Spartan Weekly Update
Friday, September 16
One More Summer Weekend...
Good Evening Spartan Families:
This has been an intensely active week in and around the hallways, classrooms, courts and fields at Shepard. Our Volleyball and Cross Country seasons are in full swing, many of our clubs have gotten off the ground and running and our classrooms are teeming with energy and exciting learning experiences.
As we head into what is shaping up to be an amazing final weekend of summer, we are sending you positive vibes and our hope you find some time to get out and enjoy a long hike as a family, s'mores by the fire or a cold summer drink in the warm sun.
Below you will find pictures from a great week of school, upcoming dates on our calendar and lots of information about some of the clubs that are coming soon (or just getting started).
Have a wonderful weekend!
Chris Cybulski, Principal
Marie Zlotnikov, Associate Principal
Ginger Logemann, Coordinator for Student Services
Extracurricular Activities Calendar
Click Here for Access to Our Extracurricular Calendar (Note: This calendar is live, so changes and updates will be made throughout the school year).
See below for updates and ways to get connected at SMS
Upcoming Dates
September 19 - 7th Grade Camp Duncan Field Trip (7th Grade Info)
September 26 - School Not in Attendance
October 5 - School Not in Attendance
October 10 - School Not in Attendance
October 20 - Picture Retake Day (Open to all Students)
Yearbook Orders
Don't miss out on the memories of the year. Purchase a Yearbook today.
The cost is $25.
It's About the Experience
ESports Club
FIRST EVER Spartan Esports - Fall Season Rocket League teams are forming now. Esports club/team will meet Thursdays after school for practice until 3:55 starting October 6th. Games versus other middle schools across the country will be played on Thursdays at 4:00 beginning November 10th. The Fall season goes until winter break on Thursday, December 15th when a champion is crowned.
For more information on the benefits of esports, read this parent letter from Vanta Esports and AMLE. To sign up for the Fall Season, go to: https://forms.gle/UpMUxXiHogMh5eew9.
Contact Mr. Wolfe with any questions.
SMS News Team
SMS News - Mondays after school until 3:55 - Opportunity to participate in bringing the good news of Shepard to our school community. You can be an anchor, reporter, writer or be on the tech crew. Broadcasts will be shown in school and posted to the SMS News Youtube channel.
Our first meeting will be on Monday, October 3rd. We meet most Mondays until the end of the school year. To sign up go to: https://forms.gle/mQdV9cEXQjMLZciU9
Contact Mr. Wolfe with any questions.
Ultimate Frisbee
Missed today's meeting. You can still join! Contact Mr. Rummelhart for more information.
Check out this video to see some of the amazing ultimate highlights!
Shepard STUCO Thursday Mornings
The first meeting of the Shepard Student Council was a huge success! Nearly 50 students students from 6th, 7th and 8th grade attending the meeting and brought wonderful new ideas on how to continue making Shepard a great place for all.
Still interested in joining? All students are eligible to join the STUCO, which serves as a student government, philanthropic outreach and positive culture builder in our school community.
Please email Ms. Oliff and Ms. Zelnick with any questions
Peer Leaders
Join the club dedicated to supporting all students at Shepard, all year long! Help plan events like March Madness, Whole School Trivia, Gratitude Wall, 5th Grade Tours, New Student Connections, Peer Buddies and much more!
Contact Mrs. O'Brien for more information.
Rubik's Cube Club
Learn to Solve the Rubik's Cube, Create mosaics, Compete in Timed Trials, Make Fun Videos and Connect with Great Friends.
Contact Mr. Kelzer for more information.
Math Counts Club
Increase math skills, work with others, compete and have fun!
Contact Mr. Kelzer for more information.
Bus Update
All "bus riders" have been issued a bus pass with their assigned bus number. Our drivers will be checking to ensure riders are on the correct route. In most cases, students are not allowed to ride other buses, because space is limited.
In the event you need a special arrangement for your child to ride an alternative bus for a day, please call our office at 847-948-0620.
4pm Activity Bus: All "bus riders" have access to our 4pm Activity Bus on Mon/Tues/Thu/Fri. This bus takes students home after clubs/activities. The driver will deliver students to their appropriate bus stop.
DISTRICT COMMUNICATION
PPS 109 Event on 10/25
We are excited this school year to return to offering in-person parent/guardian networking and educational opportunities for our community in collaboration with PPS109.
PPS109 is a partnership of DPS 109 administrators, teachers and parents/guardians who provide education and support to families of children with a wide range of needs. Our first event of the ‘22-’23 school year will be An Overview of District 109 Student Services. This event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 pm at the District Office.
We are also asking for your help! Please click here to help us prioritize the next community event that will be offered during this school year. There is also an option on the form to let us know if you are interested in participating in PPS109 parent/guardian networking opportunities.
Is your child symptomatic for COVID?
As a reminder; if your child is presenting with COVID-19 symptoms, we will be continuing to accept home test results via our website. Here is the link to submit your child’s home test results (please select your child’s school from the drop down menu). If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to access home tests during the school year please reach out to Joanna Ford at jford@dps109.org.
Turn in those required health forms!
There’s still a few weeks to accomplish this. Check this list by grade to make sure you’ve got all the right forms submitted!