Home of the Shepherd Mustangs March 17, 2014

 Tues., Mar. 18:  Embassy Tunisia, cultural celebration, 2 p.m., school auditorium Greetings Shepherd Families,  Thurs., Mar. 20: Music  Mathletes Club, 6 p.m., Mrs. Bryant, our music teacher, cafeteria resigned from her position effec-  Sat., Mar. 22: tive March 7 for medical rea-  Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Politics and sons. This is an unfortunate Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW event for Shepherd; however, I am hopeful we  Family Dinner Day, 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Comet will be able to secure a music teacher soon. In Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW the interim, a long-term substitute with the help  Wed., Mar. 26: of several staff members will provide music in-  Mystery Curriculum Night, 6 p.m., struction to our students. auditorium Calling All Sleuths (Curriculum Night Has  Mon.—Thurs., Mar. 31—Apr. 3 and Apr. 7—10: Been Rescheduled) There Is a Mystery to Be Solved at Shepherd and  DCCAS testing your help is needed. Please join us on Wednes- (Go to http://www.shepherd-elementary.org/ses- day, March 26, at 6 p.m. at our annual Curricu- calendar/ for a month-by-month listing of dates and events) lum Night. All grades are invited to attend. Re- freshments will be served.

From the PTA President Student Behavior Please take time to remind your student of our Hi Everyone, behavior expectations. At Shepherd we expect

for our students to be respectful, responsible and Thank you to everyone that helped plan The safe at all times. We need for our students to seek Magic of Morocco, Shepherd's Gala fundraiser - the help of an adult if they have a problem, stay the biggest of the year. Special thanks go to this away from conflict, make good choices and year's Gala coordinators Katherine Woods and choose their friends wisely. Susan Laudadio, and the rest of the team. It takes time, creativity and energy to plan such a Lost and Found/Spring Cleaning nice event and we appreciate everyone's partici- Please take time between now and Friday, March pation and involvement. 21, to search the Lost and Found area for any items that may belong to your student. All un- We look forward to keeping that energy going claimed items will be donated at the end of the with our upcoming Book Fair at Politics and week.

(see PTA President , page 2) (see Miles, page 2)

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PTA President______cont’d from page 1 Miles______cont’d from page 1 Prose on March 22. Please stop by and purchase a It Is Time to Reenroll book for your household, your child's classroom, It is almost time to reenroll your student for the or the school library. Remember to say you're with 2014-15 school year. Please be on the lookout for Shepherd! a white envelope coming soon to your mail- box. Upon receipt, please complete the packet Also, please note that in lieu of our PTA meeting, (health forms may be submitted over the summer) Shepherd will host Curriculum Night and instead and return it to the school your child will be at- of it being held this Wednesday, it will be held next tending during the 2014-2015 school year. Early Wednesday, on March 26. However, even though registration helps us with planning and preparation it is Curriculum Night, a little bit of PTA business for the upcoming school year. has to be done - we need to elect a Nominating Committee to begin the process of identifying Have a great week! PTA and LSAT leadership positions for next year. Warmest regards, Can you believe it's that time of year already?

We look forward to seeing you at Shepherd and all Jamie Miles of our upcoming activities. Principal

All the best, Book Fair is Saturday! Sherilyn Pruitt, PTA President The second [email protected] Shepherd Book Fair at Politics and Prose is this School Calendar Changes Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to Here are some school 3:30 p.m. Parents calendar changes for will be on hand to March and June dictat- help guide you through the ed by the many snow process. Politics days declared this year and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, is one of by D.C. Public Schools. the treasures of D.C.: an independent bookstore Friday, March 28 is no longer a half-day. It is that thrives by serving its community. now a FULL day! Teacher wish lists will be at the ready, and you can always look for titles for your child – and Parent-teacher conferences originally sched- yourself. MAKE SURE you mention Shepherd at uled for June 2 have been canceled. It will to the checkout clerk. We get 20 percent back now be a regular day of school for students. from every dollar we spend! Just like at Comet Thursday, June 19, will no longer be the last Ping Pong up the block the very same day! (See day of school. Instead, it will be a full day of separate story.) If you can help out at Politics and Prose either in school. the morning or the afternoon at the book fair, get Friday, June 20, is now slated to be the last in touch with our Book Fair coordinator, Bianca day of school, with dismissal at 12:15 p.m. Bostic, at [email protected].

