The Patriot Post

Dear Shepard Families,

We’ve had another fantastic week here at Shepard! I have enjoyed my classroom visits this week where I am seeing so many best practices in action and students fully engaged in their learning. Even during this festive time of year, our teachers and students are doing an amazing job staying focused and motivated.

Next week, we’ll shift our focus to middle-of-the-year MAP testing. This is such an important opportunity to measure growth, and it provides teachers with invaluable data to help them make instructional decisions for their students. To help students achieve their most accurate scores, we encourage them to come to school well-rested and ready to give their best effort. If you feel like it is appropriate for your child, reminding them to take their time and carefully read each question and answer choice can make a big difference—especially for those "quick clickers" using the mouse! We're looking forward to celebrating their progress.

We’re also excited about our Storybook Night coming up next Thursday evening! Students can enjoy listening to stories in their grade levels, then head to the cafeteria for a cookie and a fun skit performed by staff to top off the evening. This year, we’re adding something new—a Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Students can drop off their stuffed animals in the library, where Ms. Diamond has planned some exciting activities for their furry friends overnight. The next morning, kids will get to hear all about their stuffies’ adventures! Be sure to look for the permission slip that came home with your child. Students are welcome to wear their PJs that evening—and yes, even to school that day! 😊

Thank you for all your continued support, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Christy James

December 10th- Reception for Ruth Parker, retiring crossing guard, in library 3-5

December 10th- PTA Taco Delight Spirit Night

December 12th- PTA Meeting (5:30) Storybook Night (6:00-7:00)

December 13th- Wilson band performs for students

December 16th- Parent Education Workshop coordinated by Ms. Byrd (see flyer)

December 18th- PATS Award Assemblies 8:00 (3-5) and 9:00 (K-2)

December 19th- Shepard Spirit Assembly

December 20th- Early Release Day, Class Winter Parties (RSVP at link in Flyer Below)

December 23-January 6th Student Winter Break

January 7th- Students Return

Plano ISD students may not receive lunch deliveries from Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc. ordered by their parents or by themselves. Deliveries such as these increase potential safety concerns. Any food delivered through a delivery service will have to be sent back or held in the front office until the end of the school day. Thank you for your understanding.

We are so grateful for the parents who have signed up to volunteer at our grade-level parties! If you’d like to help out, please reach out to your child's teacher to confirm whether volunteer spots are still available. Once confirmed, RSVP using the link above. Please remember that all volunteers must have a completed VOLY background check.

Parents who are not volunteering but would like to attend the class parties are welcome to do so by completing the RSVP at the link above and signing in at the front office on the morning of the party!

Click on the picture to print the December Wellness Challenge. Students who complete two challenges (10 total) they will get five Patriot Points. Students who complete all challenges, will receive ten Patriot Points. Please turn in calendars to Coach B. during PE to receive the reward.

This month, teachers are talking about how to cooperate to reach shared goals. Click on the picture for the family newsletter for ideas to support this at home.

Use the link if you would like to visit during your child's lunch time to eat with them in our "Patriot Patio" area. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CAFA628A1FDCF8-50923715-2024

Please click on the picture to submit a shout-out to one of our awesome Shepard staff members! Mrs. James will surprise the teachers with their special message at our next assembly!

Thank you for all of your efforts to make sure students are here and on time every day. We've got this!

Braum’s Book Buddy is a reading incentive program for children in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Each child can earn up to six Braum’s ice cream treats per school year just by reading, and it is free to participate in the program!

The program begins in October and lasts through the school year. Teachers distribute Braum’s Book Buddy booklets to their students and then monitor book reading by placing a Book Buddy sticker in the student’s booklet for each book read. When a student has read six books or 100 minutes a week, the teacher rewards the student with a coupon for a free treat from Braum’s!

Please remember to use the back drive for carpool drop off.

Bikes and scooters need to be walked to the bike rack to avoid collisions with student walkers. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on campus. Please use the crosswalks to cross the road, and do not let children pass in front of the back carpool line unattended in the mornings.

Shepard staff wears shirts with happy faces or positive messages to staff and students on Mondays. We love when our students join us by wearing any happy face shirt or a tshirt with a positive message.

Plano ISD’s volunteer management platform, VOLY, is open and ready for 2024-25! Every person who wishes to serve as a volunteer must complete/update a VOLY volunteer application and criminal history search each school year. For more information, please visit our district’s volunteer web page. Library volunteer sign up is at https://tinyurl.com/3ydprayd

• Please remember that students need sneakers on PE days.
• Please remember to avoid coming into the office to pick up students after 2:35 p.m. unless absolutely necessary.

Golden Chick has chosen to support our school by donating 50 cents from every Churros purchase to Shepard!

Our PTA has been so instrumental in creating this unique Shepard experience. By joining, you are not committing to volunteering (although we would love your help) but you are helping support their wonderful experience at Shepard. School spirit wear is purchased through the PTA website.

The PTA is selling grade-level shirts at a fantastic price! These shirts are perfect for students to wear during the Turkey Trot, Field Day, field trips, and more. Visit the PTA website to purchase one for your child, or grab one at the Turkey Trot Festival on November 8th. The colors will remain consistent over the years, making them great for passing down to siblings as they continue their journey at Shepard! The yellow bar below will take you to the link!