Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

We would like to wish all of our families a Happy New Year and welcome everyone back from break. We hope that your time away from school was safe, restful, and enjoyable as we begin this next chapter of the school year together.

The beginning of a new calendar year provides an opportunity to reflect on growth and habits. Many people use this time to consider personal, professional, or family goals. For middle school students, goal setting and resolutions are valuable skills that support reflection, build self awareness, and strengthen perseverance. We encourage students to focus on small, realistic goals related to learning, organization, relationships, or personal well being, and to recognize that meaningful growth comes from steady effort over time.

Please remember that Monday, January 5, is a professional development day for staff. There will be no school for students. School resumes on Tuesday, January 6.

This week, our focus is on understanding what Respect means and recognizing the ways we can show it toward ourselves and others in our daily routines. Students are examining their own attitudes, words, and actions while discussing how respect helps build a positive and supportive school community.

How you can help at home:
Consider asking your student, “What is one way you show respect to your friends, your family, or yourself each day?”

January

• 6- School resumes

As we step into a new month, and the first days of the year, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement, hope, and maybe even a little overwhelm. The start of a new month—or even just a new week—can be a gentle reminder that every day offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider what matters most to us and our children.

Encourage your child to take a few quiet moments this week to think about what brought them joy last year and what they hope to carry forward. These small reflections set the stage for thoughtful growth without pressure or expectation.

Mindfulness, even in short daily pauses, helps calm the mind, foster gratitude, and prepare us to set meaningful intentions for the weeks ahead.

This year, we are excited to announce "Parent University" where we will provide a safe place to learn together right in the comfort of your own home! We are going to read the book, "The Anxious Generation." Parent University is going to be guided by Tracey Galgoci who is not only a board member here at Shepherd Public Schools but also is the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Gratiot Isabella RESD.

The book we will read and discuss together is being graciously provided by a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal grant! We appreciate the Saginaw Chippewa tribe and all the support it gives to our school!

We will begin Parent University in January. If you are interested, please sign up using the google doc linked below and get ready to learn together!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ktn7oRDBKQuN_nahx5S44tOxINDV4BRcsAPZR_Oxxzo/preview

Isabella 911 wants to push out their Smart 911 sign-up information for everyone in the community. Smart 911 is a critical alert system that is used in emergencies. This is a free app that is available to anyone who resides in Isabella County!

Now that the village road construction has been completed, some reminders:

DROP OFF SAFETY REMINDER

MS/HS Students → Use the Yellow Pick Up/Drop Off Area

Elementary Students → Use the Blue Drop Off Area

Staff will assist elementary students at drop-off

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE SOUTH ON 4TH Street to access the Pick Up/Drop Off Lines

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's building.

PA 57 of 2023 requires districts to provide all students in grades 6–12 with the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Information Guide, the district’s Title IX coordinator contact information, and the district policies on sexual assault and harassment. This information, for Shepherd Public Schools, is linked below.

Email: sps_sms_office@shepherdschools.net

Phone: (989) 828-6605