This week, we continued our work with the becoming team and preparation for the Shepherd way. Our focus this week has been on aligning our protocols and procedures in common spaces. We have begun our work on the R.I.D.E. (Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Effort) which will be our new Shepherd matrix. The matrix will address expected behavior in spaces such as cafeteria, hallway, recess, assemblies, arrival and dismissal. It will address the roles of the teachers, students and community members (when applicable).
On Thursday, we also hosted our first Parent Teacher conferences for the year. The conferences were from 12:00-7:00. Conferences were well attended and provided families with an update on student progress this far.
On Friday, we also hosted our townhall meeting with 4th grade. In this meeting we reviewed that we are still looking to fill the position of the math long term sub. At this time we do not have anyone to take on that role. The math class continues to be support by Ms. Romero through planning and providing resources. We also introduced a change in the math schedule. This math schedule provides additional opportunities for small group and additional fluency practice.
This week we:
- Offered a position for the ECE Pre-K 3 Aide. That position was accepted and the candidate has started the process.
Remaining Vacancies
- 1st grade teacher
- 4th grade teacher
- 2 special education aides
- Kindergarten Aide
- Special education temporary teachers.
Interview Updates
- 1 scheduled interview for the Special education temp. teacher
- 1 schedule interview for the 4th grade math long term sub
Coffee and Conversations
This year we will continue our coffee and conversation series. Instead of a grade level session each session will be open to all families. This event is hosted by Shepherd Admin and will take place monthly in the MPR. Our first session will be held on November 7th.
Doughnuts with Grownups
This year we will implement a donuts with grown-ups program. Once a month 5 or less families ,per homeroom, will be invited to join scholars for breakfast and the strong start meeting. Grown-ups and special guest will be asked to RSVP. The event will go from 8:30-9:10. Guests will be asked to RSVP prior to the event. The room parents will monitor RSVPs as well as providing donuts. Our first event is scheduled for Tuesday 11/12.
Dogs on and around Campus
Please be mindful when bringing dogs on campus. We have had several reports of students and staff stepping in dog waste left in the courtyard and steps . Be sure to pick-up and properly dispose dog waste.
Embassy Adoption
Shepherd ES Mustangs will continue to participate in the Embassy Adoption Program.
This year, our host countries include:
Haiti
Paraguay
October
IB Learner Profile Attribute of the Month:
OPEN-MINDED
We appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We have tolerance. We consider other points of view and are willing to grow from the experience.
IB Approach to Learning Skill of the Month:
Social Skills
This month, Shepherd Mustangs Celebrate:
- Family History Month
- Indigenous People's Day
- Diwali
IB Evaluation
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
Strong Start Morning Meeting
Strong Start is a set of rituals and routines that get students ready to learn by fostering a sense of safety, belonging, community, and self-efficacy. The routines begin as students enter the classroom and continue through morning meeting. Students must be taught the routines at the start of the school year and provided with extensive practice opportunities for Strong Start to run smoothly. When running smoothly, the group portion should not be longer than 15 minutes. The Strong Start morning routine includes the following components, seen in this overview video.
Stay Connected!
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