Light gray Tiger stripe background with the words "TIGER TALK," a tiger head and a chat bubble

September 9, 2025

This Tiger Talk e-newsletter is sponsored by:

Beauty+Wellness Co ad

Republic School District families and employees,

Welcome to September! We've had a great start to the school year. We are excited about the learning and growth that is already taking place across our district!

As a reminder, Tiger Talk e-newsletters are typically distributed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month throughout the school year as a way to keep our patrons informed with important school information. Archived editions can be found here.

Teacher Proud Tuesday

Today is Teacher Proud Tuesday! 📚🧡 The Republic School District joins school districts across the region in celebrating the work of teachers on the second Tuesday of each month. We’re grateful to TelComm Credit Union for sponsoring this monthly recognition of educators and their impact.

Mrs. Amy Summers serves as Librarian at Lyon Elementary School. Inspired by her own family, she has dedicated her career to sparking a love of reading in her students — and one of them is even preparing to follow in her footsteps. Watch the video to hear how!

Join us in honoring teachers across the region by sharing a story in the comments on our Facebook post or reaching out directly to a teacher who has made a difference in your life.

Paws for Celebration

Every child deserves to feel celebrated!

Paws for Celebration is a new Internal Philanthropic Group, led by McCulloch Elementary students and staff, which helps provide costumes, treats, cards and more so no child misses out on life’s little moments.

Want to help? You can support this effort by dropping off any of the following at McCulloch Elementary:

🧡 Financial donations
🖤 Gently used Halloween costumes
🧡 Prepackaged snack cakes
🖤 Craft supplies for Valentine boxes

Learn more about Paws for Celebration and all our Internal Philanthropic Groups at https://sites.google.com/republicschools.org/ipg/home.

Together, we can make sure EVERY child feels celebrated and a sense of belonging!

Grandfriends' Events This Week

We are excited to continue the tradition of welcoming grandparents and grand-friends to visit EC, our elementary buildings and RIS! These come and go events will take place per the below schedule from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. All in attendance will have the opportunity to pick-up a free game pass for the RHS home football game on Friday, September 12.

Tuesday, September 9: EC, Lyon, McCulloch and RIS
Thursday, September 11: Price, Schofield and Sweeny

Grandfriends' Night

RHS Stadium Event Expectations

As we invite grandfriends, community members, families, staff and students to this week's home RHS football game, we are sharing a reminder regarding the safety guidelines for Republic High School's stadium. We ask for your help in keeping Republic High School Stadium a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans. Please review the following reminders before attending:

  • Children should be seated in the bleachers unless at the concession stands, restrooms, or canopy/vendor area. Playing, running or socializing in open spaces will not be permitted.

  • RMS and RHS students are expected to sit in the stands with a parent/guardian or in their designated student sections (RHS: middle lower section, RMS: north lower section).

  • RIS students do not have a student section. All RIS students must enter and sit with their parent/guardian during the game and are not permitted in the RMS student section at any time.

  • Adults are welcome to stand in the plaza areas along each side of the home bleachers, but standing along the north end zone fence is not allowed.

  • The track will be closed to the general public during games.

  • Outside food or drink, pets, large bags and student re-entry are not permitted.

  • As always, the RHS campus is a tobacco-, alcohol- and drug-free environment.

Thank you for your cooperation, Tiger fans, as we work together to keep our stadium a safe place to enjoy Friday night lights! 🐅

Stadium Expectations

Student Flu Shot Clinic

The Republic School District, in cooperation with Jordan Valley Community Health Center, is offering seasonal flu vaccines to Republic students as supply allows.

If you want your student to receive the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot) at school on the dates below, please fill out a consent form and return it to your school nurse by October 6. EC/Elementary students will receive the form at school the week of September 22. RMS & RHS students can pick up a form at school or print one at this link: https://5il.co/25hcb

If you have questions, please contact your school nurse.

CLINIC DATES:

  • 10/7: Early Childhood, Price, McCulloch

  • 10/21: RMS, Lyon, Sweeny

  • 10/23: RHS, RIS, Schofield

Free/Reduced Meal Application

The Free and Reduced Meal Application is available for families to fill out on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Take note, qualifications for this benefit may have changed and the application must be filled out to utilize this benefit during the 2025-2026 school year.

Keep in mind, the Free and Reduced Meal Application affects more than just meals. It provides funding for our schools, discounts for families, as well as scholarships and financial aid for students. In addition, families who qualify for free and reduced meals may also qualify for the following:

  • Reduced ADPP fees, as well as discounted home internet services

  • Discounts on ACT test fees, college application fees and some dual credit courses

  • Discounted tuition for the Republic Early Childhood Center and STRIPES 360 programming

For instructions on how to find and fill out the application in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, click here.