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It’s Yearbook Time! Family Dinner Day at Comet Ping Pong

Shepherd Elementary In conjunction with School’s Yearbook is our Politics and coming! Preorder Prose book fair, we and customize your love going up the yearbook block to Comet Ping Price: $15 Pong for brunch, Order Deadline: lunch or dinner. Eat before shopping, or eat after shopping; the Wednesday, April 23 choice is yours. On the menu are all sorts Go to: www.treering.com/validate of inventive toppings for pizzas, plus a Enter our school’s passcode: number of choice salads and lots of craft 1013930010262632 beers from the the city, the region and the You can customize two pages in your yearbook Midwest. While you wait for your food, or with your own photos by using your computer, after you’ve eaten, you can go to the back Flickr and Facebook. of the restaurant and play a little ping Please note: Yearbooks will only be available to pong. Better yet, the PTA gets 20 percent back from what you spend when you’re be purchased online. If you need assistance, see with your family at Comet Ping Pong. And Ms. Tiffany in the library. that goes for both the dine-in and carry- out options. Traffic Safety Tip Just like the book fair, the Family Dinner Day is Saturday, March 22. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. To phone in an order, call With warmer weather 202-364-0404. (really!) and Daylight Savings Time, our children’s activity Toiletries Drive Taking Place Now! patterns are already showing signs of change. Drivers’ hab- In honor of Women's its, though, may not change. History Month, let's Think about all the parents – take a moment to do- yourself, maybe – swerving past a double- nate to those in need. parked car on 14th Street! We are requesting do- For the drivers: Please practice patience. nations such as tooth- If you’re dropping off: Have your children exit paste, toothbrushes, the car on the CURB side, no matter what mouthwash, Q-tips, shampoo, and conditioner street you’re on. Also, if you’re stuck some- where in a place where you cannot simply for Shepherd's annual toiletries drive. Travel leave even after your child has exited, use your size items are welcome. Please bring all items four-way flashers to let those behind you know to Room 120, Ms. McIntyre's class. you won’t or can’t be moving anytime soon. Safety first! Thank you for your support!

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Star Achievers News Foreign Language

Hello Shepherd Star Breakfast Friday Achievers! Come and learn We have our schedule for about all the online March and April 2014 resources that are and it has been emailed to all families. Mr. Bur- available for for- gess is teaching health/ eign language ac- personal fitness and Ms. quisition! Madame Gadie and Senora Mulligan Couilbaly has added an arts class. If you did not would like to host an informative session on receive an emailed copy please email Claire Riley recommended language websites to help de- at [email protected] and one will be velop student language skills. sent to you. This session will be held in the new "French Room" that's part of the new "ground floor" UPCOMING EVENTS just beyond the end of where the basement Career Day is Tuesday, March 25, from 4 to 5:30 used to end. The session will be held next Fri- p.m., with parents sharing with us what they do day, March 21, from 8:05 to 8:35 a.m. Light all day. If you are interested in signing up please breakfast snacks will be provided. [email protected]! We are having a talent show in late March - please watch your child's backpack for a flyer Box Tops News with details. We are also getting ready for gardening season. Congratulations to our fourth graders in Ms. Arrington’s class In late March we will plant vegetable seeds un- for collecting over 400 box tops! der grow lights and transplant them outside This is the new record for Box when the weather warms up. Tops collected amongst the grade We will have a Dance Yoga and Martial Arts ex- levels. FANTASTIC!!! Thank you to hibition at the end of May, as well as special the classes and families that continue to support events on Fridays. our Box Tops fundraising. As a school, we've collect- The Chess Challenge class for third grade is back ed over $450 worth of Box Tops. If you decide to in business and the students will be participating drop them off in the front office consider recording in a few more chess tournaments. Fourth- and your child’s name and teacher on the collection fifth-graders are also sharpening their chess sheet or bag of Box Tops so that the class gets credit skills and will showcase their talents at the end for donation. We only have three months left in this school year of May. and we are officially over the halfway mark in In June we will expand our outside activities and meeting our goal of $820. Don't forget to ask your have our end-of-the year theme parties with friends and family to save their box tops so that each class. your class can earn the largest number next month.

Can't wait for spring! Keep up the great work, Shepherd!

