September 2011

Shepton PTSA presents Parenting Program Wednesday, October 26th, 7 pm (Revised Date) S HEPTON L IBRARY

Developing to pay for college! There are more than 3,500 col- A Game Plan leges and universities in the alone, so For College: there are more than just a few great schools for your What Can I child, where he or she will Do Now To gain admission, be happy, Prepare as a and most importantly, Marilyn Kaufman, M.Ed., thrive! serves on The Princeton On the Inside Freshman or Review National College Sophomore? Some seniors will share Counselor Advisory Board Change is a Cool Thing! p. 3 their experiences explaining and is President of College Marilyn Kaufman advises what they wish they had Admission Consultants. students to think about done differently, when they Marilyn's daughter gradu- Theatre News p. 4 making the most of their were a freshman or sopho- ated from Shepton and high school years, know more! Reflections p.6 Learn offensive & defensive strategies that will help your teen to be successful in High School & gain admission to college. NHS/FBLA News p. 7 what strategies to take to Plano West, and is always study for standardized test- This is a must see program, happy to come back to a Parents, Can You Spell ing, become self-motivated, and one that will change the school she knows and re- find the right college, distin- Love? p. 8 course of your child’s direc- spects so well! guish oneself from peers, tion in the college process. and seek merit scholarships Counselor News p. 9

JROTC on the Move p. 11 F ROM O UR P RINCIPAL B URT S MITH Things to Know About Shepton p. 12 The school year is under- hope this is their best parent volunteers. Many way and we have approxi- school year ever! hours of planning and mately 1,600 students walk- preparation went into get- Carpool Tips p. 14 ing the halls of Shepton We have had a great start ting ready for the first day. High School. This is such to the school year thanks in Our wonderful PTSA pro- an exciting time in the lives large part to all the efforts vided lunch for all the staff Thinking About taking of our students and we of our staff, students, and the PSAT? p. 16 (Continued on page 2) Page 2 September 2011

F ROM O UR P RINCIPAL (CON ’T)

(Continued from page 1) which you can receive e- Families who do not have a mails from the school sev- computer to use can re- on our first day back and it eral times each week with ceive a used one free of was greatly appreciated. the school announcements charge from the school Many volunteers helped to and other very helpful infor- district through a program plan, set up, and work dur- mation. You can sign up at called Computers@Home. The Stallion is a publication of ing our Stallion Stampede the following website: You are welcome to call the Shepton High School and have also helped in the http://elist.pisd.edu or you our campus technology PTSA office area during the first can access the website from assistant, Karen Hosein, at 5505 W. Plano Pkwy week of school. I don’t the main PISD webpage, (469) 752-7606 or e-mail Plano, TX 75093 know what we would do www.pisd.edu. her regarding this program without these wonderful at [email protected] . Principal: Burton Smith parents and the time they I would also like to encour- PTSA President: Kelly volunteer to Shepton. A age all parents to sign up We are excited about all of Waterman big “Thank You” goes to for Parent Portal. Parent the incredible things going Editor: Doug Rogers each one of them. Their Portal provides parents on at our school and appre- time and energy are greatly access to real-time student ciate the support of our Correspondence should be appreciated by all of the attendance records and parents and community in directed to the editor at Shepton staff. grades (grades are updated helping insure the success [email protected] every Monday). You can of every student at Shepton We are looking forward to register for this free service High School. another outstanding year at at: https://parentviewer. Shepton High School and pisd.edu or you can access Have a great year! hope that all of our stu- the website from the main dents get involved in at PISD webpage, www. least one of our clubs or pisd.edu. organizations to help make their high school experi- ence the best it can be.

I would like to remind eve- ryone of a wonderful com- munication tool that we have available. Shepton eNews is a free service in

A big “Thank You" to Casey Cobb, and his team at the Starbucks on Parker Rd & the Dallas North Toll- way (near Tom Thumb). They generously donated the coffee for the Back-to-School Coffee.

And another big “Thank You" to Robert Bollinger, the store manager, & all the wonderful staff at Market Street Plano (Park Blvd & Preston Rd). They gener- ously donated food from their catering department for the Back-to-School Coffee.

Please let both of these wonderful businesses know how much you appreciate their support the next time you are there! The Stallion Page 3

CHANGE IS A COOL T HING! K ELLY W ATERMAN -PTSAP RESIDENT

Hello Shepton parents, week, chatting with friends ing and money manage- faculty and students! To and hugging in the hall- ment so much easier on our some of you, welcome to ways, homework assign- volunteers. PISD also made Shepton High and to the ments, sitting at lunch with a huge change and had others, welcome to another friends. For me it was a their part of registration year. The theme of my first mouthful of braces, bad online for forms and sched- So, as you can see, newsletter is CHANGE. hair days lingering by that ules. Wow! Easy! Another change is a cool thing! When people think of locker waiting for that cute change is packet pick-up Whether or not you like change, they think oh geez, guy to walk by and hope- has been changed to Stal- change, please embrace our here we go again with that fully notice me while I lion Stampede and made changes and make the best word. They either love it or swoon and fall awkwardly into a fun get-to-know- of what Shepton has to of- hate it. But this year into my locker… I guess Shepton-High event. fer. Let’s give our students, change is a cool thing! those times haven’t Our school store, called teachers and families some When I think back on when changed either. the Stallion Shop, is chang- great experiences and I was in high school and But at Shepton, what ing with upgrades and a memories. Reflecting back think of how different it change has been made so facelift by our wonderful on our own experiences, was back then (bell bottom far and worked is our back- volunteers. The PTSA is bad hair, braces and all, pants, polyester shirts, wide to-school online registra- looking at changing-up the high school is a fun exciting lapels, awful hair styles…), I tion for school supplies, programs lineup and bring- time for our kiddoes. Those realize a lot has changed reading books, PTSA mem- ing in some cool programs things never change. (and I’m so grateful…). But berships, directory data and speakers. We are in then I see all the same fa- input and spirit wear. It the works of bringing in a Kelly Waterman miliar experiences of high streamlined the packet surprise celebrity to speak [email protected] school: band and pick-up process so much to our students which will practices, games, spirit and made our record keep- make them jump with Glee.

