Spartan Weekly
Shepard Middle School, February 23, 2024
Weekly School Update
Dear Middle School Families,
We're excited to announce that parent-teacher conferences went "live" this morning! If you would like information on how to register, please CLICK HERE. You can also access the sign-up website by CLICKING HERE. Conference sign-ups will be available until Friday, March 8th at 3:00 pm.
In addition, we kindly request your participation in the 5Essentials survey. This survey provides valuable insight that allows us to improve non-academic indicators such as attendance and indicators related to higher growth for all students. To take the Parent Survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. Rest assured that your identity and responses will remain completely confidential and will not be linked to you or your child. Completing the survey should take no more than 5 minutes of your time.
Now, we're thrilled to share some exciting updates from our seventh and eighth-grade classrooms!
In seventh-grade math, our students have been delving into the world of geometry with creativity and enthusiasm. They recently embarked on a unique exploration using spaghetti to uncover the Triangle Inequality Theorem, demonstrating their ingenuity in applying mathematical principles to real-world scenarios. Additionally, they've been hands-on in their learning journey, constructing three-dimensional shapes from two-dimensional nets to develop formulas for surface areas—a testament to their dedication and problem-solving skills.
Over in ELA, our students are fully immersed in literary exploration. Currently, they're putting the finishing touches on their verse novels and engaging in lively Literature Circles discussions, fostering a love for reading and critical thinking skills in equal measure.
In the realm of science, our students are diving into the fascinating world of waves. They're mastering the art of drawing and measuring transverse waves, honing their observational skills and scientific understanding with each lesson.
Meanwhile, our eighth-grade Social Studies class recently embarked on a captivating journey into the past with a simulated Spy Activity. Through this engaging exercise, students gained insight into the complexities of McCarthyism and the Red Scare during the Cold War era. By deciphering clues and unraveling mysteries, they explored the themes of information, misinformation, and the rights and duties of U.S. citizens—an enriching lesson on a significant chapter in history. Then in 8th grade science this week students started exploring chemical reactions and identifying the indicators that tell us a chemical reaction is occurring. After getting certified to use the Bunsen Burners, students conducted flame tests where the students observed the flames turning different colors due to the metal cations dissolved in the solution. It's been an eventful week exploring chemical change.
As always, we're incredibly proud of our students' dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to cultivate a vibrant and enriching educational experience for every student.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Theresa Dunkin, Principal
Mrs. Marie Zlotnikov, Associate Principal
Mrs. Ginger Logemann, District Coordinator of Student Services
7th Grade ELA Literature Circles
Student are working hard on reading and analyzing their books.
Bookmark Design Contest Winner, Vicky Kotev!
This year we had more entries for the annual LC bookmark contest than ever before--16! The winning bookmark is being professionally printed so we can circulate it in the library. Students can start to pick up our custom-designed bookmark starting later next week.
7th Grade CPR Training in Health Class
Students had the opportunity to get CPR certified during Health Class with Firefighter Vaccarello from the Deerfield Fire Department.
Food Delivery Security Concerns
We kindly remind you that ordering food delivery for students during school hours poses significant safety concerns. While we understand the convenience it may provide, allowing external deliveries jeopardizes our school's security protocols. We appreciate your understanding and support in prioritizing the safety and well-being of our school community. Thank you for your cooperation.
School Information
Student Council (StuCo) Announces....
As we strive to keep you informed about important events and updates at Shepard Middle School, we are excited to introduce the Remind app as a valuable tool to strengthen our school-family partnership. Through this app, you will receive announcements from our Student Council (also known as StuCo), led by our very own Mrs. Greenberg.These announcements will not only keep you informed about spirit days, fundraisers, and other important events throughout the school year but will also actively involve your child in the exciting activities shaping our school community.
To sign up, please follow the directions below.
STEP 1: Text 81010 with the class code: @smsstuco24
STEP 2: Follow the prompts on your screen:
- Enter. your full name
- Type P for parent
STEP 3: Wait for the confirmation text in a separate thread. You can save that phone number for our Shepard StuCo group.
Track and Field Tuesday, Feb 29th Meeting
Reminders
SHEPARD EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS/ACTIVITIES LIST
Shepard Athletics and Extracurricular Calendar 2023 - 2024
Important Safety Update (Reminder)
Drop Off Procedures
The Deerfield Police have also asked that we remind parents not to cut through the parking lot during morning drop off. The inside lane (though it can be long and cumbersome) is for student drop off. The outside lane is reserved for our buses and staff.
Order a Yearbook Today!
If you haven't had a chance to order a 2023-2024 Yearbook, get your order in before the price rises. The Yearbook Club is hard at work designing the layout, gathering content and organizing amazing photos for a wonderful keepsake of the school year.
Cost: $30
*Price rises to $35 after January 12*
Important Dates
- March 6th - Police/Fire Student Basketball Game in the Evening
- March 12th - 8th grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment
- March 18th - March 22nd - Book Fair in the LC
- March 20th - 8th grade students will take the Illinois Youth Survey
- March 21st - Half day of school due to parent teacher conferences
- March 22nd - No school due to parent teacher conferences