Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

March 8, 2026
From the Principal's Desk:
This week marks the beginning of the third trimester. A new trimester provides a natural opportunity to talk with your child about how the last trimester went and what goals they want to set as we move toward the end of the school year. For our 8th grade students, this is also their final trimester of middle school. It is a good time to begin thinking about the expectations and responsibilities that come with high school.
The start of a new trimester is also a helpful reminder about our weekly grade checks during SOAR. Each Thursday, students are expected to send an email home that includes a current grade update. Are you receiving those emails? Recently, while talking with several students about their grades, a few shared that they were unsure how they were doing because they had been copying and pasting their reports without reviewing them. This is a good opportunity to ask your child about their grades and discuss whether they are meeting your expectations and their own goals.
Our character focus continues to be Courage. Courage comes to life through action. This week, students are learning how stepping outside of their comfort zone can help them grow. Courage might look like speaking up, apologizing, asking for help, or facing a fear. We are discussing how courage often means doing the right thing, even when it feels difficult.
Try this at home: Share a moment from your own life when doing something brave made a positive difference, and ask your child to think about a moment when they felt proud of showing courage.
Upcoming Dates
March
- 9 - Beginning of 3rd Trimester
- 30 - April 3 Spring Break
Counselor's Corner
This week, we’re continuing our discussion on how to create your own luck. Remember our equation from last week? Luck = preparation + opportunity + positivity. Today, we’re focusing on opportunity.
Opportunity might seem like something out of our control, but there are simple ways students can increase it. Trying new activities, joining a club, exploring a personal interest, or just saying yes to new experiences can open doors—and even lead to “lucky” outcomes. Curiosity and openness help students notice possibilities they might otherwise miss.
Social connections play a big role, too. Strong friendships and supportive mentors can introduce students to new interests, ideas, and opportunities they may never encounter on their own. When students give support and encouragement to others, they often receive it in return—creating more “luck” along the way.
This week, try asking your student about a time they noticed an opportunity and took it—or a time they missed one and what they learned. You could also ask, “What opportunities can you create or notice this week?”
For more information:
The 4 Traits Lucky People Have in Common — Summarizes research on habits that make people feel lucky.
5 Ways to Create Your Own Luck — Practical tips for increasing opportunities and positive outcomes.
How to Make Your Own Luck — Steps to notice opportunities and take action in daily life.
Tweens, Teens and Technology
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/08/nx-s1-5737426/time-change-teens-sleep-screens
8th Grade ELA Project
Congratulations! Our 8th grade students proudly hold the class books they worked so hard to create. From brainstorming and drafting to revising, peer editing, and publishing their debacle narratives, they committed fully to the writing process. Their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance truly paid off — and now they can call themselves published authors!
Industrial Arts
BlueJays of the Week
Youth Softball Clinic
Community Service
Kindergarten Registration Night
Order Your 25/26 Yearbook
Isabella County Smart 911
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!
Sick Guidelines
BlueJay Wellness Center
Food Pantry Opportunities
Pickup/Dropoff
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.
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