C ASSEROLE D AY T ECHNOLOGY & T HURSDAY ,OCTOBER 5 S TUDENT S ERVICES

As part of our Shepton PTSA tra- A warm welcome to all our new 9th grade students ditions, we show our appreciation and their families, and a warm welcome back to all our th to our hardworking staff by giving 10 grade students! We’ve had a fantastic start to the 2011-2012 school year. them a night off for dinner! Every year we provide a casserole dinner My name is Valerie VanWinkle, and I’m in a new role this year as Shepton’s Technology and Student Services to each staff member for their Assistant Principal. I will also be serving students whose last names begin with ‘Mc’ through ‘R’ concerning atten- enjoyment one night. This year, our annual Casserole Day dance and student management. is October 5th. Show your appreciation for the hard work This year, I’m excited to introduce Digital Citizenship of the incredible staff at Shepton by donating a casserole! lessons to our students. As you may know, last year we We need 160 and they can be homemade or bought. Please changed our electronic device/cell phone policy, which now allows students use of their digital devices as needed email [email protected] to be placed on the outside the classroom, and as per their teacher’s discre- email list for more details coming soon. Thanks in advance tion inside the classroom. (Continued on page 13) for your generosity! Page 4 September 2011

S HEPTON T HEATRE N EWS :

TALENT SHOW AUDITIONS!

The Shepton Theatre Depart- The Shepton Theatre Department ment is excited to present Shep- will soon be holding auditions and ton’s Got Talent on Friday, Sep- backstage interviews for the one act play. tember 16th, at 7:00 on the Shep- ton stage! Bands, singers, danc- Students interested in auditioning ers, and more will compete for for an acting role should sign-up for the title of Shepton’s most tal- an audition & pick-up an informa- ented student. tion packet on the theatre call- board, which is located next to C116, in the theatre hallway. Audi- Come out to support your friends tions will be held on September 26th and to see these and 27th. amazing students perform! Students interested in working backstage should sign-up for an in- terview to be held September 28th. Tickets are $5 and can be pur- Please see Mrs. Darce or Mrs. McEl- Don’t Forget chased at the door. Concessions wain if you have any questions! will also be available. Break a leg! Shepton Open House ! B RAVO ! Tues, Sept 13

6:30-8:10 BRAVO is Shepton’s thea- Bravo Bonanzas several It is easy to join Bravo. It is tre club. It is one of the times per semester, which easy to join. See the Bravo largest and most active are an opportunity for board outside the theatre clubs on the Shepton cam- members to hang out to- hallway or speak to Mrs. pus. We invite every gether, play games, and do Darce in C116 or Mrs. student, whether or not fun activities. We also do McElwain in D108A. they are enrolled in a many fun outings, such as theatre class, to check WhirlyBall, Six Flags, and We look forward to an- us out. It is open to any hold our annual banquet at other fantastic year! Shepton student. We hold Dave and Buster’s.

I MPORTANT:S TUDENT D IRECTORY I NFO

All information for this year's student directory will be collected online only via the PTSA’s MembershipToolKit website (http://sheptonptsa.membershiptoolkit.com). The deadline to enter your information is 9/10/2011. Please submit your infor- mation before the deadline to be included in the directory. The Student directory is available only to current members of the Shepton PTSA. To receive a copy of the Directory, you can also join the Shepton PTSA at MembershipToolKit. The Stallion Page 5

WE L OVE O UR VOLUNTEERS!

Thanks to Our Volunteers! teers go through an on-line Eggleston, 2nd VP Volun- We can’t do it without you! volunteer application proc- teers, at volunteers@ ess. To renew your appli- sheptonptsa.org. Schedule Pickup cation or to apply, simply go to http://www.pisd.edu. The Shepton PTSA would The School Store like to thank all the won- At the bottom of the page NEEDS YOU! derful volunteers for giving you will see a button to If you have two hours to their time to help make the complete the online applica- spare, the school store Shepton Stampede a great tion. Click on this button needs you! Shepton’s success. This event could and follow the instructions Stallion Shop sells snacks, not have been done with- given. Things you will need school supplies, required out the volunteers! We had to complete this process reading books and PTSA Important Shepton many parent volunteers as are: your driver’s license spirit wear. The store is Phone Numbers: well as students from Shep- number, your social secu- open daily during lunches ton and Plano West. The rity number, etc. If you do from 11:30-1:45pm and is Attendance Office: Shepton PTSA appreciates not have a driver’s license run entirely by volunteers. you all very much! number and/or social secu- All proceeds benefit Shep- 469-752-7604 rity number, complete the ton PTSA. Welcome Back Coffee online application without it Cafeteria: and bring your passport and We appreciate all who Two to three volunteers 469-752-7608 brought goodies for us to birth certificate to the Ad- are needed every day. If you munch on while enjoying ministration Building for are interested, please email the presentation by PISD assistance in getting the Kathy Grane at ways- Counselor’s Office: School Board president background check com- means@ sheptonptsa.org pleted. For questions about 469-752-7615 Tammy Richards. and let me know your vol- the background check proc- unteering preferences. ess, contact Security at 469- HURRY! DATES ARE FILL- Main Office: To Volunteer 752-8057. For questions, PISD requires that all volun- ING UP FAST! please contact Kelley 469-752-7602

Nurse’s Office: 469-752-7609 Benefits to Purchasing Your Registrar’s Office: Yearbook NOW!! 469-752-7623

~ U will save $16 ~ U will have purchased at the lowest price of the year ~ U will know you have a Yearbook ~ U won’t have to wait in line to purchase a Yearbook after Distri- bution at a higher price ($71) ~ U won’t be paying any taxes on your purchase

Yearbooks are in TOTAL COLOR for only $55. Order forms may be picked up outside E202. Return the form with a check to Debra Sepp in E202, or you can order online at http://shop.jostens.com. Please do not delay as the price will go up! Look forward to seeing you soon! Page 6 September 2011

Shepton PTSA is proud to announce REFLECTIONS 2011-2012

T HEME :“D IVERSITY M EANS ...”

