November 15, 2016
Brought to you by the Shepard Elementary PTA
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
I want to make you aware of an event coming soon. Shepard Parent's Night Out is Friday, December 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This is a night that you can drop off your child or children (current Shepard students only) and you enjoy a night out. Your child will be engaged with arts and crafts and games with the Shepard staff. We will have a pizza dinner and a holiday movie.
It will be a great night for our students and parents. All proceeds will be used to support the Shepard teachers and students. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. We only have 75 slots available, so sign up soon! The deadline for turning in the enrollment form is Tuesday, November 29! A form was sent home last week and is also available here. Please call the office with any questions.
At this time of year it is natural to start thinking about what we are thankful for in our lives. Shepard Elementary is an amazing school that fosters a community spirit. I am thankful for the staff, parents, students and community that is Shepard. We have some of the best teachers in the district. They work hard and truly love each and every student. I am thankful that I am the principal and feel honored to be a part of such a loving and generous community.
As always, thanks for your support,
Tricia Lancaster, Principal, Shepard Elementary, 469-752-3110
Express Your Artistic Talent with PTA Reflections
This year's theme is WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
Create an original work in visual arts, dance, photography, film, music or literature.
Entries are due Thursday, November, 17th before school at a table in the front office.
- Guidelines can be picked up in Mrs. Peter's room or online at www.pta.org/reflections
- Be sure to have an attached entry form completed that came home in the Tuesday folder
- At least one parent/guardian must be a member of the Shepard PTA. Join now.
If you have any questions, email Roxanne Wright.
Fight Hunger Through Shepard's Food Drive
During the week of November 14-18, cans and non-perishable items will be collected at both carpool or your child's classroom.
Shepard’s goal is 1,000 ITEMS!! That’s just 2-3 items per student.
Together we can! Learn more.
Volunteers Needed!
If you have the time to volunteer, we are thrilled to have you and can help you find the right volunteer opportunity that suits your schedule.
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Shepard.
Proposed PTA Bylaws Amendment
The December meeting of the Shepard Elementary PTA membership will be held on December 15th at 6 pm (before the choir concert) in the cafeteria. As part of the regular business conducted at this meeting, we will vote on the following proposed amendments to the Shepard Elementary PTA Bylaws:
1) Article V, Section 2. Dues.
A. Annual dues for each member shall be eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50) for the local portion of dues plus state dues as determined by PTA and national dues as determined by National PTA. Annual dues for each couple (family) shall be twenty dollars and fifty cents ($20.50) for the local portion of dues plus state dues as determined by PTA and national dues as determined by National PTA. Annual dues for each Shepard staff member shall be six dollars and fifty cents ($6.50) for the local portion of dues plus state dues as determined by PTA and national dues as determined by National PTA.
This amendment, if approved, would increase our PTA dues to $13.00 for a single membership and $25.00 for a "2 family member" membership. Our staff membership would remain at $11.00. Our PTA dues have not been increased since 2010.
Auction Pick-up - Wednesday, November 16, 5-7 pm
Congratulations to all of our auction winners! And, thank you for participating!
Winners of the PTA Membership Drawing
Thank you to everyone who joined the PTA by October 31!
The winners of our Shepard T-shirt drawing are:
Allison Brockford
Michelle Heyman
Lindsay McKenzie
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift that Gives Back...To Shepard
Shepard PTA was issued a $41.25 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation for activity between July 1 and September 30, 2016. This holiday season, WE can blow that number off the charts!
At smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Shepard Elementary.
Here's how:
Login to Amazon via this link https://smile.amazon.com
And then choose PTA Texas Congress 7434 Shepard Elementary PTA
Help Support a Shepard Family in Need
Access the CareCalendar for meal donations and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: Calendar ID : 242913; Security code : 5603
Please call or text Lynn Ellis with comments or questions at 972-922-2292. Thank you!
FREE Parenting Classes
Did you know you could attend free parenting classes offered by the district?
There are many series coming up, including sessions about parenting strong-willed children, parenting children with ADHD, and grandparents raising grandchildren.
We will also have four parenting classes here at Shepard this year. 2016 Plano ISD Parent Workshops Find more information and other free classes offered by the district.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the counselor, email Mrs. Christenson or call 469-752-3115.
It’s 2016-2017 PACE Referral Time
PACE provides services for students K -5th grade who require academically gifted enrichment services and have demonstrated the need for advanced, differentiated instruction. If you would like to have your child assessed for placement in the PACE program please follow these procedures:
1. Fill out the referral packet called “Student Referral Information” from this website (scroll down to Referral Packets, Elementary and click to open)
http://pisd.edu/parents/advanced.academics/gifted.pace/index.shtml
2. The referral form can be filled out online and e-mailed to Sherre Shafer or if you prefer, you can print the referral form and return it to Sherre Shafer, campus PACE Gifted Specialist.
The referral deadline is 3:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7.
If you have any questions please contact Sherre Shafer or call 469-752-3147.
Save-the-Date: Holiday Spirit Night at Chick-fil-a
On Tuesday, December 6th, from 5-8 pm Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Chick-fil-a cow will all make guest appearances to meet and greet and take photos with the kids. Chick-fil-a will donate 15% of all sales to Shepard families back to our school.
Upcoming Events
November
16 PTA after-school Chess
16 PTA Auction Pick-up (5-7 pm)
21-25 Thanksgiving Break
December
1 PTA Earthsavers (3rd - 5th)
6 PTA Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night with Santa and the Cow (5-8 pm)
8 PTA Earthsavers (K - 2nd)
8 PTA Story Night - 6:00 pm
15 Winter Holiday Party
15 Choir Concert
16 Student Early Release
19-30 Winter Break