JAY NEWS

Welcome back everyone! We hope your school year is off to a great start!

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As the new superintendent, I’m excited to share that the start of this school year has been both productive and inspiring. Our students and staff have embraced the new academic year with great enthusiasm, and we’re already seeing positive progress across our schools. I look forward to continuing to work together as we build on this momentum and make this year a success for everyone.

We have implemented a new program across the district called Capturing Kids Hearts. Shepherd Public Schools has embraced this new program. Through experiential training, expert coaching, a character-based curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.

Please take a look at our Capturing Kids Heart Family Newsletter below.

Carrie Gauthier, Superintendent

She graduated from Chippewa Hills High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Central Michigan University. She is pursuing an alternative certification through Teachers of Tomorrow, allowing her to fulfill a passion for helping students overcome both academic and personal challenges. As a first-generation college student, she takes pride in navigating the path to teaching with minimal guidance, all while learning to advocate for herself. Friends often describe her as creative, outspoken, and a lifelong learner. Two years ago, she taught herself to crochet when her sister announced her pregnancy, so she could create handmade gifts for her nephew. Spring has always been her favorite season because she loves nature, dislikes winter, and has fond memories of playing spring soccer. If she could take a person to lunch it would be Abraham Lincoln; she developed a deep interest in U.S. history and the presidency as a child, which fostered a lifelong admiration for him.

She grew up in Farwell, MI, attending Farwell Area Schools before going on to Central Michigan University. One of her favorite aspects of teaching is making meaningful connections with her students while helping them prepare for life beyond high school. She takes great pride in the life she has created for herself, cherishing the close relationships she has with family and friends who support her through every stage of life. Her friends describe her as loyal, compassionate, dependable, and a go-getter. While she doesn’t think she has any hidden talents, she loves spending time outdoors, enjoying activities like camping and fishing. Spring is her favorite season, as it marks the end of winter and brings excitement for the summer ahead. If given the chance, she would love to take her Grandma Grace out to lunch. Her grandmother passed away during her student teaching and wasn’t able to see the adult she has become, making the thought of reconnecting with her especially meaningful.

She graduated from Grayling High School and went on to attend Central Michigan University. She teaches with the purpose of making a positive difference in her students' lives—whether academically, socially, emotionally, or in any other way she can provide support. She takes pride in seeking knowledge to raise her children to be wise, kind, and confidently humble in everything they do, always encouraging them to learn from their mistakes. Her friends and family describe her as both kind and assertive. In her free time, she enjoys baking, creating beautiful salads, and staying active through running, gym workouts, and biking. While she loves summer, she finds joy in every season. If she could go to lunch and spend time with them, it would be her father, Ray Richie.

She grew up in Midland and attended Bullock Creek High School. Afterward, she went to Saginaw Valley State University. She takes pride in making a positive impact on the lives of others and is proud to be a teacher. Quiet by nature, one of her hobbies includes knitting. Fall is her favorite season because she loves the colors it brings. If given the chance, she would take her grandma out to lunch. Her grandma had a difficult life but always seemed to have room to care about others.

She graduated from Beal City High School and is currently taking courses through Schoolcraft College to complete her certificate, driven by her passion for making a difference in children's lives. A proud mother of four daughters, she finds joy in spending time with them and embraces every moment. In her free time, she enjoys running and reading romance novels, finding fun in both activities. When it comes to seasons, she loves them all, but summer holds a special place for her because she enjoys being in the water, and winter captivates her as she loves watching the snowfall. Her grandmother Shirley, who was like a second mother to her, holds a special place in her heart. She fondly remembers how Shirley could always make her laugh, no matter the mood, and if she could take anyone out to lunch, it would be her grandmother. She deeply misses their daily conversations and the joy they shared together.

This year's theme for Homecoming is Biomes. The Seniors have the Rainforest and the color black. Juniors have Marine and white. Sophomores Desert and light pink. While Freshman are Tundra and light blue.

E-Engage: Meet and Greet

Greetings BlueJay Families,

We’ve had a rocking start here at Shepherd Middle School! This Jay News serves to introduce you to a framework we're modeling for all of our students—the EXCEL model—through our major initiative, Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH).

X-plore: Discover needs and interests

We hope you and your students have also had a smooth start to the school year. Should you have any feedback or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office. We’re here to help!

C-Communication: We care and make our message relevant

Our first month at Shepherd Middle has been full of exciting developments aimed at creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. With Capturing Kids' Hearts, we’re fostering a positive, purpose-driven atmosphere in every classroom.