Reflections is a National PTA Categories Include: (maximum size 11 x 14 inches sponsored arts recognition including a mat) program that encourages ar- Literature – Fiction or tistic expression. The Reflec- nonfiction, prose, poetry, tions theme for 2011 – 2012 is drama, or short story (must Musical Composition – “Diversity Means…” Voice, instruments or a Students can use their combination of both, with imagination to create a or without lyrics film, song, artwork, pho- (maximum time 5 min- tograph, poem, short utes, a CD recording of a story or dance routine. performance of the com- Be sure to reflect the position should be sub- theme in your work. mitted.) not exceed 2,000 words or 8 You may enter as many times ½ x 11 inches) Dance Choreography – as you like in as many catego- Original dance choreographed ries as you like. Each entry by the student with up to 3 must be accompanied by an Visual Arts – Original dancers. (maximum time 3 official entry form. New entry print, drawing, painting, col- minutes, should be submitted forms and rules will soon be lage, photographic collage, on a CD or DVD) available on www.shepton metal etching or punch work, ptsa.org. Meanwhile, you can fiber work, or computer- go to www.pta.org for more generated artwork (must be Film Production – Origi- information and to see last flat, not more than 3/8 inches nal work, animation, narrative, year’s national Reflections thick, maximum size 24 x 30 documentary, experimental, winners. Questions please inches including a mat) computer-generated (no contact Shepton PTSA’s Arts PowerPoint, maximum time 5 in Education Chairperson, minutes, CD or DVD) Naaz Hussain, at artsedu- Photography – Original [email protected] or 972- black-and-white or color im- 473-7889. age, single print or collage

All entries must be submitted by Friday, October 28, 2010

The SAGE Committee…

Wishes You and Your Students a Happy New School Year!

SAGE is here to provide support and communicate information about community-wide events or programs that may interest your families. Please visit our website to read more about us at planoptasage.org

If you would like to be on our mailing list, send an email to [email protected] and tell us that you would like to receive information regarding: Special Education Gifted Education BOTH Let us know your student is at Shepton High School.

We will add your name to our database and keep you posted! The Stallion Page 7

National Honor Society Future Business Leaders of America

NHS is a national will complete service hours Future Business Leaders organization that in both the Fall & Spring of America’s (FBLA) theme emphasizes ser- semesters while maintaining for this coming year is vice, leadership, good grades & displaying “Gateway to Greatness”. scholarship, and quality character traits. Membership is now open characters. Invitations will Candidates that have met all for anyone who is or has go out to eligible sopho- requirements without miss- taken a Business Class. mores in mid-September. ing any deadlines will be There are many Business To receive an invitation, you inducted in a ceremony in Classes to choose from. must have been a student in May. This membership will accessories you have. Please save these items PISD for a semester, & your then carry over when stu- Community Service Events cumulative GPA must be a and hang on to them until dents move to Plano West. FBLA will participate in 3.6 without rounding up. the Spring collection. during this school year are: NJHS membership in ninth Please tell your friends and If you have any questions grade is not a requirement. co-workers so they can about tenth grade National All Year – FBLA will be col- help also. Honor Society, please con- lecting the pull tops from Once students have been tact sponsor Kevin Moore at soda cans – these go to Deadline for Membership invited to become a candi- [email protected]. the Ronald McDonald is Friday, September 30th. date & pay their dues, they House in Houston, TX to There will be a general help purchase much meeting on Wed. Sept. 7th, needed Medical Equip- after school in Ms. Sepp’s ment for children. There Room, E 202. P LANO I NTERNATIONAL will be a collection box in ESTIVAL the Cafeteria for all stu- F dents. You can collect State Competition will be these pull tops at home in Houston this year (Mar. and/or work and bring in 7 – Mar. 9, 2012) and Na- Tour the World in Downtown Plano to E202 when you wish to tionals will be held in San donate them. Antonio, TX (June 29 – July at the 7th Annual PLANO IN- 2, 2012) for those who TERNATIONAL FESTIVAL! continue after State. For Sign A Stud – for Habitat students who are in Or- for Humanity chestra and/or Band, FBLA Saturday, OCT. 1st, 11 am – 5 pm October 17 – 20, 2011. has many, many events Haggard Park, 15th & Ave. H During all lunches this that are online testing only week we will have 2 x 4 which will not require you studs for students to sign to physically go to State, Join the multicultural celebration & experience the sights, with a $1 donation. These although going to competi- sounds, & tastes of the world! FREE admission & parking! studs are then used in the tion is a great deal of fun building of homes by Habi- and you meet many new tat for Humanity. It is a people. Students who very worthy cause and your place at State in their help is greatly appreciated. online testing event will Thank you to all who joined us for our still be able to attend Na- first PTSA meeting in August. tionals in San Antonio. Hope Line Phone Recycling There are a wide variety of – Supporting for Domestic A very special thanks to our guest events to enter for compe- Violence Prevention tition. Please come by and speaker, PISD School Board Presi- Feb. 27 – Mar. 2, 2012 pick up information out- dent Tammy Richards for sharing her This is the week in the side E 202. thoughts on current issues facing the Spring when we have district & for answering questions Spring Open House. FBLA from parents. Pictured: Looking forward to a great PTSA president Kelly Waterman collects your unused cell group of Future Business phones, batteries, and any (right) greets Tammy Richards (left) Leaders this school year! Page 8 September 2011

Governor Rick Perry signed a proclamation declaring September 2011 as PTA Family Engagement Month in Texas!

