Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

BlueJay families,

We hope you had an opportunity to enjoy the winter weather while also staying warm. Last week, our eighth grade students participated in NWEA testing in a PSAT-style format, using a large group and timed setting. Reports indicate that students worked hard and performed well. Sixth and seventh grade students have begun their NWEA assessments and will be completing them over the coming days.

This week, there is a SKY Meeting for interested parents on Wed, Jan 21st 6-7pm. SKY—School, Kids, & You—is a low-pressure, volunteer-friendly group created to support our middle school. Our goal is to bridge communication, celebrate students, and help staff with small needs that make a big impact!

This week, we are focusing on contributing to a culture of respect within our school community. Students are reflecting on their ability to listen, appreciate different perspectives, and choose words and actions that bring people together.

How you can help at home:
Consider having a family discussion about what it means to be a responsible citizen and how kindness and understanding contribute to strong and healthy communities.

January

• 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February

• 6 - Half Day
• 9 - No School

Once a goal is chosen, it’s helpful to break it down into smaller, achievable steps. This approach can reduce overwhelm and give children a sense of progress and control.

For example:

• Academic goal: Instead of “get better at math,” try “practice one new type of problem each day” or “ask one question in class each week.”

• Personal goal: Instead of “be more mindful,” try “take three deep breaths before dinner” or “write one thing I’m grateful for each night.”
  
  

Encourage your child to reflect on their progress regularly and adjust their steps as needed. Celebrating effort along the way builds confidence and helps the goal feel doable, even during busy school weeks.

The study "Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity," published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, examines how the mere presence of a smartphone can diminish cognitive abilities.

Researchers Adrian F. Ward, Kristen Duke, Ayelet Gneezy, and Maarten W. Bos conducted two experiments to test the "brain drain" hypothesis, which suggests that even without active smartphone use, having one's smartphone nearby can occupy limited cognitive resources.

The findings revealed that participants performed worse on tasks requiring working memory and fluid intelligence when their smartphones were present, even if the devices were turned off.

Notably, individuals who were more dependent on their smartphones experienced the most significant cognitive declines.

The study concludes that the mere presence of smartphones can reduce available cognitive capacity, impacting decision-making and overall cognitive functioning.

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!

SKY—School, Kids, & You—is a low-pressure, volunteer-friendly group created to support our middle school. Our goal is to bridge communication, celebrate students, and help staff with small needs that make a big impact!

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