One of the standout initiatives has been the creation of Classroom Social Contracts. These contracts guide how students and staff treat one another, setting expectations and fostering accountability, much like a classroom "Constitution." This collaborative effort has already built a respectful, connected community.

In addition to the social contracts, students are learning to navigate new systems like Smart Pass—a digital hall pass increasing accountability for time spent outside the classroom. Sixth graders are settling into their routines, while eighth graders are stepping up as leaders, helping shape the school culture.

We have several events on the horizon:

• Picture Day: September 30th

• Orange Shirt Day: October 1st, honoring the experiences of Indigenous peoples in residential school

• Homecoming Week: October 7–11, filled with fun and school spirit for everyone!

E-Empower: My teaching becomes their doing
We encourage you to talk to your children about Capturing Kids' Hearts. Here are some conversation starters:

• What are some “Good Things” from your day?

• What is your Social Contract?

• Which word on your Social Contracts do you find most challenging, and why?

L-Launch: Meaningful ending and sending
As we wrap up this edition of Jay News, we’re excited to share student and staff interviews, answering the question, “How has the beginning of your school year been?”

• Tucker Berry 6th: I like that we switch our classes and our teachers. We have more freedom. We don’t have to stay in a line. We can talk when we walk. I like that our teachers talk about good things.
• Jacob Friest 6th: I like that MS that we have alot more room. It’s bigger. The day goes by faster. All the teachers here are really nice! I like that we get to talk about what makes us happy. I got to share about my trumpet this morning. The teachers are always kind. They explain things so we can understand. Mr. Baker, he gives you gum sometimes. Mr. Smith has booket.
• Amelia Neff 7th (New Student): I like that the kids are really nice. The school isn’t as big. The teachers are nice and helpful. Good things, gives us a minute to hear. Normally everyone has something good to say. I like this school alot.
• Hunter Arnold 7th: Start of the year has been pretty good. The teachers are helpful and nice. It’s cool that teachers are fist bumping. We get to share what we did yesterday with everybody. Fist bumping and good things are new since last year.
• Maya Wright 8th: I think the timeout thing is working. I like that we can do Semper Fit. I feel like people are following the whole social contract thing. It’s fun to hear about what other people are doing when we do good things.
• Mr. Joe (Paraprofessional): Been a pretty good start. The beginning of the year is always new to everyone. We are getting into our groove. I feel like the 8th graders have matured over the summer.
• Mr. Nestle (Science Teacher): We have done a great job of building community and building relationships with kids. It is a focus of our school and it has made a considerable difference in the atmosphere in the hallways and in the classrooms.
• Mrs. White (Paraprofessional): The atmosphere is different this year. Part of it is because of the training we got before the year. The teachers are creating a different mindset and you can feel it in the hallways. It is very positive.
• Mrs. Courtright (Math Teacher): What I love about teaching 6th grade is that it is a fresh start for all students.
• Mr. Smith (Social Studies Teacher): It’s been really good. The kids, the 6th grade class have been fun to work with. They have put a ton of effort into their world maps that are up. Every hour has put in alot of effort.
• Mrs. Goodspeed (ELA Teacher): I am enjoying getting to know the kids. I appreciate their willingness to share in Good Things.

Mrs. Sanchez is excited to launch a new run club at Shepherd Elementary, where she hopes to share her passion for running with students. Through fun and engaging activities, Mrs. Sanchez aims to inspire kids to embrace an active lifestyle, build friendships, and develop their running skills. Whether they’re seasoned runners or just starting out, everyone in 4th and 5th is welcome to join the adventure and discover the joy of movement together!

As a building, we have committed to a nightly reading requirement each night for all kids K-5th. It seems like a little thing but it means a whole lot to your child. Take a minute to read the info graphic below. If you and your family commits to this every night, the educational benefits are staggering! Read the info graphic below for an easy way to connect why we are helping our kids!

Students who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop chronic illness, poor mental health, and/or problems with attention and behavior. Getting enough sleep at night can help students to be less stressed, improve their mood, and support their overall health.

The CDC recommends that students get between 8-12 hours of sleep in a night depending on their age. Here’s some tips for setting a consistent sleep schedule for your child:

1. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.

2. Set a technology curfew at least 30 minutes before bed (all electronics off and avoiding bright light).

3. Avoid large meals or snacks right before bed.

4. Set a bedtime and keep it each night.

5. Save the bed for sleep only - this helps your child associate their bed as the sleep space, which helps them to fall asleep more easily.

Follow this link to help determine a good bedtime for your child: https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/bedtime-calculator/

Read more about sleep hygiene tips here: https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/

Or here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/engaging/202003/how-use-your-bed

Or here: https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/how-to-create-a-sleep-friendly-bedroom/