Happy May!

In this week's PTO Bulletin...

- Spring Gala Appeal

- Spring Gala - 'Freedom from School Uniforms' Challenge!

- Looking for Childcare for the Spring Gala?

- 19th Annual Spring Gala FAQs

- Yearbook Sales

- Field Day T-shirts

- EOY Receipts for Reimbursement

- Upcoming Events

• May LSAT Meeting
• May PTO Meeting
• Annual Family/Faculty Softball Game

- Giving Back Opportunities

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

- Community Offerings

- Other Upcoming Important Dates

• May 27th - Memorial Day (No School)

For those new to the Shepherd community, our Spring Gala always includes an annual appeal outside of the silent auction. The appeal funds are earmarked by the PTO for a specific cause. If you are attending the gala, you can make a donation via the "paddle raise" portion of the event. Or if you are not attending, you can donate via Handbid under “Appeal - Direct Donation.” More information on this year's appeal is below. 

Fully stocked and ready to learn! We have 2 goals for this year’s Gala “appeal”: to help close the budgetary gaps for operational supplies and support the IB “Passport Program.” Both efforts contribute to Shepherd ES mission to deliver exceptional education to our children, so they can think and learn globally and act compassionately.

This two-fold “appeal” starts with ensuring our teachers and supporting staff are set-up for success with the supplies they need on a daily basis for our students. The second stream of support is for our newer IB initiative - the “Passport Program.” The Passport Program will provide students at every grade level with an enriching field trip that is integrated into the curriculum and expands their horizons. From local trips to see monuments here in DC, to big city adventures in Philly and NYC, to wilderness camping - our vision is that every student every year at Shepherd gets their “Passport” stamped on their way to leading change in our community.   

Let’s support both of these efforts in offsetting costs to our Shepherd ES community. How much we will be able to do depends on you!

This year's auction will feature a unique crowdraising puzzle! You can scroll to the bottom of “Student Experiences and Teacher ‘Treats’” to participate. 

Are your kids tired of the same old school uniform? Are they ready to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely? Or maybe you're just tired of before-school battles and willing to throw any amount of money at the problem! Well, Shepherd Elementary School Administration is offering the ultimate liberation for parents and kids: no school uniforms for the rest of the academic year! 

Principal Russell has challenged families to raise $4,000 in exchange for a respite from the Uniform Policy from May 28th - June 17th. 

There are 100 puzzle pieces in total, priced at $40 per piece... if Shepherd families work together to complete the puzzle, your student will be able to breeze through the hottest days of the school year in 'cool' outfits of their choice. And grown-ups will be able to enjoy a month with a peaceful start to their day. So say goodbye to uniform wars and hello to harmonious mornings by buying a puzzle piece today!

Six staff members from our Star Achievers before/afterschool provider are available for babysitting on May 18th for either one family or a pod of children from 2-3 families. You can connect with these staff members by contacting Annie Nguyen at anniedc9@yahoo.com. Please email how many children need care, their ages, your home address, and any other important logistical information (you have a dog/cat; you would like the sitter to stay past 10pm or arrive before 6:30pm, etc).

We are just days away from the 19th Annual Spring Gala and there is lots of information to share! We tried to condense the most important information as FAQs. If you have any questions, please reach out to sesgala@shepherd-elementary.org. 

Where and when is this year’s Gala?

This year’s Gala is Saturday,May 18th at Jinya @ Walter Reed. More information can be found on our website. If you have VIP tickets, doors open at 6:30 pm. General Admission starts at 7:30 pm.

Can I still purchase Gala tickets? 

Unfortunately, ticket sales closed on May 10th.

Can I start bidding on auction items?

Yes! If you are accessing Handbid from the mobile app, click on "Let's Get Bidding" and then use the scroll at the top to navigate through your Dashboard, Event Details and the auction categories like Class Projects, Student Experiences, Trips & Travel, Food & Beverage and much more! 

Even if you can't attend the gala, you can still register in Handbid and can bid remotely from the comforts of your own home. 

Please share the Handbid registration site with your family and friends and encourage them to bid on items as well!

When will bidding close?

Bidding will close on May 18th at 9:30 pm.

Will marquee messages be a part of this year’s auction? 

Yes SY 2024-2025 marquee messages (which are the birthday messages you frequently see on the digital sign outside the school) will exclusively be available as an item in the Handbid system. Minimum bids will start at $50 or you can use the “buy it now” feature for a $250 buy. There will be 3 marquee messages offered for each month. 

What other interesting auction items will be available this year? 

Some fun auction items to look for:

• Two Council suite tickets to Janet Jackson & special guest Nelly at Capitol One Arena

• Personalized Classroom Projects

• “Teacher” for a Day: Principal, Assistant Principal, PE Teacher, IB Coordinator

• Teach with Ms. Caola and Park Playdate with Ms. Shepherd

• VIP Seating for the 2024 5th Grade Promotion, 2024 Winter Concert, and 2025 Spring Musical

• Tickets to Washington Nationals, DC United, and University of Michigan Football 

• Gift cards to many local retailers such as Reveler’s Hour, Tail Up Goat, Nail Saloon, Nothing Bundt Cakes, etc. 

• Overnight trips to St. Michaels and Harper’s Ferry

• Sign-up parties for Sweat DC workout, Orange Theory workout, Paint & Sip, BBQ & Bourbon

• One ½ year of before and after care with SESSA 

• And much more!

The May LSAT will be held Today May 15th at 4:00 pm. 

The LSAT will meet in-person in the Shepherd Elementary Conference Room. If you are unable to join in person, please register for the meeting on zoom.

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