Monday

• We hosted our monthly fire drill.

Tuesday

• We hosted our monthly staff meeting.
• We completed out severe weather drill as well

Wednesday

• We hosted our monthly Donuts with Grownups events. Families were able to attend strong start sessions with the students classroom teachers. Although the attendance was less than prior months, families were excited for the opportunity.
• Principal Russell attended leadership academy.
• We hosted our LSAT and PTO meetings with the community. in LSAT we discussed the results from the insight survey. We also explored opportunities and ways to promote teacher retention.

Thursday

• We hosted our monthly Open House. This month we had over 40 families. Families were mostly interested in learning about our IB program and the districts lottery system. There were questions around daily instructional practices and Social Emotional learning. They enjoyed their tour of the building and look forward to their lottery placements.

Friday

• Teachers and staff participated in a successful PD day. Thank You to the PTO for providing a wonderful lunch. It was greatly appreciated!

This weekend, our cheer team participated in their first competition of the year at Ballou High School. The Lady Mustangs represented themselves and the community by displaying their talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship as they won FIRST PLACE in their division 🏆🏆🏆

Congratulations to our Cheer Coaches for your hard work and dedication!!!

Special Shoutout to our Mustang Staff and Parents for your support to the program!!!

GO MUSTANGS!!! We Are Very Proud of You!!!

As the weather continues to get colder, we want to remind you to ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. Please make sure that your child wears warm clothing, including a jacket/coat, socks, hat, gloves, and scarf, as they will be outside during recess unless the temperature or conditions make it unsafe.

Students without proper attire will not be permitted to play outside.

This week we:

• We offered a position to a new SPED teacher. The position was accepted and the candidate is working through the onboarding process.
• We have a strong candidate for the 1st grade position. We will offer the position to the candidate.
• We have 2 candidates interested in the SPED Educational Aide position.

Remaining Vacancies

• 1st Grade teacher
• Special Education Inclusion teacher
• 1 Special Education Aide
• Kindergarten Aide

Interview Updates

• SPED Aide interviews scheduled.

The spring musical cast fundraiser has begun. Joe Corbi’s is partnering with Ms. Pereira and the musical cast to sell delicious pizza kits and cookies. This is a great opportunity to support the musical and the cast to continue to build the program here at Shepherd.

Look out for more details.

Late Arrival

Students are considered late after 8:50 AM. At that time, Parents/Students must enter through the Main Entrance and sign the late book, at the security desk, before the student proceeds to class.

Early Dismissal

Early dismissal is when a student is picked up by a parent/guardian prior to 2:45 PM. Please remember to also notify Mrs. Wilson, in the Main Office, if you are picking up your student early so that we can ensure they are ready and properly documented prior to your arrival.

After 2:45 PM, students will only be dismissed following normal dismissal procedures at 3:15 PM.

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:

Balanced

We strive to develop healthy minds and bodies. We understand the importance of our relationships with other people and the world.

IB Approach to Learning Skill of the Month:

Self-Management

This includes organization skills and states of mind.

This month, Shepherd Mustangs Celebrate:

• Africa
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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.

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

Jan. 24: Winter Ball (dance)

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

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