Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

As we come to the end of the trimester, please remember that Friday is a half day of school with an 11:00 a.m. dismissal. Elementary families will be participating in Parent Teacher Conferences. The secondary schools will not hold conferences on Friday.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Veteran Banner bake sale last week. The event was a success, and we appreciate the generosity and support of our families in helping make this student led project possible.

As we move from February into March, our Character Education focus shifts from Respect to Courage. This week, students are exploring what courage truly means. Courage is not only found in bold or dramatic actions. It is also present in everyday moments such as asking for help, trying something new, or admitting a mistake. We are encouraging students to recognize the small but meaningful ways they already demonstrate courage each day.

You might continue the conversation at home by asking, “What does courage look like at school?” or “What is something brave you have done recently?”

March

• 6 - Half day/ End of 2nd Trimester
• 9 - Beginning of 3rd Trimester

March is a month of fresh starts and new growth—and with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s also a time we think about luck. Soon, four-leaf clovers, rainbows, and pots of gold will appear in stores, and we begin to wonder about the “luck ‘o’ the Irish.”

It’s easy to think of luck as something fixed or unpredictable. In reality, what we call “luck” is often the result of habits and choices. Richard Wiseman, author of The Luck Factor, found that people who seem “lucky” share some common habits. They stay open to new experiences, build social connections, listen to their intuition, and bounce back positively from setbacks. If we were to make a recipe for luck, it might look like this: luck = preparation + opportunity + positivity.

Often, what looks like luck is really hard work, curiosity, or strong connections with others. Imagine a student who decides to join the track and field team, even though they’ve never run hurdles before. They practice regularly, ask their coach for tips, and stay focused. By the time meet day arrives, their effort pays off—they might even finish near the top. While some might call this student “lucky,” it’s really their effort, curiosity, and willingness to try something new that created the opportunity.

This week, take a moment to talk with your child about a time they created their own luck—whether by trying something new, practicing hard, or reaching out to someone. You could ask, “What’s something good that happened recently because you tried something new?” Remind your child that luck isn’t just chance—it’s something we can create every day.

For more information, check out these resources:

• The 4 traits lucky people have in common, according to the author of The Luck Factor — A summary of Richard Wiseman’s decade‑long study identifying habits of people who consistently feel “lucky” (openness, intuition, optimism, resilience). CNBC

• 5 Powerful Ways to Create Luck, Happiness, and Success — A practical article showing how everyday behaviours (like goal‑setting and saying yes to new experiences) help “make your own luck.” themuse.com

• 5 Ways to Create Your Own Luck — A deeper dive into awareness, social connection and action‑taking as the foundation of what looks like “luck.” Psychology Today

How Short Videos Keep Middle School Students Hooked

Short videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are intentionally designed to capture and hold attention. Quick transitions, personalized recommendations, and continuous autoplay make it easy for middle school students to scroll for extended periods without realizing how much time has passed.

At this age, students are still developing focus, self-regulation, and study habits. Frequent exposure to fast-paced content can make sustained attention during class, reading, or homework more challenging. It may also affect sleep and overall well-being.

Families can support healthy routines by setting consistent screen time expectations, encouraging device-free times in the evening, and maintaining open conversations about responsible and balanced media use.

https://shepherdschools.onlinesafetyhub.io/parent/articles/how-short-videos-keep-kids-hooked

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!

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