January 24, 2023

Hello Josey,

Tiger Talk e-newsletters are distributed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month as a way to keep our patrons informed with important school information. Archived editions can be found HERE. Have a great week!

Winter Weather Aware

Winter weather is expected to affect our area starting this afternoon! District officials are monitoring the situation closely. To see the update we shared with our families and employees today, go to: https://conta.cc/3RamygQ

If we need to close our district due to the weather, we will notify our families and employees using the following methods:

Phone call
Text message
Social media
Website
News media

Calendar/Construction Survey Results

In January, the Republic School District asked families, employees, and students to provide feedback on several important topics. Below is a summary of the survey results, which was completed by over 2,000 individuals. The results are currently being reviewed by the district and Board of Education.

Any calendar adjustments for the 2023-24 school year and beyond will be shared after February 16.

Board of Education Candidates

Republic School District Board of Education candidates will be on the ballot on Election Day, which is April 4! The four candidates below filed for the three 3-year term seats available. Currently, Denny Lawson and John Parker hold two of those seats. Tammy Messier, who has served two terms, will not be running for re-election.

The candidates are listed in order of appearance on the ballot:

Denny Lawson (incumbent)
John Parker (incumbent)
Terry McConnell
Adam Poulson

Board of Education Recap

At the January 19 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.

The Board of Education also approved the promotion of Dr. Lauren Goddard (current Assistant Director of Special Education) as the Director of Special Education, effective July 1, 2023. More information is available here: https://conta.cc/3J16603

Report Items:

Architects H Design and Hollis Miller shared the steps that have so far been taken in relation to potential site development and a potential new building.
December RepMO Hero, Republic Middle School Art Teacher Jackie Coskey, was honored.
Mr. John Thompson, Republic High School Principal, provided a building update, which included a video about the school's focuses on Academics, Culture and Leadership, the three main focuses of Republic School District's new Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
Dr. Tyler Overstreet, Dr. Allison Dishman, and Mrs. Christy Coursey provided updates on district assessment data.
Josey McPhail, Director of Engagement and Community Relations, presented results from the fall surveys taken by families, students, and staff. Information will be shared by building leaders.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Pearce presented a district update regarding 2022 highlights, district expansion, RepMO Hero, attendance and enrollment.
All administrative reports can be found on BoardDocs.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Sweeny Elementary.

Family Resources

A list of resources can be found at https://www.republicschools.org/resources to help our families with various needs. In addition, our school social workers are a great resource!

Open Positions

We're on the lookout for quality individuals who enjoy working with students and making a difference to join our team!

These openings are all critical roles in helping us provide a wonderful school experience for our students. A few of these positions include:

-2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS (SEE OPENINGS FOR DETAILS ON POSITIONS AND GRADES AVAILABLE)

-2023-2024 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

-MCCULLOCH ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR

2023-2024 ELEMENTARY SOCIAL WORKER

-TRANSPORTATION MECHANIC

-2023-2024 RMS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

-FLOAT NURSE

-BUS DRIVERS

-PARAPROFESSIONALS & AIDES

-CUSTODIANS

A full list of openings with application details can be found HERE.

PLEASE SHARE this information to help us recruit employees!

Reminders & Events

Click HERE for additional events listed in our Peachjar mailing.

Social Media Highlights

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest district information!

JANUARY 23: Thank you to Arris Pizza Republic and Ozarks Elder Law for their help in providing spirit wear for our Price Tag and Locker 518 FREE clothing stores! Because of their support, ALL students have the opportunity to show they are #RepMOProud in their Tiger gear!

JANUARY 21: At this week's Board of Education meeting, we heard from Republic High School students, educators and Principal Mr. John Thompson! They shared how students lead efforts to encourage their peers to get involved and set goals for themselves. #RepMOProud

JANUARY 20 : A student leadership team at McCulloch Elementary added decorations to their building to create a welcoming environment for all students and visitors! We are impressed by their teamwork and creativity!

See more photos on McCulloch Elementary School's page. #RepMOProud

JANUARY 18: Join us in congratulating Jackie Coskey, Republic Middle School Art Teacher, for being chosen as the DECEMBER REPMO HERO OF THE MONTH! We are so thankful that she has chosen to serve in Republic!

A compilation of nominations received in regards to Mrs. Coskey from district employees is below. She will be honored at the January Board of Education meeting and will also receive $500 to be spent on the resources of her choice.

Jackie ALWAYS goes above and beyond for the RMS Art department and the school. She is an amazing leader who leads by example. This is evident by her commitment to our Leadership Team, working concessions stands, and constantly providing innovative lessons in the classroom. Her willingness to collaborate with others has expanded the creativity and engagement of students in multiple classrooms. Jackie has high expectations for her students and they thrive as a result of it. Her students consistently produce amazing work that is proudly put on display throughout the building at RMS. Mrs. Coskey is quick to share a smile or a laugh and adds daily to the positive culture of our building!

Check out this video of Dr. Pearce surprising Mrs. Coskey! #RepMOProud

JANUARY 13: Students at Sweeny Elementary served on their Leadership Teams this week. Each team aims to support their fellow students through projects such as writing kind notes, like the student in this photo. We're #RepMOProud of these leaders!

JANUARY 13: Join us in congratulating our December RepMO Hero nominees! These individuals go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students and fellow teammates. They are each AMAZING at what they do every day! We're thankful to call them Republic Tigers! #RepMOProud

EC - Whitney Stapp - EC Teacher

Lyon - Amy Shields - 1st Grade Teacher

McCulloch - Jessica Chappell - Process Coordinator (not pictured)

Price - Rachel Williams - 5th Grade Teacher

Schofield - Jessica Pitchford - Kindergarten Teacher

Sweeny - Julie Underhill - Special Education Teacher

RMS - Jackie Coskey - Art Teacher

RHS - Deb Chastain - English Teacher

CO/Learning/Maint/IT/Security: Meredith Morris - Director of Special Education

January 27: End of Progress 7 (RMS/RHS)

February 3: End of Progress 3 (Elementary) & Progress 7 Reports Distributed (RMS/RHS)

February 10: Progress 3 Reports Distributed (Elementary)

February 16: End of Progress 8 (RMS/RHS)

February 16: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Sweeny Elementary

February 17: School Improvement Day/No School for Students

February 20: President's Day - District Closed

CLICK HERE for the website calendar.

REMINDER: Every Friday during the school year, full day preschool through 12th grade students are released one hour early for teacher collaboration time.

Republic School District | republicschools.org