Monday:

• There was a meeting with the 4th grade boys. In this meeting we discussed behavioral expectations, how they are feeling about school, and why we are seeing some of the behaviors we are seeing. The boys were reflective and shared some strategies they knew of to avoid these issues. At the end of the meeting the boys made a commitment to a pledge (see at the bottom of this section). The pledge was sent home to be discussed with families, signed by student and family and to return to school.
• We met with members of the community to discuss the development of the Matrix. We had an increase in the parents that joined the conversation. We discussed the meaning of the Matrix and the understanding of R.I.D.E.

Tuesday:

• We had our Whole School Strong Start meeting. There we also met our Principals for the day (Jack and Caroline Archer). Our cheerleaders led us in a new school wide cheer and our IB Ambassadors had the opportunity to host portions of the meeting.
• The Principals for the day had an awesome time. They had the opportunity to make the announcements at strong start, Help with lunch and recess duty, complete some instructional walkthroughs and sit in on a fundraising meeting. They provided their feedback to teachers and give some student friendly suggestions in the meetings. During the day they also were able to have some treats.

This week we:

• Extended the offer to a 1st grade teacher.
• Our 4th grade candidate continues to work through the process.

Remaining Vacancies

• 1 special education aides
• Kindergarten Aide

Interview Updates

• None schedule.

As we continue to work on creating our Mustang Playbook we have set our focus on the Mustang Matrix. The matrix includes the values Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Effort (R.I.D.E.). Using these values we will determine expectations throughout the school. We will set procedures on how to R.I.D.E. around common places while in school (hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, classrooms etc..)

We are looking for 3-4 Parents to work with admin and a group of teachers to draft our school matrix. This group will meet on Mondays 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 from 3:35-4:30 in person. If you would like to support with this work, please reach out to admin.

We recommend students refrain from bringing cell phones or other electronics (tablets, gaming devices) to school. However, we realize there may be instances in which a student need to have their cell phone before or after school (for communicating with family, etc.). We have created a fair cell phone policy and ask families to respect and reinforce it at home.

The usage of cellphones and/or smart watches are strictly prohibited during school hours in all grades. Students may use their cell phones before entering the school building and after leaving the school building. All students must power off their devices and place them in the book bag/locker upon arrival. Devices should not be on the students' person throughout the day. Students who violate this policy will have their phones/watches taken and a parent will be called. An administrator will return the phone at the end of the school day. Multiple (3 or more) violations of this policy will require a parent or guardian to pick up the cell phone/smartwatch from the Main Office.

Please contact our main office at 202-576-6140 if you need to reach your student or in the event of an emergency.

This year Shepherd welcomes the partnership with Paving the Way. Through the department of behavioral health, we have been allotted one clinician. Ms. Caldwell has begun her work here in August. Attached below, please find a letter describing her services. Please feel free to reach out to Shepherd's Administration or to Ms. Caldwell at Dcaldwell@pavingthewaymsi.org.

IB Learner Profile Attribute of the Month:

Knowledgeable

We develop and use our understandings by exploring a variety of subjects. We explore local and global issues and ideas.

IB Approach to Learning Skill of the Month:

Thinking Skills: This includes critical-thinking, creative-thinking, transfer skills, reflection/metacognitive skills

This month, Shepherd Mustangs Celebrate:

• American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month
• International Education Week

What is the IB Evaluation?

• It is a reflective process that involves the entire school community
• Assesses whether a school continues to meet the requirements of the IB
• Supports school’s efforts in continuing the delivery of the program
• Results in next steps for future plans and actions

IB Evaluation Date

• IB Visit from February 26th - 27th

Early pick-up for students end at 2:45 PM. After that time, students will not be release until 3:15 PM, as teachers and students are transitioning and wrapping up for the day.

Please do not pack or send any products containing nuts (peanuts or tree nuts) to school.

Thank You for helping to keep our students safe.

Dec. 10: Make-Up Picture Day

Dec. 11: Donuts with grownups

Dec. 11: PreK Holiday Concert (@ Shepherd - During school hours)

Dec. 12: K-5 Holiday Concert (@ UDC - Evening)

Dec. 14: Edfest

Dec. 19: International Day

Dec. 23 - Jan. 1: Winter Break

Jan. 2: Students & Teachers return to school

Jan. 14: Staff Meeting

Jan. 15: Donuts with Grownups

Jan. 15: PTO Meeting

Jan. 15: LSAT Meeting

Jan. 17: No School (PD Day for Staff & Teachers @ Shepherd)

Jan. 20: No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Jan. 27: No School (Records Day: Term 2 Ends)

Jan. 31: IB Showcase

https://dcps.dc.gov/page/volunteer-our-schools

https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?identifier=UH9WGK

https://dcps.dc.gov/page/school-health-requirements

Important notice regarding elementary school attendance.

Please use this link to assist with submitting excuse notes for student absences.

https://forms.office.com/r/8b62tRAU6m

Main Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Principal Russell: tyra.russell@k12.dc.gov

AP Coles: shamayne.coles@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Wilson, Main Office: Brenda.wilson@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Offor, MSL: Uchenna.offor@k12.dc.gov

School Phone: (202) 576-6140