Shepherd High School

Dear SHS Pirate Families and Community,

In my time at Shepherd High School thus far, I have learned so much about the traditions, stories, and people that make this community so special. It is a joy to be part of Shepherd ISD and the City of Shepherd, and an even greater joy to see that spirit come alive at SHS!

The San Jacinto County Fair was an incredible example of what our students can do! They showcased their talents, shared the work they care deeply about, and represented SHS with pride. Back on campus, that same passion is on display in our classrooms. Our students are engaged in high quality instruction, asking questions, building skills, and working toward their goals. Our teachers pour so much care and effort into helping students succeed, and I am proud of their shared commitment to excellence.

What makes Shepherd High School amazing is our people. From the classroom to the fairgrounds to the stands on Friday night, our students, staff, families, and community bring energy and heart to everything we do. October gives us even more reasons to come together, especially as we celebrate Homecoming and enjoy the many campus and community events ahead. I cannot wait to see our Pirate pride on full display!

Thank you for supporting SHS and believing in our students and staff. If you ever need anything, please reach out to the SHS administration team. We are always more than happy to help.

BE on our CREW! Every Student, Every Minute, Every Day!

Brandi Smith

To keep our campus safe and secure, Shepherd High School does not open the front doors during transitions for anyone. If your student is arriving late to school, please help to ensure that they arrive prior to transition or after the transition. If you are coming to our amazing campus as a guest for any reason, you will be asked to wait at the door for the transition period to conclude. Please plan accordingly. We are happy to serve you as soon as our transition concludes and students are safely in class. Thank you for your support! - Principal Smith

Regular attendance and arriving at school on time are essential for student success. Every day of instruction is important, and students who attend school consistently are more likely to build strong academic skills, develop positive routines, and stay connected to their classmates and teachers.

Even missing a few days or arriving late can cause students to miss valuable learning opportunities.

Parents, please remember that whenever your child is absent, a written note or doctor's excuse must be submitted to the school. Absences without proper documentation may result in truancy prevention measures as required by Texas law.

It is also important to understand that truancy and denial of credit are not the same thing. Denial of credit applies to all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Texas law requires students to be in attendance for at least 90% of the school year in order to receive credit for the year. This requirement applies regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. If a student falls below the 90% attendance requirement, a Denial of Credit meeting will be scheduled to determine how the student can regain credit for the school year.

Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a priority and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed!

Academic Calendar

HOMEcoming DANCE!

The Freshman Class of 2030 is kicking off their FIRST FUNDRAISER, and you’re invited!

Homecoming Dance

• October 3, 2026
• 7:00–10:00 PM
• Shepherd High School Cafeteria

Get ready for a night full of music, dancing, and fun!

• DJ
• 360° Photo Booth
• Concession Stand — Cash Only

Come out, bring your friends, dance the night away, and most importantly…

SUPPORT THE CLASS OF 2030!

Let’s make their first fundraiser a HUGE success!

Fall Make-Up Picture Day is Coming!

If you were absent on the original picture day or would like to have your picture retaken, Fall Make-Up Pictures will be held on Monday, October 5th at Shepherd High School.

This includes all students, including seniors!

Come ready to smile, Pirates!

Help chart the course for Shepherd High School! The CREW Cabinet is a student advisory group that works directly with campus administration to discuss important topics, share ideas and concerns, and help make SHS the best school ever.

We’re looking for students who care about our school, listen to others, and want to make a positive difference. Bring your perspective, represent your peers, and help shape an SHS where every student feels valued and connected!

Complete the interest form during SEA Time on Monday, October 5, or Tuesday, October 6 or now using the QR code on the flyer.

October 5: Student interest survey and staff nominations open
October 7: Administrative review
October 8: Final selection and announcement

Be a voice. Make a difference. Be part of the CREW Cabinet!

To build a strong, unified voice for students across Shepherd High School and Shepherd ISD, the CREW Cabinet will also officially serve as the Superintendent Student Ambassadors, directly connecting our students with both campus and district leadership

About the Role: The CREW Cabinet / Superintendent Student Ambassadors are a select group of young, motivated student leaders who serve as a vital link between students, campus leadership, district leadership, and the Superintendent. Members act as a voice for their peers by providing meaningful feedback on campus and district initiatives, sharing student perspectives, serving as hosts at campus and district celebrations and special events, and advocating for positive change across Shepherd ISD.

Through regular meetings directly with campus leadership, the Superintendent, and the executive leadership team, members collaborate on key initiatives, build essential leadership skills, and help drive excellence across our schools."

Shepherd High School students will have the opportunity to explore their options, connect with college representatives, and start planning for their future at our upcoming College Fair!

