Dear Shepherd Elementary School, This letter is to inform you that two individuals who were last present at Shepherd on September 23 have since reported a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individuals are no longer on campus and will not return until medically cleared. As determined by the DCPS Contact Tracing team, DC Health, and in accordance with the district’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance, unless you have received instructions directly, your student has not been identified as a close contact of the positive individual and does not need to be tested or self-quarantine. Persons for whom we know were in close contact with the positive individual were notified and provided guidance on next steps, including how any students impacted would receive instruction during quarantine. For your awareness, DC Health defines a close contact in a PK-12 setting as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic infected people, two days prior to positive test collection) until the time the infected person is isolated.” Since DCPS has layered mitigation measures in place at our schools, students who were in a classroom and within 3 to 6 feet of another student who reported a positive test such that all were engaged in consistent and … Read More
Message from Principal Hedlund
Good afternoon, Shepherd families, As we enter week five of the school year, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your efforts to protect our community. Students should continue to wear their masks properly and maintain social distance as much as possible. To date, there has not been any spread of the virus in our community, meaning none of the close contacts has contracted Covid-19. Having to quarantine impacts parents’ work and students’ schooling. Let’s do our best to protect one another by being as safe as possible. The vaccine for children under 12 cannot come soon enough. Thanks for your support and cooperation. After-school clubs are on the horizon!!! Please see sign up information below. Sign up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please click here to view a Back to School welcome from me, Ms. Mack, our service providers and specialists. We hoped you enjoyed your time with teachers on Wednesday and know you look forward to more detailed information about your child during Parent Teacher Conferences in two weeks. Enjoy the beautiful weather, Principal Hedlund Club information and sign up Mondays K-2nd Running Club/Mr. Muskett Start Date: October 4th Frequency: Weekly until January Link for Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FA4A72AA4FE3-running Tuesdays 3-5 Chorus/Ms. Pereira Start Date: October 5th Frequency: Weekly until January Link … Read More
PTO Bulletin
It’s BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT! We look forward to seeing everyone virtually! In this week’s PTO Bulletin… – All School Morning Meeting – this FRIDAY at 9:15 am! – Upcoming DCPS Parent University sessions – TAP a teacher program – First PTO meeting – next Wed, Sept 29th at 6:30 pm – Seeking Afterschool Club Leaders, Room Parents and PTO Committee Chairs – Supporting the annual Shepherd 180 Fund – AND MUCH MORE! THIS FRIDAY – ALL SCHOOL MORNING MEETING Be sure to join virtually this Friday, Sept 24 at 9:15 am to see the fifth graders host our first ALL SCHOOL MORNING MEETING of the school year to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Join here to watch! Upcoming DCPS Parent University Sessions Join families across the District and DCPS Central Office teams to learn how we can collaborate to enrich your child’s education. Families are encouraged to ask questions and offer solutions. Together, we will walk away with activities to try or useful information to accelerate our children’s educational development. All sessions are virtual. Sept 26 at 5:30 pm – Making the Most of Your Parent Teacher Conferences Oct 6 at 5:30 pm – Social Emotional Development and Learning During Challenging Times … Read More
Announcement from Principal Hedlund
Dear Shepherd Elementary School, This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Shepherd on September 17 has since reported a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is no longer on campus and will not return until medically cleared. As determined by the DCPS Contact Tracing team, DC Health, and in accordance with the district’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance, unless you have received instructions directly, your student has not been identified as a close contact of the positive individual and does not need to be tested or self-quarantine. Persons for whom we know were in close contact with the positive individual were notified and provided guidance on next steps, including how any students impacted would receive instruction during quarantine. For your awareness, DC Health defines a close contact in a PK-12 setting as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic infected people, two days prior to positive test collection) until the time the infected person is isolated.” Since DCPS has layered mitigation measures in place at our schools, students who were … Read More
Announcement from Principal Hedlund
Dear Shepherd Elementary School, This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Shepherd on September 17 has since reported a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is no longer on campus and will not return until medically cleared. As determined by the DCPS Contact Tracing team, DC Health, and in accordance with the district’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance, unless you have received instructions directly, your student has not been identified as a close contact of the positive individual and does not need to be tested or self-quarantine. Persons for whom we know were in close contact with the positive individual were notified and provided guidance on next steps, including how any students impacted would receive instruction during quarantine. For your awareness, DC Health defines a close contact in a PK-12 setting as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic infected people, two days prior to positive test collection) until the time the infected person is isolated.” Since DCPS has layered mitigation measures in place at our schools, students who were … Read More
