a link to the required training videos that all employees must watch annually. The username is your district email address.
We are providing these videos should you want to watch them prior to returning to work, for some of you.
However, the due date to have these completed is not until Friday, August 23.
If you did not receive this email, please contact your supervisor directly.
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Smore Teacher Accounts
 As a reminder, district Smore acounts (e-newsletter distribution tool) are available for all teachers across the district! Grade level accounts for each elementary building and EC are available. Three accounts at RMS (6th, 7th & 8th grades) and three accounts at RHS (1st, 2nd and 3rd floors) are also available to accommodate any secondary teacher who would like to use this e-newsletter service! An account for specials teachers along with extra-curricular activities are available as well. CLICK HERE for login information.
An introduction email was sent in the fall of 2017 that included helpful information and directions on how to access Smore accounts. It's an "oldie but a goodie" so
CLICK HERE for that information. A video tutorial is included, but can also be found in Google Drive. Keep in mind, the video and original information was geared toward EC and elementary teachers, but is pertinent for any Smore user.
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Chats with Chance
Below is the schedule of meeting times for "Chats with Chance." As a reminder, each month Dr. Wistrom will visit a building to host conversations with employees. These meetings are casual opportunities where employees can visit with Dr. Wistrom regarding any topic of their choice. Building libraries will be the location of these meetings with the exception of EC (classroom) and the Transportation Department (meeting room).
ALL employees are invited to EVERY meeting, if you'd like to attend! Dr. Wistrom looks forward to visiting with many of you through this opportunity!
CHATS WITH CHANCE SCHEDULE
September 10: Schofield library at 7:30 a.m.
October 15: RMS library at 6:30 a.m.
November 12: McCulloch library at 7:30 a.m.
November 20: Transportation meeting room at 8:30 a.m.
December 10: RHS library at 6:30 a.m.
January 14: Price library at 7:30 a.m.
January 21: Early Childhood classroom at 7:30 a.m.
February 4: RMS library at 6:30 a.m.
(UPDATED DATE)
March 10: Sweeny library at 7:30 a.m.
April 14: RHS library 6:30 a.m.
May 12: Lyon library 7:30 a.m.
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Lockout vs. Lockdown
To appropriately communicate various situations that could potentially take place throughout the school year, two specific terms will be utilized:
lockout
and
lockdown
. These terms have very different meanings and very different procedures that will take place when implemented. Our goal is to effectively communicate what is taking place in our buildings during these various situations, and we felt these two terms most accurately will help in achieving this goal.
A
lockout will take place when there is an incident
or situation where there is no direct danger
or threat perceived toward students, employees,
or school facilities. Business as usual will continue to take place within our school building walls. However, students are brought inside from any outdoor activities and
doors are additionally secured.
It is important to note that our buildings operate daily in near-
lockout status. Perimeter doors are locked and visitors are screened at the building's entrance.
Example of a
lockout situation: A neighboring district is in
lockdown. As a precaution we may put our buildings into a
lockout due to community unrest until the situation is resolved.
Lockdown
A
lockdown will take place when there is a situation
or the district has received information regarding a potential threat to students and employees. Internal procedures, which are practiced throughout the year, are implemented. Emergency personnel may be called on site to assist.
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Updates from CTA
 We still have "What's Your WHY?" t-shirts available. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt they are $12 for sizes S-XL and an additional $2.00 for sizes 2XL and 3XL. Please fill out the form (HERE), give your money to your building representative, and we will send your order to you as soon as possible. Please note that some sizes are in short supply. Thanks for supporting your CTA this year! We look forward to working supporting our members and district!
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Dyslexia Learning Opportunities
As we continue to focus on best practices in literacy and ensuring success for all of our students as life-long readers, the CIA Department will once again be offering learning modules regarding Dyslexia. These modules are housed within Canvas and will be available to all staff at the beginning of the school year. If you were in district last year, this will be a good refresher and reminder. If you are new to Republic, this will be important information to add to your teaching resources. As more resources are available they will be added throughout the school year. Please contact Dr. Yonke if you have any questions.
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DESE MSIP 6 Public Comment Period Open
DESE is inviting public comments on the proposed rule for the next MSIP Cycle. Comments are open until August 31. Visit their website to read a complete copy of the proposed rule and leave your comments.
https://dese.mo.gov/msip-6-standards-and-indicators
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Board of Education Recap & Important Birthday Snack Information
At the
August 15 Board of Education meeting the adoption of the agenda and approval of consent items (
found on BoardDocs) took place after the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition, the annual tax rate hearing was held, and the BOE voted to set property tax rates as $3.2131 (Operating Fund) and $0.94 (Debt Service Fund) for the 2019-20 school year.
