M u s t a n g  N e w s l e t t e r

In This Issue
Dates to Remember
Thursday, 4/23:
8:15 AM - 

Parent Academy -Come Out, Share Your Concerns, Join a Task Force 

10:30 AM - DCPS Budget Hearing                     

6 PM - Family Poetry Night

Friday, 4/24:

Science Fair Projects Due (K-2nd)

Report Cards Sent Home

Friday, 5/1:
Professional Development Day, No School

Tuesday, 5/5:
Bike to School Day

Saturday 5/16:
Shepherd Spring Gala & Auction

Wednesday, 5/20:
6:30 PM  PTA Meeting

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Don't Forget!

Shop for Shepherd!

Did you know that many local stores like Giant and Safeway will donate a percentage of your purchases to Shepherd?

Visit the PTA website to find out how:   Shop for Shepherd!


Music for Mustangs!

 

Our talented new music teacher, Mr. Rudy Gonzalez, wants to give all Shepherd students the opportunity to play a musical instrument. To make that dream a reality, we need your help to purchase musical instruments!

 

The Shepherd PTA is sponsoring the first Shepherd crowd-funding effort. Click here (http://www.shepherd-elementary.org/support-us/music-for-mustangs/) to make a contribution to Music for Mustangs and see what prizes you can earn!


 

Don't forget to watch the Music for Mustangs video, featured on Shepherd's website!

 
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Come One . . . 
           Come All . . . 

The Mustang is looking for a few good writers to serve as contributors to the The Student Scoop, a student-written column that will appear in every Mustang.  

Keep your schoolmates up to date on what's happening at Shepherd for a student's-eye view!

If you are interested, please send an email to 
Subject: Student Writer

We want your voice in the Mustang!

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Mustang:
Content Submissions
The Mustang is the biweekly newsletter for Shepherd Elementary and community.  

 

We welcome community-relevant submissions of announcements (100-200 words) or articles (300-500 words) to add to the newsletter.  

 

The Mustang is published on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month; please submit items two weeks in advance in order to be included in the next Mustang.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Mustang staff reserves the right to edit announcements and articles for space and content, and to decline submissions of inappropriate subject matter.  Advertisements and solicitations are not permitted.
Submit Content to Mustang

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Alice Deal Needs You!

Do you wish you could have some insights on how Deal works "behind the scenes"? 

If you have a rising 6th grader, the Alice Deal Community Association (ADCA) executive board would love for you to get involved. 

The ADCA is Deal's version of a PTA or HSA, and plays a critical role in helping to organize and fund many community events, special programs and other needs of the school. The board meets four times during the school year, and hosts four general meetings. 

There are many different roles that you can play - tell us what you're interested in doing! ADCA elections will be held in May 2015, so please contact Cathy House (alicedealca@gmail.com) by April 30 if you are interested. 

It's a great way to get to know Deal and make a difference that matters!
April 20, 2015 
Welcome to the Mustang e-Newsletter!  

Look for a new publication every 1st and 3rd Monday to stay connected with Shepherd school and community news. 

A Word from the Principal
Welcome Back!


We would like to welcome all our students, their families and our staff back after a wonderful Spring Break. We hope you all enjoyed your time with your family and friends. We know that this break will have provided the much needed rest in learning that your children needed and look forward to a productive final term of the year (yes, the final term!).


 

The Final Months of School

As we enter the final months of school, please take a moment to remind your students of our school wide expectations of being respectful, being responsible and being safe at all times. Frequently when the weather gets warmers, students get excited and often find it challenging to stay focused.  This is also the time of year when students began making the mental shift to their next level of development.  This shift often means that students may break some current allegiances and form new allegiances. They become a little les s tolerant but more vocal and independent.  As a school we recognize these changing behaviors and strive to be proactive rather than reactive.  Supervision increases, patience increases, reflection time increases and we structure our days so that the students are engaged in fun learning activities. 


