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.)

As we prepare to open our doors, for students, Tuesday morning, our "Good Thing" this week is centered on Relational Capacity. We have all been in different places over the last two weeks, but tomorrow we come back together as one family.

Before the backpacks are packed and the alarms are set tonight, I want to challenge everyone to identify one "Good Thing" from your break. It doesn't have to be a grand event—maybe it was a great conversation, a book you finally finished, or a moment of quiet.

• The Action: When you walk through those doors Tuesday, don't just say "Hey." Ask a friend or a teacher: "What was one 'Good Thing' from your break?" * The Why: Sharing our "Good Things" is how we bridge the gap between our lives outside of school and our community inside these walls. It’s how we remind each other that we are known and valued.

We can’t wait to hear your stories in the morning!

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. So get ready to sign up and learn together!

Sign Up Link

Meeting Dates -Virtual and in Person at Winn 6:00-7:00pm

The sessions will be a combination of presenting and time for families/staff to talk to each other.

I am inviting both families and all staff members to these.

January 29 Part 1 “A Tidal Wave: The Surge of Suffering” pgs 1-45

Feb 12 Part “The Backstory: The Decline of Play Based Childhood” pgs 49-110

Feb 26 Part 3 “The Great Rewiring: The Rise of the Phone Based Childhood pgs 113-218

March 12 Part 4 “Collective Action For Healthier Childhood” pgs 221-299

High School drop off is at the Atrium doors. Please come through the parking lot to the very south, drop off then head back through the middle lane. This will keep the north lane open for those dropping of Elementary Students.

The upper two lots are for Staff Parking Only. High School Student parking is in the lower lot, outside of the Atrium/Gym entrance.

If you need Parent Access to Schoology (our online learning platform) please reach out to the HS Office for your access code. With Parent Access you can see the day to day assignments, grades and progress in each of your student's classes. (When they say the don't have homework, you will already know the answer. 😉 )

*these dates/times are subject to change.

Tonight, as you prepare for the return to routine, I want to leave you with a challenge for Tuesday morning. In Capturing Kids’ Hearts, we know that the way we start something determines how we finish it.

On Tuesday, the "First Five Minutes" belong to you. When you step onto the bus or walk through the front entrance, you have the power to set the "Social Contract" in motion before a single word of a lesson is even spoken. You are the architects of our school’s atmosphere.

• For Students: Your "Launch" starts at the door. Set an intention tonight to be the person who brings the energy, the smile, or the helping hand to someone who might be struggling with the early wake-up call.

• For Families: Help your students "pivot" by focusing on the people they are excited to see. The mindset we choose tonight dictates the success we find tomorrow.

Our school has been quiet for two weeks, and frankly, it's been a little too still. We are ready for your voices, your ideas, and your presence. Let's make this first day back the foundation for an incredible second half of the year.