Training Videos Due September 9

All employees should have received an email with required training videos in early July. The email was from Republic R-III and the subject was "Vector Training, K-12 Edition Online Training." Login information is your district email address with no password required. The deadline to complete watching these training videos is Friday, September 9. Please contact your principal or supervisor if you did not receive an email with your assigned videos. 

Accidental Damage Protection Plan

Every student in kindergarten through 12th grades will be assigned a Chromebook. 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, follow this link: https://republicschools.revtrak.net/protection-plan-1/. Payment can also be made in building offices.

The deadline to purchase is August 30. Take note that any damage that occurs without ADPP payment will incur the full cost for repairs or replacement of the device. The deadline to purchase ADPP is August 30. 

**Teachers, please share with your families!**

Board of Education Recap

At the August 18 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, President, Travis Edwards, provided a Board Update.

Report Items:

• Mr. Brent Blevins with Stifel, Nicholaus, & Company discussed lease purchase options.
• April RepMO Hero Kristin Maerke was honored.
• Assistant Principals Katie Bollinger and Camie Lyons presented Summer School updates.
• Superintendent Dr. Pearce presented a district update regarding school safety, growth and next steps, along with an enrollment update.
• All administrative reports can be found on BoardDocs.

The Board took action and approved the following items (Details on BoardDocs):

• Tuition rate for the 22-23 school year
• Tax rate hearing

Additionally, the Board approved the 2022-2023 Return to Learn plan as presented. Details can be found HERE.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2022, at 7:00 pm.

988 Awareness

Many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need in that moment. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes. For people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. That age group makes up many of our students and staff. We want you to know, if you are having a hard time, or know someone else who is, there is hope and help available. 

As of last month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can now be reached by simply dialing a three digit number: 988. Anyone who needs mental health or substance use support can call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary. 

Why the change?

The former lifeline was a longer 1-800 number. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether thoughts of suicide, mental health, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. The goal of the shorter number shorter number is to create easier access to care for those who need it. 

What does this mean for Republic Schools?

As a district, we want our students and staff to feel comfortable and equipped to seek the help they need. That's why we've added the 988 number to all 6th-12th grade students' IDs. We know many of our staff members encounter students who may be experiencing difficulty. Please still direct students who are struggling to our counselors for support, but remind them of the 988 Lifeline. You can also call the 988 number for someone else if you believe they're in crisis. 

Please note, 988 is not replacing 911. The 988 Lifeline is a tool, but it does not respond to incidents. If a student, or someone else you know, has actively attempted to hurt themselves or someone else, you must call 911 for emergency response.

What else should I know?

If you are in need of support, we encourage you to reach out to Nancy Leonard, our Staff Wellness Facilitator, who can connect our team members with resources that could help. We also want you to be aware of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit, which is available for employees who receive insurance through the district. The EAP will pay for 6 counseling sessions per issue for employees -- or a member of their household -- who are going through a hard time. If you have questions regarding the EAP, connect with Melissa Bennett, Human Resources Coordinator. If you are in a mental health crisis, 988 is available 24/7. 

For more information about 988, go to: https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/