Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

On Tuesday and Thursday, students will host a baked goods sale before school and during all lunch periods. Proceeds will support the Veteran Banner project in our community. This is a student led initiative that the school has helped facilitate, and we are proud of the leadership our students are demonstrating. A donation jar will also be available at the middle school boys basketball game on Monday for families who would like to contribute.

Monday also marks the final home game of the middle school boys basketball season. We look forward to recognizing our athletes and celebrating the effort, teamwork, and growth they have shown throughout the season.

As we move through the week, we are emphasizing that kindness is more than a single action. It is a habit and a way of life. Our students are choosing kindness daily, even when it is difficult or not expected. You can support this focus at home by reflecting together on a kind moment from your day or by setting a family kindness challenge for the week.

Finally, a reminder that Thursday, March 6, is the final day of the trimester and a half day of school. Please plan accordingly as we close out this marking period and prepare for the next trimester.

March

• 6 - Half day/ End of 2nd Trimester
• 9 - Beginning of 3rd Trimester

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been focusing on one of the most important parts of growing up—building strong self-esteem. February, a month full of connection and care, has been the perfect time to remind our students (and ourselves!) that the relationship we have with ourselves matters, too.

We started by exploring small, everyday ways to help kids feel good about who they are—like noticing their strengths, celebrating effort, and showing kindness toward themselves when things don’t go perfectly. Simple habits—such as sharing one thing they appreciate about themselves, keeping a short “strengths journal,” or taking a mindful moment to breathe—can make a big difference in how students see their own worth and capabilities.

We also talked about how giving kids opportunities to be responsible and independent—like taking on chores or helping with family tasks—can boost confidence and a sense of belonging. When children feel capable and valued at home, that confidence carries over into other areas of their lives.

And finally, we encouraged students to try new things! Whether it’s joining a sport, auditioning for the school play, or tackling a new hobby, stepping out of their comfort zone helps them grow. Remember to praise the effort they put in, not just the outcome—because that’s where real confidence is built.

As we wrap up this month’s theme, we hope these ideas spark conversations and small moments of encouragement at home. Building self‐esteem is an ongoing process, and every kind word, patient reminder, and celebration of effort helps our students believe in themselves a little more each day.

Let’s keep nurturing that confidence—one encouraging word and mindful moment at a time.

Helpful Parent Resources on Self-Esteem

1. “How to Build Confidence in Kids” – Blog post on Calm with practical tips like praising effort, encouraging independence, and establishing routines. Calm
   
   

2. “Your Child’s Self-Esteem” – Informative article by Nemours KidsHealth, explaining how self-esteem develops and how parents can support it. KidsHealth
   
   

3. “Self-Esteem in Children” – A resource page from The Center for Parenting Education with tips like using chores, praising effort, and supporting trying new things. The Center for Parenting Education
   
   

4. “The Dove Self-Esteem Project: Help for Parents” – From Dove, this site offers evidence-based activities and parent guides around body image and self-confidence. dove
   
   

“Self-esteem – Parent Easy Guide” – A “Parenting SA” guide from the South Australia Department of Human Services (usable by all parents) that provides simple, actionable advice for boosting self-esteem in the home. parenting.sa.gov.au

How Short Videos Keep Middle School Students Hooked

Short videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are intentionally designed to capture and hold attention. Quick transitions, personalized recommendations, and continuous autoplay make it easy for middle school students to scroll for extended periods without realizing how much time has passed.

At this age, students are still developing focus, self-regulation, and study habits. Frequent exposure to fast-paced content can make sustained attention during class, reading, or homework more challenging. It may also affect sleep and overall well-being.

Families can support healthy routines by setting consistent screen time expectations, encouraging device-free times in the evening, and maintaining open conversations about responsible and balanced media use.

https://shepherdschools.onlinesafetyhub.io/parent/articles/how-short-videos-keep-kids-hooked

High school and middle school students and staff are invited to submit original Greek or Roman–inspired artwork to be displayed in the atrium during the HS Musical on March 20–21. Artwork can be created using any medium—paint, pencil, wood, metal, fabric, clay, and more! Pieces should reflect the Olympians theme (think lightning bolts, laurel crowns, helmets, shields, togas, etc.). Artwork is due Friday, March 6, and prizes will be awarded for Best in Show. See the flyer for details, and contact Mrs. Byrne if your piece is larger than 3’x3’. Let's fill up the atrium!

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