A big, big thank you to all the organizers, room parents, volunteers and sponsors who made 2022 Fall Fest a huge success.  We are especially grateful to Jodi Arellano and Taryn Losch-Beridon who provided critical support with room parent communication and planning logistics and our Chair,Madeline Ramos, who coordinated permits with they city, secured all sponsors and vendors, and made the Festival fun, fun, fun!  Thanks to everyone's collective efforts, the event grossed $11,332!  

At Sunday's event, the PTO found 2 pairs of eyeglasses that we are hoping to return. If you lost a pair of eyeglasses, please send a description to info@shepherd-elementary.org and we'll reunite you with your glasses. 

Did you know DCPS updated their volunteer policy with the Return to Open Schools?  

As Principal Russell noted in her newsletter and the PTO meeting, all parents and family members who would like to participate by volunteering (to include school trips and other school events) must complete the DCPS Clearance process before volunteer services can be provided.  To receive the proper clearance, families must:

• Complete the DCPS Clearance Application. Please note the "DCPS/Program POC" on the form is AP Shamayne Coles 
• Complete a TB Self-Assessment form
• Complete a fingerprinting check.  Fingerprinting locations are conveniently located across the DC Metro area with Saturday appointments available

Congratulations to Mr. Reginald Smith as our October TAP winner!

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.

The October All School Morning Meeting is scheduled for Friday October 28th from 9:00 - 9:45 am. This month's event will feature the Family History Photo Fashion Show as well as presentations from 4th Grade. All families are welcome to view virtually! If you would like to attend, please access the Microsoft Teams link here.

Please mark your calendars for the school's Book-O-Ween Parade on Monday, October 31st.  During the Halloween holiday, Shepherd students will be invited to wear the costume of their favorite book character. All students are invited to dress up. Students in Pre-K (3)-2nd grade will march in the parade which will start at 1:45 pm. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in handing out trick or treat goodies. Families are welcome to attend. 

On November 4th Classic Photography will be here at Shepherd

for fall pictures. Students and staff will have the opportunity to

receive their annual school portraits. Next week students will be

sent home with flyers and information for signing up. 

Only 11 slots remain for November 5th and 6th! 

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 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)

Kindergarten Families: Please mark your calendars for a "Conversations with Principal Russell" on Tuesday November 15th at 8:45 am.  It's a great opportunity to chat with Principal Russell and get to know other Kindergarten families.

The PTO Board is asking the community if any families would be able to donate an iPad or similar tablet device.  This device would be used to ensure quicker and more efficient onsite sales for events, gear, and spirit wear. If you have a device that you think would fit our need, please email info@shepherd-elementary.org. Thank you!

Shepherd Park Citizen's Association (SPCA) will host their annual Halloween Parade on Monday, October 31st at 6:00 pm at Shepherd Field. There will be a parade for children in first grade and under, immediately followed by a parade for children who are in second grade and up.

MARVIN COFIELD GIRLS BASKETBALL is offered at Lowell School Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The cost is $30 for a Saturday drop-in class and $220 for an 8 sessions, Saturday package.  

Lowell also has CO-ED scrimmages on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lowell School from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for student athletes who can shoot on a regulation basket. Students get an opportunity to just play! Tuesday and Thursday sessions are only offered at the Lowell School and are $30.

Please contact cofieldbball@hotmail.com or 301-502-7852 for more information. 

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)