Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin
Last week, despite schedule disruptions from snow days and delays, our Middle School Band students proudly performed their Winter Concert. This week, our Choir students will take the stage as they continue our tradition of showcasing student talent. In athletics, our 7th and 8th grade girls basketball teams wrapped up successful seasons, and our wrestling team enters the final week of competition. We appreciate the dedication of our students and the continued support from families.
This week, we are also looking forward to adding some holiday fun through a series of schoolwide Spirit Days:
- Monday: Ugly Sweater and Holiday Headwear Day
- The louder, brighter, and sillier, the better. If it jingles, sparkles, or makes people smile, Monday is the day to wear it.
- Tuesday: Class Color Day
- Students are encouraged to show grade level pride. Sixth grade wears white, seventh grade wears green, eighth grade wears red, and staff will wear blue as we fill the building with BlueJay pride.
- Wednesday: Pajama Day
- Comfort is the theme as students enjoy the coziest school day of the year.
- Thursday: Ho Ho Holiday in Hawaii
- We will bring a little sunshine to winter with Hawaiian shirts, leis, and tropical holiday style.
- Friday: Family Photo Flannel Day
- Think matching outfits, holiday card energy, and classic flannel style as we wrap up the week together.
This week is also the final opportunity for students and families to contribute to our Hoops 4 Hunger and Semper Fit Toys for Tots drives. We encourage donations of nonperishable food items for Hoops 4 Hunger and new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots drive. These efforts help support families in our community during the holiday season.
This week, our character focus centers on making responsible choices by thinking ahead and honoring commitments. Students are working on weighing the consequences of their decisions and following through in ways that demonstrate maturity and consideration for others.
How you can help at home:
Consider talking through difficult decisions with your student by asking, “What might happen if you made this choice?” and “How can you make a responsible decision instead?”
We are gathering survey feedback on our Capturing Kids Hearts Practices. If you haven't yet done so, we would appreciate your feedback here.
December
- 15 - Choir Concert - 6:30pm High School Auditorium
- 22 - Holiday Break begins
January
- 6- School resumes
As December moves forward, we approach the shortest day of the year—the winter solstice. This season reminds us that even in the darkest days, light always returns. It’s a natural moment to pause and reflect, noticing how cycles of rest and renewal mirror our own lives.
In many ways, the quiet and stillness of winter invite us to slow down, to turn inward, and to restore our energy. Just as the earth takes a breath before the light begins to grow again, we too can use this time to reflect on what we’ve learned, what we value, and what we hope to nurture in the months ahead.
Taking even a few moments of mindfulness—stepping outside to notice the crisp air, lighting a candle, or simply sitting in quiet—can help us find calm and balance in this busy season. May this time of year remind us that growth often begins in stillness, and that light is always on its way back.
Mindful Moment:
Take a few minutes one evening this week to turn off the lights and sit quietly with your family. Notice the sounds around you, the feeling of your breath, and the stillness of the space. Then, light a candle or turn on a soft light and take a moment to share one thing each of you is grateful for or looking forward to in the coming year.
Even in the darkest days, a small light can remind us to pause, reflect, and find calm.
Photo by Alex Jones on Pexels
Gift of Screen-Free Time
In today's tech-driven world, children and teens spend significant time on screens—up to 6 hours daily for kids 8-12 and 9 hours for teens. This holiday season, consider gifts that promote creativity, social interaction, and physical activity while reducing screen time.
Why Monitor Screen Time? Excessive screen use can lead to mood issues, poor sleep, decreased academic performance, reduced physical activity, and body image concerns. Pediatricians like Dr. John Carter recommend tech-free activities to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and social skills. Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens By choosing screen-free gifts, families can foster meaningful connections and healthier habits during the holidays and beyond.
This year, we are excited to announce "Parent University" where we will provide a safe place to learn together right in the comfort of your own home! We are going to read the book, "The Anxious Generation." Parent University is going to be guided by Tracey Galgoci who is not only a board member here at Shepherd Public Schools but also is the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Gratiot Isabella RESD.
The book we will read and discuss together is being graciously provided by a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal grant! We appreciate the Saginaw Chippewa tribe and all the support it gives to our school!
We will begin Parent University in January. If you are interested, please sign up using the google doc linked below and get ready to learn together!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ktn7oRDBKQuN_nahx5S44tOxINDV4BRcsAPZR_Oxxzo/preview
