Shepherd's IB Monthly

Here is our programme of inquiry that includes all of the units throughout the year!

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

Our school-wide IB community action project is connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development goal No Poverty. 5th Grade is spearheading a school-wide coat drive for those in need of a winter coat this season until November 26. Coats can be dropped off in the atrium!

As a school community, we will be reading Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña . Last Stop on Market Street is a beautifully illustrated book that looks at material poverty through the eyes of a young boy who rides on a bus with his grandmother across town. You can find this book on Youtube, at your local library, or maybe even in our school library. Our community action project is our annual coat drive! 5th grade will be leading us in this effort!

This month, Shepherd Mustangs Celebrate:

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

• International Day on Thursday, December 19
• IB Parent Academy during PTO Meeting in December
• IB Evaluation Parent Survey from December 2- December 13 (a survey link will be provided through the PTO)
• December: Holidays Around the World Month

Shepherd ES has a new matrix called "RIDE" that also connects to the learner profile attributes!

R- Respect: Caring, Open-Minded, Communicator

I- Integrity: Principled, Thinker

D- Discipline: Balanced, Reflective

E- Effort: Knowledgeable, Inquirer, Risk-Taker

Each month at Shepherd, we focus on a different learner profile attribute! Here are some ways to support developing the learner profile in your student at home!

November: Knowledgeable

• Encourage your child to read books that correspond to the topics covered in school
• Ask your child what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about it: 1. Why do you think that is an important thing to know about? 2. Can you think of anything happening in the world that might be similar to that aspect of history?
• Encourage your child to become familiar with current events and to read the newspaper and watch the news, when appropriate.

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 programme

Phase of the IB Evaluation

• Phase 1: Documentation
• Phase 2: Self-Study
• Phase 3: IB Visit in February

Your Role

• Fill out the IB parent survey released in December
• Participate in a focus group session as requested
• Provide evidence as requested
• PTO and Shepherd staff will partner to create a warm welcome for our evaluators

Congratulations again to our IB Ambassadors! They have been doing an amazing job serving as student leaders! Our IB Ambassadors help lead the following:

• School Visits and Tours
• Strong Start Assemblies
• School Announcements
• Action Projects
• School-Wide Events such as the Art Show!