Category Archive

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 … Read More

Dear Shepherd Families, There was a lot of holiday cheer at today’s All School Meeting! Thank you to Ms. Pereira, Ms. Mack, Ms. Murali, Ms. Hagan and Dr. Leonard for bringing us so much joy this morning. They spend a lot of time rehearsing to get it just right, and because they have so much fun as a team, we have so much fun as an audience. If you missed today’s broadcast, you can see it Tuesday night 12/21 at 6:30pm here. For more holiday cheer, look here. Mr. Hernandez, Madame Gadie and Ms. Hernandez collaborated for their students to create Christmas cards. And, on December 21st, the PTO is sponsoring a celebration for staff from 3:30-4:00 pm in the courtyard. As all of you know, Covid-19 cases are spiking again. Here are a few reminders as we approach Winter Break: Reminder #1: Get vaccinated, and if eligible, get your COVID vaccination booster. Reminder #2: Practice healthy hygiene habits such as hand washing. Reminder #3: Always wear your mask unless you are eating or drinking. Reminder #4: Remember to practice physical (social) distancing. Reminder #5: Do not send your children to school if they are feeling ill or experiencingCOVIDsymptoms. Ready … Read More

Good morning Shepherd Families, I hope you have a peaceful weekend. Tomorrow is EdFest, which will be held virtually again this year. Please remember that families are our best recruitment tool. Please feel free to refer interested families to me at any time. Please see the important announcements that follow, and take care. Principal Hedlund Picture Retake Day is Monday, December 13th Please respond to this email if your child needs a retake, and you have not communicated with me yet. Boys & Girls Basketball Coaches Needed Please contact Mr. Muskett ([email protected]) if you are available to coach one of our Shepherd teams. It is an exciting year for us as we will finally be able to host home games! Each team practices two afternoons a week from 3:30-4:30. The game schedule has yet to be announced. Thanks for your consideration. Virtual Food Drive TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO GIVE As an IB school, Shepherd is committed to caring by supporting our local community and The Capital Area Food Bank.  Will you join us in donating to our Virtual Food Drive starting on Friday, November 19 – Friday, December 10th?  We want to support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development … Read More

Dear Shepherd Families, What an exciting week we have had for staffing! Ms. Raji, mom to Lena, Adham and Adam, is serving as an instructional aide in PK 4 Holt, and she is fully onboarded and in the building! Ms. Oursler, third grade homeroom teacher, received her offer letter yesterday, and after observing and planning this week, she is teaching her students today! Please welcome these new members of our community and let them know how much we appreciate them. Many, many thanks to all of those who covered the gap between Ms. McCarthy and Ms. Oursler: Ms. Hagan, Ms. Romero and Ms. Weng. Those children will miss them, their outstanding teaching, abundant positivity and admirable flexibility. Our English Learners will be thrilled to have Ms. Hagan to themselves again, and our students in need will thrive with Ms. Romero and Ms. Weng. Thank you and WELCOME! Ms. Pereira, our Music teacher, is using our virtual All School Meeting for our Winter Concert this year. Please see the schedule below if you would like to dress your child in festive attire for next week’s taping. I wish it could be in person since it was so joyful two years ago. … Read More

Dear Families, We all have much to be thankful for this year. Children are back in school and are in the process of being vaccinated. We are returning to some sense of normalcy in time for the holidays. We have all been through so much, and this season can be very challenging for those of us who have experienced loss. So many Shepherd community members have lost loved ones this year, and I am thinking especially of you this holiday season. When I count my blessings, I am especially grateful for our outstanding staff. It is a relief to have children back in the building where they belong, and they are glad to be here. But, each and every day, I need to ask staff members to go above and beyond, more than they usually do, to ensure the building operates smoothly. Teaching is creative, intellectual, challenging, rewarding work. At Shepherd, we are fortunate to have a highly experienced outstanding staff who serve students beyond the parameters of their classrooms daily. They offer after-school clubs, participate in a variety of committees, attend PTO meetings, problem solve logistical concerns and tutor students before- and after-school. This year, they are also covering … Read More