Dear Shepherd Families: 

We realize that this is an uncertain time as our city grapples with coronavirus (COVID-19). Despite the challenges and concerns this situation presents, we want to assure you that DC Public Schools (DCPS) and our outstanding Shepherd faculty developed a solid plan to ensure that your child’s education continues during a period of school closure. Please read this correspondence in its entirety as it includes specific information from our fantastic teachers. You probably heard from them separately, but we wanted to put it all in one place for you. In addition, there are librarry and family resources attached from Ms. Blake and Ms. Browne respectively.

Printed Information Packet 

DCPS has prepared a hardcopy packet of materials that contains your child’s instructional materials for March 24 to March 31. These activities have been designed to extend prior learning and engage students during the period of school closure. It contains learning activities across content areas that were planned for all DCPS learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs. Packets will be available of pick up at Shepherd from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm on 3/19, 3/20, 3/23 and 3/24.  Shepherd will be open daily from 8:30 am -2:00 pm through 3/24/2020.

Online Instructional Materials 

Your child’s instructional materials will also be available online. We created a special site that houses learning resources for download, gives access to educational online programs, and provides guidance to support your family during this time and ways to request assistance. You can access this mobile-friendly site immediately, but all resources will not be in place until March 20 at bit.ly/DCPS_ICP. 

One of the resources for families on this site is Clever, which is DCPS’ gateway to many of our digital learning applications. Visit https://clever.com/in/dcpsk12 to access the programs used by grade in school. Students will login using their student ID and password. If you need your student id/password, please contact at Ms. Rottman at  larin.rottman@k12.dc.gov or 202.421.6319.

In addition to the lessons provided by our school, we encourage families to read, play board games, write in journals, and join in on any other activities you think are appropriate for your child. We will provide additional tips and ideas to engage your child on our DCPS social media accounts, as well as the family resources section of our distance learning site. 

We want to reaffirm our commitment to providing your child with accessible, high-quality educational materials. You can rest assured that DC Public Schools is working hard to ensure our students and families have the resources they need to keep be informed, supported, and engaged.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 202.329.2447 or phyllis.hedlund@k12.dc.gov. Be well, and stay safe. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.

Sincerely, 

Phyllis

Phyllis Hedlund, Ed.D.

Principal

Shepherd Library Resources.docx

DCPS – Editable Emergency Resources and Tips – Final .docx

Staff Office Hours and Communication 

Distance Learning Plan at Shepherd 

Pre-K 3 

Sika Awunyo-Akaba and Tanganyika Smith: 

Hello Families!  We hope you are enjoying your Spring Break!  We want to update you with how we will be proceeding over the next few weeks.  Spring Break lasts until March 23, 2020.  On March 24th distance learning will begin!  During that time, Ms. Smith and I will have office hours from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  You can reach us through Rallyhood or our DCPS email addresses sika.awunyo-akaba@k12.dc.gov and tanganyika.smith@k12.dc.gov.  We will provide any updates that we have on Rallyhood.  We understand that this is a time of uncertainty and we are here to help however we can.   

The previous post includes the DCPS Distance Learning Packet for week 1. We will really miss seeing all of our students over the next two weeks.  Please stay healthy and know that we are thinking of you. 

Best Wishes, 

Ms. Awunyo-Akaba and Ms. Smith 

Beverly Johnson and Salimah Hipps: 

Good morning Cool Cats Families, 
This is the first week of spring break and I’m already missing the kids. Beginning next Monday, March 24th, we will begin distance learning.  During this period, I can be contacted at (301) 806-8718 between the hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to address any educational concerns.  

Attached is the learning packet prepared by DCPS for week one. I will upload week two as soon as it is received. In addition, I emailed a letter about receiving an exclusive discount from abcmouse.com. I have also assigned lessons/activities on this site. I am presently working on additional resources which I will post on this site once it is completed. 

Praying that all continue to remain well among our families. 

