Hi Shepherd families, Thanks to the MANY parents, teachers, and staff who joined us last night for our first PTO virtual meeting of the school year. Attached is the PPT we presented with some valuable information. This will also be posted on our school website.  20200916-PTO-Meeting.pdf Wanted to bring special attention to the call for PTO board members and LSAT representatives, as well as the PTO budget and bylaws for review. Click here to see the DRAFT documents.  We are extending the deadline for PTO and LSAT nominations until Mon, Sept 21. Please send your name, position of interest, and a brief statement about yourself to elections@shepherd-elementary.org. The PTO board member positions are for 1-year terms as follows: Two (2) Co-President positions, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. If you want further details on the responsibilities for each role, you can read the proposed bylaw descriptions of each office at this link (see pgs 3-4 in the document).  Online voting info and deadlines coming by end of Sept. All those in AtoZ Connect database will be eligible to vote. If you are receiving these emails, you are registered already. THANKS!

Back-To-School ZOOM Sessions by Grade Level – SEE DATES AND LINKS BELOW! In place of our big in-person gathering we usually hold every September, Dr. Hedlund, Mrs. Rottman and the teachers will be hosting grade-level sessions to meet the teachers, orient parents for the school year and share expectations. See dates and Zoom links below to join your student’s session. Sept. 17 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.–5th Grade Topic: Fifth Grade Open House  Time: Sep 17, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84966919550?pwd=OHBLd2V0eFVkTmx0RWNuYlNPeWFsQT09 Meeting ID: 849 6691 9550  Passcode: eWsaM8  Sept. 21 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.–Kindergarten Topic: Kindergarten Open House  Time: Sep 21, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83228213201?pwd=VW40eXZrZXpvdzZCTkVCOWE0aXpDUT09 Meeting ID: 832 2821 3201  Passcode: MH4hUt Sept. 22 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.–3rd Grade Topic: 3rd Grade Open House  Time: Sep 22, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82114044851?pwd=S05XSUtKOCt0ZnY3dXZraW1YV1AzZz09 Meeting ID: 821 1404 4851  Passcode: mCfHQ6  Sept. 23 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.–2nd Grade Topic: 2nd Grade Back to School Night  Time: Sep 23, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81208520379?pwd=SFVJYUF5ZUJyd1BsRFNiTXRwV0NLZz09 Meeting ID: 812 0852 0379  Passcode: 2cF7Y4  Sept. 24 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.–4th Grade Topic: Fourth … Read More

WELCOME BACK! We’re wishing everyone a warm welcome to the start of a very unique school year. We know there will be some hiccups along the way as we get started, but we’re excited to get going and get back in a groove. We’re missing your faces, but know we’ll see each other at least virtually soon! A HUGE THANKS to our teachers, staff, students and parents/families who are working closely together to kick off the school year! PTA Board and LSAT Nominations – due by Fri, Sept 18 Our PTA board and LSAT elections will happen electronically by the end of Sept. You must be registered on AtoZ Connect to vote. All interested candidates for the PTA Board or LSAT should submit a brief statement of interest to info@shepherd-elementary.org by Friday, September 18.  PTA board positions open to all candidates: Co-Presidents (2), Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary. 7 positions in total. LSAT is a mix of teachers, non-instructional staff, parents and community members who help to advise the Principal on school direction, budget, goals, metrics, etc. We are awaiting guidance from DCPS on LSAT next steps, but know there will be several parent slots for this year’s LSAT, including one of the … Read More

Hello Shepherd Parents and Families, We are less than a week from the first day of school now and I know many of us are getting nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time. Class assignments should be rolling out from Dr. Hedlund by mid-day tomorrow (Wed, Aug 26) and teachers will be doing class huddles virtually on Thursday and Friday this week. Just a reminder to come with grace and patience these first few weeks – this is all new to everyone (teachers, staff, students and parents) and it will take a bit of time to get everyone online, in a routine, and back working together. We’ll get it figured out. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to all our teachers and staff who have been working HARD this week! We HIGHLY recommend listening to some of the previous and upcoming Parent University sessions – links to previous sessions below to help understand Canvas (the new learning platform), the new class schedules, how to support your Pre-K student, etc. DCPS PARENT UNIVERSITY SESSIONS  Here are a few links to previous Parent University sessions: What can I expect from DCPS for learning at home? Supporting my early childhood DCPS student Accessing CANVAS … Read More

Hi Shepherd friends and family, It’s now mid-August and that means school will be starting (virtually!) soon…on MON, AUG 31! You’ll start to see more updates coming from the PTA and Dr. Hedlund soon…here are a few quick ones to share. Enjoy those last few days of summer! Liz Bradley Shepherd PTA President SHEPHERD COMMUNITY CENTER An update from DGS on the Community Center is attached below. Check out the pics of the new basketball court and the great space we’ll have access to when the project is completed. Dr. Hedlund has been onsite to do walk throughs recently and is pleased with the progress and the updated indoor space it will give our students. The project is still expected to be completed by Fall of this year. Shepherd Construction Update_August 2020.pdf ELECTIONS We want to thank you for your patience. Things are very different this year. Returning families may recall that we delayed our election, scheduled for May 2020. Last year’s Board members have remained in their roles and we have been working on transitioning, but that transition remains in flux. We anticipate setting an election date soon. There will also be tremendous changes and challenges ahead, so we … Read More