--Ms. Claire Riley, program director --Kurshanna Johnson, Box Tops coordinator

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A Thank-You From Jazz Night’s Founder

The 25th annual Shepherd Jazz Night, with the largest turnout ever, was great again! March is Women’s History Month. It is an opportunity to Not surprisingly, the recognize the victories, the struggles, and the stories of 25th Annual Shepherd many powerful women who have contributed to making Jazz Night was greatly our lives easier. The theme for this year is courage, char- attended by many stu- acter and commitment. dents, parents, school In support of Women’s History Month, we are having a staff members and com- toiletries drive. Please help us by sending in items such munity supporters! This as toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, combs, hair historic event always brushes, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, body aims to impart knowledge about and to promote Ameri- lotion, etc. We plan to donate the items to a women’s ca’s classical music form, which is also referred to as jazz. shelter here in D.C. It features local youth players as well as more experienced Women’s History Trivia professional musicians. The Calvin Coolidge Senior High This month’s trivia focuses on famous women who have School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Benjamin demonstrated courage, character and commitment. The Sands, performed and was awarded a very fitting plaque first class to submit all the correct answers to Mrs. Hart by the Shepherd PTA for their years of support and part- by Friday, March 21, will win an ice cream party. Please nership. In accepting the award, Mr. Sands reminded the read all the questions carefully and select one answer audience of the importance of these types of supportive from the choices given. Answers can be submitted in the experiences for his young students and those of Shepherd basket located in the main office. Elementary as they progress in pursuit of their arts. 1. Who is known for her work to ban land mines? James An outstanding musician and longtime musical and cultur- Addams, , , or Princess al educator, Mr. Robert Northern aka Brother Ah, provided Diana words of wisdom and some historical perspective to the 2. Which pioneer nurse is known as the founder of mod- audience, citing Duke Ellington and relating some of his ern ? Mary Eliza Mahoney, Mary Anne Ball Bick- own experiences. He also stressed respect for the artists in erdyke, Mary Jane Safford, or Florence Nightingale addressing the audience development aspect of the even- 3. Who dedicated her life to the study of chimpanzees? ing. He was also awarded with a fitting certificate for his Jane Goodall, Isadora Duncan, , many years of contribution to the local, national and inter- or national communities. He also has his own radio program 4. Who was the slave that became a conductor on the on WPFW (89.3 FM) on Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m. Underground Railroad? , Elizabeth John- The pros were, well, the pros. The Jackie Hairston Trio, son Harris, Harriett Tubman, or Hannah Valentine composed of Jackie Hairston on keyboards, Tommy Cros- 5. Who was the first modern woman to graduate from by on guitar, and Percy Smith on drums, literally “rocked medical school? , , Elizabeth the house” with many beautiful jazz standards and memo- Blackwell, or Mary Ewing Outerbridge rable rhythm and blues selections, including those of 6. Who was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic George Benson and even James Brown. The youngsters Ocean and fly solo over the Pacific Ocean? Clara Burton, had an opportunity to participate with the band and to , , or Amy Johnson form a New Orleans-style Second Line Parade, wearing IB Program of Inquiry masks and other wearables that they created at the event. All classes are well into the fourth Unit of Inquiry, which They seemingly had a lot of fun with these activities. began the week of Feb. 17 and will end on March 28. Many thanks and kudos go out to all of the partners, too The Theme for each grade level is as follows: numerous to name completely, that worked to produce another wonderful evening of great music and fellowship.

(see IB PYP CORNER, page 6) (see JAZZ NIGHT page 6)

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IB PYP CORNER______cont’d from page 5 Jazz Night______cont’d from page 5

