Republic Families and Employees,
Per the below press release and after consultation with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, Republic School District will join the majority of other public schools in our area in closing now through April 3 in an effort to help isolate the spread of COVID-19. This is a decision that was not taken lightly. However, we feel it is the best option at this point to do our part in supporting the healthcare system in “flattening the curve” while also protecting the health of students and employees.
This decision creates many other decisions that will need to be made over the coming days. Please note, we are working diligently to determine answers to questions, and are committed to communicating with you as soon as those decisions are made.
The release below indicates that districts are committed to three main pieces throughout this situation. We will have more to come on each of these, but in the red font below we have added some district specific information regarding these topics.
- Meal Service: Each district will be providing meal service in some capacity. District specifics will be released later this week. We are working with our Food Service department to determine what options we will be providing. Stay tuned for additional information later this week.
- Childcare will only be provided for designated healthcare providers and emergency/first responders. Districts understand that childcare is essential for many families at this time; however, our goal is to "flatten the curve" and provide a balanced approach to supporting the healthcare system while also protecting students and staff. STRIPES 360 programming in its traditional form will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 and during this time. However, we will be partnering with area schools to create a childcare platform for these healthcare providers and emergency/first responders. Details will be shared in the coming days.
- Virtual and/or printed material-based learning opportunities. District plans will be communicated over the next week. We understand that school can not be replicated, but our district will be working on resources to support students in their learning while we are closed.
We are certainly treading through uncharted waters right now, and we are aware of the constraints that this places on our families, students and employees. Specifically, we want to send a shout out to the class of 2020 who are in their senior year of high school. We are keeping you and your futures in mind as we navigate decisions.
As was stated by a fellow superintendent in another state, when this is all over we won’t know if we overreacted and did too much. However, we are certain that we will know if we did not do enough. Thank you in advance for your support as we navigate this situation.
**SEE PRESS RELEASE BELOW ISSUED COLLECTIVELY BY AREA SCHOOLS.**
Sincerely,
Josey McPhail
Director of Communications
Republic School District
Regional PK-12 Districts to Close in Response to COVID-19
Springfield, Mo., Monday, March 16, 2020
- The spread of COVID-19 in our region requires school districts to be flexible and make decisions that are in the best interest of public health. In consultation with health department officials, the following PK-12 school districts will close through Friday, April 3.
- Springfield
- Ash Grove
- Fair Grove
- Fordland
- Logan-Rogersville
- Marshfield
- Nixa
- Ozark
- Republic
- Sparta
- Strafford
- Willard
These districts are currently on spring break; therefore, students will not return as previously planned on March 23. Closure impacts all extra- and co-curricular activities, including athletic competitions, practices and after-school programs and events.
Districts understand that this is a very uncertain time for everyone, but the public can be certain of one thing: districts are focused on protecting the safety and well-being of students, staff and their families.
Districts recognize that this decision will have a wide-reaching impact on many people, so plans are being developed to support communities. These plans include providing the following:
- Meal Service: Each district will be providing meal service in some capacity. District specifics will be released later this week.
- Childcare will only be provided for designated healthcare providers and emergency/first responders. Districts understand that childcare is essential for many families at this time; however, our goal is to "flatten the curve" and provide a balanced approach to supporting the healthcare system while also protecting students and staff.
- Virtual and/or printed material-based learning opportunities. District plans will be communicated over the next week.
Logistics and other specifics related to the delivery of these services during school closure will be forthcoming from each of the individual districts.
As this unprecedented situation continues to evolve, additional modifications may be necessary. As decisions are made, districts will share information through regular communication channels.
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