In this week's PTO Bulletin...

- Thanksgiving Turkey Trot for Hunger

- Health & Wellness Survey on Biking to School

- Health & Wellness Resources

- International Ed. Week

- Upcoming Events

• PreK-4 Coffee & Conversations with Principal Russell
• November LSAT & PTO Meetings
• Ward 3 EdNet Meeting
• Facilities Committee Kick-Off Meeting

- Dr. Brown Corner

- Giving Back Opportunities

• Online Gear Storefront
• Teacher Appreciation Program (TAP)
• 180 Fund

- Community Offerings

- Other Upcoming Important Dates

• November 10th - No School, Veterans Day Holiday

Join the Shepherd running team and fellow Mustang families in running a Thanksgiving 5K at Freedom Plaza on November 23 at 9:00 am.

• Join the team here
• Donate to the Fundraising effort here

The team's goal is to raise $300 for S.O.M.E.!

For those who would prefer to race virtually, you can also run a timed or untimed 5K from your neighborhood. 

Thanks for your support for our Mustangs! If you have any questions, please email jessie.caola@k12.dc.gov

Mental health wellness is very important to our Shepherd Elementary School Community. At a recent PTO meeting, parents expressed interest in having resources for mental health education, services and utilization.  Subsequently, a directory of mental health resources that would be available to our school community was recommended. If you have resources (i.e., psychologist/psychiatrist, counselor, individual/group therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, facilities that conduct external evaluations, etc.) please forward this vital information to Candace Mainor at candace.b.mainor@gmail.com. The Health, Wellness & Sustainability Committee will compile the resources for a directory, which will become available when appropriate.

The week of November 13th - November 17th Shepherd Mustangs will celebrate International Ed.Week. During this week we will celebrate international food, fashion, schooling as well as a focus on Alaskan and Native American heritage. Please see the flyer below for more information.

(W3EdNet) is made up of PTO, HSA, LSAT, and other interested community members from schools in the Jackson Reed High School feeder pattern. The W3EdNet seeks to build ties among their school communities, share information among school leaders, and promote a better public school system for all Washingtonians.  

The next W3EdNet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15 at 7pm. On the agenda:

• Principal Harold McCray of MacArthur High School to provide an update
• School Nurse Advocacy Effort. The city recently implemented a new Cluster Model for nurse coverage in schools, which does not align with the law that requires a full-time nurse in every school. JRHS parent Libbie Buchele libster@umich.edu is serving as the point person for Ward 3 for an advocacy effort including school communities from across the city.
• Enrollment Projections. Representatives should come prepared to discuss the DCPS Enrollment Projections for School Year 2024-2025, which should be released to LSATs on Thursday, November 9.  

Register to attend the event here. 

Our Shepherd Elementary gear storefront is now available for orders under "Giving Back to Shepherd" on the Shepherd website. After you've completed your purchase, gear will be delivered directly to your child's classroom within 7 business days. The PTO will still host in-person events throughout the year, but the gear store will provide a convenient alternative to those sales. 

Please note, if you select gear and it cannot be added to the bag, it is likely sold out. 

Shepherd Elementary PTO

7800 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20012

www.shepherd-elementary.org