 

Teacher Appreciation Week


 May 4-8, 2015 is Teacher Appreciation Week.  However, at Shepherd we consider all our staff members teachers who deserve recognition during this week.    Please join me in helping make this week special. 


 Monday: Flowers for Your Teacher Day

 A single flower or a bouquet. Flowers always brighten a day.


 Tuesday: Naughty/Nice Day

 Bring in a special healthy snack (nice) or sweet treat (naughty) for your teacher.


 Wednesday: Specialist/Support Staff Day

 Our Specialist Teachers Deserve Recognition Too


 Thursday:  Volunteer Your Time

 Volunteers are needed to provide food and duty coverage  while teachers enjoy a duty free Potluck lunch provided by  parents. Please sign-up by clicking on the following link.


 Luncheon and Volunteer Sign-Up:

 www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D49AFAF2EA6FA7-teacher


 Friday: Day of Thanks

 Make a card, write a note, or simply say, "Thank you!"


 
 Planning for Next Year


 Over the past few weeks I have engaged in a lot of  conversations with various stakeholders about what is    working well and what they would like to see done  differently.   If you would like to be a part of the change,  please join me at the next Parent Academy.


  

Mark Your Calendars

 

April Events

April  22nd

- Kite Day (PS-1st Grade)  - Students are asked to bring in a kite.

- Earth Day (activities will be held throughout the week)

- Pre -School Parent Meeting - What are the plans for next year?   (5:00 PM)

- Pre Kinder Parent Meeting - What are the plans for next year?  (6:00 PM)

 

April 23rd

- Parent Academy -Come Out, Share Your Concerns, Join a Task Force (8:15 AM)

- Family Poetry Night (6:00 PM)

- Kite Day (2nd -5th Grade)  - Students are asked to bring in a kite.

 

April 24th 

- Science Fair Projects Due (K-2nd)

- Report Cards Sent Home

 

April 28th

- Awards Day  8:55 AM (PS-PK)  9:30 AM (K-2nd)  10:25 AM (3rd - 5th)

 

April 29th 

- Spring Pictures (No Uniforms Required)

- Bicycle Helmet Fitting Day

 

April 30th 

- Science Fair Judging (9:00 AM)

- Recycling Program (2:15 PM)

 

May Events

 Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8

May 1st  - Professional Development Day - No School for students

May 5th -  Safe Kids World Wide Event (9:00AM)

                Bike to School Day

May 7th -  3rd  Grade PARCC EOY

May 8th -  3rd Grade PARCC EOY

May 11th - 4th and 4th Grade PARCC EOY

May 12th - 4th Grade PARCC EOY

May 13th - 5th Grade PARCC EOY

May 14th -  4th and 5th Grade PARCC EOY

May 16th  - Spring Gala

                   World Language Festival Deal MS

May 20th  - PTA Meeting (6:30 PM)

                   Progress Reports Go Home        

May 21st  - Parent Academy - Preventing Summer Regression (8:15 AM)

May 22nd - Mustang Bucks

May 25th  - Memorial Day  No School

May 28th  - Family  Night (6:00 PM)

May 29th  - Field Day (Volunteers Needed!)

 

June Events

June 3rd - 5th Grade Exhibition

June 5th - BWL Concert

June 9th - Boys to Men Event

June 10th - Talent Show

June 12th - New Student/Families Welcome Event

June 16th - Awards Day 8:55 AM (PS-PK) 9:30 AM (K-2nd) 10:25 AM (3rd - 5th)

June 17th - 5th Grade Promotion Exercise

June 18th - Moving Up Day

June 19th - Last Day of School - Students Dismissed at 12:15.

Follow Us on Twitter

 @ShepherdDCPS 

 
It's Shepherd Spring Gala Time!
woman-playing-trumpet.jpg Shepherd Community - We Need You! 

The annual Shepherd Spring Gala and Auction is Saturday, May 16th at 6:30 PM at Woodrow Wilson SHS.

Soliciting Donations

To make the gala a success, we need all Shepherd families to solicit donations for the silent and live auctions.

