Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall! As the leaves begin to change, we’re excited to welcome a season full of learning, growth, and community traditions.

This Wednesday, we’ll welcome a special B#4 presentation from the B#4 Foundation, which focuses on supporting youth mental health and well-being.

Looking ahead, Homecoming Week kicks off September 29! Students are invited to join in the fun with the following spirit days:

• Monday – Dress like Adam Sandler

• Tuesday – Orange Shirt Day

• Wednesday – Rhyme Without a Reason

• Thursday – Battle of the Ages

  • 6th Grade: Babies

  • 7th Grade: Working Adults

  • 8th Grade: Elderly

  • Staff: Middle School Kids

• Friday – Blue & Gold

Empathy Chat: The B#4 message reminds us how important it is to check in on one another. Ask your student: “When was a time someone showed you empathy? How did it make you feel?” or “How can we practice empathy as a family this week?”

September

• 30th-Orange Shirt Day

October

• 3rd-Homecoming Friday
• 9th & 10th- NO SCHOOL
• 9th- Parent Teacher Conferences
• 21st- Picture Retake Day

Getting adequate amounts of sleep at night can help students to do better in school. When asleep, the brain is transferring short-term memories into long-term memories. When students get enough sleep, the brain is better able to store information that students are studying in school. Help your student to fall asleep more easily by encouraging them to avoid caffeine in the afternoons/evenings and by avoiding large meals or snacks right before bed.

Read more about sleep hygiene tips here. https://sleepeducation.org/back-to-school-sleep-tips-every-parent-should-know/

• Supporting Your Middle Schooler’s Social Media Use (If you are allowing it)

  As middle school students become more active online, it’s important to understand how social media impacts their emotional well-being. Social media can foster connections but can also lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and unrealistic self-image expectations. The Child Mind Institute emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, encouraging open communication, and monitoring use to help your child navigate these platforms in a healthy way. For more insights, read the full article here.

  
  

  
  

  By staying engaged, parents can support their children’s balanced online experiences.

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.