Parents, Can You Spell Love? By Kyle Ward, Texas PTA Executive Director (Republished courtesy of The Voice, Texas PTA, August 2011)

Someone asked a child, “So how do you spell love?” He replied, “T-I-M-E.” It’s a busy world for parents and other adults raising children - holding down a job, answering texts and emails, grocery shopping, preparing meals, kids’ extracurricular activities and dealing with “life” in general. And the years just fly by from the time our sons and daughters start kindergarten to the moment they walk across the stage on high school graduation day. In just a flash the child who needs us for almost everything becomes the independent person we trained them to be, entering college or starting a career.

Texas PTA wants to remind all parents and other caregivers of children to stop for just a moment and give our kids some T-I-M-E. September is Texas PTA’s Family Engagement Month! It’s a time to put aside all of the dis- tractions and make time for the family. And it is so simple. Go have lunch at school with your child. Plan a special family dinner with everyone expected to attend. Dust off an old family recipe and cook together. Plant a tree with all family members participating. Brainstorm and come up with a weekend activity that all family members will enjoy. Go visit a relative that your children have not seen in a while. Pull out some old family photos and sit around the table talking about your family’s roots.

It’s a tradition and a common practice to designate a certain month for special holidays. So we can celebrate families every month, but especially in September! Texas PTA is calling on all PTAs to promote Family Engage- ment Month on your campuses. Send communications about this special month to parents, publicize it on your school’s marquee, ask the school board and city council to declare September as Family Engagement Month in your city and promote it at all community events. Texas PTA wants a “big splash” about this incredible month.

Engaging families should be everyone’s business, as studies repeatedly affirm that family engagement is criti- cal in the life of a child, not only with his or her academic achievement, but with developing social skills. Stu- dents’ self esteem and self worth are contingent upon the interaction within the family unit. Let’s all get on board to remind families across the state of Texas that September is the time to celebrate and engage families by showing our children that love is spelled T-I-M-E. The Stallion Page 9

C OUNSELOR NEWS

Progress Reports & Report Cards Progress reports for the 1st six weeks will be issued from 4th period on Monday, September 12th. If you do not receive your student’s progress reports, please contact your child’s 4th period teacher by calling our front desk at 469-752- 7600. If a student is failing any course, that student should also receive a progress report from the teacher of that course. That progress report will need to be signed and returned to the teacher of record. Report cards for the first six weeks will be issued during 4th period on Monday, October 3rd. If you do not receive your student’s report card, please contact our registrar, Fran Weidemier, to receive a copy.

Honors Courses Our staff is committed to giving each student the most rigorous academic possibilities during his/her time at Shepton. For that reason, we encourage students to begin the year in the highest level of a course that the student and family be- lieve is appropriate. However, many of our students find themselves somewhat overwhelmed after a few weeks of school. Most of them have enrolled in more than one Honors or Advanced Placement course, and most are also actively involved in more than one extracurricular program. This can sometimes be more than anyone expected when the courses were selected. While our goal is success at the most rigorous level possible, we must also assure academic suc- cess. It is in no student’s best interest to lose credit for a full semester of any course. Therefore, some students will find it necessary to take a step back in at least one of their courses. Please realize that we do have a deadline for dropping from honors to regular. The student must have dropped the course before the end of the day on Friday, September 30th. If not, the student must remain in the honors level of the course until completion of the first semester.

If at any time your family is considering dropping an honors course, please feel free to contact the teacher of record to discuss your thoughts. Along with the teacher, the family can make an informed decision. If the decision is made to drop the course, it is then a simple matter of contacting your child’s counselor. Please realize that no drop will be done with- out parental approval.

Parent/Teacher Conference Day Parent/Teacher Conference Day is Friday, October 21st. While the students will not have school that day, our staff will be working, and we are here that day to serve you. If your child is struggling and/or failing any course, we require that the teacher request a conference with you. However, you may also request a conference with any of your child’s teach- ers. You may email the teacher to make the request, or you may call our front desk. Our receptionist will transfer you to the voice mail of that teacher. Please leave your name, the name of your child, and the best time for you to meet on Fri- day, October 21st. The teacher will then make contact in return.

Student Absence Request Sometimes it is necessary for a student to miss school for reasons other than illness. Unfortunately, most of those ab- sences are unexcused absences. In order for a student to make up and receive credit for work assigned during an unex- cused absence, the student must submit one week in advance a written notification of the planned absence to the princi- pal. When no prior notification is given, students shall receive a zero for all work assigned during the absence. Please use the attached form to make the appropriate notification to the school. Siblings need to be listed only if the siblings will be absent on the same date.

Practice PSAT In conjunction with the Princeton Review, Shepton will administer the Practice PSAT on Saturday, October 1st. The price is $12 and includes the exam and Strategy Session. Please complete the attached form (see p. 16) and bring it along with payment to the Main Office. Registration closes at 4:15 on Monday, September 26th. Page 10 September 2011

