The Panther Press
Principal's Update
Week of November 1st - November 8th, 2026
🐾 Panther Press Shepard Middle Weekly Family Newsletter | November 1, 2026
Greetings, Panther Families!
Welcome to another edition of the Panther Press! We have several important announcements, upcoming events, and exciting celebrations to share with our Panther community this week!
🏈 CHAMPIONS!
Our Shepard Panthers! 🏆
We are excited to congratulate our 2026 Middle School Football Champions, the Shepard Panthers!
Last Wednesday, our Panthers faced Neal Middle School in an exciting championship game that came down to the very end! Our team fought hard, never gave up, and pulled off an incredible victory in OVERTIME to bring home the championship!
We are extremely proud of Coach Mike, our coaching staff, and our student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and determination throughout the season.
A special thank-you to our families, staff, and Panther community for showing up and supporting our team throughout the season.
Congratulations again to our CHAMPIONS! Way to represent Shepard! 🏆🐾
📅 Important Reminder: Teacher Workdays
Monday, November 2nd, and Tuesday, November 3rd, are required teacher workdays.
There will be NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on either day.
Students will return to school on Wednesday, November 4th.
📚 Report Cards Are Here!
7th & 8th Grade Families
Report cards were sent home with our 7th- and 8th-grade students this past Friday!
Parents and guardians, please take a few moments to review your scholar's academic progress and discuss goals for the next grading period.
6th Grade Report Card Pick-Up Day
Our Sixth-Grade Team will host a Report Card Pick-Up Day for ALL sixth-grade scholars!
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: Shepard Middle School
Report cards must be picked up and signed for by a parent or guardian through your scholar's homeroom teacher.
Parent-teacher conferences will also be available by appointment through SignUpGenius for families who request or need a conference.
Unable to attend? No worries! A physical copy of your scholar's report card will be sent home on Wednesday, November 4th. Families can also view current grades through Infinite Campus.
👓 Vision To Learn: Free Vision Screenings!
We are excited to share an opportunity for our Panthers through Vision To Learn, a nonprofit organization that helps children see clearly by providing vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses at no cost to students or their families.
If you would like your child to participate in a free screening for potential services, please complete the consent form.
Consent Form Deadline: Friday, November 13th
Please use the QR code provided in the Panther Press to complete the form.
🎓 Save the Date: 8th Grade Night!
As our Panthers prepare for their next chapter, we invite you to attend our annual 8th Grade Night at Shepard Middle School!
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Shepard Middle School
This event is designed to help students and families prepare for the transition to high school.
Families will have opportunities to:
Meet representatives from various high schools.
Explore academic programs, pathways, and opportunities.
Ask questions about the high school experience.
Learn about the options available for their scholars.
We encourage ALL 8th-grade families to attend this informative event as we help our Panthers prepare for high school! Save the date! We look forward to seeing you there!
📸 8th Grade Cap & Gown Pictures
It's time to start celebrating our future high schoolers! Cap and Gown Picture Day: Monday, November 9, 2026
Additional information regarding picture packages and ordering will be shared at a later date.
✈️ Explore Europe 2028: Join the Adventure!
Panther Families, are you ready to explore the world?
We are excited to offer our families an opportunity to join our Explore Europe Tour in 2028!
Travelers will have an incredible opportunity to experience Europe's rich culture, history, famous landmarks, and unforgettable sights.
Virtual Informational Meeting
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Interested in learning more? Join us to hear about this exciting travel opportunity!
For additional information and to RSVP, please refer to the Explore Europe announcement in the Panther Press or your email.
❤️ Thank You, Panther Families!
As always, thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support. Together, we are building a school community where our scholars can learn, grow, and achieve excellence.
Let's continue our progress toward academic excellence through culture and community!
Make it a GREAT week, Panthers! 🐾❤️🖤
Travel Group to Europe Interest Meeting
✈️ Explore Europe 2028: Join the Adventure!
Panther Families, are you ready to explore the world?
We are excited to offer our families an opportunity to join our Explore Europe Tour in 2028!
Travelers will have an incredible opportunity to experience Europe's rich culture, history, famous landmarks, and unforgettable sights.
Virtual Informational Meeting
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Interested in learning more? Join us to hear about this exciting travel opportunity!
For additional information and to RSVP, please refer to the Explore Europe announcement in the Panther Press or your email.
AIG Parents
Thank you for coming out to Curriculum Night at Shepard IB Magnet! It was wonderful to meet so many of our Shepard families.
If you were unable to attend, please check your student’s bookbag for paperwork from Advanced Academics. We ask that you sign one copy of your student’s Differentiated Education Plan (Advanced Academics-DEP) and return it to your student’s homeroom teacher or the front office.
Thank you for your continued support of our Advanced Academics program!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jennifer Miske by email: Jennifer_Miske@dpsnc.net
📆 Important Dates and Resources
Below are a few important dates and resources for families.
All Sporting Events Start at 4:45pm
- November 2nd - Required Teacher Workday
- November 3rd - Required Teacher Workday
- November 9th - Cap and Gown Pictures
- November 11th - Veterans Day (No School for Students or Staff)
- November 14th - Showcase of Schools at Northern High Schools
- November 16th - SIT Meeting Afterschool
- November 19th - 8th Grade Night at Shepard Middle School (6:00pm - 8:00pm)
- November 23rd - Teacher Workday
- November 24th - 27th - Fall Break
🐾 Shepard Grade Level Newsletter 🐾
Suicide Prevention Hotline and Support
To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741
To reach the NC Peer Warmline, call 855‑733‑7762
Para comunicarse a la Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis, llame al 988 o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “HOME” al 741741
Para comunicarse con la Línea de Apoyo “Entre Compañeros” de Carolina del Norte, llame al 855-733-7762"