M u s t a n g  N e w s l e t t e r

    
In This Issue
Dates to Remember
Monday, 9/7:
Labor Day - No School

Wednesday, 9/16:
Back-to-School Night
6:00 - 8:00

Wednesday, 10/7:
Walk to School Day

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!


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IB Learner Profile

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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.

Star Achievers
All tuition for Aug/Sept must be paid by 5pm Tuesday Sept 8.  Late fees will be charged for all overdue tuition.

Before Care 
Students may enter between 7:30am and 8:20am each morning through the single auditorium door (the single door facing 14th
St.)  This is the entrance for before care only. 
After 8:20 all auditorium doors are open.  If students are signed up for before care and arrive after 8:20am, they can go straight to the cafeteria.
 
Aftercare 
We are currently organizing the "specials" classes for this year, according to various schedules and room availability.  In the past we have had French and Spanish, Art, Martial Arts, PE, Imagination Stage, Chess and Dance.  Some of these activities will return this year - stay tuned and check out the website sesstarachievers.com

Star Achievers has a new website.
PLEASE visit our new virtual space at sesstarachievers.com and learn about our violin offerings.





Construction and Modernization

2015/2016 Shepherd Parent Handbooks

The 2015/2016 Shepherd Parent Handbook and the Shepherd Handbook on Food Allergies are now available on the Shepherd Elementary School website.

Click  here to review the Parent Handbook.

Click  here to review the Handbook on Food Allergies.

September 7, 2015 


A Message from Principal Brawley
Dear Shepherd Families and Friends,

As we bid summer farewell, I hope everyone was able to spend this Labor Day weekend relaxing with family and friends.

Best,
Ms. Brawley




Newsletters
Each month, teachers will be sending home a monthly newsletter with important information, including the content standards and skills that will be taught as well as ways that parents can support their child(ren) at home. Please check your child's book bag this week. 

New Morning Arrival Pilot 
Morning arrival continues to run smoothly.

Look for a survey at the end of September to share your thoughts. 

Entering The Building
Students who are not in Before Care are admitted into the building at 8:20, which is also the time that breakfast begins.

Grade Level Entrance
Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 Pre-Kindergarten Wing
Kindergarten thru Grade 3 Auditorium
Grade 4 and Grade 5 Main Entrance


100% Perfect Attendance

Mrs. Gibbs' Pre-Kindergarten class had perfect attendance on their first full day of school.
Way to start the year! 

Visiting Classrooms
Parents are encouraged to contact your child's teacher in order to arrange a classroom visit. In addition, all visitors must sign in at the front desk and with Mrs. Brooks.
 
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).
Outdoor Recess
We will continue to play soccer during outdoor recess.
Thank you for keeping those footballs at home for now.


The International Baccalaureate PYP at Shepherd
This month's learner Profile is  Caring.   
Here are some books that you may read with your child/children throughout this month.
  • Love you forever by Robert Munsch (ages 4 -8)
  • Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox (ages 5-8yrs)
  • Thank You Mr. Falker by Paricia Polacco (ages 7-11)

  • Koala Lou by Mem Fox (ages 5-8yrs)
  • The Color of Home by Mary Hoffman
  • Oma's Quilt by Paulette Bourgeois (ages 5-8yrs)
  • The Polar Bear's Gift by Jean Bushey (ages 7-10yrs)
  • A Circle of Friends by Giora Carmi (ages 7-9yrs)
  • Mrs Katz and Tusb by Patricia Polacco (ages 7-10yrs)
 
Please continue to talk with your child/children about our IB Attitude: Confidence.  Encourage them to do things on their own. They may write, talk or show actions that reflect confidence. Have a Super week!
 


A Message from the PTA
Room Parents Needed!

As you think about how you can contribute to the Shepherd community, please consider volunteering as a room parent.  

The primary responsibilities of the room parent are to:
  • Help facilitate communication between the classroom teacher and the parents.  
  • Coordinate the classroom Fall Fest activity (or identify another classroom parent to coordinate).
  •  Work with the classroom teacher to plan the class's contribution to the Spring Gala silent auction.  These are some of our biggest money makers!
  • Help the classroom teacher identify classroom volunteers when needed.
You do not necessarily need to be available during the school day to be a room parent. 

To date, we only have room parents for the following classrooms:
  • Ms. Hill-Dyal - Gwen Washington
  • Mr. Howard - Kurshanna Johnson
  • Ms. Whren - Gwen Washington
Please email Anne McLeer ([email protected]) to volunteer!

PTA Board Vacancy - Election at October PTA Meeting

The position of PTA First Vice President is vacant following the resignation of Acqunetta Anderson.  We will hold an election to fill the position at the October PTA Meeting on Wednesday, October 21st.

The PTA Board has appointed a nominating committee to facilitate the nomination and election process.  

To nominate yourself or someone else, please contact Leonie Stephenson at [email protected].  Before nominating someone else, please discuss with them and confirm their interest!  Nominations must be received by Wednesday October 7th @ 11:59 PM to be included.  Please send the following:  candidate name, email address, telephone number, and brief candidate statement. 

To run for the vacant office AND to vote in the election, you must be a member in good standing with the PTA at least 14 days prior to the election.  This includes payment of the annual PTA dues of $20. 

Please click here to pay your PTA dues by Wednesday October 7th so you can participate in the election as a candidate or voter!

Also - a big thank you to the families who have contributed to the 180 Fund!  Your contributions directly benefit our students and their teachers.  Please also pay your family's PTA dues to be considered a PTA member in good standing.
Shepherd Elementary | (202) 576-6140 | [email protected] 
  http://www.shepherd-elementary.org/
7800 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20012