Shepherd PTO Newsletter - February 27, 2026

Annual Spring Gala - Save the Date!

We're thrilled to announce that Shepherd Elementary School's 21st Annual Spring Gala and Auction has a date and location!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 25 @6 - 10 PM
Venue: Crimson Whiskey Bar @ 627 H St NW
Theme: A Night at the Shepherd Savoy

Tickets will go on sale later this month, but we are looking for your support to make it a resounding success. Our fundraising goal is over $70,000 to support Shepherd's academic and enrichment programs

Why Your Support Matters

Your participation is crucial in maintaining Shepherd's status as one of DC's finest public schools for PK3 to 5th grade students. By supporting the Spring Gala, you directly contribute to the resources that make our school exceptional.

Take Action Now

Movie Night March 6

The March PTO Social Hour will be a movie night at Shepherd Elementary! Come join us on Friday, March 6 at the Multipurpose Room to watch Migration (2023), as we all dream of flying off to warmer climates. Doors open at 5pm on Jonquil St and the movie will start promptly at 5:30pm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No admission charge for the movie, but we will be selling food and drinks for a small fee, more details to come. You are also welcome to bring your own nut-free food. Feel free to bring blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags to make the experience more comfortable. We hope you can join us!

A Tie for January TAP. Congrats Ms. Ripley & Ms. Hunter!

Bobby McKey’s Kids Day – All Ages Family Show

Looking for a fun and family-friendly outing in the Washington D.C. area? Bring your little ones to Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar for our Kids Day – All Ages Show! Located in National Harbor, MD, their interactive family show is the perfect way to introduce children to live music and entertainment. With sing-along songs, lively performances, and interactive fun, our kids’ shows are designed to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. The next one is on February 28. Check it out here.

Alice Deal - Open Houses

Prospective families are encouraged to visit Deal for one of our in-person open houses. You will have an opportunity to meet current students and connect with Principal Neal! Sign-up here.

February 28 | 10:00 - 12:00PM

March 21 | 10:00 - 12:00PM

April 25 | 10:00 - 12:00PM

May 20 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Staff Hardship Fund

When unexpected hardship impacts our staff and teachers, families often want to help in ways that allow educators to feel supported and remain present for students. We’re pleased to announce that the Shepherd Elementary PTO has established a Staff Hardship Fund, supported exclusively through designated donations, to provide limited, need-based assistance to staff facing temporary financial challenges due to emergencies or unforeseen events. While this fund was created in response to recent incidents affecting multiple staff members, we hope to carry this practice forward to support future needs of the staff we care so deeply about.

This fund is separate from the PTO’s general operating budget and will be used only for its stated purpose. Families who wish to contribute may donate one-time or on a recurring basis using the PTO donation link; at checkout, please be sure to select “Staff Hardship Fund” (rather than General Budget) so your gift is directed appropriately. Thank you for helping support the people who care for and support our students every day.

Thank you to our 180 Donors!

Ajose Family

Ahmed Family

Alinsky Family

Archer Family

Arellano Family

Benedetti Family

Cannon Family

Batler-Landau Family

Bowie Family

Boyd Family

Boykin Family

Bull Family

Howard Family

Browder/Geer/Kotlarewsky Family

Jackson & Weaver Family

Cartmell-Mayorga Family

Castillo-Schreuder Family

Flack family

DeAngelo Family

Potvin Family

Gilberg/Prince Family

Gilbert Family

Godoy Family

Godwin Family

Goodman Family

Han Family

Hauge Family

Henthorne-Zeigler Family

Hoehn Family

Jabaily Messing Family

Bull Family

Ju Family

Kane Family

Snyder Family

Papademetriou & Facini Family

Marks-Fagen Family

Mokodean Family

Maser Family

Masters Family

Miller Family

Mbeleg-Takacs Family

McNeill Family

Mintz Family

Raglani Family

Wenstrup Family

Nguyen/Stamper Family

Cooper Family

Nielsen Family

Orlins/Bianchi Family

Potvin Family

Sheynberg Family

Rijmen Family

Riley-Keck Family

Rivers Family

Robinson 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

Riddick Family

Singh Family

Solomon Family

Maiers Family

Peeler Family

Thomas Family

Van Aelst Family

Toussaint Family

Vaagen Family

Varda-Glover Family

Vigil Family

Wade Family

Walejko / Markham Family

Wenstrup Family

Westley / Zongker Family

Zettle Kreisberg Family

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).

SUBJECT: Shepherd PTO Newsletter - 2/27/25