Best, 

Beverly Johnson 

Pre-K 4 

Tia Holt, LaQuisha Person, Samantha Smith and Mariama Conte: 

Good morning Pre-K 4 Families!  Beginning Tuesday, March 24th, we will be available daily (M-F) 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Please feel free to call or message Ms. Holt at 240-246-6759 or Tia.Holt@k12.dc.gov or Ms. Smith at 202.336.9277 or samantha.smith@k12.dc.gov during those hours, as needed, regarding your student.  In addition, please note that we will send each family a unique student code and additional information regarding distance learning.  This information will be sent out on the 24th.  Until then, please enjoy your “Spring Break” and stay safe! 

Kindergarten 

Margie Edwards-Haygood, Phillip Spriggs, Sabria Trotter, and Rolanda Taylor: 

Hello Kindergarten Families! 

 We hope you all are well. We want to you to stay safe and healthy.  

As we prepare to move our learning to a virtual format, we just wanted to give you more information about the coming weeks. As this a reminder this week is our Spring Break from March 17 to March 23. On March 24th, we will begin participating in distance learning. To support learning at home with students, we will be sending student login information (on March 23rd) to apps for students to work through during this time. We will also be setting up various forms of communication to meet the needs of our students. We as a team will be hosting office hours from 10 – 12 and 1-3 on weekdays. This time will be used for us to connect with students and answer any questions you may have. We recognize that this time may be confusing for our young learners and we are here to support them during this time of uncertainty. Our preferred method of communication is Dojo messaging. Please check Dojo often as we get closer to our distance learning period. Please know that the activities are not mandatory. The goal is to continue instruction at home. Consider playing board games, making arts and crafts, cooking dinner and other activities as a family. Please continue to read nightly to children.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to any member of the kindergarten team and we will do our best to get you an answer as quickly as possible. Please give the students our love and let them know that we miss them and can’t wait to (hopefully) be reunited in the near future.  

Thank you,  

The Kindergarten Team 

1st Grade 

Promithious Denmark: 

Hello My Fabulous 1st Grade Families, 

I hope that this message finds you all doing well. Please continue to stay safe and healthy. In an effort to make sure that I am providing as much support and normalcy during this time of uncertainly as possible I would like to provide you with some helpful information below. As, always please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need me. 

Distance Learning Start Date: Tuesday, March 24th – Friday March 27th 

Contacting Ms. Denmark: 

·      promithious.denmark@k12.dc.gov 

·      Class Dojo (direct message) 

·      Personal Cell (704) 763-3477 (not after 5pm)  

Forthcoming Information: 

Username and Passwords will be sent home on Monday, March 23rd. Please know that these are resources and not monitory assignments. The purpose is to continue instruction during the closing of school. Consider playing board games, cooking together, making arts/crafts and other ways to spend time with each other as a family…Please check my Class Dojo Story for a Video FaceTime Schedule. 

Zuri Saxton: 

Hi families, 

I hope you are well and staying safe during this stressful time. As stated yesterday, I will be sharing many updates via dojo on what we will be doing during distance learning. Here is my schedule for distance learning: 

From 9:30am-11:30am and 1:30-3:30pm I will have office hours effective Tuesday, March 24th.  

On March 24th I will be unavailable from 10am-11am as staff will be participating in a virtual staff meeting.  

This time will be used for student to work through different apps, connect with students and families, and for me to answer any questions about the work or just to chit chat.   

As of now, Dojo and email Zuri.Saxton@k12.dc.gov are my preferred method of communication. During office hours I will be calling each student and family to check in. 

Students will be receiving access to a number of apps.  Please know that they are resources and not mandatory assignments. The purpose is to continue instruction during the closing of school. Please consider playing board games, cooking together, making arts and crafts, and other ways to spend time with each other as a family. I will be sending students’ login to clever which will be needed to access some of the apps on Monday March 23rd. Please keep a watchful eye on your dojo and email for important updates leading up to our distance learning period. 

Thank you so much for your patience and flexibility in this time of uncertainty. If you have questions, please reach out and I will do my best to get you an answer as quickly as possible.  

