Shepherd Middle BlueJay Bulletin

This final week of the 2025 calendar year, our school wrapped up the semester with a strong sense of spirit and community. Staff participated in a week of Old School Holiday traditions, and we extend a sincere thank you to everyone who donated gifts for our Yule Goat Haul and mugs for the Wassailing Wagon. These small acts of generosity helped create moments of joy and connection during a busy time of year.

As we approach the new year, conversations often turn to New Year’s resolutions. For middle school students, this is an important opportunity to reflect on personal growth. Resolutions at this age are less about perfection and more about setting realistic goals, building positive habits, and learning from mistakes. Whether students are aiming to be more organized, kinder to others, or more persistent in their learning, we encourage families to support thoughtful goal setting and reflection.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a joyful holiday season. School will resume on Tuesday, January 6. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

We are gathering survey feedback on our Capturing Kids Hearts Practices. If you haven't yet done so, we would appreciate your feedback here.

January

• 6- School resumes

This week the theatre class began working on Choreography using umbrellas!

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

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