We want to extend a warm welcome to all new Shepherd Elementary Families and of course a Welcome Back to those currently in our community!

These Shepherd Bulletins are released weekly during the school year as a way for the PTO community to remain informed on news, correspondence and events.  

Please encourage any new Shepherd Families to register for A to Z connect so they can receive these weekly bulletins and stay connected to the PTO.

It's Back to School season! Principal Russell recently released the list of necessary school supplies by grade for the 2022-2023 school year.  You can access the list through the Shepherd Elementary website or through this hyperlink.

If you cannot access the hyperlink or website, please email communications@shepherd-elementary.org and we can forward a personal copy.  

As mentioned in recent communication, the Star Achievers aftercare program will be temporarily suspended until September 19th due to unexpected staffing departures.  If you have specific questions about SESSA, please contact the Board at sessaboard@gmail.com

PTO community members have identified some alternative aftercare options; most of these alternatives would be willing to provide transportation.  

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington - operations@bgcgw.org

Discover Fun Camp - 202-569-8382

Casa Lala - juju@casalala.org 

DPR Afternoon Access at Shepherd Community Center appears to be full without a waitlist option

"Gear up" to get your Shepherd t-shirts at our first spirit sale targeted for September 2nd.  New this year, sales will be cashless and you have two flexible options for payment:  

• Pre-pay for your items and simply pick them up on the day of the sale.  Use the link for the type of spirit wear you want: 
  • Short-sleeve t: https://square.link/u/76MvUTSg
  • Long-sleeve t: https://square.link/u/V2zPqYug
• Scan our QR code on the day of the sale, pay by an electronic means of your choosing, then pick up your gear and go! 

Hoodies and Adult spirit wear coming soon! 

Please join Principal Russell for the Shepherd Elementary Open House TOMORROW August 25th.  Open House hours will be designated by grade:

PreK3 - Kindergarten:  3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

1st - 5th Grades:  4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Thank you to all families who joined us for the PTO playdate last Sunday!  Despite the rain, it was great seeing so many friendly faces and watching the children enjoy themselves on the playground.  

We have one more playdate scheduled for this Sunday, August 28th from 2 - 4 pm.  We'll meet at the Shepherd Park playground on Jonquil St. As part of the playdate, the PTO will also coordinate a uniform swap where the community can donate gently-used uniforms and exchange them for a new size. 

Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered for a Room Parent role! Room Parents are critical liaisons between the teacher/school and families.  Responsibilities include sharing class specific information and school events with families; organizing parent help for class activities; helping with fundraisers; and encouraging PTO participation. We are still looking for room parents for the following classrooms:

• PK3 - Ms. Trotter
• 1st - Ms. Saxton
• 2nd - Ms. Murali
• 2nd - Mr. Chamovitz  
• 3rd - Teacher Name TBD
• 4th - All Classrooms
• 5th - All Classrooms

If you are interested in serving as a room parent, please complete this volunteer form.   

The school year is quickly approaching and the Shepherd PTO is looking for volunteers to support its annual engagement, advocacy, and fundraising activities!  

Like many public schools, Shepherd relies on its parent community to help bring out the best in our classrooms and community. We recognize that your time is precious and there are a variety of ways to help from your office, on weekends, or during the school day.  For the 2022-2023 school year, we especially need 

• PTO Committee Chairs/Volunteers
• Event Coordinators
• Recurring Activities Leads. 

If you have time and/or special skills that you would be willing to donate, please complete this volunteer form.   

Any questions can be directed to communications@shepherd-elementary.org. 

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