Please give all students my love and let them know that I am missing them greatly and that we all will chat soon! I am here even on Spring Break to talk with students. 

Best, 

Zuri Saxton 

2nd Grade 

Nicole Pethtel:  

Hello Families! 

I hope things are going well! I am reaching out to update you. This week- March 16th through Monday, March 23rd – is considered spring break. Starting on Tuesday March 24th assignments will start. The district has provided a packet. I will supplement with more specific assignments for our class. Supplemental assignments will be done online. Please reach out if this will be a hardship for your family.  I will be conducting office hours in order to answer questions and touch base. During this time, I will rotate facetiming/calling in to check in with students in addition to being available for questions and help.  Coming soon will be a sign-up sheet to help facilitate check-ins, passwords for different online access, and more information regarding assignments. 

Please use ClassDojo to contact me! 

Office Hours:      10am-Noon and 1pm-3pm 

Thank you! 

Nicole Pethtel 

Evelyn McIntyre: 

Dear Parents, 

I am committed to providing support during the time allotted for distance learning. I am excited to be moving into this new learning experience with each of you. PTA has emailed a link to the online learning packet created by Central Office. Beginning 3/19, you may come to Shepherd to pick up a hard copy of the learning packet created by Central Office, for your young learner. Hard copies of the packets will also be available for distribution on 3/19-3/23. During the week of Distance Learning, 3/24 through 3/31, I will be available 3/24 through 3/27, then again 3/30 and 3/31 to answer questions or comments pertaining to the lessons. I can be reached at evelyn.mckenzie@k12.dc.gov and Remind101. In addition, I hope that many of you will be available for a quick chat via FaceTime or GoogleDuo. My schedule is as follows: 

Planning & Collaboration 7a.m. – 8a.m. 

Active Instructional Time 8a.m. – noon 

Planning & Collaboration 12:15 – 1:15 

I will notify you if there are any changes that drastically affect my schedule. 

Regards, 

Evelyn McIntyre 

(Pronouns: she, her) 

3rd Grade 

Taylor Mack, Keanate Moorer, and John Clayborn : 

Dear Third Grade Families,  

This is a letter to inform you that due to the spread of the COV-19 virus, DCPS has announced that Monday, March 16th through Monday, March 23rd will be Spring Break, and starting on Tuesday, March 24th until Tuesday, March 31st distance learning will begin, which will mean that we will be utilizing online resources that DCPS has provided to deliver instruction across all content areas. This means students will return tentatively Wednesday, April 1st. We would like to send our deepest wishes to you, your children, and families to stay well during this unexpected break.  

We will be hosting ‘’office hours’’ to answer any questions or concerns that you have about any of the resources, assignments, and minor technological issues we have included below. Our office hours will begin officially Tuesday, March 24th where we will be available to respond to messages via the Remind app from 10am-2pm daily.  

It is encouraged that students spend time daily keeping up with their assignments and completing their work, but as of yet DCPS has not expressed that the assignments are mandatory. Again we are wishing you well and hope you stay safe!  

Best wishes, Mr. Mack, Ms. Moorer, and Mr. Clayborn 

4th Grade 

Bonnie-Jean Harvey, Jamila Romero, and Dr. Takeisha Wilson:  

Greetings Families, 

I hope that this message finds you well and in good spirits! As you know, DCPS has closed schools from Monday, March 16th through Tuesday March 31st due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring break has been moved to the week beginning March 16th. Distance learning will begin for all students on Tuesday March 24th. Teachers are present at school today to receive further professional development and directives regarding distance learning. Presently, the district is providing paper packets for all students and Mrs. Romero is providing a Math HW packet, which will be available for pick up on March 19th, 20th and 23rd, in the main office, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m.  

The Fourth Grade team will be providing digital resources for students and families, which will be communicated on our virtual classroom page through Microsoft Teams and on the Class Dojo Story Feed. Please connect following the links for each homeroom below. We are working diligently to provide students with both rigorous and relevant content. We will send an additional message when resources are up and available! Communication will be paramount during this time and we will be available to provide support through Microsoft Teams daily, beginning March 24th between the hours of 10:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00. More details to come! As always feel free to reach out via Class Dojo if/when necessary! We truly appreciate your support and patience as we work through this uncharted territory together! 

