Originally delivered on 4/30/2026 4:35 pm

SUBJECT: Shepherd PTO Newsletter - 4/30/26

Shepherd PTO Newsletter - April 30, 2026
Gala Success

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Shepherd community, we raised over $80,000 this year! These funds will directly support our school through this year’s appeal, ensuring that our teachers and staff have the resources they need to continue delivering an exceptional experience for our students. This investment makes a meaningful impact where it matters most - inside our school each and every day.


Thank you to our Gala committee members, with a special thank you to Stephanie Bingham who spearheaded the the planning and event this year.

Mother, Daughter, or Someone Special to Me Tea Celebration

We are excited to invite you to Shepherd’s Elementary School's First Mother, Daughter, or Someone Special to Me Tea celebration! This special event has been organized in collaboration with Shepherd ES and Ms. Senior DC 2024 for students in grades PK3-2nd grade to honor the bond between students and someone special in their lives. Sign-ups went home in bookbags on April 28th.

Shepherd's Third Annual Softball Game

Shepherd's Third Annual Softball Game is set, and we are now recruiting players. This is a friendly game, and no practice or experience is necessary -- just your best Shepherd spirit! This year, each team (Team Green and Team Gold) will be a mix of parents/caregivers and faculty/staff so that we have more opportunities for folks to collaborate and cheer each other on. 

Last year, the teams filled quickly -- so nab your spot today! Registration is first-come, first-served. Please note, while we may have some kids pinch-hitting (and we definitely want them cheering everyone on!), the teams are for grown-ups only. :)

A few logistical notes:

  • Please note which team you've signed on for and wear the appropriate color (gold or green) t-shirt, baseball cap, etc if you have one. We'll also have gold and green bandanas available for anyone who needs a little "something extra" to denote which team you're on. 
  • If you have extra gear (bats and gloves in particular) please bring it!
  • We will have pinch hitters for anyone who doesn't want to hit.
  • Bottled water will be provided for players.
  • Feel free to bring your own chairs for the sideline.
  • Stand by for more details about rain date, etc!

If you have questions, please message Jessie.caola@k12.dc.gov. Sign up here today!

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

May 20 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm

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

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 WoodsFamily

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).

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