Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

This past week, students had the opportunity to enjoy a preview of the high school musical, The Olympians. We appreciate the efforts of our high school performers and staff for sharing their work with our middle school students.

Trimester 2 report cards were sent home with students on Friday. We encourage families to take time to review progress, celebrate growth, and set goals for the final trimester.

As a reminder, Spring Break begins next week. There will be no BlueJay Bulletin during the break. Our next newsletter will be shared on April 5.

To close out the month, students are reflecting on how to make courage a habit. True courage means continuing to do what is right, even when it feels uncomfortable, unpopular, or inconvenient. We are encouraging students to see themselves as individuals who choose courage each day.

Try this at home: Ask your child, “What is one way you can show courage this week?” Then check in at the end of the week to celebrate how they followed through.

March 30 - April 3 Spring Break

April 6 - School Resumes

April 24th - No School - Maple Syrup Festival

April 27th - No School - Staff PD

This week in Counselor’s Corner, we’re focusing on how relationships, kindness, and community can bring about our own kind of luck. Building strong connections isn’t just nice — it supports opportunity and growth.

“Lucky” people don’t just act alone: they build networks of support. They help others and, in turn, others help them. A kind note to a friend, offering to help a teacher, or simply reaching out to someone new can open unexpected doors and make our “luck surface area” bigger.

This week, encourage your child to do one kind thing without being asked — whether it’s saying thank you, offering help, or acknowledging someone’s effort. Then notice together how that act made both people feel. Reflect on the month’s lessons: trying new things, staying positive, being open, and now – connecting with others.

As we wrap up March, let’s celebrate the habits your child has practiced — exploring new experiences, staying curious, persevering, and now fostering kindness and connection. These aren’t just March themes — they’re the building blocks for creating opportunities, confidence, and the “luck” we create ourselves.

For more information:

• Make Your Own Luck (Psychology Today) — Explores how people who seem “lucky” often share openness, curiosity, and strong social connections.

• Strong social connections boost your health and longevity (Atlantic Health) — Shows how positive relationships support resilience, well‑being and yes — more opportunity. Atlantic Health

New research: Friendship networks and economic opportunity (Meta/Opportunity Insights) — Highlights how social connection can directly create new opportunities and “luck‑like” outcomes. about.fb.com

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