Attendance Line Number - 490-3062

March 25, 2005

Shepardson's Home Page: http://schoolweb.psdschools.org/she/

In this issue...

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PRINCIPAL REFLECTIONS

This week I had the unusual opportunity to give a tour of Shepardson to a visiting educator who had heard from his university professor from California State University that Shepardson was the "best known example of the inclusion in the country!" What an incredible compliment!

I love to share how this professional team works together and differentiates for our varied learners. I have so many stories of what individual teachers are doing to ensure that each child is able to strive for his/her highest level of performance. "Inclusion," as we define it, is really a belief system; we simply believe every child has the right to belong. He/she may not have a right at times, but it won't be due to having a disability. The only exception is if a behavior is keeping other children from learning.

I remember at least 14 years ago when this model evolved. We worked with our team and with our parents to consider how we can best meet the needs of all children, can use our limited resources more effectively, and can structure teaching and learning so it focused on children's learning needs (as opposed to simply teaching a textbook to children.) I remember staff members reflecting at the time how we have many students whose needs and learning styles require us to think differently if we truly want every child to be challenged. I remember how sixth graders responded at the end of the first year with descriptions of how they had no "handicapped children" in their classrooms. By keeping all students in a classroom, we had created a different environment that made a strong statement that all children can learn in some way and at different levels...and that's OK! Acceptance of diversity by young children is one of the many positive outcomes of our inclusive program.

Teaching in such a program, as I am reminded again today, is very difficult. It requires incredibly devoted and committed teachers and staff who are willing to think "outside the box," to use different strategies that keep all students actively engaged in the learning process, to never give up on any child, and to keep our expectations high for every child. Teachers must plan for the use of the support team in their classrooms, for different groupings for different purposes, and for different expectations of performance. Accomplishing these high goals requires extensive and joint planning that is very time consuming.

I can't be more proud of a team who indeed reflects and models the values and beliefs embedded in our inclusionary school. It's not by our words, but our actions, that we truly know what one believes. We still have more to learn tomorrow and we will never reach the end of this journey. I so appreciate all the staff does to accomplish these high goals every day for every child.

Speaking of high goals, please notice that PTO who always sets high goals is planning a fun Book Fair (4/19 - 4/22) right here at school. All children love to have their own new books to read and to share. This is a great time to have your children share book titles they would like to read. Thank you, PTO, for planning this great event that even adults find irresistible!

Principal

-	Mary Kay Sommers
	email: msommers@psd.k12.co.us

(Table of Contents)   (Top)

CALENDAR

March 25, 2005

MARCH 2005			APRIL 2005
3/21-4/8	Mon-Fri	CSAP Testing	5	Tue	PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
28	Mon	Report Cards distributed	7	Thu	SIT Meeting 4:00-6:00 pm
APRIL 2005			8	Fri	6th Grade Lock In
2	Sat	Odyssey of the Mind District Competition	15	Fri	NO SCHOOL
5	Tue	2nd Grade Music Program 6:00 pm	19-22	Tue-Fri	Scholastic Book Fair

(Table of Contents)   (Top) SIX TRAITS FOCUS: SENTENCE FLUENCY

As we continue examining the six traits, we turn our attention to "sentence fluency". Sentence fluency is best described as the rhythm or flow found in writing. Sentences are varied in length while different beginnings prevent writing from becoming choppy. The presence of sentence fluency allows oral reading to be smooth and expressive.

Hear are some ideas to help your child with sentence fluency:

• Read! Read! Read!

• Read a fluent piece aloud. Now, read the same piece, chopped into 3-or-4 word sentences that all begin the same way. Ask your child if they hear a difference. Which one sounds better?

• Watch for both long and short sentences in his or her writing. ("You have a long sentence, then a short one - I like that!")

• Choose a favorite poem (rhythmic language) and share it with your child. Ask them if they feel the rhythm.

Margie Bucher, our media specialist, has a list of books that can be used to illustrate this trait. Check with her if you are interested in reading one at home. Watch our bulletin board for examples of student work from each class that exemplifies this trait. We appreciate your help in our efforts to make each and every child a successful writer!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) SHEPARDSON'S ANNUAL BOOK FAIR IS COMING!!!

Our annual school Book Fair is scheduled for 4/19/05 through 4/22/05. Previews will be on Tuesday 4/19/05 for students and teachers. Preschool shopping will also be available on Tuesday. The hours each day will be 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, except for Thursday 4/21/05, when we will have a family night and remain open until 8:00 pm. So come and READ A GREAT TALE!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BOOK FAIR

If you can volunteer a few hours of your time to work the book fair, please contact Leigh Ann Dilley at 377-3913.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) MEET CSU ATHLETES, CAM THE RAM AT RAM JAM APRIL 11!

Ram Jam is coming up on Monday, April 11! Moby Arena opens its doors at 6 p.m. and admission is FREE! All 16 CSU Division I sports will be represented at Ram Jam and you have the opportunity to get autographs from all your favorite Ram athletes!

All kids who attend will receive a free Ram Jam T-shirt and goodie bag. There will be free popcorn and sodas for refreshments and chances to win cool prizes playing games and contests. This is an opportunity for you to get up close and personal with Ram Athletics!

"Come and join me at this year's Ram Jam! It will be full of fun and excitement!" says Cam the Ram.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) SIT NEWS

The SIT committee last met 2/17/05 at 4 p.m. The minutes from the prior meeting were approved unanimously. The next meeting was held on March 24th, 2005.

The District Advisory Board is continuing work on the 2005-2006 PSD budget details. Proposed changes to the 10th grade Health curriculum is available on the district website. Jerry Wilson has been chosen as Superintendent. The next DAB meeting is 2/17/05 and the demographics will be reviewed. The PSD Foundation will host a breakfast on April 28th.

PTO has prepared a slate of officers for next year including Maria Smailes for Vice President, Kevin Wilson for Treasurer, Michelle Murray for Secretary, and Jennifer Kelly for Fundraiser. Reach Week is upon us and the grade with the highest participation will receive a pizza party. KISS FM has been selected to DJ the May 6th Sock Hop.

The Boundary Committee is still working on new boundaries and overgrowth on the north and south sides of the district.

Remodeling updates find the district is facing an increase in needs for building improvements without a substantial increase in financial resources. Shepardson is in the process of discussing renovations to address lunchroom and PE needs.

Shepardson has met all of the student contact hours requirements. Next year the half-day kindergarten teachers would like to try a modified schedule. Parents of these new students will be involved in this decision making process. SIT is reviewing our staffing usage this year including the one hour paraprofessional time that was added to each grade level to help teachers make accommodations for our higher achievers. Goals for the gifted program are being met on the individual, universal and targeted areas. More reviews of current and new programs will be discussed at the next meeting.

SIT Committee would like you to know that all meetings are open to parents. If you have questions or would like to know more about what is happening in the School Improvement Team, join us for the next meeting. Meeting Schedules are announced in the school newsletter.

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