Pre-Kindergarten: How We Express Ourselves – Our However, we should particularly recognize the years Environment of support from the many principals and staff mem- Kindergarten: Where We Are in Place and Time – Tales bers, beginning with Mrs. Edith Smith and Mrs. June From the Past Confer (in 1989) and most recently Mrs. Miles and First Grade: How the World Works – Wings of Change Ms. Brooks; the teachers who promote attendance Second Grade: How We Express Ourselves – Fairytales and attend themselves; the PTA leaders, parent Third Grade: Sharing the Planet – The Living World members and volunteers, most recently the PTA Fourth Grade: Where We Are in Place and Time – Ex- president, Sherilyn Pruitt, and event co-coordinators, Eve Lotter and Folami Jenkins. Special thanks go to plorations Mr. Velez for always sharing his technical expertise, Fifth Grade: Sharing the Planet – War and Peace equipment and overall support. Special thanks are Parents, if you are able to support your child’s Unit by also due Mark Pattison, former PTA president and coming it to tell a story, doing an experiment, making wearer of many hats at Shepherd, for his support in something with the class, bringing in something to myriad ways, including publicizing in particular and show, share and discuss, please do. Contact your volunteering for whatever. And thanks to the stu- child’s teacher to offer your help or resources. dents, parents and community supporters who show Cultural Celebration up each year, sharing their dinner items and great On Tuesday, March 18, as part of the Francophonie company, making it the success that it always is. Festival which takes place in March, our school has As the founder and artistic coordinator of Shepherd invited the Embassy of Tunisia to host an event. The Jazz Night, I would like to say that the first quarter celebration includes Tunisian live music, a workshop of a century of our doing this has been a great, ex- with Tunisian instruments, and some delicious Tunisi- citing and gratifying experience for me and I am an food. The event will begin at 2 p.m. in the auditori- sure for most, if not all, of the participants. Most of um and everyone is welcome to attend. the intended goals have been and are met each Math-A-Thon year, to promote the art form, to provide historical The St. Jude’s Math-A-Thon kicked off last week on awareness and knowledge, to supplement music March 12, and will run until April 2, 2014. Parents, instruction, and very importantly to provide an op- please sign the permission form enabling your child to portunity for families and the school community to participate; encourage them to secure sponsors, and enjoy time together. to complete their Math workbook. Our goal this year It is great to know, too, that some of the former stu- dents who were in the audience at some time -- in- is to raise $4,000 for the St. Jude Hospital in aid of cluding my own daughters who are grown now -- those children battling cancer and other catastrophic picked up instruments and continue to play at vari- childhood diseases. All participants collecting dona- ous levels, and hopefully to enjoy America’s classical tions will receive a certificate of appreciation regard- music among many forms. Let’s all look forward to less of how much money they raise. Participants have next year’s Shepherd Jazz Night! Parents, please the opportunity to earn prizes starting at the $35 level note that the Millennium Stage at Kennedy Center with the opportunity to earn more prizes as they raise has free music performances, including jazz, most more money. evenings at 6 p.m. Also, an excellent and affordable Good luck everyone and let’s make this year more music program is the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program successful than last. if your young ones are interested in learning to play.

Have a warm week! -- Michael B. Wallace, Jazz Night founder and artistic coordinator --Ms. Sandra Hart, IB coordinator

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F A M I L Y D I N N E R DAY F A M I L Y D I N N E R DAY F A M I L Y D I N N E R DAY

Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW Saturday, March 22 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. SAY”I’M WITH SHEPHERD”

The PTA gets 20% of your pre-tax tab! Stop by for lunch or an early din- ner after the Shepherd Book Fair at Politics and Prose !

Dine-In & Take Away (PH: 202-364-0404) www.cometpingpong.com

Deadline for Shepherd Elementary School Mission: Next Mustang Issue At Shepherd, we are committed to the advancement of students’ academic, emotional, social and Fri, Mar. 28 at 5 p.m. physical well being. We, as a community, will pro- vide students with a safe, supportive, creative, and Send all contributions to: flexible environment in which children think and

[email protected] Shepherd Elementary School 7800 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012 Office Telephone: 202-576-6140 Shepherd School Pledge Office Fax: 202-576-7578

Jamie Miles, principal…[email protected] Today is a new day! Robyn Brooks, Admin. Assistant….. [email protected] I will respect the rights of oth- Sherilyn Pruitt, PTA President……. ers. [email protected] I will treat all property with re- The Mustang Newsletter Editor: Phonse spect. McCullough, Sharlitta Nipper, Mark Pattison I will take responsibility for my learning. Layout/Design: Kesha Pendergrast, Carmen Rush Student Contributors: Lauren Curtis, London I will take responsibility for my actions. Downing, Zoe McCullough, Henry Trimble Production/Distribution: Kim King, Helen & Kirk I will act in a safe and healthy way. Saulny Today I will be the best me I can be! Send your submissions for the next issue of The Mus- tang to: [email protected]

PAGE 8 TAKE A LOOK SO MANY GREAT THINGS CAN BE FOUND IN A BOOK!!!

JOIN US FOR THE SHEPHERD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOOK FAIR AT POLITICS AND PROSE 5015 CONNECTICUT AVE NW WASHINGTON, DC 20008 PLENTY OF PARKING IN THE BACK

10:00AM — 3:30PM

THE CLASS THAT PURCHASES THE MOST BOOKS WILL WIN A “NO UNIFORM DAY”

***SPECIAL EVENT***

11:30 & 1:00 STORY TIMES

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Calling all leuth nd rivate Eye here ystery o e solved at hepherd Elementary chool nd t ill all start ith idnapping

Mystery iteracy ight

Time: Where:

Please reading served.

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