Visit the five businesses that you patronize most often and ask if they can donate a gift certificate or be an auction sponsor!

Own a business?  Donate your professional services!

Ask friends or family to donate tickets to the theater or a sports event or time at a vacation property!

The Shepherd Spring Gala & Auction is the PTA's primary annual fundraiser.  We need your help to make it a success!  Please watch for a letter to help you solicit donations in the backpacks this week, find it on the Shepherd website, or click here: Letter for Potential Donors

Tickets and Sponsorships

The auction website will be live for purchasing tickets and sponsorships beginning today!

Ticket prices have been reduced this year to $35 per person, and childcare will be provided by Star Achievers at Shepherd.  Put it on your calendar and encourage your Shepherd friends and other community members to attend.

Also consider being a sponsor:

Family Sponsor ($100)
2 tickets; name in Gala program

Teacher Sponsor ($100)
2 tickets (for a Shepherd teacher and his/her guest)
Name in Gala program

Family & Friends Sponsor ($500)
10 tickets and Reserved Table
1/4 page ad in Gala program

Bronze Sponsor ($1000)
10 tickets and Reserved Table
1/2 page ad in Gala program

Silver Sponsor ($2500)
10 tickets and Reserved Table
Full page ad in Gala program

Gold Sponsor ($5000)
10 tickets and Reserved Table
Full page ad in Gala program
Gala Honorary Co-Chair
Marketing opportunity at Gala

Visit the Shepherd Gala Homepage to print letters for donations, buy tickets, or become a sponsor today!  Click here for a document with donation ideas and sponsorship levels: Donations & Sponsorships

A Message from the PTA
It's time to elect next year's PTA officers.

Join us at the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 PM to help vote on the 2015-2016 PTA leadership.

Watch for bio statement from the candidates in an upcoming email blast!
The Student Scoop

Kennedy Mack, 3rd grade, Ms. Whren's class


 I have two big scoops for you. The first scoop is the school spring dance which was held on April 9, 2015. The DJ was Mr. Velez and he played great music.  There were a lot good dancers and the winner of the dance contest was Melody Bryant.  She won the five dollar bill.  Everyone had fun and the difference from the Valentine Day's dance was that instead of serving hotdogs they served pizza.   


 The second scoop is the March madness reading contest. The contest is down to Ms. Hart's Kindergarten class who represents the University of Florida and Ms. Charles' fifth grade class who represents Syracuse University.  I will report next time on the March madness winner and the prize. 


 The Pre-Kindergarten class went to the Discovery Theater the day before Spring Break.  They went to see the Nature Jam show.  I hope everybody had a good spring break.


 This is your student reporter Kennedy Mack and this is your Shepherd news.

 
Shepherd Star Achievers Update

WELCOME BACK Star Achievers Families and Hello Spring!


 

We are pleased to announce that the Shepherd Elementary School Star Achievers, a non-profit incorporated in DC, has gained 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government!  This means we will be able to receive grants and expand our program in partnership with other organizations both inside and outside Shepherd.  A special thanks to the parents and Shepherd staff who volunteer as Board Members - they make aftercare possible and are helping it to grow and improve.  


 

Here are our current program updates:

WE WILL BE OPEN for before and aftercare on the dates DCPS has added to make up for snow days.


 

Our Silent Study Hall in the library has ended.  For the month of April, we will try a quiet time for all students (grades 2 - 5) in the cafeteria after snack from 3:30 to 4pm Mondays - Thursdays.  This will give all students an uninterrupted chance to complete homework or read.  If students do not have homework they are free to draw or play with materials provided by aftercare. We will determine how best to plan for homework time next year based on the success of these formats.


 

We have added new classes!

On  Wednesdays, the following grades will have Yoga Class

from 4 to 5pm:

 

Kindergarten - April 29, May 20

First grade - April 8, May 6, May 27

Third grade - April 22, May 13


 

All of these students will participate in a yoga showcase from 4 to 5pm on Wednesday June 3rd. Parents are welcome to attend. This yoga class is brought to us by Kaizen Karate, and features instructor Coach Kyra.