SHEPTONSTUDENTORGANIZATIONS& EXTRA - CURRICULARACTIVITIES - 2 0 1 1 -2 0 1 2

Curricular Organizations Sponsor/Director Performing Arts Directors AVID Lakenya Simmons/Craig McKinney Band Ellie Murphy/Chris Agwu Creative Writing Club Lisa Snyder Choir Sarah Council Destination Imagination Ryan Bryson Jazz Band Chris Agwu Drama (BRAVO)Theatre Club Laura Darce/Carmen McElwain Jazz Choir (TopHatters) Sarah Council FBLA Debra Sepp Orchestra Josh Thompson (Future Business Leaders of America) FFA (Agricultural Sciences) Amanda Wall Athletics Coaches French Honor Society Susan Schackman Greg Pierce (Head) /Marty Melson HOSA Janie Gilkison Kendall Clark (PWSH Varsity) (Health Occupations Students of America) , boys Chad Hurst (Head) (9th Boys) JROTC Sgt. Steve Ford Jorge Quintero (10th Boys) (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) Nathan Leraas (PWSH JV) KEYSS Cristine Jordan Andrew Morgan (PWSH Varsity) LASER Deanna Shea/Stephanie Peterson Basketball, girls Monica Bissonnette (9th Girls) (Learning About Science & Engineering Research) Nakia Walker (10th Girls) Leadership (LFL) Amanda Wall Kristen Perry (PWSH JV) Math Club Sarah Council Don Patterson (PWSH Varsity) Model United Nations Linda Ross Cheerleaders Quisha Webb and Katy Evans National Honor Society (NHS) Kevin Moore Drill Team (Stallionettes) Sarah Lastor and Katrina Johnson Chalmer Adams (Head) & Greg Pierce National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Linda Havins (9th) Page Turners Book Club Leslie Lamastus Jorge Quintero and Chad Hurst(9th) PAL (Peer Assistance & Leadership) Carmen McElwain Bruce Strong (Head) / Eric Neal / Speech/Debate Chris Hammer Marty Melson (10 th) STARS Debora Bramlett Mike Hughes (PWSH Varsity) (Students Together Achieveing Remarkable Success) Golf Rick Hardison (PWSH Varsity) Student Congress Kristin Rosi Soccer (at PWSH) Jimmy Dowell (boys) Whiz Quiz Andy Chase/Jeff Sullivan Richard Grubbs (girls) Yearbook Debra Sepp (at PWSH) Mike Ledsome Swimming & Diving (at PWSH) Kris Jones (PWSH) Non-Curricular Clubs Sponsor Tennis Brick Field (Shepton) Anime Club Ryan Bryson Morgen Walker (Varsity) Breakdance Club Stephen Kao Track/Cross Country, boys Eric Neal/Chad Hurst Contact Science Interest Club (CSI) Stephanie Peterson Richard Grubbs (PWSH Varsity) Equestrian Club Kathleen Knight Track/Cross Country, girls McCall Hundl Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Bruce Strong/Eric Neal Jerry Gardner (PWSH Varsity) Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Kevin Moore McCall Hundl (9th Head) / Jesus and Girls (JAG) Amy Pribich Allie Rogosheske Phillip (Assistant) Key Club Marti Penix Monica Bissonnette (10th grade) Mock Trial Club Debi Lucas Brian Fitzgerald (PWSH JV) Quidditch Team (Harry Potter) Josh Thompson Brittany Bridge (PWSH Varsity) Rachel's Challenge (FoR) Carmen McElwain Wrestling Shawn Smith Shepton Smiles Quisha Webb / Mandy Reeves Video Gaming Club Jeff Sullivan The Stallion Page 11

JROTC ON THE M OVE

Cadets in J ROTC experienced one of the greatest years so far in the Wolf Battalion for 2010-2011. All of our cadets graduated and have moved on to four-year, two-year, and technical colleges. Cadet Abboss Rezaie is at the Merchant Marine Academy, and Cadet Lourdes Vasquez received a 4 year Navy ROTC Scholarship to UCLA. Additionally, ten other cadets received scholarships, for a total of $873,500 in total scholarship monies. We are all very proud of last year’s graduates and wish them well in the fu- ture. One of many classes taught in JROTC is Financial Management, where cadets are taught everything from balancing a checkbook, to understanding credit, insurance, investments, and how to apply to college and how to apply for and earn college scholarships. There is no doubt that this year’s graduates will be just as successful as previous year’s graduates. And now we move on to 2011-2012.

Throughout summer vacation, the mighty Wolf Battalion participated in several events. We would first like to congratulate all of our cadets who attended the various state leadership seminars. The following male cadets were selected for and attended Texas Boy’s State at the University of Texas: Brian Lee, Paul Copley, and Archit Sahay. The following cadets were selected for and attended the Military Order of World Wars Summer Leadership Program: Paul Copley, Archit Sahay, Brian Lee, and Max Uncovsky. What an honor to be selected and attend such a prestigious programs! Additionally, we completed Command & Staff School, Officer Candidate School, and the Non-Commissioned Officer School at the beginning of August. All the graduates of those courses will be rewarded 07 Sep. Success through leadership and leadership through success is what we teach.

We are pleased to welcome the incoming new cadets. Major Napoli’s first of many recommendations to the new cadets: “do not fool around. Your high school grade point average starts the first six weeks. First Sergeant Ford and I will be monitor- ing your progress every step of the way. Do not let us or yourself down. You can play after you graduate from college!”

