Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

April 19, 2026
From the Principal's Desk:
Last week was a busy time for our students. Eighth graders completed the PSAT and, by all accounts, approached the assessment with focus and effort. We look forward to sharing results when they become available. Looking ahead, MSTEP testing for all grades will begin in the coming weeks.
On Friday, our student planned dance was a success. Students not only had fun, but those involved in organizing gained experience in planning and teamwork while creating a fun time for their peers. A few group dance videos are included below for families to enjoy.
This week, sixth grade students will release the salmon they have been raising at the Chippewa Nature Center. Seventh graders will visit Career and Technical Education programs in Mt. Pleasant as they begin thinking ahead to high school opportunities.
Please note that this is a short week, as there will be no school on Friday and Monday in observance of the Maple Syrup Festival.
This week, we are reminding students that progress and personal growth take time. Struggle is a natural part of learning, and perseverance helps us move forward one step at a time.
Try this at home: Share a personal story with your child about something that took time and effort to accomplish.
Upcoming Dates
April 24 - No School - Maple Syrup Festival
April 27 - No School - Staff PD
May 25 - No School - Memorial Day
June 4 - Last Day of School- Half Day
Counselor's Corner
Building Distress Tolerance 🌿
Welcome back to the Counselor’s Corner! Continuing with our “April Showers Bring May Flowers” theme, this week we’re focusing on distress tolerance — the ability to sit with difficult emotions and get through tough moments without turning to harmful or self-destructive behaviors. You might also hear it called resilience, toughness, or grit.
Just like flowers need a little rain to grow, we all face challenges that can help us build strength and emotional endurance. Developing distress tolerance is key to handling life’s “storms” in a healthy way. Those who struggle with it may react impulsively or turn to unhealthy coping strategies, while those who build it tend to recover faster and feel more balanced.
The good news? Distress tolerance can be learned and practiced! One effective strategy is movement — taking a walk, riding a bike, running, or hiking. Physical activity helps release tension, boosts mood, and gives the mind space to reset. The goal is progress, not perfection — just keep moving forward. 🌱
Learn More
Distress Tolerance Skills – DBT Tools
What Is Distress Tolerance? – Verywell Mind
Peer 2 Peer
BlueJays of the Week
Semper Fit
Sick Guidelines
BlueJay Wellness Center
Food Pantry Opportunities
25/26 School Calendar
PA 57 of 2023
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.
Contact Us
Email: sps_sms_office@shepherdschools.net
Phone: (989) 828-6605