Dear Shepherd Community,
Greetings! I hope you all are enjoying a restful and relaxing summer with your families and I am excited to meet you in person very soon.
I officially joined the Shepherd community on July 24th and have spent the previous few days getting to know staff, recruiting and interviewing for our vacant positions. We are welcoming an energetic group of new hires and I feel lucky to lead such a hardworking and caring staff. New staff bios will be featured on the website in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned to learn more about the new hires of 2022!
Below please find some updates as to where we are so far this summer and where we are going.
Vacancies
We still have a few remaining vacancies to fill. Those include, (2) paraprofessional, (2) custodians, World language teacher, 2nd grade teacher and 5th grade ELA teacher.
Class Lists
I am still working on finalizing class lists that Dr. Hedlund passed over. I hope to have them out by the week of 8/12. I’d ask you to refrain from contacting your child’s new teacher until the week of August 22nd. Our teachers need the summer break to recharge and refocus so that they can continue to nurture, grow, and challenge your child throughout the school year. Our teachers will be responsive and available to your questions and concerns after August 22nd.
New Hires
I am currently working on getting bios for new staff and updating the website. As soon as that is received, I will send out another communication.
Looking ahead:
- I am hosting a “Popsicles with the Principal” Meet and Greet on Friday 8/5 from 3:30-5:00 for staff and families. All are welcome to join
- On 8/9 I will host a virtual Town Hall from 3:30-5:00 via zoom. Link to follow soon.
- Beautification day is scheduled for 8/20. Please look for more details shortly.
Lastly, Chancellor Ferebee recently sent out an email in regard to immunizations. Please see important information below.
To attend school, families are required to submit their student’s up-to-date immunization record by the first day of school. Vaccinations are critical for preventing disease and reducing the dangers that can come with being exposed to certain diseases. You can find a list of required immunizations for your child according to their age by viewing this helpful flyer from DC Health.
If you have not already submitted your child’s immunization records to your school, here is what you need to do now:
- Make an appointment with your child’s doctor. DC offers resources to help you find a health provider if you do not have health insurance.
- Have the doctor complete DC’s Universal Health Certificate, available here. Your health provider may also provide a different proof of immunization document or an exemption explanation.
- Submit your immunization paperwork to your child’s school. You can drop it off at your school or call the school’s main office if you have questions about how to submit your form.
Please reach out if there are any questions or concerns tyra.russell@k12.dc.gov or (202)576-6140. I look forward to a fantastic 2022-2023 school year!
Warmly,
Tyra Russell
Interim Principal