Spartan Weekly
Shepard Middle School 1/21/2022
Shepard StuCo...
Happy Weekend Spartan Families!
It was a short week, but we still managed to accomplish so much. As you gear up for a family weekend, we want to remind you that Quarter 2 grades are now posted in Family Access. Please take a moment to check out your child's grades, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions.
This week I wanted to take a moment to highlight our amazing Shepard Student Council (StuCo). Led by Ms. Oliff and Ms. Zelnick, a tremendous student Executive Leadership Team and a dedicated crew of class representatives, the Shepard StuCo has been a powerhouse for philanthropy and school spirit. Last night, at the DPS109 School Board meeting, members of the Executive Leadership Team presented on the club's outreaches, accomplishments and vision for the future.
If you have a student who wants to find a great way to get connected at Shepard, the StuCo is actively recruiting 6th and 7th graders for representative and committee member roles. The next meeting is Thursday, 7:15am, in the Shepard LC.
Be sure to follow the club on Instagram @smsstuco109 and Twitter @SMSStuco2
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr.C, Mrs. Zlotnikov and Mrs. Logemann
Upcoming Dates
2/21 NO SCHOOL for Presidents Day
2/22 NO SCHOOL for Teacher Professional Development
SHIELD Testing (Weekly Opt Out Form)
- If your student has consent to test, we will assume they will come down during their scheduled time (a reminder announcement will be made for each time slot.
- SHIELD Testing remains optional. If for any reason you do not want your child to submit a test sample on Tuesday, January 25, please click here.
If you have questions, please call our office at 847-948-0620
From Deerfield High School
Deerfield High School (DHS) Athletic Booster Club Seeks Volunteers for 2022/2023 School Year
The DHS Athletic Booster Club is looking to fill the position of our Membership Chair for the 2022/2023 School Year. In addition, we are looking for a Co-Chair for Warrior Wear (Spirit Wear) and a Co-Chair for Advertising for the 2022/2023 School Year. In addition, we are always looking for Sports Representatives for Fall, Winter, and Spring Seasons. This is a fantastic way to support your student-athlete as they begin their High School experience.
For more information contact Larry Letwat at larryletwat@gmail.com or at 312-320-6029. Feel Free to visit the website to learn more about this organization at https://www.d113boosters.org/
Important D109 Information
5ESSENTIALS SURVEY NOW OPEN - LEND YOUR VOICE TO HELP OUR SCHOOL!
Again this year, parents across Illinois have an opportunity to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, it allows you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. Your responses also help guide district improvement.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
· Effective Leaders
· Collaborative Teachers
· Involved Families
· Supportive Environments
· Ambitious Instruction
To take the Parent Survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. Your identity and responses will be kept completely confidential and will not be connected to you or your child. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
In addition to parents, 4th through 8th grade students will also be responding to this survey. Per school board policy 7:15, you may opt your child out of any survey. If you would not like your child to participate in the 5Essentials Survey, please contact your building principal.
GET YOUR CONSENT ON FILE FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A reminder, to participate in any before/after school clubs, sports, and activities, all students must have a signed consent form and be signed up for SHIELD testing in order to take part. Please click below to find the consent form.
REVISED QUARANTINE GUIDANCE
The CDC has put out clarifying guidance specifically for K-12 schools reducing the recommended time for isolation and quarantine periods to five days. IDPH & ISBE have since endorsed this new guidance.We are working to adjust our quarantine and isolation periods based on these new regulations and will contact affected individuals directly. The question of who is supposed to quarantine comes up often. Please check out this helpful explainer from the CDC.
OPTIONAL VACCINE DISCLOSURE FOR STUDENTS AGES 5+
Remember, you can complete an optional form in Family Access to let DPS 109 know that your child is vaccinated. This is the same form that was made available to students ages 12 and older earlier this year.
A major benefit of completing the form is that if your child is deemed to be a close contact to a positive case, either in school or outside of it, our contact tracing team will quickly be able to potentially rule out quarantine for those that have voluntarily disclosed their child’s vaccination status or minimize the number of additional tests required to participate in the test to stay program.
2022-2023 D109 Calendar
The official 2022 - 2023 School Year Calendar was approved by the Board of Education on November 19th, 2021. Please see the calendar on the DPS109 website.