You might have noticed the colorful library exchange recently added to Shepherd Elementary.  The Library was donated by "Bring the Books to the People," the project of a local high school student.  

The idea is just what you see on the shelf - to provide an exchange of easily accessible free books to the community, with a poetry nook as a bonus. The project was initiated under Dr. Hedlund before she left. 

Please take advantage of this wonderful addition by leaving a book or taking a book and promoting local literacy!

Each month, the Bulletin will feature parent resources courtesy of Dr. Persephone Brown, our wonderful School Psychologist.  These resources provide tips to help with your physical, social and emotional well-being.  Take a few moments to read or listen to some of these pieces and know we're here for you and your students.   

10 Minute Mindful Meditation

Short Meditation for Stressful Response

Morning Meditation to Start Your Day Right

SummitPalooza - Virtual Self-Care Conference

Self-Care through Setting Boundaries

Self-Care for Moms is Essential

Your Guide to a Mid-Life Awakening

PBSKids Back to School Resources

Stop Talking in Code: Call Them Black Boys

What does Student Mental Health Look Like in 2022

Committee for Children: More than Just Okay 

Common Sense Media: Free Educational Apps, Games and Websites

The Teacher Appreciation Program, or TAP, gives parents an opportunity to recognize a teacher at Shepherd for their great work and dedication. TAP invites parents to write a letter of appreciation recognizing a teacher who has been especially helpful or admirable in the classroom. 

Once a month, a special teacher will be selected from the nominations to receive a Wishlist fund bonus.  The recognition letters will also be shared with the selected teacher and school community.

TAP a teacher today by submitting a nomination here.

Back to School Night will be held on Thursday 9/15. This will be an in-person event. There will be 2 sessions:

• Pre-K (3)- 2^nd grade    4:30-5:30
• 3^rd-5^th grade                6:00-7:00 

The PTO, in coordination with Principal Russell and Star Achievers, will be offering complementary child care for Back to School Night.  Star Achievers can accommodate 50 children per session.  If you would like to take advantage of child care, please register your child here.  

Sessions are filling up! Join Shepherd PTO to raise money for Shepherd and have beautiful family photos ready for your holiday cards and gifts! 

We are partnering once again with the AMAZING Katie Jett Walls for morning and afternoon mini-sessions on October 22nd, November 5th and November 6th.  

Morning sessions will be held at the Woodend Audubon Sanctuary, and afternoon sessions at the Meadows at Meadowbrook Stables.

Each 10-minute session will be $50 and all proceeds directly benefit Shepherd Elementary’s PTO.   

Please sign up for a session here.  After signing up, please visit the Shepherd PTO PayPal Account to pay for your session.  

Can't wait to see our gorgeous Shepherd families for the photo sessions!

(Photo courtesy of Katie Jett Walls)

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 1 room parent for the following classroom:

• 4th - Brown

While we have the other classrooms covered, we are still accepting any and all room parent volunteers.  We can have more than 1 room parent per classroom.  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. 

The Box Tops for Education app is a quick and easy way to give back to Shepherd.  Simply follow these steps:

• Download the "Box Tops for Education" App
• Create an Account
• Search for "Shepherd Elementary" under "Find a School."  Then select the Shepherd school associated with 7800 14th Street NW.
• Scan paper receipts into the app within 14 days of purchase. The app will automatically recognize Box Top Products
• Sit back and watch Shepherd's earnings grow!

You can contribute to the Shepherd PTO just by shopping at Amazon through the Amazon Smile program. Register your existing Amazon account by going to smile.amazon.com. Choose Shepherd Elementary as your charity. Then simply bookmark and shop through the dedicated Amazon Smile URL. Amazon will donate .5% of the price of eligible purchases to Shepherd. Most of the things you already buy from Amazon are eligible!

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