DPR Shepherd Rec Center Survey – please respond by Thurs, March 25
Thanks to those that offered in-person and written testimony for the DPR hearing last week and offered feedback on the Community Center.
DPR moved forward with a survey without community input and it is framed unfairly.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShepherdParkSurvey
Please consider the following when you complete the questionnaire:
The objective of our negotiation as a parent body with DPR is to obtain fair and open access to specified areas of the DPR center both during and immediately after school, which will give Shepherd flexibility for student enrichment programs after hours, e.g., having the space dedicated such that our basketball teams may train and play games in the wonderful new gym, etc.
Wherever possible in the survey, please consider indicating times that you would be interested in using the facility (e.g., weekends, weekday evenings after 6PM, etc.) which would not conflict and, indeed, would support the position of our advocacy team that the DPR center (and field), with the exception of the fitness room, should primarily be available to Shepherd students on weekdays (including after school) during the entire school year.
Further, we call attention to the portion of the survey regarding DPR provisioning of after school childcare services and ask you to consider the implications of expression of interest in establishment of a DPR program. In the event DPR decides to formally run an aftercare program from the facility (typically done via subcontract to poorly vetted third-party vendors), this would not only limit (or potentially) eliminate any possibility that the gym space could be exclusively used by our basketball team (i.e., no hosting of games) and would potentially jeopardize operation of the SESSA moving forward.
GIVEN DPR’S HISTORICALLY LOW SURVEY RESPONSE RATE, YOUR ANSWERS CAN SHAPE THE OUTCOME OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE.
Get Your NEW Shepherd GEAR!
New adult and youth options with some of your favorite brands! Youth options – shirts, hoodies, masks, winter hats, Shipped directly to your home. Place orders by March 22. Get your new swag here!
A NOTE FROM THE OPEN SCHOOLS DC GROUP
OPEN SCHOOLS DC RALLY
Date and time: Sat, March 13, 2-4 pm
Location: 1350 Pennsylvania Ave
Open DC Schools stands for:
– A commitment to more in-person learning opportunities in Term 4, including offering spots to all students who wish to attend in person in Term 4;
– Offering vaccinations to all teachers NOW;
– Reopening for all students in SY 2021 with virtual options for students who wish to remain virtual;
– Revise requirements on distancing, classroom use, and cohort exposure to reflect actual CDC guidance and the reality of reduced risk of community spread following
vaccination.
Women’s Shelter Toiletry Drive with Mrs. McIntyre – March 1-April 1
We’re helping Shepherd’s own Mrs. McIntyre with the 9th annual Women’s Shelter Toiletry Drive to help women and children in need during Women’s History Month in March.
Where: Toiletry drive bin @ main entrance of the school
Please donate the following items:
Body soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, band-aids, deodorant, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, hair combs and brushes, cotton balls, baby powder, baby oil, and travel-size mouthwash. Additional toiletry items not mentioned are also needed. All items are donated to DASH safe housing alliance.
SHEPHERD SPRING FLINGS!
We’re planning a few fun and engaging activities for late March and early April to gather together as a school community to do an online baking class with our students, a virtual cocktail making class for adults, and even get some school pics taken of your kids in front of the school.
More details and sign-up info coming soon!
DEAL Middle School Mulch Fundraising Sale – starts March 8
Getting out in the yard to clean up those gardens? Get your mulch through Deal’s fundraiser. Order now and pick is slated for late March/early April. Get more info here.
WEBINAR on COVID-19 and Pediatrics – Wed, March 17th at 7 pm
ANC Commissioner Stephen Whatley and Children’s National RIC are hosting a webinar on COVID-19 on March 17th, 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The discussion will center around COVID and some of its impacts on the Pediatric Population. Our speaker will be Dr. Bud Wiedermann from the Infectious Disease program at Children’s National. Dr. Wiedermann is a national expert in pediatric infectious disease and a noted educator.
Join Zoom Meeting
Phone one-tap: US: +13126266799,,2722840814# or +16465588656,,2722840814#
Meeting URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2722840814?pwd=emI2YmU4ZURSUzVBanpMSStNcDBIdz09
Meeting ID: 272 284 0814
Passcode: RDI
Upcoming Important Dates:
March 11 – Ward 4 Education Alliance meeting – 7 pm
March 13 – Open Schools DC Rally – 2:00 pm
March 14 – Daylight Savings Time Starts
March 24 – Shepherd PTO meeting – 6:30 pm