Inclement Weather
DCPS will be closed tomorrow.
The best source of information about school delays and closures is the DCPS twitter account (@dcpublicschools). Information will also be shared on the DCPS website (dcps.dc.gov), DCPS social media accounts, and local TV and radio stations.
Impacted by the Government Shutdown?
DCPS is actively looking to recruit substitute teachers to support schools. Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree and must pass a background check and drug test to be considered. Contact the school and next steps will be shared.
Music Teacher Update
Quanice Floyd, the candidate scheduled to begin at Shepherd after the winter break, unexpectedly decided to pursue another opportunity in another state.
However, another candidate has been selected and the hiring request has been escalated to move through the hiring process as quickly as possibly.
Spanish Teacher Update
It has been incredibly difficult to find a quality candidate to fill the Spanish teacher vacancy.
NAEP
Our fourth graders will take the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on January 29th. The NAEP is given every 2 years. Parents will receive a detailed letter on Tuesday, January 15th.
Spelling Bee
Our annual Spelling Bee for students in grades 3-5 will take place on Thursday, January 17th in the multi-purpose room. Beginning at 9:30, twenty-one students will compete for the opportunity to represent Shepherd at the city-wide Spelling Bee.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Nights
Come and experience the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Shepherd! On Tuesday, January 29th (grades K–5) and Wednesday, January 30th (ECE), families are encouraged to join us for an evening of inquiry-based learning!
Basketball Hoops
Sadly, the basketball hoops are on back order. Upon checking on their status, I was informed by a representative of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer that the plan is to place an order for a different model from the one previously selected.
Middle of the Year (MOY) Testing
Students in grades K-5 are being assessed in ELA and math to determine their progress thus far and inform small group instruction moving forward. The results of these assessments will be shared at the beginning of the February.
Boys Basketball Team
Our boys are 1-0!
The team will take on Dorothy Height on Tuesday, January 15th at Lafayette ES at 4:00pm.
Girls Basketball Team
Our lady Mustangs are scheduled to face Hearst ES on Monday, January 14th at Hearst at 4:00pm.
Shepherd Science Fair
All science fair projects should be submitted on Monday, January 28th. Science fair boards can be purchased from Mr. Leonard for $5.
The science fair will take place on January 31st at the NOAA building in downtown Silver Spring.
Shepherd Tutoring Program
The Shepherd Tutoring Program is in its 22nd year at Tifereth Israel Congregation. Between 5 and 6 pm most Sunday nights, members of Tifereth Israel and the Shepherd Park community are available to tutor students across subject areas at no cost to parents.
Please reach out to Ms. Catler, shepherdtutoringprogram@gmail.com, for more information.
Pizza Hut Book It! Pizza Coupon K-5 and Beanstack (October 2018 – March 2019)
All K-5 Shepherd Students are also eligible to receive a free Pizza Hut Book It! coupon for a personal pan pizza during the months of October-March. Please support your student by assisting them with using Beanstack to log in a minimum of four grade-level appropriate books to receive their free Pizza Hut Book It! coupon. Students can access Beanstack using this link: https://shepherdes.beanstack.org/reader365. Their login in credentials are their Student ID# and birthday.
Staff Spotlight of the Week – Ms. Holt
Mrs. Holt has been serving the Shepherd school community for nearly twenty years! A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Mrs. Holt also holds a Master’s degree from George Mason University. In her spare time, Mrs. Holt enjoys reading and traveling. Her favorite candy is jelly beans!
OTHER UPCOMING DATES
Jan 16 – Summer Camp Fair and PTA meeting
Jan 17 – Spelling Bee
Jan 21-23 – No School
Jan 29 – IB Night (K-5th)
Jan 30 – IB Night (ECE)
Jan 31 – Science Project Fair@ NOAA
March 1 – Jazz Night