Harvey HR Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a8ed684c42c534563a8d3283f0fd2b9bb%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=5873c014-7721-4fc8-9fc7-127f5952769a&tenantId=2aa046ee-b34e-4a33-92b7-999df2bc0a32 

Romero HR Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a9f2715debfe44e64a9d4a33d57165531%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=8bcece94-b076-49b5-9343-20a59f4ee6c8&tenantId=2aa046ee-b34e-4a33-92b7-999df2bc0a32 

Wilson HR Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3acb6ac8c0b8394fc98472acf635907a9b%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=e290fe46-f844-4fb9-9dbe-38157811e104&tenantId=2aa046ee-b34e-4a33-92b7-999df2bc0a32 

The 4th Grade Team 

5th Grade 

Dr. Timothy Leonard and Erin Scott: 

Hello Our Fabulous 5th Grade Families, 

We hope that you all are happy, healthy and safe! Please refer to the instructional calendar we provided to all students on Friday for all websites and assignments. We will attach the calendars in a remind message as well for your convenience. In the event that your child needs to ask us clarifying questions, we will be available Monday March 24-31 from 10am-2pm for our office hours. Students can feel free to email us or send a remind message with their specific questions. Unfortunately, we will be unavailable on Tuesday March 24th at 10am for a mandatory virtual meeting with Principal Hedlund, but we will be available afterward. 

Should distance learning be extended, Dr. Leonard and I will send another calendar with websites, activities and assignments for those dates. Ms. Scott’s Email: erin.scott@k12.dc.gov Dr. Leonard’s Email: timothy.leonard@k12.dc.gov 

Praying that all continues to remain well among our families. 

Best, 

Ms. Scott & Dr. Leonard 

Special Education and 504: 

Dr. Pache Rogers: 

Dear Parent / Guardian, This letter is to provide you with information regarding the carryover of Specialized Instruction strategies and activities for your child during the school closure starting March 24, 2020. It is our goal to provide services via resources, information and supports to ensure that your child maintains their current skill level until school resumes. These resources will allow you to engage and monitor your child in skills that are currently being addressed in school and on their IEP. 

The DCPS public facing Canvas page will provide resources, websites and assignments for your child to work on the areas of need addressed on their IEP. Below is the link for navigating to the website to obtain additional resources for your child and assist with maintaining skills addressed at school: 

Public Facing Canvas Website link – http://bit.ly/DCPS_ICP 

Starting March 24th, I will continue to be available by phone and email as your child’s Special Educator/Case Manager. I will have office hours to consult with parents and students. My services may include answering questions and sharing additional assignments, resources or strategies. As the parent, you also serve as a crucial partner in the success of your child. My contact information is provided below: 

NAME Pache Rogers 

EMAIL Pache.barcliffe@k12.dc.gov 

PHONE (973) 801 – 7580 

OFFICE HOURS 8 am – 2 pm 

Thank you for your collaboration and support in assisting with the continuance of maintaining your child’s current skills. We hope that you find the provided resources useful and informative. Please feel free to contact me using the above modes of communication, should you have any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Rogers 

Special Educator 

Dr. Angela Stephens: 

Dear Parent / Guardian, 
 
This letter is to provide you with information regarding the carryover of specialized instruction strategies and activities for your child during the school closure starting March 24, 2020.  It is our goal to provide services via resources, information and supports to ensure that your child maintains their current skill level until school resumes.  These resources will allow you to engage and monitor your child in skills that are currently being addressed in the carry over of specialized instruction.  