Announcement from Principal Hedlund
Dear Shepherd Elementary Parents and Families, At Shepherd, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students are safe and secure. A large part of that commitment is communicating potential safety issues with parents when they arise. Earlier this morning, a power outage was reported in parts of our building. To keep students and staff safe as they arrived, we had students remain outside on the playground and field areas of our campus. Students always remained supervised and safe while outside. The Department of General Services (DGS) and Pepco arrived and shortly before 11:00 a.m. the power was restored. At this time, normal building operations are in progress and students have made their way to classrooms where instruction will continue as usual for the remainder of the day. l apologize for the disruption in your students’ learning schedule, but the safety of our students and families remains paramount for us all. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email at phyllis.hedlund@k12.dc.gov. Sincerely, Principal Hedlund
Message from Principal Hedlund
Dear Families, I know the beginning of the week was stressful with the announcement of two confirmed Covid-19 cases at Shepherd. Many of you reached out for more information; others just expressed concern. No news is good news on that front, and I am glad that we did not have to send additional community announcements this week. On Wednesday afternoon, faculty engaged in a Courageous Conversation during our staff meeting.Ms. Scott, fifth grade homeroom teacher, thoughtfully facilitated the meeting. We discussed developing our racial consciousness through challenging our assumptions. Next we analyzed the Four Agreements that will guide our work: (1) Stay engaged; (2) Experience discomfort; (3) Speak your truth; and (4) Expect and accept non-closure. Teachers were engaged and generously shared their experiences and insights. Our monthly faculty meetings this school year will be grounded in Glenn Singleton’s Courageous Conversations about Race. Some important announcements follow. Have a great weekend! Principal Hedlund Health Self-Assessment Thank you for your adherence to this important policy. If your child is experiencing two or more symptoms related to Covid-19, please keep them home and have them tested. It is our responsibility to keep the greater community safe and will need to follow our … Read More
Announcement from Principal Hedlund
Dear Shepherd Elementary School, This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Shepherd on September 13 has since reported a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is no longer on campus and will not return until medically cleared. As determined by the DCPS Contact Tracing team, DC Health, and in accordance with the district’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance, unless you have received instructions directly, your student has not been identified as a close contact of the positive individual and does not need to be tested or self-quarantine. Persons for whom we know were in close contact with the positive individual were notified and provided guidance on next steps, including how any students impacted would receive instruction during quarantine. For your awareness, DC Health defines a close contact in a PK-12 setting as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic infected people, two days prior to positive test collection) until the time the infected person is isolated.” Since DCPS has layered mitigation measures in place at our schools, students who were … Read More
Announcement from Principal Hedlund
Dear Shepherd Elementary School, This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Shepherd on September 9 has since reported a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is no longer on campus and will not return until medically cleared. As determined by the DCPS Contact Tracing team, DC Health, and in accordance with the district’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance, unless you have received instructions directly, your student has not been identified as a close contact of the positive individual and does not need to be tested or self-quarantine. Persons for whom we know were in close contact with the positive individual were notified and provided guidance on next steps, including how any students impacted would receive instruction during quarantine. For your awareness, DC Health defines a close contact in a PK-12 setting as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic infected people, two days prior to positive test collection) until the time the infected person is isolated.” Since DCPS has layered mitigation measures in place at our schools, students who were … Read More
Chancellor Note
Dear DCPS Community, Across DC Public Schools, it is exciting to see students are settling into their classes and new routines, building friendships, and connecting with their teachers. The well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We recognize that with our robust health and safety measures in place, this school year feels different for most students and families. We know families have questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed about our health and safety measures. Today’s email covers: What happens when there is a COVID-19 positive case at your child’s school. What to do if your child feels unwell or tests positive for COVID-19. What should I do if my child doesn’t feel well? Each day, families should follow our daily symptoms checklist (often referred to as “Ask. Ask. Look.”) to monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 before your student leaves for school. If your child is not feeling well or is showing any symptoms, they should stay home. Your school can also provide information about the learning materials available for your student while they are unwell and can arrange for an at-home technology device to be available if you need … Read More