Shepherd's IB Monthly
Globally-Engaged * Compassionate * Lifelong Learners
Alexander R. Shepherd's Programme of Inquiry
Here is our programme of inquiry that includes all of the units throughout the year!
Learner Profile Attribute and Approach to Learning Skill of the Month
IB Learner Profile Attribute of the Month:
Knowledgeable
We develop and use our understandings by exploring a variety of subjects. We explore local and global issues and ideas.
IB Approach to Learning Skill of the Month:
Thinking Skills
Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Transfer skills
Reflection skills
Metacognitive skills
Upcoming Events
Native American and Alaskan Heritage Day and IB Assembly, Tuesday, November 25
5th Grade IB Williamsburg Trip, Friday, December 5
International Day!
International Day was a success! Thank you to all of the families who participated!! It was a beautiful display of our school's diversity. The stations were incredibly engaging and everyone had a wonderful time "Tasting the World" together! This event wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support our Shepherd families and staff members!
IB Trips
Our IB trips have been so much fun!! The kids are making unforgettable memories and making connections to their learning! Please see some highlights from our 3rd grade trip to Philly on November 7, and our 4th grade trip to NYC on November, 14. We are looking forward to going to Williamsburg on December 5 with 5th grade!
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Students learned about the immigrant experience through exhibits
One World Observatory
Enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Explored interactive exhibits, snapped unforgettable photos, and experienced the thrill of the Sky Pod elevator.
Franklin Institute
Discovered the wonders of science and innovation with a visit to the Franklin Institute Museum in Philadelphia, where interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences bring learning to life.
Betsy Ross House
Students can toured the historic house to learn about Betsy Ross and the 18th century through costumed interpreters, period-furnished rooms, and interactive exhibits.
Liberty Bell
Students saw the Liberty Bell and learned about the bell's journey and its significance.
IB Showcases
An IB showcase is an event where students in an International Baccalaureate (IB) program present their work, projects, and learning journey to their peers, teachers, parents, and the wider community.
These events serve as culminating moments for specific IB components and programs, highlighting students' inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Kindergarten Community Workers IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our kindergarten students had an amazing IB showcase connected to their Who We Are Unit of Inquiry! Shout out to all of the students and their teachers for sharing with us the important role community workers play in our society!
1st Grade Family History IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our first grade students shared about their family heritage! Students explored what makes their families unique as a connection to their Who We Are Unit of Inquiry! Excellent job!
5th Grade Mission to Mars IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our 5th graders had an amazing IB showcase! As a connection to their IB unit Where We Are in Place and Time, students had the opportunity to design their own rovers as a part of their Mission to Mars Project!
IB Parent Academy Resource
Shepherd ES has a matrix called "RIDE" that also connects to the learner profile attributes!
R- Respect: Caring, Open-Minded, Communicator
I- Integrity: Principled, Thinker
D- Discipline: Balanced, Reflective
E- Effort: Knowledgeable, Inquirer, Risk-Taker
Each month at Shepherd, we focus on a different learner profile attribute! Here are some ways to support developing the learner profile in your student at home!
November: Knowledgeable
We develop and use our understandings by exploring a variety of subjects. We explore local and global issues and ideas.
Encourage your child to read books at home that correspond to the topics being covered in school.
Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about it: Why do you think that is an important thing to know about? Can you think of anything happening in the world today that might be similar to that aspect of history?
Encourage your child to become familiar with current events and to read the newspaper and watch the news, when appropriate.
Native American and Alaskan Heritage Resources
Early Readers (K-2)
- Ancient Night, by David Bowles; illustrated by David Álvarez
- Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer, by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Natasha Donovan
- Fry Bread, by Kevin Noble Maillard; illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
- This Land, by Ashley Fairbanks; illustrated by Bridget George
- On the Trapline, by David Alexander Robertson; illustrated by Julie Flett
- The Princess and the Warrior, by Duncan Tonatiuh
- Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez, by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales; illustrated by Aphelandra
- Still This Love Goes On, by Buffy Sainte-Marie; illustrated by Julie Flett
- Sweetest Kulu, by Celina Kalluk; illustrated by Alexandra Neonakis
- The Water Walker, by Joanne Robertson&
- We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade
- Why We Dance, by Deidre Havrelock; illustrated by Aly McKnight
Elementary Readers (3-5)
- The Birchbark House, by Louise Erdrich
- Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes, by Wab Kinew; illustrated by Joe Morse
- Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, by Robbie Robertson; illustrated by David Shannon
- Healer of the Water Monster, by Brian Young
- I Can Make This Promise, by Christine Day
- Indian No More, by Charlene Willing McManis and Traci Sorell
- JoJo Makoons: The Used-To-Be Best Friend, by Dawn Quigley; illustrated by Tara Audibert
- Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer, by Bill Wise; illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
- The Rough-Face Girl, by Rafe Martin; illustrated by David Shannon
- Sisters of the Neversea, by Cynthia Leitich Smith
- We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know, by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Frané Lessac
- Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller, by Doreen Rappaport; illustrated by Linda Kukuk