Spartan Weekly Update
Friday, October 14
At Least We Don't Have a Bears Game to Worry About...
Happy Weekend Spartan Families:
With the Bears Football outcome already in the past, we have a full weekend to enjoy outdoor activities in the cool weather, take the cushions off the outdoor furniture and try desperately to revive the fall mums that apparently needed a lot more water than they got (just me???).
As you head into the weekend, (if you haven't already done so) please take a moment to complete THIS SURVEY to indicate your preferred format for our November Conferences. Knowing the format you would like will help us ensure we have the right amount of time slots to provide in-person and virtual meetings with your child's teachers.
However you choose to spend it, we hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Enjoy!
Chris Cybulski, Principal
Marie Zlotnikov, Associate Principal
Ginger Logemann, Coordinator for Student Services
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Parent/Guardian Conferences Survey {redundant but hopeful :)}
If you haven't had a chance to let us know your preference, please take a moment to check out our survey below.
**Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22. In an effort to make a plan that will meet the needs of all of our families, we are asking you to take a moment to complete THIS SURVEY on your format preference for conferences (Remote or In-Person). Thank you for your help.**
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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).
It's About the Experience
The Shepard StuCo hosted a special pep rally event, "The Rally in the Alley", in support of our Volleyball, Cross Country and Soccer teams. The event included great music, fun games, snacks and a fall themed photobooth. Check out some great pictures below!
When Iowa loses to Illinois
Grumpy Hawkeye
Mrs. Saarva Hates Orange
Mrs. Mall Wants a Rematch
Spartan Baking at It's Best
Shepard Baking Club is cooking up some fun in the kitchen this month!
With so much to bake and so little time, our Marshmallow Squad is creating so many goodies and having loads of fun in the process. Last week's creation: a prelude to Halloween, with some Cookie Monster Cookies.
For all the delicious details, contact Mrs. Ashman.
Upcoming Dates
October 20 - Picture Retake Day (Open to all Students)
October 28 - Quarter 1 Ends
October 31 - Halloween Costumes/Quarter 2 Begins
November 21 - Conferences (Evening)
November 22 - No School/Conferences (8am-3pm)
November 23-25 - Thanksgiving Break
Yearbook Orders and Yearbook Club
Don't miss out on the memories of the year. Purchase a Yearbook today.
The cost is $25.
The Yearbook Club
Contact Ms. Cameron and Mrs. Layne for more information.
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.
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
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.
Counselors' Corner
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Our names are Mrs. Wilmot, Ms. Seiden and Mrs. O’Brien and we are the counselors/social worker at Shepard Middle School. We are here to: listen to student’s concerns about academic, social or emotional issues, help students process their feelings/problems, teach/practice skills involving coping, executive functioning (time management, organization, study skills, etc.), anxiety management, and social skills, deliver classroom lessons on social emotional topics, and refer students to outside mental health resources for additional support. Students are free to stop by our office (room 101) or email us if they would like to set up a time to connect. We also run a weekly lunch bunch for every grade level on Thursdays.
Meghan Wilmot, Counselor
847-948-0620 x 5104
Erica O’Brien, Counselor
847-948-0620 x513
Tara Seiden, Social Worker
DISTRICT COMMUNICATION
Kipling Pumpkin Fest 2022
When: Saturday, October 15th from 3-5pm
Where: Kipling Elementary School
Come join Kipling Elementary for an amazing few hours filled with unlimited games, crafts, food, music, raffle prizes and a silent auction.
Game wristbands, raffle/food tickets and tote bags for sale at the door.
We hope you can join us for this wonderful community event.
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.