Dear Families,
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love
Dr. King had the courage to dream, to create a vision, and devoted his life to make that vision a reality, even though he faced imprisonment, brutality, and death. He endured so much to lift so many. In his honor, may we teach our children to have the courage to dream, to lift others and to build a better world. They are our hope, and although our challenges are myriad, we must inspire them to be creative and courageous, not despondent, in the face of adversity because Dr. King’s work is far from done.
Thank you for the continued support. Even when I have bad news to share, someone always sends a brief note thanking me for my leadership or praising our staff. Those words mean the world to us. Shepherd is a very special community, and I am grateful to be your leader.
Enjoy a wonderful weekend,
Principal Hedlund
Classroom Closures
1st Buxton — in-person learning resumes 01/18/2022
PK 3 Trotter — in person learning resumes 01/24/2022
Staffing Shifts
Kindergarten Zepeda — Mr. Morris will lead during Ms. Zepeda’s absence with Ms. Monica Mbuia-Joao, our new Kindergarten instructional aide.
Asymptomatic testing K-5
Testing resumed today. Fridays are our test day.
ECE Covid-19 Testing
With many of our youngest learners ineligible to access the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, we are dedicating testing resources to weekly testing of all Pre-K students.
Students in PK3 and PK4 will be provided with a rapid test each week and will be required to upload their results each Sunday before returning to the classroom. Kindergarten students will also be receiving weekly test kits and are highly encouraged to test each week.
Tests will be distributed each week beginning this Friday (January 14). Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, families should test on Monday, January 17 and upload their results by 4:00 p.m. that day.
Instructions were sent to PK and K families by email, Remind and on paper in students’ backpacks.
MLK Day Resources
For service: “MLK Day is observed as a national day of service; “a day on, not a day off.” Even though Covid-19 is still quickly spreading through the country, there are still some opportunities available for those who would like to volunteer in person. AmeriCorps has a searchable database of MLK day volunteer opportunities available around the country. Simply put in your zip code and click on the “MLK Day” box to find the projects available in your area.
For service: https://wtop.com/local/2022/01/2022-mlk-day-of-service-events-in-the-dc-area/