It has been a busy, busy, busy week at Shepherd Elementary. Our All School Meeting was amazing. We danced, we sang, we launched Hispanic Heritage Month and the Golden Broom award, we learned about Shepherd Elementary School’s past and its IB offerings for 5th graders. Above all, we took the time to come together as a community to appreciate one another and create common experiences. So many thanks and countless words of praise to our 5th grade students, Ms. Scott, Dr. Leonard and the Specials teachers. It is wonderful to begin your day as a school community filled with pride and joy and laughter. You can watch some video of today’s event here and here. Thank you for the outstanding turn out for Back to School Night. It was great to have you all in the building, and teachers were excited to share what students are learning in their classrooms. Please let me know any constructive feedback you have about this event. Many parents shared that they were happy to have more time in classrooms this year. Next week, we have our Local School Advisory Team and Parent Teacher Association meetings on Wednesday. All are welcome! During the LSAT meeting, we will work … Read More
Message from Principal Hedlund
Happy Friday Families, Thank you for another great week at Shepherd Elementary! Next week will be a busy one. On Monday afternoon from 2:30-3:15 pm, our grandparents/special friends have an opportunity to visit Shepherd during Grahams with Grands. We are all very excited to welcome these very important people to our building. Back to School Night is Wednesday, September 11th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Please remember that the PTA will provide free childcare during the event. Here’s what to expect: 6:05-6:25 Welcome in the Multipurpose Room 6:30-6:55 Session I Go to your child’s homeroom for an overview of the curriculum for the year and classroom systems and procedures 7:00-7:30 Session II Go to your other student’s homeroom or another one of your student’s teacher’s rooms for 4th/5thgraders Specials teachers will have tables and chairs in the atrium so they are easily and have the opportunity to highlight and discuss their programs. Please remember that teachers do not have time for individual conferences on Back to School Night, and the program will end promptly at 7:30 pm. Thank you for your cooperation. Next Friday, September 13th, our 5thGrade and Specials teachers will host our first all school morning meeting! Please join us … Read More
PTO Bulletin
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE WEBSITE!We are working to update our website, and you’ll see that we’ve got some terrific new content added. You’ll find the parent handbook (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/ShepherdParentHandbookFinal.pdf) as well as the school calendar on the site (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/ses-calendar-2/).SPECIALS!Wondering what “special subject” your child has today? Check out the Specials Calendar online (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/Aug-Sept2019-Specials-Calendar.pdf). You can also read about all of the exciting things that these dedicated teachers are doing in their classrooms (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/SPECIALISTS-NEWSLETTER-2019-2.pdf).SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!We need volunteers for a number of events at Shepherd, including Fall Fest and Movie Nights. We’d also love to have volunteers sign up to be a class Room Parent or to serve on a PTA Committee. A sign up link is now LIVE on the website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a094da5af2babf85-shepherd.FALL FEST PLANNING MEETINGSpeaking of special Shepherd events, planning has begun for Fall Fest. If you are interested in helping out, come out to our first planning meeting of the school year. It will take place on Monday, September 9th at 6:30 pm in the Teachers’ Lounge. This is our BIG fall fundraiser, and we want to make it great!TEACHER SUPPORTOur new Spanish teacher, Senor Hernandez, is looking for any guitars that you might have around the house that you would … Read More
PTO Bulletin
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE WEBSITE! We are working to update our website, and you’ll see that we’ve got some terrific new content added. You’ll find the parent handbook (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/ShepherdParentHandbookFinal.pdf) as well as the school calendar on the site (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/ses-calendar-2/). SPECIALS! Wondering what “special subject” your child has today? Check out the Specials Calendar online (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/Aug-Sept2019-Specials-Calendar.pdf). You can also read about all of the exciting things that these dedicated teachers are doing in their classrooms (https://www.shepherd-elementary.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/SPECIALISTS-NEWSLETTER-2019-2.pdf). SEEKING VOLUNTEERS! We need volunteers for a number of events at Shepherd, including Fall Fest and Movie Nights. We’d also love to have volunteers sign up to be a class Room Parent or to serve on a PTA Committee. A sign up link is now LIVE on the website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a094da5af2babf85-shepherd. FALL FEST PLANNING MEETING Speaking of special Shepherd events, planning has begun for Fall Fest. If you are interested in helping out, come out to our first planning meeting of the school year. It will take place on Monday, September 9th at 6:30 pm in the Teachers’ Lounge. This is our BIG fall fundraiser, and we want to make it great! TEACHER SUPPORT Our new Spanish teacher, Senor Hernandez, is looking for any guitars that you might have … Read More
Message from Principal Hedlund
Dear Families, Thank you for a very successful first week of school. We got off to a great start because of your herculean efforts on Beautification Day. Thanks to all the families who came out to clean and organize the school. Your work is greatly appreciated! Students seem very happy and comfortable, and it has been a joy to have them return to the building. The field is our own, and the children are enjoying every inch of it during P.E. and recess. The culture of achievement at Shepherd is palpable, and I am proud to be a part of this dynamic community. There are announcements that follow. Please take a look and let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you on Tuesday! With gratitude, Phyllis Announcements Students may wear jeans and Shepherd spirit t-shirts/or plain white shirts on Fridays. Please continue to support carpool and kiss and go by not parking on 14th Street directly in front of the school (west side of the street). Please take note that the doors open at 8:20 am, and dismissal ends at 3:30 pm. Upcoming Events Grahams with Grands is Monday, September 9th from 2:30-3:15 pm … Read More