📅 Monday, October 5th
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Shepherd High School Cafeteria

We encourage our students to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, learn about different colleges and programs, and discover what possibilities are waiting for them after high school.

Explore • Connect • Plan • Your Future 💙🏴‍☠️

SAT/PSAT Testing – October 7

Students registered to take the SAT/PSAT on October 7 should arrive with a fully charged Chromebook and be well-rested and prepared for testing.

Additional Testing Opportunity – November 3

We will offer another SAT/PSAT testing opportunity on November 3. Students interested in participating should register here November 3rd PSAT/SAT Signup

Thank you for helping us share this important information with our families!

Seniors, it’s time to start planning for your future! October 12–18 is Free College Application Week, giving students a great opportunity to take the next step toward college.

Take advantage of the week, complete those applications, and get one step closer to your future goals! 🎓

Need additional help? Stop by and see Mr. Goodman in the GEAR UP office!

🏴‍☠️ Your future starts now, Pirates!

🎓 Seniors & Juniors — Mark Your Calendars! 💙🏴‍☠️

Balfour will be at Shepherd High School on Thursday, October 15th during lunch!

🎓 Seniors: Stop by to take care of important senior items and orders.

💍 Juniors: Be sure to stop by to get information about class rings!

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with Balfour and get everything you need for these special high school milestones!

Shepherd High School will host a Drug Awareness Program on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Program Schedule:

🔹 9th & 10th Grade
1:05 p.m. – 1:47 p.m.

🔹 11th & 12th Grade
1:56 p.m. – 2:38 p.m.

This program is designed to educate our students about the dangers of drug use and help them understand the importance of making safe, responsible choices.

We appreciate everyone’s support as we continue working to educate and protect our students.

All throughout October, HOSA & NHS will be hosting a Cornbread Drive to help families in need in our community! Every box of cornbread collected will go toward providing Thanksgiving dinners for local families.

And of course, we’re making it a competition!

• The grade level that collects the MOST boxes of cornbread will earn points toward the Captain’s Cup!
• BOXED CORNBREAD MIX ONLY

• Now through October 31st

• Freshmen: Crutchfield & LeBlanc
• Sophomores: T. Anderson & Hutto
• Juniors: Jenkins & Durochez
• Seniors: Courvelle, Bebee & Sweitch

Let’s see which grade can collect the most!

For more information, contact Ms. Bebee or Mrs. Courvelle.

Get Ready to Show Your Pirate Pride!

It’s time to DRESS UP and GET LOUD for Shepherd Pirates Football and Homecoming! Check out our upcoming dress-up days and start planning your outfits now. From country and neon to pink, throwback, and all things Pirate Pride—we want to see everyone joining in!

ONE TEAM. PIRATE PRIDE. ALL IN.

Get ready for a fun and spooky evening with Shepherd FFA at our Annual Trunk or Treat!

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Shepherd High School Parking Lot

Bring the family, wear your favorite costume, and come enjoy an evening of decorated trunks, treats, and Halloween fun! 🍬👻

We can’t wait to see our students, families, and community come together for a great night!

🧡 See you there, Pirate Nation! 💙

Shepherd ISD is proud to recognize Red Ribbon Week as we encourage our students to make healthy, positive choices and stand together against drugs!

Throughout the week, we’ll come together as ONE Pirate Nation to promote a drug-free lifestyle and remind our students that their future is worth protecting. 💙🏴‍☠️

Parents/Guardians will receive an email when their student has completed a personalized advisory sessions!

VU Scholarship Celebration – Class of 2027

Shepherd High School is excited to celebrate our Class of 2027 seniors who participated in the VU Scholarship Program! Through this program, qualified seniors have received scholarship offers from numerous colleges and universities, opening doors to exciting opportunities for their future.

This year, our participating seniors have the potential to receive an incredible $107,943,959 in college scholarships!

On October 8, 2026, we will celebrate these seniors during our VU Scholarship Celebration, where students will unveil the colleges and universities that have offered them scholarship opportunities. This special event comes at the perfect time as students prepare for Free College Application Week, October 12–18, 2026, giving them the opportunity to take the next step by applying to the colleges that have invested in their future.

We are proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey!

Shepherd High School Class of 2027
Scholarship Opportunities: $107,943,959
VU Scholarship Celebration – October 8, 2026

Shepherd ISD is excited to announce that we have implemented a new digital ticketing system for athletic events!

This new system makes purchasing tickets more convenient for our students, families, and community members. Tickets can now be purchased online before arriving at the game, helping make entry into our athletic events quicker and easier.

We invite the entire Shepherd community to come out and support our student-athletes as they proudly represent the Pirates on the field and the court!