Hi Mustang families!
I hope everyone is having a lovely and relaxing summer – and Happy 4th of July week!
A few updates to share so you know what’s been going on at school lately and to give you some peace that things are moving forward in a positive way…

• WE HAVE AN INTERIM PRINCIPAL! DCPS is completing all the final paperwork now, but she has already been at the school and has been actively involved in the hiring process, the massive school cleanup that is underway, and working with the PTA on efforts and initiatives being planned for next school year, etc.
  And an update regarding the note sent out last week from DCPS leadership – the PTA and LSAT committees are pushing back on doing another Principal selection panel in August or September. The timing is not fair to anyone. We need stability and consistency for the school year, and we need to give the Interim Principal some time to engage and invest in Shepherd. So, we are pushing to do the panel selection in the Spring, when the rest of the DCPS schools will panel for permanent Principals and we’d have the best pool of experienced candidates.
• WE HAVE A SPANISH TEACHER HIRED! And a new 4th grade teacher, Special Education teacher, and even an Assistant Principal hired! YAY! After all the paperwork is completed, info on the new hires will be sent out. Interviewing is still taking place to fill a few more holes in Kindergarten, First grade and on the custodial team.
• Be on the lookout for BACK-TO-SCHOOL PLAY DATES coming in late July and mid August – we just need to confirm dates with the Interim Principal so she can be there to meet everyone! The play dates are open to all new and returning students, and will be at the Shepherd playground below the school on Jonquil Street. We’ll have bottles of water and popsicles for all!
• We’ll also have another SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION DAY the Saturday before school starts! Save the date to come help us clean out the gardens, do errands for the teachers, bring in school supplies, decorate the bulletin boards, buy your Shepherd gear, etc. More details and sign-up links coming soon.
  Enjoy your summer – more updates coming soon!
  Liz Bradley
  Shepherd PTA President