Family Newsletter
Shepherd Elementary School September 11, 2026
A Note From Dr. Hooks
Dear Shepherd ES Families,
We want to take a moment to thank our families for your continued partnership! We are seeing more students arriving at school on time and more students coming to school each day in uniform. We appreciate your support in helping us strengthen these important routines.
We are continuing to work on improving the flow of our Kiss & Ride process. As a reminder, please avoid parking or remaining stopped in the Kiss & Ride lane, as this can create backups and impact the flow of morning arrival. We are also still looking for parent volunteers to support Kiss & Ride. We appreciate everyone’s patience, cooperation, and partnership as we continue to make improvements.
While there is always more work to do, we also believe in celebrating the small victories along the way. Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we work together to make each day at Shepherd even better for our students!
As a reminder, the primary email address for general school-related inquiries is shepherdes@k12.dc.gov. Please use this email address for questions, requests, or other school-related communication.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Calvin Hooks, Interim Principal
Shepherd Elementary School
Attendance Awareness Month
Every Day Counts!
September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time when schools and families work together to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a child's academic success and overall well-being.
When students attend school every day and arrive on time, they have the opportunity to build strong academic skills, develop positive relationships with peers and teachers, and gain confidence in their abilities. Even in the early grades, missing school can make it harder for children to keep up with classroom learning and develop important reading, writing, and math skills.
Why Regular Attendance Matters
- Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success.
- Daily attendance helps children build positive routines and responsibility.
- Being in school supports social and emotional growth through interaction with peers and teachers.
- Frequent absences can result in missed learning opportunities that are difficult to make up.
Missing just two days per month can add up quickly and impact a child's progress throughout the school year.
How Families Can Help
- Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine.
- Prepare clothes, backpacks, and materials the night before.
- Schedule routine appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Keep track of your child's attendance and communicate with the school if concerns arise.
- Develop a backup plan for transportation or childcare emergencies.
- Encourage your child to talk about school and maintain a positive attitude toward learning.
We Are Here to Help
If your child is experiencing difficulties that affect attendance, please reach out to the school. Our staff is committed to partnering with families to support student success. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for your partnership in making attendance a priority.
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Shepherd Elementary School
Main Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Address: 7800 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Website: Updates Coming Soon
Email: shepherdes@k12.dc.gov
School Phone: (202) 576-6140