Greetings Shepherd Family,
It is with many emotions that I write to inform you that this will be my last year as principal at Shepherd Elementary. My decision to leave was extremely difficult, however, I am looking forward to spending more time with my growing family.
Our school community continues to grow as a school of choice for families all over the District. Since 2015, Shepherd Elementary has experienced many successes including an increase in PARCC scores in both ELA and math by more than 10 percentage points as well as an increase in access to technology by tripling the number of laptops. From learning sight words to converting fractions to decimals, it has been a pleasure watching your children learn and grow academically, emotionally, and socially in order to achieve our shared vision of global citizenship.
Over the last four years, Shepherd Elementary has explored many bold initiatives:
- Shepherd Electives, including digital photography, service learning, and reader’s theatre
- Young Man, Let’s Talk Mentoring Group
- Home Visits for new families through the Family Engagement Collaborative
- Student-led conferences
- Grahams with Grands
The Shepherd Elementary staff is extremely committed to our school community—the level of talent is inspiring. They have helped me to grow my leadership skills, and I have worked hard to empower them, in return. Together, we have worked toward the goal of nurturing a learning environment where every student feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Looking forward to School Year 2019-2020, the Shepherd community will have the opportunity to engage in the selection process for a new principal. In preparation for the transition, DC Public Schools facilitates the selection and appointment of principals with great care, consideration, and key stakeholder input. An important part of the school’s contribution to that process is forming a Community Panel—a committee of parents, teachers, and other community members to provide a diverse, Shepherd-specific perspective to the decision-making process.
On Thursday, May 9, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., representatives from the DCPS Office of Talent and Culture (OTC) and the Office of Family and Public Engagement (OFPE), along with Instructional Superintendent Carolyne Albert Garvey, will meet at our building for an informational meeting. The OTC and OFPE representatives will explain the process for forming the Community Panel and help to facilitate a conversation where everyone can engage around the community’s hopes and dreams for Shepherd’s next principal. Please join the meeting to learn how you can be involved.
As always, my door is open should you have any questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 576-6140 or via email at jade.brawley@k12.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
Jade L. Brawley