Shepherd High School Weekly Update

As a Capturing Kids Heart's school we start each class with a few minutes to share Good Things." (See the Launch at the end of this update.)

This week our "Good Thing" is centered on a simple truth: This building is just a shell until you walk through the doors. In CKH, we talk about "Relational Capacity"—the idea that we can do more together when we truly know and trust each other. But we can’t build that capacity if you aren’t here! When you are in class, you aren't just a name on a roster; you are a teammate, a collaborator, and a friend. Your perspective changes the conversation in the classroom.

For Students: Think of one person at school—a friend, a teacher, or a coach—who makes you feel like you belong here.

For Families: We know that "showing up" is the first step toward success.

We don’t just want you here for the grades; we want you here because our community isn't complete without you.

January 9, 2026

Dear Shepherd Public Schools Parents and Guardians,

Shepherd Public Schools is proud of the strong programs, dedicated staff, and positive experiences our students receive each day. From the outside, our schools look great—and we are grateful for the support and pride our community has in our district.

However, many of our school buildings are aging, and behind the scenes, we are facing essential facility needs that cannot be addressed through our regular School Aid funding alone. State School Aid is designed to support daily operations such as staffing, instructional materials, and student

programming. It does not provide sufficient funding for large-scale facility improvements such as roofs, heating and ventilation systems, windows, safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements. For these types of projects, school districts must rely on local bond funding.

As we plan responsibly for the future, we are seeking input directly from Shepherd Public Schools residents before making any decisions.

How to Participate

• Shepherd residents will receive a postcard by January 12 with information on how to complete the survey.

• The survey will be open from January 12–23.

• The survey is available online at:
  👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShepherdPublicSchoolsSurvey2026

• Hard-copy surveys will be available beginning January 7 at:

• The Village Office

• Shepherd Public Schools Central Office

• 
  

This brief survey is anonymous, and the results will be tabulated by Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc., an independent marketing research firm. Your honest feedback will help guide future facility planning and ensure our schools remain safe, functional, and supportive of student learning.

Thank you for your time, partnership, and continued support of Shepherd Public Schools. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas for a bright future.

Warm regards,
Carrie Gauthier, Superintendent
Shepherd Public Schools

As students prepare to build their class schedule preferences for the 2026-27 school year, please talk to your student about future plans and what classes will be best for the preparation of that future. Counselors will begin the scheduling process with students the week of January 20, so have those conversations now!

We will have a representative from the MPACF to assist with the local scholarship application process.

We will meet in the Media Center on Tuesday, January 20th during 3rd period.

Please sign up below:

https://forms.gle/Y96hdQUaXYiepBrx6

If you need Parent Access to Schoology (our online learning platform) please reach out to the HS Office for your access code. With Parent Access you can see the day to day assignments, grades and progress in each of your student's classes. (When they say the don't have homework, you will already know the answer. 😉 )

The Ed Tanzini Scholarship is now live to the public! The application is available at www.gmcami.org or through the form below. The deadline is March 5th.

https://forms.gle/7p6FJXL6EA3FGyLe6

*these dates/times are subject to change.

As we look toward Monday morning, I want to leave you with a thought about The Empty Chair. Every time a student is absent, there is an empty chair in a classroom. That chair represents more than just a missed lesson; it represents a missed opportunity to connect, a missed chance to lead, and a missing piece of our school family.

In our Social Contract, we agreed to support one another. We can only do that when we are standing side-by-side. Your presence is your power. It’s how you show your teammates they can count on you, and how you show yourself that you are capable of consistency.

Your Challenge for the Week Ahead:

• Own Your Presence: Commit to being here every day this week. If you’re feeling unmotivated, lean on your Social Contract—find a "check-in partner" to help keep you accountable.

• Be the Connection: If you notice a friend’s "chair" is empty, reach out to them. Let them know they were missed. Sometimes, knowing that someone noticed your absence is the exact motivation needed to return.

Let’s fill every chair this week. Let’s bring our full selves to everything we do. We are better, stronger, and smarter when we are all here together. See you at the front doors tomorrow. Let’s have a 100% week!