In this week's PTO Bulletin...

- Health & Wellness Resources

- Upcoming Events

• November LSAT 
• November PTO Meeting
• Ward 3 EdNet Meeting
• Facilities Committee Kick-Off Meeting
• PreK-4 Coffee & Conversations with Principal Russell
• Thanksgiving Turkey Trot for Hunger

- Giving Back Opportunities

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

- Community Offerings

- Other Upcoming Important Dates

• November 22 - 24th - Thanksgiving Holiday

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 November LSAT meeting will be held Today November 15th at 4:00 pm. This meeting will only be offered virtually; you can access the meeting here. (Meeting ID: 825 7975 1991)

AGENDA

• DCPS Enrollment Projects for Feedback
  • Total
  • At-Risk
  • English Learner
  • Special Education
• Budget Implications 
• Space Needs
• Other Issues

(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. 

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

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. 

If you were interested in checking out Deal’s theatre program or looking for something to do this weekend, Deal MS 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take the stage together to perform a fun hour of song and dance numbers featuring your favorite show tunes! 

When: November 16 at 6:30 pm, November 17 at 6:30 pm, November 18 at 1:00 pm.  

Where: Deal MS Auditorium

Tickets: Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students, and available at: 

https://alice-deal-theater.square.site/shop/musical-revue-fall-2023/12 or at the door. 

Questions: Please email adcatheatreinfo@gmail.com

Shepherd Elementary PTO

7800 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20012

www.shepherd-elementary.org