Mustang Express
Globally Engaged - Compassionate - Life Long Learners
This Week's Highlights
Volume 3 Issue 20 January 10, 2025
This week we enjoyed our snow days. DCPS was closed Monday 1/6 and Tuesday 1/7 due to blizzard like conditions.
Wednesday: Schools reopened. While conditions were still brutal, many were able to make it in with resources. We were able to accommodate those that had a delayed arrival and made adjustments for those with cumbersome schedules.
Thursday: We celebrated Mrs. Patel as we held her baby shower after school. Mrs. Patel was showered with gifts from the Shepherd family.
Friday: The week ended on a good note with positive vibes and indoor recesses. We thank everyone for their flexibility this week.
Outdoor Recess
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.
Staffing Updates
This week we:
- We interviewed a strong candidate for the 1st grade position. Decisions will be made on Monday.
Remaining Vacancies
- 1st Grade teacher
- Special Education Inclusion teacher
- 1 special education aides
- Kindergarten Aide
Interview Updates
- Special Education interviews schedule.
Musical Fundraiser
Starting next week, the spring musical cast will be holding a fundraiser until the end of January. 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 & Early Pick Up Reminders
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.
Shepherd's IB Monthly
DCPS Calendar Survey
Strong Start
Our strong start sessions will include all components of our daily strong start. Our strong start meetings will fall on a rolling schedule.
Dates
Thursday, January 30th
Wednesday, February 19th
Monday, March 10th
Thursday, April 10th
Friday, May 30th
Monday, June 2nd
A Message from the Mental Health Team
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.
International Baccalaureate Program
January
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
IB Evaluation
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.
Shepherd Mustangs are NUT-FREE
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.
Upcoming Dates 📆
Jan. 14: Staff Meeting
Jan. 15: Donuts with Grownups
Jan. 15: PTO Meeting
Jan. 15: LSAT Meeting
Jan. 16: Coffee and Conversation
Jan. 17: No School (PD Day for Staff & Teachers @ Shepherd)
Jan. 20: No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
Jan. 24: Winter Ball (dance) from grades Pre-K 3- 5th grade (More information coming)
Jan. 27: No School (Records Day: Term 2 Ends)
Resources
Volunteer Clearance Process
School Health Requirements
Strong Start Morning Meeting
Strong Start is a set of rituals and routines that get students ready to learn by fostering a sense of safety, belonging, community, and self-efficacy. The routines begin as students enter the classroom and continue through morning meeting. Students must be taught the routines at the start of the school year and provided with extensive practice opportunities for Strong Start to run smoothly. When running smoothly, the group portion should not be longer than 15 minutes. The Strong Start morning routine includes the following components, seen in this overview video.
Attendance Form Link
Please use this link to assist with submitting excuse notes for student absences.
Stay Connected!
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