Shepard News & Notes
August 18, 2017
Hello Shepard Families!
Ready. Set. Go!
School starts Monday, and we ask that you please do your part to ensure a smooth drop off and pick up pattern at Shepard! Please view the aerial map for a visual of drop off procedures. Remember that traffic in and out of Shepard moves one direction. You will approach Shepard moving south in a single file line on Grove Avenue and exit to the east on Poplar Lane. Do not park and exit your car while on Grove, in front of the school, or on Poplar. If you must exit your vehicle, you need to park in the main lot–the Buildings & Grounds lot is not open to parents.
During pick up, please be kind to our neighbors. Do not park in front of driveways and refrain from making 3-point turns in the street or in our neighbors driveways to head north on Grove. Not only do our neighbors frequently complain about their driveways being used for this purpose, but this presents a safety risk to our students.
Please respect all traffic signs and stay off your cell phone. You will see your three building administrators out and about in yellow vests welcoming students and directing traffic. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask. Bottom line – obey the rules, be patient, and keep moving!
We can't wait to see you and your child on Monday! We have big welcome back plans for them!
Warm Regards,
John1st/FINAL Posting - Solar Eclipse
On Monday, August 21st, the United States will experience a major solar eclipse event. While Deerfield is not in the path of totality, we will experience approximately 86% coverage. Since this is such a remarkable event, we want to give our students the opportunity to safely observe it that day. During science class on Monday, your student will receive ISO-certified and NASA-endorsed safety glasses and will partake in a discussion about safety while viewing the eclipse. It is important to take note to never look at the sun during the eclipse without these glasses on as it could cause permanent eye damage. The eclipse will begin at approximately 11:53 am, will be at its maximum coverage around 1:19 pm, and will end at approximately 2:41 pm. Currently, the weather forecast looks favorable for viewing.
Since the next total solar eclipse won't occur over the United States until 2024, we hope you can encourage your child to take part on Monday. If interested, you can check out the following sites for more information or ways to get more involved in this event, including becoming a citizen scientist for NASA!
- National Science Teachers Association: An Observer's Guide to Viewing the Eclipse
- NASA: Solar Eclipse 2017
- NASA: Become a Citizen Scientist During US Total Solar Eclipse
3rd/FINAL Posting - Incidental Fees
The middle schools have worked to determine all of the anticipated incidental fees charged throughout the year and have added them to Family Access so that families can make one easy, online payment, rather than sending many checks. We hope that we’ve accounted for all of the additional fees, but there may be others throughout the year.
These school- and grade-specific fees are separate from the District book/material/technology fee that was due on July 1. If you haven’t yet paid that District fee, you will need to do so when you pay your Shepard incidental fees.
Some of the school fees are mandatory, while others are optional. You can view the fees below; you also can click here to see the fees with more detailed information.
The mandatory fees will be added to your child’s account; you will be able to use the “Add a Fee” feature for the optional items. Here are instructions for making a secure online payment of these fees through Family Access. If you have any questions about using Family Access, please contact District 109's Coordinator of Communications & Community Relations Cathy Kedjidjian at ckedjidjian@dps109.org.
While the final due date for incidental fees is October 1, we encourage you to make your payment before Fee Day on August 11 - especially 6th grade families who are purchasing a lock and PE uniform. Students must use a school-issued lock and uniforms. Sixth grade students can use the lock or uniform of a graduated sibling; otherwise, you should purchase those items. If you purchase the lock and uniform, your must print a copy of your receipt and bring it to Fee Day to make the pickup process quick and easy.
Important note: Middle school yearbooks will not be purchased through Family Access this year. You will make your purchase online directly with our yearbook provider. We will send out information about yearbooks later in the fall.
3rd/FINAL Posting - Shepard FAQ
If you have a question you feel should be answered on the FAQ, please send it my way and I'll see what I can do! jfilippi@dps109.org
3rd/FINAL Posting - School Supply Lists
PTSO News!
PTSO: Special Lunch
We are pleased to offer Special Lunch again this year. Ordering will begin the week of August 14th and special lunch service will begin Monday August 28th. Stay tuned for an email notice regarding ordering details and exciting changes.
Box Tops
Don't throw away those Box Tops! We collect them and submit them to
raise money for the Shepard Student Council. Drop your Box Tops off in the Shepard Office.About Us!
Archived Communications
Email: jfilippi@dps109.org
Website: http://shepard.dps109.org/
Location: 440 Grove Avenue, Deerfield, IL, United States
Phone: (847) 948-0620
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepardMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @109Shepard