Monday:
- We were able to meet our new Ops manager from Central Office.
Tuesday:
- We attended our preconstruction meeting for the playground. The construction team laid out the plan and the expectations.
- We also had our bi-weekly ALT (Academic Leadership Team) meeting. In this meeting the ALT was updated on phase 2 of the IB Evaluation preparation process.
Wednesday:
- We hosted our annual picture day. Students dressed to impress as they took their school pictures. These pictures will be used to create our SY 24-25 yearbook. Make-up day is on December 10th.
- Construction on the playground has begun.
- The Design Team met with the Transcend coach to prepare for the Language of Safety training on Monday.
Thursday:
- The Shepherd Family held its annual Book-O-Ween costume parade. Students participated on the field and showed off their best costumes.
Friday:
- We were able to complete two interviews. Our reprogramming approval is pending.
This week we:
- Conducted an interviews for the 4th grade ELA position as well as the 1st grade position. While the 4th grade candidate was hopeful, we will continue to search for the 1st grade position.
Remaining Vacancies
- 1st grade teacher
- 4th grade teacher
- 2 special education aides
- Kindergarten Aide
- Special education temporary teachers.
Interview Updates
- We have an additional 1st grade teacher interview on Monday
We recommend students refrain from bringing cell phones or other electronics (tablets, gaming devices) to school. However, we realize there may be instances in which a student need to have their cell phone before or after school (for communicating with family, etc.). We have created a fair cell phone policy and ask families to respect and reinforce it at home.
The usage of cellphones and/or smart watches are strictly prohibited during school hours in all grades. Students may use their cell phones before entering the school building and after leaving the school building. All students must power off their devices and place them in the book bag/locker upon arrival. Devices should not be on the students' person throughout the day. Students who violate this policy will have their phones/watches taken and a parent will be called. An administrator will return the phone at the end of the school day. Multiple (3 or more) violations of this policy will require a parent or guardian to pick up the cell phone/smartwatch from the Main Office.
Please contact our main office at 202-576-6140 if you need to reach your student or in the event of an emergency.
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
Tuesday, November 26th
Friday, December 20th
Thursday, January 30th
Wednesday, February 19th
Monday, March 10th
Thursday, April 10th
Friday, May 30th
Monday, June 2nd
As we continue to work on creating our Mustang Playbook we have set our focus on the Mustang Matrix. The matrix includes the values Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Effort (R.I.D.E.). Using these values we will determine expectations throughout the school. We will set procedures on how to R.I.D.E. around common places while in school (hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, classrooms etc..)
We are looking for 3-4 Parents to work with admin and a group of teachers to draft our school matrix. This group will meet on Mondays 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 from 3:35-4:30 in person. If you would like to support with this work, please reach out to admin.
Coffee and Conversations
This year we will continue our coffee and conversation series. Instead of a grade level session each session will be open to all families. This event is hosted by Shepherd Admin and will take place monthly in the MPR. Our first session will be held on November 7th.
Doughnuts with Grownups
This year we will implement a donuts with grown-ups program. Once a month 5 or less families ,per homeroom, will be invited to join scholars for breakfast and the strong start meeting. Grown-ups and special guest will be asked to RSVP. The event will go from 8:30-9:10. Guests will be asked to RSVP prior to the event. The room parents will monitor RSVPs as well as providing donuts. Our first event is scheduled for Tuesday 11/12.
October
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
This month, Shepherd Mustangs Celebrate:
- American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month
- International Education Week
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
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.
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