The Republic School District #309 kicked off the new school year on Tuesday, August 28th with a Staff Orientation in the Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room.

The new and returning staff was entertained at the beginning of the District Wide Orientation by the musical talent and bluegrass wizardry of some of our very own students and even a School Board member. This exceptional entertainment was a sterling reminder for all of the RSD staff as to what we are all about here at RSD #309 – We are here because we care about the students and want to help the shine. What a great way to start off the year!

School Board President, Mr. Ralph Ellingson, started off the morning Orientation Day by recognizing staff several members for perfect attendance last year. He then turned the microphone over to our new Superintendent Mrs. Teena McDonald.

Superintendent McDonald welcomed both new and returning staff and introduced everyone to our RSD Board Members, District Office and Food Service personnel, and visiting venders. Principals Shawn Anderson (K-6) and new High School Principal, Paul Kubena were then given the opportunity to invite their respective staffs up to the front of the Multi-Purpose room for introductions as well. Mr. Jim Klepper RSD Director of Facilities, Maintenance and Transportation wrapped up the introductions by introducing all of his talents and valued staff.

After Superintendent McDonald shared her “Core Values and Beliefs” with the staff everyone got down to the business of preparing for the upcoming Opening Day of school.
The morning session closed with a detailed power point presentation made by the new Superintendent accounting for the fiscal “State of the Budget” to all of the district employees. The full disclosure and transparency with which the operating budget information was presented was well received. The presentation was very enlightening for many of the staff unaware of the complexity of running the “business” of a public school district.

The district Food Services Department provided lunch and the afternoon was then devoted to the many logistical details needing to be covered by the respective schools
(7-12 and K-6) and their staff.
All in all, it was one of the best Orientation Days in recent memory and surely an excellent indicator of the many good things to come in the future for Republic School District # 309.
Remember school starts on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Get a good night’s sleep and don’t forget to set your alarms kids!