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August 29, 2019
In This Issue
Preparing Each Student for a Successful Future

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. 
Closed for Labor Day
The Republic School District will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. CLICK HERE to see the full district calendar. 
**Teachers, please share with students and families.
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.

**TAKE NOTE: Currently there is an expiration notification on the Smore home page of our accounts. We have renewed, but because payment will not process until after the September BOE meeting that notification is showing up. No worries! We have confirmed there will be no disruption to service.

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.


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. 

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
Health Advisory: Vaping
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has issued a health advisory in regards to the risks of severe lung disease associated with vaping. Please CLICK HERE for details on this advisory.This is a serious concern. We urge parents to visit with students, as you feel appropriate, about vaping and it's risks. 

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.  

Lockout
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
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.  

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.
Updates from CIA
As we begin a new school year, we wanted to share some changes in the CIA Department to allow for seamless K-12 support. As Director of CIA, Dr. Yonke will continue to support in many of the same ways as in the past, but will also get to work more closely with the K-12 Curriculum work. Mrs. Renegar will get the opportunity to use her strengths in analytics and assessment and take on the role of K-12 Data and Assessment Specialist. Below are some of the key responsibilities that will enable you to know who to contact if you have any questions. As always the CIA Team is excited to partner with you for a successful school year. Please let us know if we can support you in anyway as we kick off the new year.

Dr. Debbie Yonke, CIA Director
K-12 Curriculum Adoption, Development and Implementation
Summer Professional Learning/SI Flex Days
New Teacher Induction
Research Approval
University Partnerships

Mrs. Jennifer Renegar, Data and Assessment Specialist
District Assessment Coordinator
Assessment & Data Analysis (Common Assessments, MAP, SRI, EOC, ACT, DBQ, STAR)
Professional Development Committee (PDC)
Project Lead the Way
DESE Enhancement & CTE Grants

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! 
REMINDER: Every Friday is an Early Release
**Teachers, please remind families of this!
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!**
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.

Grandparents' Night
We are excited to continue the tradition of welcoming grandparents and grand-friends into our EC and elementary buildings this fall! Below are the dates and times for these come and go events. All in attendance will have the opportunity to pick-up a free game pass for the RHS home football game against Joplin (Homecoming) on Friday, September 20 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, September 16:
Lyon and Schofield 5:00-6:30 p.m.
EC AM half day classes 5:00-6:00 p.m.
EC PM half day classes 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, September 17:
McCulloch, Price and Sweeny (includes all day preschool) 5:00-6:30 p.m.

**Teachers, please share with students and families.

Open Positions: PLEASE SHARE!
We're looking for some great teammates to add to our team! For details visit:  http://ow.ly/iUsT50uVO5u . PLEASE SHARE!



District & Community Events For more visit Peachjar.

DEADLINE TOMORROW, AUGUST 30





Upcoming Dates
August 30: RHS End of Progress 1
September 2: Labor Day, District Closed
September 6: RHS Progress Reports Distributed
September 13: Elementary and RMS End of Progress 1
September 16: Lyon and Schofield Grandparents' Night, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
                        EC AM classes Grandparents' Night, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
                        EC PM classes Grandparents' Night, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
September 17: McCulloch, Price and Sweeny (includes all day preschool) Grandparents' Night, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
September 19: Board of Education meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Central Office
September 20: RHS End of Progress 2
September 20: Elementary and RMS Progress Reports Distributed
September 20: Football Homecoming vs. Joplin, 7:00 p.m. 
September 26: RHS Progress Reports Distributed
September 27: School Improvement Day: No School for Students


**Every Friday during the regular school year students are dismissed one hour early for teacher collaboration time. Visit https://www.republicschools.org/fridayearlyrelease for details.** 

 
For additional dates, please view the website calendar HERE         
For questions or comments please contact [email protected] or call extension 6008.
  
Sincerely,
  
Josey McPhail
Republic School District