School Cancellation Alternatives and Procedures
Click each drop-down below for more information about each alternative option.
Communication
The decision to close or alter school will be made as early as possible, in partnership with local weather experts. The Republic School District will work to communicate via email to families and employees if there is a chance of schedule changes in the days leading up to a possible storm. If school schedules are changed due to severe weather conditions, our Communications Department will use an automated system to call* and text staff and families. In the event of a traditional snow day, AMI day or Late Start Day, typically these messages will occur before 5:30 a.m. on the day of the schedule change. In the event of an Early Release day, messages will be sent by 10:00 a.m. All employees, parents/guardians and secondary students with phone numbers provided in our student information system will receive phone calls and text messages related to school cancellations.
Families and staff are asked to save the phone number 417-732-3636 and text short code 98900 into their cell phones as "Republic Schools." If you’ve already opted out of text messages and would like to opt back in, please text START to 98900.
We ask that families their update contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal so we can ensure you are receiving updates as needed. If you have any questions on how to update your contact information, call your student’s school.
If your secondary student (RMS or RHS) would like to receive phone calls and text messages related to school cancellations and other important updates, please be sure to include their phone numbers in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
The phone number being used to notify families and employees of school day changes is known as the district's School Cancellation Line. Families who miss a call from that number (417-732-3636) should check republicschools.org or the Republic School District Facebook page for details.
In addition, announcements about postponements or cancellations will be made on Republic School District’s social media pages and website, as well as on local radio and TV stations.
*Please note: In the fall of 2023, the Republic School District asked all families and staff members if they'd like to continue receiving phone calls related to school cancellations. Of those who responded, most said they would like to continue the automated calls. Even those who said they would like to stop receiving calls will receive them, unless they decide to opt out. Information about how to opt out is available here.
Emergency During School
If a weather-related emergency should develop during the time school is in session, students will be cared for in school until the storm has subsided.
If buses are sent home early, all buses will be sent.
We will communicate the time of closure.
Child Care Option
The district’s before- and after-school program, STRIPES 360, offers Winter Escape, a full-day, daycare option on most days when school is not in session due to inclement winter weather. Winter Escape will only be available if road conditions allow for our staff to arrive safely and if there is enough staff available.
Each Winter Escape day is held at McCulloch Elementary from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will include activities, including arts & crafts, reading, science, group games, and free-choice time. For more information about Winter Escape, click here.
Winter Escape will not be offered on Late Start days.