Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin
It was a busy and spirited week at Shepherd Middle School. Boys basketball is in full swing, bringing energy and excitement to our evenings, while our cheerleaders wrapped up their season this past Saturday after months of dedication and hard work. We even caught a brief break in the winter temperatures, just long enough for students to bravely head outside for recess in short sleeves. As always, our students remain committed to the unspoken rule that owning a coat must never be publicly acknowledged.
During every day lessons. we are reminded how much learning depends on being present. Regular attendance plays a critical role in student success, as each day builds on the last. Even missing a small amount of school time adds up quickly and can mean lost opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping students arrive on time and ready to learn each day.
Last month, our schoolwide focus was on respect. As we move into February, our character focus shifts to kindness. This week, students will explore what kindness looks like in everyday routines and how small actions can have a meaningful impact. We are learning to recognize kindness in others and to appreciate the difference it makes in our school community.
Families can support this work at home by asking simple reflection questions such as, “Who was kind to you today?” or “Who can you show kindness to this week?”
Please note the following upcoming schedule reminders. Friday, February 6, is a half day of school, with dismissal at 11:00 a.m. In addition, there will be no school for students on Monday, February 9. Enjoy the Super Bowl as well as the opening of the Winter Olympics!
We closed the week with a message from Mrs. Moeggenborg and Mrs. Sickles as they helped launch students into the weekend and a new month. Below is the message that was shared with students.
“Good afternoon, BlueJays, may I have your attention for a special message to launch us all into the weekend and into a new month.
Today has been a meaningful and emotional day for our school family. It is Mrs. Courtright’s last day with us as she begins her retirement, and we want to take a moment — together — to recognize what she has meant to all of us.
For many years, she has been more than a teacher in this building. She has been a steady presence, a source of wisdom, a problem solver, and a champion for students. She has supported colleagues, lifted people up on hard days, shared laughter in the hallways, and given more of her time and heart than anyone could ever measure.
The impact she leaves isn’t just from her math lessons — it lives in the confidence she built in students, the encouragement she gave coworkers, and the culture of care she helped create here. Schools are made special by people like her, and we truly will not be the same without her.
From all of your students, colleagues and friends here: thank you for your dedication, your kindness, your professionalism, and your heart. We are deeply grateful — and you will be greatly missed.
We wish you a retirement filled with rest, joy, and everything you’ve been too busy serving others to enjoy.
Let’s give her a well-deserved round of applause from every room in the building.”
February
- 6 - Half Day
- 9 - No School
Decoding the A to Gen Z of Digital Lingo
Learning Gen Z's lingo will help you connect with (or embarrass) your teen so you can better understand their online world.
Deciphering slang and abbreviations is key to understanding your teen's social media posts, texts, and chats.
Keeping up with evolving trends helps you stay relevant and engaged in conversations with your teen.
no cap! just saw you in my FYP periodt.
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