 

Art Class with Mr Irby will be held from 4 to 5pm on the following days:

 

2nd grade - Wednesdays

3rd grade - Thursdays

4/5th grade - Fridays

I

IMAGINATION STAGE is coming to AFTERCARE!  Please note the dates to make sure your child is present for these great classes.

 

1.  The younger students will have Creative Drama and Movement Classes with the excellent teachers from this premiere children's theatre company:

Tuesdays 4/21 - 5/6

PS 3 class group 1  from 4:00 to 4:30pm  (the class will be split in half)

PS 3 class group 2 from 4:30 to 5:00pm

Kindergarten - 5:00 to 5:30


 2.  First and Second Graders will enjoy the Create a Story Program:

Fridays 4/24 - 6/4  (except 5/1 DCPS day off)

Grade 1:  4:00 - 4:45

Grade 2 - 4:45 - 5:30


 3.  The older students will have the FUNdamentals of Acting class:

Thursdays 4/23 - 5/28

Grade 3/4   4:00 - 4:45

Grades 4/5  4:45 - 5:30

 

Dance class for all grades will be wrapping up this year with all students in a Dance Showcase at Wednesday May 27 at 4:00 PM, followed by a dance party with snacks.  Parents are welcome to attend.

 

In May and June we will also have the following special events:

Mad Science

Under the Sea

Ice Cream Truck

Catriona's Castle

Jali - D educational rapper

Storytellers

And More....

 

Please watch your email and The Mustang for details.

Enjoy the Sun!


 Claire Riley, Program Director
It's Yearbook Time!

Capture Your Memories in this year's Shepherd Elementary's Yearbook!

 

To purchase and customize your yearbook:

 

1. Go to www.treering.com/validate

2. Enter our school's passcode:

         1013930010262632

 

Yearbook price: $16.99

Deadline to purchase: May 2

 
News and Announcements

Shepherd Library Update

Students can now check out eBooks through our library.

Here's how:
  1. Go to https://dcps.follettdestiny.com/ this link will take you to the home screen for all DCPS schools;
  2. Scroll down and click on Shepherd ES;
  3. Under Students, click on eBooks; and
  4. To access eBooks, use your Student ID for the Username and student's birthdate as the Password (format MMDDYY).

If you have any questions on how to access the eBooks, stop by the library after school or email Ms. Tiffany at christina.tiffany@dc.gov Happy Reading!

 

Meet the Author: 

Brian Selznick Visits DC Public Library

Saturday May 9, 2015 at 2 p.m.

 

Martin Luther King Junior Memorial Library hosts award-winning children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick famous for books such as Wonderstruck, The Inventions of Hugo Cabret, and When Marian Sang. Children may ask questions of Selznick during the first portion of the program. They will then have a chance to meet him and have up to four books signed. Books may be purchased onsite or brought from home but they are not required to attend the free event. This will be a great time to explore the interactive exhibit, "Building Wonder, Designing Dreams: The Bookmaking of Brian Selznick," and to try out a variety of activities related to Selznick's books.  


 

Call DC Public Library at 202-727-1248 for more information. 

 

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY SEEKING DC FOSTER PARENTS


 

Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), invites you to consider becoming a nurturing foster parent for great kids in foster care. 


 

Currently there are over 1,000 children in foster care.  However, 35% of the children are between the ages of 15-20 and living outside of the community.  DC Residents, only YOU can make the difference. 


 

Our community and our teens need us to step forward as a foster parent.  Offering your home to kids that need a safe nurturing environment in which to grow and succeed might just be for you and others you know like you!


 

Register for an orientation today by calling (202) 671-LOVE (202-671-5683) and visit www.fosterdckids.org to learn more.   

 

 


Shepherd Elementary | (202) 576-6140 | mustangshepherd2@gmail.com 
  http://www.shepherd-elementary.org/
7800 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20012