Attached to this correspondence, you will find a home packet of specialized instruction resources, websites and assignments specific for your child to address his/her IEP.  In addition, these resources are also available on DCPS’ public facing Canvas page.  Below are the steps for navigating the website to obtain additional resources for your child to assist with maintaining skills addressed in therapy:   

·       Specialized Instruction 

  
Starting March 24th, I will continue to be available by phone and email as your child’s special education teacher.  I will have office hours to consult with parents and students.  My services may include answering questions and sharing additional assignments, resources or strategies. As the parent, you also serve as a crucial partner in the success of the child.   My contact information is provided below: 

NAME: Dr. Angela Stephens 

EMAIL: Angela.stephens@k12.dc.gov 

PHONE: 202-262-8394 

OFFICE HOURS:  8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

Thank you for your collaboration and support with assisting with the continuance of maintaining your child’s current skills. We hope that you find the provided resources useful and informative. Please feel free to contact me using the above modes of communication, should you have any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Angela Stephens 

Special Education Teacher 

Fatima Freeman: 

Parents and Guardians, 

During the time of Distance Learning, carryover 504 support services will be provided beginning Tuesday, March 24th, 2020.  It is the goal of DCPS 504 staff to provide resources, information, and supports, if needed, that will help your child maintain his/her current skill level until school resumes. 

As 504 co-coordinator for Shepherd ES, I will be available via email to consult with parents.  My support may include answering questions, sharing resources and strategies, and providing instructional support.  My contact information, including office hours, is provided below. 

NAME: Fatima Freeman  

EMAIL: fatima.freeman@k12.dc.gov  

OFFICE HOURS: 10AM – 2PM  

Thank you for your partnership as we work to support your student during this uncertain time.  May your first priority be the safety and well-being of your family, loved-ones, and friends.   

Respectfully, 

Fatima Freeman 

504 Coordinator 

English Language Learning

Elizabeth Hagan: 

Hello!  I hope you are all well and healthy. The next few weeks may be challenging but my plan is to stay in touch with you so that our learning can continue. I have created packets of materials for each student.  Beginning on Thursday, these packets will be at school for you to come by and pick up from 8:30 am until 2.  Please pick up your packets by March 24. 
 
I also would like to be in touch with each of you by phone beginning the week of March 24 so we can talk about the work your child is doing.  My phone is 703-618-7738 and I would like to invite you to download the free app called Marco Polo so we can see each other as we talk.    I will be available each day from 9:00-3:00.   
 
I want to remind everyone that most of you have access to Imagine Learning from home.  If you have a tablet or a computer, you can use this program.  Reach out to me if you would like that information again.  I will have all student info with me to help you do this so please reach out!  I want us to keep learning! 

Please stay safe and healthy and let me know if you are having any problems.  Our community is here to help you.  My phone is 703-618-7738 and my email is elizabeth.hagan@k12.dc.gov.  Remember, Coolidge High School is the closest school to Shepherd that will be serving meals. 

Specials 

Tiffany Blake, Library: 

Office Hours: 9:00-11:00 and 1:30-3:30  

Preferred Contact: Tiffany.blake@k12.dc.gov 

Resources for Students: 

Family Resource Guide from DCPS Library Programs 

Students have a wealth of resources available to support reading and learning through remote and online websites. DCPS Library Programs provides eBooks through the school Follett Library Catalog. DC Public Libraries also provides excellent online books and learning resources through the One Card program and Go Digital. See below for instructions on how to access these resources. 

Access DCPS Online Resources through Clever: https://clever.com/in/dcpsk12 

Username / Password (Student Credentials). Students user their login information and then on the right-hand side of the webpage, look for the Library and Resources section. Click on this area and find a list of available links for online library tools. 

Koutouan Gadie, French: 

Bonjour, 

Office hours 9:00am -1:00pm 

Methods of communication: 

Remind.com (already using that with parents) and email address: koutouan.gadie@k12.dc.gov 

Also, you can find distance learning plans on Remind.  There are links to songs for Pre-K 3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten.  There are daily lesson plans for grades 1 to 5th. 5th grade will complete a project. I have also already shared the project guidelines with the classroom teachers.  