Note: The application for free/reduced meals will be available throughout the school year. However, we encourage families to complete it as soon as possible to begin utilizing this benefit!

Reminders & Events

This section is sponsored by:

Keystone Storage Ad
Price Tag
One Heart Pantry Food Drive
Homecoming Spirit Week

Social Media Highlights

Be sure to follow Republic School District on the following social media pages to see updates like the ones listed below!

  • Facebook

  • Instagram 

  • LinkedIn

Football player

September 5: Missouri sports fans have a big weekend ahead — The Kansas City Chiefs kick off their season tonight and Mizzou Football faces KU tomorrow! 🏈

Here’s a fun RepMO connection to both games: Superintendent Dr. Matt Pearce played college football at the University of Missouri (1989–1993), where he earned his undergraduate degree and later returned to complete his doctorate. 🐯🎓

Look closely at this photo… do you see who’s in the background? 👀 That’s his coach, Andy Reid, who is now the Super Bowl–winning coach of the Chiefs. ♥️ Dave Toub, now the Chiefs’ Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, was also at Mizzou during that time.

The lessons of teamwork, perseverance and leadership Dr. Pearce learned as a student-athlete still guide his work in Republic. Today he says, “Go Chiefs! MIZ! And go RepMO Tigers!”

#RepMOProud 🐅

Students at library book shelf

September 4: The little joys of a school day can make the biggest impact. 💡📚 Simple routines like choosing a new library book help spark curiosity, imagination and a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. Sweeny Elementary School first graders enjoyed the chance to explore the shelves and settle into a good book this week. #RepMOProud 🐅

Art

September 3: Art Portfolio students at Republic High School started the school year by developing their artistic abilities and their sense of community. 🧡🖌️

Through a “Thread Space” activity, each student shared a meaningful life experience while passing yarn across the circle. 🧶 As the yarn intertwined, so did their stories, creating a visible reminder of the invisible connections they share.

Activities like this help students practice listening, empathy and trust, which are important skills for collaboration in the classroom and beyond. By the end, students tied the yarn into bracelets for one another, a simple but powerful symbol of belonging, community and the positive culture being built within their class and across RHS. #RepMOProud 🐅

Tigers Then & Now

September 2: These Tigers began their journey in Republic Schools with backpacks that were almost too big on their Kindergarten shoulders. Now, they’re walking the halls of Republic High School as Seniors. They’ve grown in countless ways, and the Republic School District is honored to be part of their story. 🧡🐾

As the Class of 2026 enters a season full of “last firsts,” we’re #RepMOProud 🐅 to celebrate how far they’ve come. The students pictured have been in Republic classrooms since their very first day of school. We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish throughout this year and in the bright futures beyond graduation. 🎓

[Click HERE to see the full gallery on Facebook!]

EC scissors

August 29: Pre-K students at the Republic Early Childhood Center have been practicing their scissor skills! ✂️ Through these fun activities, our little learners are developing concentration, coordination and plenty of patience. At the same time, they’re building hand strength and laying the foundation for writing, drawing and so many other skills they’ll use for years to come. 🧡📝 #RepMOProud 🐅

FFA at State Fair

August 28: We are #RepMOProud of the students who represented Republic FFA over the summer at the Missouri State Fair! 🌾🐾

From showing livestock and exhibiting projects to serving others through the Drive to Feed Kids event, our students showcased their dedication, leadership and passion for agriculture at the state level.

🍽️ Ten Republic FFA members joined more than 800 students from across Missouri to pack 175,000 meals for children in need. They also had the chance to meet Governor Mike Kehoe and Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.

🐄 Sixteen members proudly exhibited their livestock and projects, earning recognition for their hard work and achievements, including:

Jace Pipkin
🥉 3rd Overall Heifer in the Show Me Shootout
🏆 Champion Junior & Open Angus Female
🏆 Reserve FFA Angus Female

Charles Goodnight
🏆 Grand Champion Lean Retail Carcass Steer

Join us in celebrating these Tigers for their efforts and achievements! 🧡

Dates to Remember

September 12: Progress 1 Grade Cards Available (RIS/RMS/RHS)

September 18: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Central Office

September 19: End of Progress 1 (Elementary)

September 26: Progress 1 Grade Cards Available (Elementary), End of Progress 2 (RIS/RMS/RHS)

October 2: Progress 2 Grade Cards Available (RIS/RMS/RHS)

October 3: School Improvement (SI) Day - No School for Students

October 13: Teacher Work Day - No School for Students

October 16: Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Central Office

October 17: End of Progress 3 (RIS/RMS/RHS), End of Quarter 1

October 24: Progress 3 Grade Cards Available (RIS/RMS/RHS)

October 31: Fall Break - No School for Students

These and other important dates can be found at republicschools.org/events.

Republic School District | republicschools.org