Shepard News & Notes
August 15, 2016
Hello Shepard Families!
As we approach the start of school, I want to provide a glimpse into what students can expect for the first week. Please take a moment to share these plans with your child so they have a sense of how they will be spending their first few days with us.
First and foremost, we will run this building-wide schedule on the 22nd. For Tuesday through Friday, we will run our normal bell schedule.
"Core" instruction time (math, language arts, science, and social studies) will be set aside for students to engage in team building activities, and to complete a number of housekeeping items. Students will work directly with teachers to organize materials and supplies according to team expectations, establish team norms, and otherwise spend time getting to know one another.
"Encore" instruction time (world language, PE, and practical arts classes) will rotate through fourteen minute periods--providing just enough time for students to meet their teacher and briefly discuss the week ahead.
With regard to practical arts (STEM, CMA, music, art, band, and orchestra), the first day of school is an "A" day; when students go to their practical arts classes they should attend their semester 1, "A" day class.
Of course, we'll all be out and about making sure students get where they need to go, when they need to get there! We look forward to having our Spartans back soon!
Warm Regards,
John1st/FINAL Posting - Binder Clarification
- 6th Grade - No. The Five Star Flex Notebinder (1.5 inch capacity) has assumed it's place. However, please note that this is a different Five Star Notebinder than the one needed for World Language (that is a 1 inch capacity version).
- 7th & 8th Grade - It's up to the student. Each student needs a binder to house their polyurethane folders, but the model selected is up to the student. The zipper binder certainly works, but if another model is preferable to the student, that is OK too.
As a reminder, the complete supply list can be found here.
1st Posting - Yearbook Ordering
1st Posting - Edmodo
We are going to continue to use Edmodo as our primary means to keep students and parents informed of classroom level projects and activities to be completed outside of school, upcoming assessments and events, and general class announcements. For an overview of how to access and use Edmodo, please see this screencast from our Director for Innovative Learning, Marcie Faust.
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 12 - especially 6th grade families who are purchasing a lock and PE uniform. Students must use school-issued locks 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 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 Posting - Bell Schedule & Early Release Information
PTSO News!
Updates From the PTSO
- Ordering for special lunch for August & September closes at the end of the day on Monday, August 15th.
- Reminder to families with a PTGMS account - you must go to your profile and select "add student" to add your 6th grader to your account.
- Volunteers needed for several lunch days. Please sign up now on the special lunch website.
Online Fee Day & School Supply Purchases
- Discount Cards - Available for pick up at Open House
- Locker Ladders & School Supplies - If you didn't pick up pre ordered locker ladders or school supplies, they will be available in the office on Wednesday from 3:30 to 5pm.
Important Information About PTSO E-Store & Special Lunch
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
August 8, 2016 News & Notes Communication
August 1, 2016 News & Notes Communication
June 3, 2016 News & Notes Communication
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