Hi Shepherd families, Can you believe it’s almost August?!? Just a reminder that the Mayor is scheduled to make an announcement this Friday (July 31st) regarding the plan for the next school year. We will share details here after the news update. ENROLLMENT AND TECH SURVEY In the meantime, make sure to enroll your student so Dr. Hedlund has the most accurate student count of where each grade level will be and take the DCPS tech survey regarding what your student would need in terms of distance learning technology support.  PTA AND LSAT ELECTIONS In the next few weeks, we’ll be holding virtual PTA and LSAT elections for the 2020-2021 school year. If you’re interested in running for a position or have questions about the roles, please reach out to info@shepherd-elementary.org. We will share more details from DCPS on next steps very soon. FOLLOW US Lastly, like our Facebook page to get updates and keep up with the Shepherd Mustang News! Check out the pictures from our important Black Lives Matter peaceful protest we did this summer as a school community.  Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY! Liz Bradley Shepherd PTA President

A MESSAGE FROM MS. MACK AND DR. HEDLUND Hello Shepherd Families, As an IB school, our framework provides us with a unique perspective on cultivating international-mindedness and taking action in our local and global communities. At the heart of being internationally-minded, is a commitment and responsibility to taking action to ensure equity and justice for all people. Below are some resources for parents on race and racism; there are resources outlined for the entire summer. Black Lives Matter! Race and Racism Resources for Parents.docx SHEPHERD STUDENTS FOR ACTION And SAVE THE DATE for Thurs, June 18th from 5:00-6:30 pm for a peaceful demonstration walk around our neighborhood. More details on the route and gathering place will be sent soon.

Hi Shepherd familles, We hope everyone remains healthy and safe as we move along during these unpredictable times. A few reminders to start the week… Packet pick up will be Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 at school from 8:30-2 pm at the school. Ward 3 Ed Network Call TONIGHT W3Ednet’s next meeting is Monday, May 11 at 7pm on Zoom (see details below).  We are very happy to host Karen Cole, DCPS Deputy Chief of Academic and Creative Empowerment, to talk about distance learning.  Hope that you can join us.  All are welcome. Join Zoom Meeting https://jh.zoom.us/j/96151856577?pwd=dVlRL3RGWE03V1VhWVNnUkQ2UW5qQT09 Meeting ID: 961 5185 6577 Password: 147366 One tap mobile +16465189805,,96151856577#,,#,147366# US (New York) +16468769923,,96151856577#,,#,147366# US (New York) SHEPHERD’S ONLINE AUCTION – Saturday, May 30th – register NOW!  As you might expect, we had to cancel this year’s in-person event. Shepherd Elementary School PTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year – the 16th Annual Spring Gala and Auction – will NOW be a virtual event and has been re-scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, 2020. The entire event will take place via our Handbid auction system. We’ll have some items up for auction, but will be focusing more on the direct appeal this year…RECESS IMPROVEMENTS after the Community Center project … Read More

Hi Shepherd families, Just a reminder it’s TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK and we want to show our teachers some LOVE!  Now, more than ever, thank a teacher for their long distance love and support during this difficult time. And don’t forget the specials teachers too! The PTA will be sending the teachers a special treat this week, but they really LOVE hearing from their students and families! #thankadcpsteacher A few ideas to do while we’re still apart: – Send your teacher a personal, heartfelt message on Dojo, Rallyhood, Remind or Teams – Have your student type a “thank you” email (typing and writing practice too!) – Send a photo or video with a special message from your student (we would love to share on our Facebook page too!) – Make a poster to show your thanks – Make an award certificate for your teachers – Send an electronic gift card to their favorite store or restaurant – Do a class video with a few students from your class – Make and mail a THANK YOU card to your teacher at school – Send flowers or a plant to their home (if you have their address) The classrooms may be empty right now and we’re … Read More

Hello Shepherd families! We truly hope you all are staying safe, healthy and are making plans to get outside in the coming days with nicer, warmer weather on the way!  A few reminders and notes to share: Packet delivery – TUES and WED this week Week 6 distance learning packets will be at school for distribution TODAY (Tues, April 28) and TOMORROW (Wed, April 29). If you would like, bring your completed packets for drop off. This is not required. Teacher Appreciation Week – May 4-8  Since we’re not all at school together, just a reminder to send your teachers some extra appreciation and love this year! Feel free to drop off notes for them at school today or tomorrow. Dr. Hedlund and Ms. Rottman will make sure the teachers get them when they return to school.  Helping Shepherd families in need Thanks to the many families who’ve already donated to support some of our own families having a tough financial time during this pandemic crisis. We could use more support to help a few families get basic food and essential items. If you’d like to still help, please click here. We are earmarking these funds and working with Dr. Hedlund to fulfill the … Read More