Dear Shepherd Families,
The first day of school is one of the most exciting days of the year!
This year is especially significant for me because I have the privilege of joining the Shepherd Elementary School community.
I am looking forward to an amazing year of learning, growing, cooperation and collaboration. The possibilities are endless for our Shepherd Mustangs and I have full confidence that we have the right people in place to support our students on their way to becoming internationally minded problem solvers who care about the world.
The Mustang
This year, the Mustang will be published weekly in order to keep families and the community abreast of what is going on at Shepherd. Improving communication is one of my goals for this school year and the Mustang is the perfect vehicle for sharing important information each week.
New Morning Arrival Pilot
This year, Shepherd will be piloting a new arrival procedure.
Beginning on the first day of school, students will be admitted in the building daily at 8:20.
Monday, August 24th
Kindergarten thru fifth grade students will enter the building through the auditorium doors facing Jonquil Street.
Look for the green balloons.
Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th
Kindergarten thru third grade students will continue to enter the building through the auditorium doors.
Fourth and fifth grade students will enter the building through the main entrance on 14th Street.
Look for the yellow balloons.
Thursday, August 26th
Pre-Kindergarten students with last names beginning with
A-K enter the building through the Pre-Kindergarten wing.
Look for the purple balloons.
Friday, August 27th
Pre-Kindergarten students with last names beginning with
L-Z enter the building through the Pre-Kindergarten wing. Look for the purple balloons.
Monday, August 31st
ALL students report to school and enter the building through their specific entrance.
| Grade Level |
Entrance |
| Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 |
Pre-Kindergarten Wing |
| Kindergarten thru Grade 3 |
Auditorium |
| Grade 4 and Grade 5 |
Main Entrance |
Look for a survey at the end of September to share your thoughts on the morning arrival pilot.
New Spaces and New Faces
Shepherd has undergone a number of changes.The classrooms on the 4th and 5th grade wing have been expanded. The cafeteria has a brand new floor. And, the courtyard is in the process of being transformed into a two-story atrium.
Likewise, we are pleased to welcome a number of new teachers and staff to the Shepherd family:
Kayla Walker, Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah Zepeda, Kindergarten Teacher
C. Ashley Maiorana, First Grade Teacher
Mervyn Howard, Third Grade Teacher
Cynthia Trogisch, Fourth Grade Teacher
Camellia Termini, Art Teacher
Ivan Estevez, Spanish Teacher
Michelle Browne, Social Worker
Phillip Spriggs, Educational Aide
Laura Peppard, Educational Aide
Yvonne Davis, Educational Aide
A Word About Safety
Due to construction, it is imperative that we strive to maintain a safe and orderly drop-off and pick-up. To this end, we need your support and cooperation. Please adhere to the following:
- The area designated by the cones is the morning drop-off/afternoon car pool pick-up zone. Please do not park and leave your vehicle. If you need to enter the building, please find an alternate parking space.
- When arriving, please drop your students off on the side of the street closest to the school building.
- When dropping off on the opposite side of the street, please have students walk to the crosswalk so that drivers and staff members can ensure their safety. Avoid allowing children to cross in the middle of the street in between cars.
- Please steer clear of making u-turns in the middle of 14th Street.
- Remind students to look both ways when crossing the street and follow the directions of the crossing guard (when available).
Dress Code
Shepherd Elementary is a uniform school. The uniform consists of a white top and navy blue bottoms. All students are expected to adhere to the uniform policy.
Spirit Day
Every Friday is Spirit Day! Everyone is encouraged to show their Mustang Pride by wearing the school colors, gold and green along with any other Shepherd apparel.
Construction at Shepherd
Click
here to review a letter from the DC Department of General Services about ongoing construction and school modernization at Shepherd.
