Originally delivered on 12/18/2025 6:30 pm

SUBJECT: Shepherd PTO Newsletter - 12/18/25

Shepherd PTO Newsletter - December 18, 2025
Every contribution directly supports our Mustangs

Your donation helps bridge the gap in the DCPS budget by funding essential staff positions, classroom supplies and technology, and enriching programs like the arts and IB. Shepherd relies on our community to ensure our students have everything they need to thrive—academically, creatively, and emotionally.

Every dollar truly makes a difference, and monthly giving options are available for those who prefer a sustained impact. Donate here.

Calling All Gala Volunteers!

It’s never too early to get excited for Gala season! As Shepherd’s largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Gala brings our community together in a powerful way—and planning starts now.

Join us for the official Gala Kickoff on January 9, at 6:30 pm! We’re gathering a team of enthusiastic volunteers to help shape this year’s celebration. We’ll need help drafting communications, securing sponsorships, curating unforgettable silent-auction items and planning an enjoyable event for adults. Sign up today and help us bring the magic to life! Interested? Email info@shepherd-elementary.org.

Thank you to our 180 Donors!

Ajose Family

Alinsky Family

Archer Family

Arellano Family

Benedetti Family

Cannon Family

Batler-Landau Family

Bowie Family

Boyd Family

Boykin Family

Howard Family

Browder/Geer/Kotlarewsky Family

Jackson & Weaver Family

Cartmell-Mayorga Family

Castillo-Schreuder Family

Cendrine Robinson

Flack family

DeAngelo Family

Potvin Family

Gilberg/Prince Family

Gilbert Family

Godoy family

Godwin Family

Goodman Family

Guy Riddick

Han Family

Hauge Family

Henthorne-Zeigler Family

Hoehn Family

Jabaily Messing Family

Bull Family

Ju Family

Kane Family

Snyder Family

Papademetriou & Facini Family

Maser Family

Masters Family

Mbeleg-Takacs Family

McNeill Family

Mintz Family

Mintz Family

Raglani Family

Wenstrup Family

Nguyen/Stamper Family

Cooper Family

Nielsen Family

Orlins/Bianchi Family

Sheynberg Family

Rijmen Family

Riley-Keck Family

Rivers Family

Ahmed Family

Saha Family

Sarraf-Collier Family

Scott/Palmer Family

Kominakos Family

Krill Family

Hayes Family

Mainor-Etienne Family

Papademetriou & Facini Family

Marks-Fagen Family

Singh Family

Solomon Family

Maiers Family

Peeler Family

Thomas Family

Van Aelst Family

Toussaint Family

Varda-Glover Family

Walejko / Markham Family

Zettle Kreisberg Family

💛 Free Childcare for Families

From Discover Fun Camp

Dear Families,

Discover Fun Camp is here to help with free, safe, and engaging childcare on select days this season.

🗓 Relief Care Dates (Ages 3–13)

  • Dec 22–24 • 8 AM–5 PM

  • Dec 29–31 • 8 AM–5 PM

  • Jan 2 • 8 AM–5 PM

📍 Discover Fun Camp, 4606 16th St NW, Washington, DC
🧑‍🏫 1:10 ratio, CPR/First Aid certified staff
💰 Free for families affected by the shutdown
🕒 Offered in 2-hour blocks; registration required (first come, first served)

🎨 Kids’ Activities: arts & crafts, games, stories, snacks, and quiet time.
🥜 Nut-free space — all children must be toilet-trained and symptom-free.

🙏 Want to Help?
Support by donating snacks, supplies, or funds to expand care for more families.

👉 Register Now for Relief Care

Staying Connected

SES Family Portal

We have a new centralized website for our Shepherd Families. Check it out here.

Shepherd Elementary Groups.io

The Shepherd PTO has a Groups.io that can be used to communicate with the community. To join, please click here.

Shepherd Elementary Calendar

Add the Shepherd Elementary Google calendar to your personal Google account. Need instructions on how to add to your own calendar? Click here.

PTO Meeting Invite

PTO Meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7PM. Access them by using the Zoom link here. Meeting ID: 603 911 4050; Passcode: 061391

Follow Shepherd PTO on Social

Keep up with the latest updates, events and fun things going on at Shepherd by following our FB page (@ShepherdElemPTO) and Instagram (@shepherd_elementary).

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