Join us in congratulating our first ever CO-RepMO Heroes of the Month, District Social Workers, Malorie Dugan and Christina Ghan! These ladies go above and beyond as they help the families we serve connect with the resources they need. The work they do each day helps us meet the needs of the "whole child" so that our students can be successful both inside and outside of our classrooms!
Watch the video below to see Superintendent, Dr. Matt Pearce surprise Malorie and Christina with this recognition!
Malorie and Christina will be honored at an upcoming Board of Education meeting and will receive $500 to be spent on the resources of their choice. They will also receive an additional paid day off.
A compilation of nominations received in regards to these ladies from district employees is below.
Price Elementary proudly nominates our school social workers, Malorie Dugan and Christina Ghan, as Co-RepMO Heroes for the month of November.
Malorie and Christina work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure that Republic students and families receive the support they need. While many may not realize that school social workers play a vital role in our district, nearly everyone knows that when they turn to their school for help, solutions follow. That is due in large part to the unwavering commitment, expertise and compassion these two bring to their work each day.
Both Malorie and Christina consistently seek out new resources and partnerships to strengthen the support network available to our students. They collaborate with counselors, nurses and building-level staff to identify needs, communicate with families and ensure those needs are met quickly and respectfully. As student and family needs continue to rise, they rise right along with them working diligently, creatively and empathetically to remove barriers and provide stability.
Their leadership extends well beyond Republic School District. Malorie and Christina are recognized across the region for elevating and supporting the role of school social work. They facilitate professional learning, expand connections between districts, identify new community resources and foster networking opportunities that benefit students across Southwest Missouri.
Within Republic, Malorie and Christina also serve as liaisons for our district’s Care to Learn chapter. Through their stewardship, the program has expanded its impact dramatically. Because of their efforts, Care to Learn Republic is able to provide:
Weekend meals for 300+ students each week through Tiger Totes
Hundreds of vouchers for essential items such as glasses and clothing
Over $10,000 in new shoes distributed at Backpacks & Beyond
Ongoing support for One Heart Pantry
Successful district-wide fundraisers including Feed the Future and the annual Tailgate Luncheon, raising thousands of dollars for health, hunger and hygiene needs
Their leadership is grounded in compassion. Their service is driven by heart. And their impact is felt by hundreds of families each year!
Congratulations to the all of the following individuals for being selected as RepMO Hero nominees for the month of November! These classified teammates are amazing, contribute to our mission daily and we're so thankful they choose to serve in RepMO! #RepMOProud
EC: Tim Kingrey, Lead Custodian
Lyon: Steffi Weaver, Administrative Assistant
McCulloch: Laura Ramey, Nurse
Price: Malorie Dugan & Christina Ghan, Social Workers
Schofield: Mahaley Melton, Food Service Staff
Sweeny: Kristin Starbuck, Custodian
RIS: Kevin Lamberson, Lead Custodian
RMS: Shari Ennes, Library Aide
RHS: Paige Wade, Paraprofessional
Central Office/Maintenance/IT/Security: Bobby Claxton, Maintenance
Transportation: Betty Kottkamp, Bus Driver
STRIPES: Grace Trogdon, STRIPES Staffer
A district committee will review all nominations submitted by each building/department. One employee from the group will be chosen as the RepMO Hero of the Month. We'll surprise that person with the recognition and share the video with you!
Thanks to our sponsor, Beauty + Wellness Co, for supporting our district and providing an additional $100 for each RepMO Hero throughout the year to spend personally!