PTO Bulletin
WELCOME TO OUR PK3 AND PK4 STUDENTS!We’re excited to welcome our newest Mustangs, the PK3 and PK4 students, and their teachers and staff tomorrow – Thursday, Aug 29! We hope you have a GREAT first day!“Kiss and Ride” drop off on 14th Street in the mornings STARTING TOMORROW – NO PARKING ZONE14th Street between Kalmia and Jonquil Streets (closest to the school) will be designated as a “Kiss and Ride” drop off area in the mornings from 8:20-8:40 am. Staff and administrators will be there to help your children out of the car and to get them to their morning drop off locations.INCLEMENT WEATHER DROP OFF LOCATION FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADERSIf there is rain, snow, sleet, hail, or it’s below 32 degrees on school mornings, please drop off your 4th and 5th graders in the multipurpose room.GET YOUR T-SHIRTS!PTA will be selling t-shirts again on Thurs morning at school in the atrium from 8-9 am. We’ll have more in stock in the smaller sizes and some new designs available, including a unisex navy polo! More hoodies, long sleeve shirts and winter gear will be coming by Fall Fest on Oct 19!SHEPHERD BEAUTIFICATION DAY SUCCESS!Thanks to the more than 75 … Read More
PTO Bulletin
MOVIE NIGHT – SECRET LIVES of PETS 2Join us Friday, September 27th at 6:30 pm for a screening of The Secret Lives of Pets 2! Bring your blankets; come in your pajamas! There will be snacks and drinks for sale. Most importantly, a good time will be had by all.BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CLUBSSeveral of our staff members are offering special programming for our students this year. Please check out these options, with more to come soon:Kindness ClubIs your child interested in changing our school and community by being a part of The Kindness Club at Shepherd? We will be recognizing acts of kindness at Shepherd, participating in The Great Kindness Challenge, giving back to those in need, and more! Kindness Club is for students in grades K-5.Where? Mrs. Zepeda’s room (A101).When? Kindness Club begins the week September 30th.• Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:30• 3rd Grade – 5th Grade: Thursdays from 3:30 – 4:30If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Zepeda via email at sarah.zepeda@k12.dc.gov.Culture ClubDo you enjoy learning about different cultures from around the world? Activities will include:• Playing geography and culture games• Art and craft activities• Tasting different foods from … Read More
Message from Principal Hedlund
Dear Families, We had a great week here at Shepherd! Teachers arrived on Monday, and we spent time reviewing data, setting goals, learning together, setting up our classrooms and simply getting to know one another. Many of you were here for our Open House, and it was a great opportunity for children to reunite and meet their teachers. Thank you to all who were in attendance, and thank you to the PTA for dinner on Thursday for the Open House and lunch on Friday. Both are greatly appreciated! Monday is the first day of school for grade K-5, and we are so excited to greet your children and begin their best school year yet. To ensure it is a smooth start this week, please keep the following in mind: Doors open at 8:20, and all students should be at Shepherd no later than 8:40. PK and K students enter through our main entrance. Parents should walk them to their classrooms. I know that it is hard to say goodbye, but try to make your classroom visit as brief as possible. It is actually easier for them to transition to school that way. All DCPS children receive breakfast at no cost. If … Read More
PTO Bulletin
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PLAY DATE – THURS, AUG 22 FROM 5-7 PMCome meet new families, teachers and staff, and help us make sure the school is stocked with supplies for this school year.NOTE – these supplies will be used in the specials’ classrooms and general school locations, not the supplies needed for your child’s class.We have a curated Amazon link for the supplies needed for Art, Music, Library, French, Spanish, Special Ed, etc. Any purchase made will be MUCH APPRECIATED and can be shipped right to the school – 7800 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20012.AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO TARGET FOR THE GENEROUS SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATION!SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION DAY – SAT, AUG 24 from 9 am-noonWOW! We have more than 40 parents signed up to come help! But we still need you! Sign up for a shift – we’ll take whatever time you have this Saturday.Lastly, WE’RE LOOKING FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS!If you’d like to be on a PTA committee, help at an upcoming event, or serve as a room parent, click here to sign up! WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DO ALL THE GREAT THINGS WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR!See you all on Thursday at the “Sneak Peek” play date … Read More
PTO Bulletin
It’s the LAST week before school starts, vacations are almost over (ugh!!!) and the weather looks a bit cooler for this Saturday’s Beautification Day and School Supply Drive! That can only mean – it’s time to sign up for a shift and get back in the swing of things! Come meet new families, work on projects to make the school FABULOUS for next week, and help us make sure the school is stocked with supplies for this school year. NOTE – these supplies will be used in the specials’ classrooms and general school locations, not the supplies needed for your child’s class. We have a curated Amazon link for the supplies needed for Art, Music, Library, French, Spanish, Special Ed, etc. Any purchases made will be MUCH APPRECIATED and can be shipped right to the school – 7800 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20012 – or dropped off on Thursday from 9 am – 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm or the first week of school. Lastly, WE’RE LOOKING FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS! If you’d like to be on a PTA committee, help at an upcoming event, or serve as a room parent, click here to sign up! WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DO ALL THE GREAT THINGS … Read More