The first BIG event of the year will be the Com- JROTCCALENDAROFEVENTS: missioning/Promotion Ceremony, 07 Sep. This is a ACTIVITY DATE (S) LOCATION PARTICIPANTS mandatory event for all cadets to attend. We PWSH JROTC Instructors Return 01 Aug PWSH SAI/AI would also like as many parents to attend as possi- Staff School 05 Aug PWSH CDRs, Staff, CSM ble. This is especially true for the sophomore ca- OCS/NCO School 08-10 Aug PWSH (A2078) Selected Cadets dets, as it is tradition for the parents to promote Club Fairs (Prev Schedule Pick Up) 11-12 Aug PWSH/Shepton/Jasper All Cadets their sons/daughters. More information is to fol- School Starts 22 Aug All Schools All Cadets low from your cadets. Labor Day (No School) 05 Sep All Schools All Cadets Passbook Fundraiser 05-30 Sep PWSH Interested Cadets Officer Comm. / NCO Promotion 07 Sep PWSH Auditorium All Cadets For additional information, call Major Napoli, Plano Denton Drill Meet 24 Sep Denton, TX Teams West Senior High, (469) 752-9782 or 1st Sergeant Wichita Falls Drill Meet 01 Oct Wichita Falls Rifle Teams Ford, Shepton HS, (469) 752-7700 or Jasper HS, Lewisville Drill Meet 15 Oct Lewisville, TX Teams (469) 752-7459. Carwash (Booster Club) 22 Oct 2 Locations All Cadets Battalion Picnic 29 Oct Arbor Hills All Available Cadets These are just the bigger items. It will again be a Fort Worth Drill Meet 05 Nov Fort Worth, TX Teams busy year, especially considering it is a “Gold-Star Sonic Fundraiser (Booster Club) TBA TBA Select Jrs & Srs. Inspection Year.” As always, the WOLF Battalion Robinson/Rice School Recruiting TBA Plano, TX Select Cadet will continue its winning ways, as “WOLVES of the Formal Inspection (5th Brigade) 02 Dec PWSH (A2078) All Cadets West are the Best.” Winter Social 08 Dec PW Presentation Rm All Cadets Plano City Parade 10 Dec Plano, TX All Cadets Notes: TBA - Color/Sabre Guard, Ushers/Security/Drill Team Escorts for Winter Break 19 Dec-31 Dec All Schools All Cadets SR High and H.S. Home Football Games [SR High Games: Class Resumes (students) 03 Jan All Schools All Cadets 08-26, 09-08 SR Night 09-30, 10-21, 11-04 Homecoming] Middle School Recruitment Jan 2012 Renner/Frankford Select Cadets [Booster Club Concession Night: 09/30 - need 10 parents] Candy Fundraiser 01-29 Feb All Schools Interested Cadets TBA - Ushers/Escorts Open Houses at All Three Schools, Both Birdville Drill Meet 18 Feb Richland, TX Teams Semesters (SR High: 29 Aug & 5 Mar; H.S.: 6 Sep & 1 Mar) Greater Southwest Drill Meet 03 Mar Grand Prairie, TX Teams TBA - Ushers/Escorts at Senior High for College Night (N/A 11/12) Spring Break 12-16 Mar All Schools All Cadets TBA - Rifle Team Postal Matches (11– 12 throughout year) Mesquite Drill Meet 31 Mar Mesquite, TX Teams TBA - College Options Academic & Leadership Bowl PISD Leadership Camp 11-15 Apr TBA Select Cadets TBA - NEFE Competition Military Ball 28 Apr Southfork Hotel, Plano All Cadets TBA - Color/Sabre Guard for PWSH Soccer Games JROTC Awards Ceremony 15 May PWSH Auditorium All Cadets TBA - Color/Sabre Guard for School and Community Activities City of Plano Memorial Day 28 May Plano City Hall Select PWSH Cadets TBA - Cadet Officer of the Quarter Last Day of School 01 Jun (students) All Schools All Cadets TBA - NCO and Cadet of the Month Boards are last Tuesday of the Month of Every Month PWSH Graduation/Color Guard 05 Jun (2:30pm) Dallas Convention Ctr Select Cadets 18 Aug - Summer School Graduation/PWSH Page 12 September 2011 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SHEPTON …

Attendance Guidelines five(5) school days prior to the the walkways after school. Do • Dresses or skirts must be longer My student is absent or sick? absence. Absence Request letters not cut across the parking lot to than fingertips. Contact the Attendance Sick Line can be picked up in the Attendance go to buses or the carpool lanes. • Tank tops, tube tops, bare mid- at 469-752-7600 option 3 before office. Again, do not cross Plano Park- riff or half shirts, halter-type 9:30 am. Leave a message with way or enter vehicles on Plano blouse or mesh shirts will not be your child’s name, your name and I just made an appointment Parkway. That is a major accident permitted. Shirts should overlap reason for absence. Make sure for today—how can I get my waiting to happen. the waist band of skirts, shorts, that your child brings in an absence student? or pants by at least one inch. note to the attendance office upon Fax a parent note to school so Cell Phone Usage (When arms are raised, the shirt their return to school – all absence your student will receive a pass to Shepton High School permits the remains over the waistband). All notes must be turned in within sign out when needed and meet use of cell phones or music devices tops must be modestly cut. three(3) days of the student’s you outside in front of the office. in the cafeteria and in the hallways • Items with provocative, drug- return. FYI — a “parent call” is not If you cannot fax a note, you will during passing periods. The use of related, alcohol or tobacco, an excused absence for a student. need to plan on extra time to go in these devices is not permitted in offensive, or violent pictures or An absence note must always be and for them to retrieve your the classroom without permission slogans will not be permitted. turned in following an absence student from their class. by the classroom teacher or in the • No hats, caps, bandannas, from school for any reason. library without the express ap- hoods, wallet chains, or sun- Before and After School proval of the librarians. Teachers glasses are to be worn. This My student is late for school? Procedures will discuss their expectation re- includes headscarves for girls. If your child is late due to a doc- Before School: garding electronic devices in their • No type of clothing which has tor’s appointment, please have Safety First! Please do not exit classroom during the first week of been torn or has holes will be them bring in a note from the vehicles on Plano Parkway, or school. allowed. doctor’s office when arriving at across the street. Not only is it • No sagging pants or shorts (back school. If your child is late due to extremely dangerous, you may be Students who violate the policy pockets must cover the rear). illness, please send a note stating issued a citation by Plano Police. may have their cell phone or music Both pant legs should be down. that they were ill. Please note that Exit vehicles from the Shepton device collected by the teacher or • Pajama pants are not allowed. three tardies are the equal to one parking lot only. other staff member and are subject • No gang paraphernalia or gang unexcused absence. Students must enter the building to disciplinary consequences in- related markings on clothing, immediately upon arrival on cluding Saturday School. books, notebooks, or drawn on My student needs to leave campus. Please do not wait out- body. school for an appointment? side for friends, etc. You may Dress Code Guidelines • No visible pierced jewelry other Please write a note and have your meet your friends in the cafeteria. Please remember that the Plano than earrings. child bring it to the Attendance All students must enter via the C ISD does have a dress code and is • All students are expected to office on the morning of the ap- Hall entrance (by the flagpoles) enforced at Shepton High School. meet community standards and pointment BEFORE school starts. before school. Do not use the Students that are not within dress school policies with regard to The note should: main entrance. Once in the build- code will be placed in our in- health, cleanliness and appear- • State the time the student must ing, go to the cafeteria, have a seat, school suspension room until the ance. All safety rules must be leave school and wait for the 8:45 bell. Please problem is corrected. Please obeyed. • Have a telephone number that do not congregate in the hallways follow the guidelines closely when • The District prohibits any cloth- we can call to confirm the note or on the stairs. making decisions about what your ing or grooming that in the • Student ID Number if possible Students are not allowed in the will be wearing to school. Guide- principal’s judgment may rea- • Reason leaving early. hallways before 8:45 without lines include: sonably be expected to cause After a parent note is confirmed, authorization. If you have school • Shoes must be worn at all times. disruption of or interference the student can sign out in the business, please show a pass to House shoes are not to be with normal school operations. Attendance Office and meet the the staff member at the stairs. worn. Any student in violation of the parent/guardian in front of the • Shorts may be worn but must dress code will report to SSR and school. (this will prevent you the After School: meet the following standards: solve the problem. Students may parent from having to come into All students must exit the building Must be loose fitting - no call a parent for clothing items to the school and sign your student by 4:30 pm each day unless you biking shorts, cutoffs, boxer be brought to school. If the prob- out and prevent any classroom are with a teacher for school shorts, or combination lem cannot be solved, the student interruptions). business. thereof; will remain in SSR for that day. If a child is leaving school early or Buses will pull out promptly at Must be hemmed or cuffed, Dress code violations are cumula- will miss time due to travel plans, 4:22 each day. Be there!! Length must be to the finger- tive for the semester. you must submit a note at least For safety reasons, please stay on tips or longer. (Continued on page 13) The Stallion Page 13

T HINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SHEPTON …

(Continued from page 12) Plano ISD Substance Abuse Spe- extracurricular program is in sea- alphabetically on the board. It is 1st offense: Referral to SSR to cialists: 469-752-5797 son. Eligibility for the 2nd six the responsibility of the students correct the problem. These are some of the illicit sub- weeks will be assessed based upon to check the message board for 2nd offense: Referral to SSR to stances present in Collin County: the grades posted at 4:30, Friday, messages from home. In the case correct the problem. Parent cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, metham- September 23. The student will of an emergency, we will deliver contacted. phetamine, marijuana. If you then regain or lose eligibility at directly to the student. 3rd offense: Referral to SSR to would like additional information 4:30, Friday, September 30. Stu- correct the problem. Saturday on these substances please contact dents eligibility is reassessed based Visiting Shepton School assigned. one of the numbers listed above. upon grades posted on 4:30, Friday, Parents are always welcome at The key to Substance abuse pre- October 14. If the student is Shepton. When coming to cam- Drug Awareness/Education vention is early intervention. Talk deemed eligible on that date, the pus, please remember to stop at The district student services and with your students. student will then regain eligibility at the front desk to be issued visitor safety and security departments know where your students are, 4:30, Friday, October 21. tag. For your first visit only, you provide the following resources who they are with, and what will need to show your driver’s for drug and alcohol related issues. they are doing Notes to Student license to be entered into the Plano Police Department Crime follow up on suspicions Please be aware that Shepton system. For subsequent visits you Prevention Unit: 972-941-2431 take action maintains a message board across will need to give your name. If you Plano Police Department Dispatch: do not leave it to chance from the attendance window in have children in multiple schools, 972-941-7900 our front foyer. Each time a par- you will need to follow this proce- Collin County Substance Abuse UIL Eligibility ent calls with a message or delivers dure for each school. This helps Prevention: 972-424-1460 x 5570 All students in an extracurricular an item left at home, the student’s us in providing safety & security on Campus Counselor(s) & Admini- program are subject to the UIL No name and directions for retrieving campus. stration: 469-752-7600 Pass-No Play Policy when his/her the message or item will be placed

T ECHNOLOGY &S TUDENT S ERVICES ( CON’T)

(Continued from page 3)

With this change, and with the global society moving at a fast pace with new technologies, it is important that we teach students how to be responsible digital citizens. Lessons will be car- ried out once a week, through our Advisory periods.

Our staff is committed to serving students’ needs for 21st Century Learning. Their commit- ment includes the use of technology resources and 21 st Century skills such as collaboration and critical thinking, to prepare of students for the global economy. Training will be offered to staff as the year progresses, to make them as comfortable as the students, with emerging technolo- gies.

Next semester, we will continue to utilize the Advisory period for Character Education, which will encompass the Rachel’s Challenge curriculum. For those who are new to Shepton, Rachel’s Challenge is an anti-bullying campaign that was started by Rachel Scott’s family after the Colum- bine High School shooting on April 20th, 1999. We were very privileged to have our Shepton PTSA sponsor the Rachel’s Challenge presentation at our school on October 19th, 2010. This presentation led to the formation of Friends of Rachel, a non-curricular organization with over 200 student members, who accepted the challenge to continue Rachel’s message of Kindness and Compassion to others, and are now carrying this message forward to the 2011-2012 school year.

Once again I welcome our new families to Shepton, and extending a warm welcome back to our 10th grade families. We are all looking forward to an engaging and successful school year. Page 14 September 2011

CARPOOL TIPS

We would like to remind you of a few helpful tips to begin the year off smoothly.

There are two main en- trances and exits for Shep- ton carpool. The first is in front of the school, directly off Plano Parkway with visi- tor parking to the left. The second entrance runs through the Shepton park- ing lot and loops directly in front of the front steps of the school.

