Shepherd High School Weekly Update

As a Capturing Kids Heart's school we start each class with a few minutes to share Good Things." (See the Launch at the end of this update.)

• For Students: Think of one thing you are proud of from this past week. Maybe you navigated a new schedule, met a new teacher, or finished a tough assignment.

  • The Action: Before you flip the switch to "vacation mode," tell someone at home one "Good Thing" that happened at school this week. Let’s leave on a high note!

• For Families: The pace of high school life is fast. This week is a chance to slow down the clock.

  • The Action: Try to have one conversation this week where the topic isn't grades, sports, or "what’s next." Just enjoy the "Good Thing" of being present with one another.

Enjoy this well-deserved break. You’ve earned every minute of it!

For those of you who are taking the PSAT/SAT this spring here is some potential good news for you. . . We have decided to offer Exam Exemptions for those of you who meet the proficiency requirements on the Math and/or Reading & Writing PSAT/SAT.

If you meet the requirement in Math and you have at least a 77% in your math class you can be exempt from that exam. (If you don't have a math class this trimester, you can be exempt from another - not English - exam.) If you meet the requirement in English and you have at least a 77% in your English class you can be exempt from that exam. (If you don't have an English class this trimester, you can be exempt from another - not math - exam.)

PSAT 9 Math Benchmark 450

PSAT 9 Reading & Writing Benchmark 410

PSAT 10 Math Benchmark 480

PSAT 10 Reading & Writing Benchmark 430

SAT Math Benchmark 530

SAT Reading & Writing Benchmark 480

We take the PSAT/SAT on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. That gives you over a month to put in some extra time preparing and taking practice tests (you will be doing some of this in classes too.) If getting an exam exemption sounds like a good way to end the school year, make sure to put some extra time in now getting ready.

*these dates/times are subject to change.

Before we head our separate ways for the week, I want to leave you with a thought on Self-Care and Capacity. We spend a lot of time at Shepherd High School focused on the Social Contract—how we treat each other. But this week, I want you to focus on the contract you have with yourself.

You cannot lead, learn, or love others well if your own "bucket" is empty. If you spend the whole week tethered to your notifications or worrying about the Monday we return, you aren't truly resting.

Your Launch Challenge for Spring Break:

1. Disconnect to Reconnect: Find at least one full day this week to put the phone away. Reconnect with a hobby, a book, or the outdoors.

2. The "Check-In": Sometime mid-week, ask yourself: "Am I actually resting, or am I just busy doing something else?"

3. Return Refilled: Our goal isn't just to get through the break; it’s to return with the Relational Capacity to finish this school year stronger than we started.

Go find some joy, get some sleep, and fill your bucket. We will see you back here, refreshed and ready, on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Make it a great break—or not—the choice is yours!