Merci, 

Madame Gadie 

Carmen Garner, Art:  

Dear Shepherd Parents and Students, 

Hi. I am Mr. Garner, your child’s art teacher.  In a virtual learning environment, students will need to take responsibility for their work and engagement. While set “class times” will not be held, I will have office hours from 10 am to 12pm and 6pm to 8 pm M-F.  Our current work cycle includes the Value Scale, I have supplied some links that our students can use to keep it fresh in their minds.  These links have fun activities that the kids will enjoy, if you need to reach me carmen.garner@k12.dc.gov  

Juan Carlos Hernandez, Spanish: 

Office Hours: 9:00 to 1:00 

Communication: I will use class dojo to communicate with parents.  

Anna Marie Pereira, Music: 

Music Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-4:00pm 

Email: anna-marie.pereira@k12.dc.gov  

Here are some music game links. Students will be able to have some music fun at home. Please feel free to reach out with any concerns that you may have or how I can support your child in anyway.  

https://pbskids.org/games/music/ 
https://cornerstoneconfessions.com/2012/08/the-ultimate-list-of-online-music.html 

Anna Marie Pereira  

Morgan Williams, PE: 

My office hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-1, and Tuesday and Thursday from 9-2.  My preferred method of communication is e-mail: Morgan.williams@k12.dc.gov 

Suggestions for activities for students: 

      Pre-K and Kindergarten are to go on a 10 minute walk outside twice a day and run for 5 minutes. Before starting, be sure to stretch arms, legs, and back. Lastly, have a 10 minute dance party utilizing YouTube videos of age appropriate music.  

      For 1st and 2nd grade, start with a warm up of 20 jumping jacks, push-ups, high knees, and butt kicks. Next, the student should run outside for 5 minutes, walk for 5 minutes, and run for 5 minutes twice a day. Lastly, play catch with a friend/family member for 10 minutes.  

     For 3rd through 5th grade, start with a warm up of 30 jumping jacks, push-ups, high knees, and butt kicks. Next, the student should run outside for 5 minutes, walk for 10 minutes, and run for 5 minutes twice a day. Lastly, stretch all parts of the body by doing yoga for kids utilizing a YouTube video chosen by the parent. 

Instructional Coaches

Fatima Freeman, Math Coach:  

Families, 

As you prepare to support students with distance learning, please consider utilizing the DCPS packets, instructional resources shared from teachers, and ensuring students are aware of math-based technology learning.  Some commonly used math-based technology learning sites are i-Ready, ST Math, ZEARN, and Prodigy.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me during distance learning for support.  Beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020 I am available via email at Fatima.Freeman@k12.dc.gov from 10am – 2pm Monday – Friday. 

Crystal Moorefield, ELA Coach: 

Parents and Guardians,  

During the time of Distance Learning, it is the goal of DCPS and Shepherd staff to provide resources, information, and supports, if needed, that will help your child maintain his/her current skill level until school resumes.  As you prepare to support students with distance learning, please consider utilizing the DCPS packets, instructional resources shared from teachers, and ensuring students are aware of reading-based technology learning.  Some commonly used reading-based technology learning sites are Lexia Core5, Typing Agent (2nd-5th), and Read Theory (3rd-5th). Students currently have access to Lexia and Typing Agent through their Clever account. You may also receive additional information about other Reading Programs to support distance learning, from your child’s teacher. 

As Shepherd’s ELA Instructional Coach, starting March 24th, I will be available via email to consult with parents. My support may include answering questions, sharing resources and strategies, and providing instructional support.  My contact information, including office hours, is provided below: 

NAME: Crystal Moorefield  

EMAIL: crystal.moorefield@k12.dc.gov  

OFFICE HOURS: 10AM – 2PM  

Thank you for your partnership as we work to support your student during this uncertain time.  May your first priority be the safety and well-being of your family, loved-ones, and friends.   

Regards, 

Crystal Moorefield 

Student Log in for Digital Platforms and Content

Every student in DC Public Schools (DCPS) has access to digital platforms, content, and tools. Below are the resources available and how to log in. Contact your teacher or designated technology representative at your school if you do not know your student log in credentials.