The operating tax rate was decreased by $.1323 to account for the increase in reassessment. For full details visit
BoardDocs. President, Todd Wojciechowski, then provided a Board Update on upcoming trainings and conferences.
Republic Middle School Project Lead the Way (PLTW) students in Mrs. Shumaker's class last school year presented their learning and class projects to the Board of Education. These students were challenged to come up with a game or physical therapy tool that could be used by special education students at RMS.
CLICK HERE to see more about their project!
CTA (Community Teachers Association) President, Mrs. Stephanie Flippin shared a report, and the monthly
MSBA video was viewed.
Elementary Summer SLAM principals, Erin Wayt and Markie Bravestone shared a recap of this summer learning opportunity for students. They were accompanied by Amy Schroeder and Christy Phillips, Title Reading Teachers, who led a reading program this summer for students struggling in this area. The Board of Education praised their efforts as all 125 students who participated saw between 1 and 3 levels of growth in their reading ability!
In addition, Dr. Chance Wistrom, Superintendent of Schools, provided a monthly update to the Board recapping back to school preparations and first day happenings.
All administrative reports can be found on
BoardDocs.
**TAKE NOTE: IMPORTANT BIRTHDAY SNACK INFORMATION**
There was only one discussion item on the agenda, board policy ADF (district wellness policy).
The conversation mainly centered around one component of the policy which states that the district will follow USDA Smart Snacks for celebrations and birthdays for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. After much discussion, the Board has asked the district to "pause" on the implementation of requiring that birthday and celebration treats meet USDA Smart Snack requirements. During this time the Board has requested that district administration and health services department investigate what is mandated by the state and federal government regarding this component of policy ADF. Administration will provide the Board of Education with this information and possible alternatives for review. During this review period the district will implement policy ADF as it did during the 2018-19 school year. Therefore, it will not be necessary to consult the USDA Smart Snack requirements until further notice.
The only item the Board took action upon was a list of new high school courses for the 2020-21 school year. Details can be found in
BoardDocs.
The next meeting was set for Thursday, September
19 at 7:00 p.m.
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Get FREE Newspapers for Your Classroom!
Republic teachers can get the local newspaper delivered to their classroom weekly through The Greene County Commonwealth's Newspapers in Education program.
NIE introduces newspapers to young readers and helps teachers bring the community into their classrooms.
Classroom subscriptions will be delivered weekly, September through April. Newspapers are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis; so, don't wait to sign up!
To sign up, email
[email protected] with your name, school and how many copies you will need each week. Digital subscriptions are also available.
**This is a wonderful partnership the Greene County Commonwealth offers to our classrooms. We just ask that if you choose to use this service, you keep in mind the nature of content that can sometimes be included might not be appropriate for every grade level. Thank you!**
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REMINDER: Every Friday is an Early Release
**Teachers, please remind families of this!
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Secondary ADPP Deadline TODAY, August 22
 Every student in grade 6-12 will be issued a take home technology device as part of the RepMO Ready plan. Our goal is to provide a digital learning device to all secondary students for use both at school and at home. Students are responsible for the care of their assigned device at all times, both at school and home. The district strongly encourages families to purchase an Accidental Damage Protection Plan explained in the online form found on the Parent Portal. Students will not be allowed to use school technology resources until the appropriate online form has been completed. To purchase the ADPP CLICK HERE or payment can be made at open houses or in the building office. The deadline to purchase is August 22. Take note that any damage that occurs without ADPP payment will incur the full cost for repairs or replacement of the device.
**Teachers, please share with students and families.
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CLICK TO WATCH!
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How to Create Google Email Groups
Click on the image to the left to see a video Doug Greek, EdTech Specialist created on how to create Google Groups in the newest update to Gmail.
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Human Resources Information
Important information from the Human Resources Department was shared with employees via email on August 20. Please take time to review this information,
CLICK HERE.
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Open Positions: PLEASE SHARE!
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District & Community Events For more visit Peachjar.
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Upcoming Dates
September 2: Labor Day, District Closed
For additional dates, please view the website calendar
HERE.
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Sincerely,
Josey McPhail
Republic School District |
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