The best place to drop off and pick up your students before and after school is the parking lot that is clos- est to Plano Parkway, just south of the bus lane. The designated for vehicles that only lane at any time dur- this lot, please note that entrance to that lot is the are parked and waiting to ing the day. there is room for two rows second entrance when trav- pick up their student and of cars, with the outside eling westbound on Plano the middle row designated Parents may also pick up row nearest the building Parkway, and cars should as a no stopping area so students in the main parking designated for vehicles that stay to the left as they enter that vehicles can exit the lot, located north of the bus are parked and waiting to because the bus lane is to parking area quickly. lane, although this area is pick up their student while the right. There is room more congested 15 minutes the inside row next to the for three rows of cars, with Please note that cars are before and after school. If parked cars is designated as the inside and outside rows not allowed in the bus- you pick up your student in a no stopping area so that vehicles can exit the parking area quickly.

We ask that parents not stop and pick up their students on Plano Park- way for the safety of all our everyone. The Stallion Page 15

Use PayPAMS, PISD’s electronic payment system for meal payments, athletic fees and fare busing. Features include:

• E-mail confirmation notification of payments • Timely posting of payments – account balances updated two times per day • Low balance email notification when balance falls below $10 • Repetitive automatic payment option with e-mail confirmation when payment is initiated • Payment by phone option • Balance transfer from year-to-year • Universal PIN number for use by student throughout his school years with PISD • Ability to monitor what your child eats on a daily basis • Ability to view account balance • Ability to view payment history

When using PayPAMS for the first time, the parent must register. Once registration is complete, there is a one-time 24-hour delay before the parent can see their child’s account balances. After that time, account payments are posted two times per day. To register, go to: https://paypams.com/HomePage.aspx

J OIN S HEPTON PTSA B E “IN THE KNOW”

It Is Not Too Late! Shepton PTSA. Subscribe to Shepton’s E- values. Missing assignment newsletter, The Mane reports are also an option Event. Receive school an- for you to view. You can If you didn’t join Shepton First Membership - $16.50 nouncements, calendar in- also sign up for automatic PTSA during registration you Addt’l Memberships - $8.50 formation, and much more! can still become a member email notifications. To subscribe, go the elist of the 2011-2012 Shepton Life Membership - $14.25 Website at Parent Teacher STUDENT Faculty Membership - $8.50 You can schedule the fol- http://elist.pisd.edu & Association! click the new subscriber lowing types of reports: If you have any questions, link. • Unexcused absence To join, go online to please contact Hollie Carl- • Detailed attendance www.sheptonptsa.org & son at membership@ • Grade summary click the Membership Tool sheptonptsa.org. Use Parent Viewer. Kit link located on the Online access to view your • Detailed grade info home page. All information child’s grades and atten- • Grade notification is collected and paid online. dance is on the PISD Parent Register for Parent Viewer Viewer web site. You can It’s very easy!! at http://parentviewer. view current grade averages pisd.edu to setup your as well as the six or nine individual account informa- A student directory is in- week summary averages. tion for access. cluded with each paid mem- Daily attendance informa- bership. tion is also available. Addi- tional reports available School Website All Parents, Teachers, and online enable you to view The Shepton High School Students are welcomed and details such as assignments, website is a terrific source encouraged to join the quizzes and tests along with for all kinds of Shepton in- the grade, score weights, formation. Go to http:// due dates, and maximum k12.pisd.edu/shepton- high-school Page 16 September 2011 The Stallion Page 17

2010-2011 PTSA Board Members Promote Your Events! President — Kelly Waterman PTA Council Delegate — Becky Tanoury [email protected] [email protected] Teachers, Students, 1st VP Programs — Jenny Woods Pre-Paks — Susie Learmont [email protected] [email protected] Parents

2nd VP Volunteers — Kelley Eggleston Publicity — Fran Riggs Don’t forget that The Stallion can be [email protected] [email protected] another advertising vehicle to let people know about your event. 3rd VP Membership — Hollie Carlson Rachel’s Challenge — Teri Kachur Whether it is golf, football, choir or [email protected] [email protected] band concert, play, etc., The Stallion will reach 1,000+ people who are 4th VP Ways & Means — Kathy Grane SAGE — Rosetta Falchier eager to support Shepton High [email protected] [email protected] School and its many talented stu- dents. Secretary — Jill Van Mater School Supplies — Lourdes McKnight [email protected] [email protected] Send information & any graphics you wish to appear in the newsletter to Treasurer — Michelle Kocureck School to Life — Kelly Southard Doug Rogers at [email protected] [email protected] [email protected].

Parliamentarian — Julie Myers Snack Sales — Elizabeth Hairston [email protected] [email protected]

Historian — Leslie Gilvar Spirit Wear — Cathy Sweet [email protected] [email protected] Newsletter Deadlines Arts in Education — Naaz Hussain Staff Recognition — Lynn Regan [email protected] [email protected] Publication Articles Due Posted on Web Attendance Office —Trish Donaldson Student Directory-Art — Laurie Martineau Oct 2011 Tues, Oct 4 Wed, Oct 19 [email protected] [email protected] Dec 2011 Wed, Nov 16 Thurs, Dec 8 Calendar — Corinne Frank Student Directory-General — David Chou Feb 2012 Wed, Jan 18 Thurs, Feb 2 [email protected] [email protected]

Copy Room — Karen Johnson Student Directory-Student Listings — Mar 2012 Wed, Mar 7 Thurs, Mar 29 [email protected] David Chou [email protected] May 2012 Wed, Apr 25 Thurs, May Diversity & Inclusiveness — Laticia Khalif 10 [email protected] Student Organizations Liaison — Vivian Unger E-Communications — Fran Riggs [email protected] [email protected] Teacher Appreciation Week — Abbey Shepton High School PTSA Hospitality — Cindy Johnson Rapoport 5505 W.Plano Parkway [email protected] [email protected] Plano,TX 75093 Newsletter — Doug Rogers Website — Victoria Gobeli [email protected] [email protected]

PISD/Legislative Rep. — Kelly Friedman West Cluster Liaison — Carolyn Keeter [email protected] [email protected]