Student and pedestrian safety is of utmost importance to Shepherd.  As a friendly reminder, the parking spaces on 14th street directly in front of the school are intended for drop-and-go drop-offs. Parents should not get out of the cars at this drop-off location. Recently, more cars have been idling, parking and double-parking on 14th street creating a traffic backup and making it difficult for the crossing guard to do her job effectively. 

Please remember that if you need to park your car and walk your child to the door, please look for other streets in the neighborhood. This should allow for a more seamless flow of traffic and enhanced safety for Shepherd families and neighborhood pedestrians.  

The Facilities Improvement Committee will be meeting Thursday January 5th at 12:00 pm to discuss priority improvements for the school and exterior grounds.  If you would like to join the meeting, please reach out to Amy Zettle at amy.zettle@gmail.com or you can join virtually here.  

The agenda will include:

1. Improvements/Enhancements to the ECE Playground 
2. Teacher's Lounge Refresh
3. Multipurpose Room 
4. Outdoor Learning Center  

Also, please be on the lookout for a Community Painting Day at Shepherd where volunteers will tackle the IB Maker Space and staff lounge.  The committee is currently looking at weekends in early February. 

"Coffee & Conversations with Principal Russell" for 2nd Grade families will be held on Tuesday, January 17th at 8:45 am.  It's a great opportunity to chat with Principal Russell and get to know other 2nd Grade families. We hope you can make it.

Our January PTO Meeting will be held Wednesday, January 18th.  We will hold an in-person session at 5:30 pm in the Shepherd Cafeteria.  

We will also offer a virtual option as well.  Please connect via this meeting link or dial: ‪(US) +1 234-759-0374‬ PIN: ‪579 099 938‬# 

Please join us for the January All School Morning Meeting hosted by 1st grade on Friday, January 27th.  The agenda will focus on a Celebration of Africa, Kindness Week, the IB Learner Profile Attribute of the month: Balanced, and Approaches to Learning: Self-Management. You can virtually access the morning meeting here.  

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!

Congratulations to Ms. Brenda Brown and Mr. Max Chamovitz as our December TAP winners!

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.

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)