| Attendance Line Number - 490-3062 | May 20, 2005 |
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Shepardson's Home Page: http://schoolweb.psdschools.org/she/ |
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| In this issue... |
| Table of contents | Index to Shepardson Report Newsletters | Shepardson Home Page |
| Attendance Line Number - 490-3062 | May 20, 2005 |
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Shepardson's Home Page: http://schoolweb.psdschools.org/she/ |
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| In this issue... |
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It is that time of year when I remember the sixth graders when 47% of them were 5 years old and in kindergarten here at Shepardson. In spite of our transient workforce, 65% of them have been here since third grade. My mind experiences flashbacks of many pictures during these last seven years that make me smile with amazement at their growth from post toddlers into young adolescents, from learning letters to writing research papers. Our sixth graders have made a positive contribution to our school as leaders, as learners, and as role models for younger children who will follow in their footsteps. Their parents have equally committed many, many hours and relentless energy toward our school's improvement and activities that value a strong sense of community that cares about all children and that greatly expands our resources to address the diverse needs of our students. It is with mixed feelings that we celebrate their accomplishments and their moving to junior high, for their presence will be missed. They have been an important part of this family and we will remember them. Congratulations and best wishes, Sixth Grade! I will miss you tremendously!
Next week an envelope will accompany your child home. It will include MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION for next year:
We do not send home a letter during the summer. However, we do keep extra copies of school supplies and we post a copy by the front door. Most businesses ask for a copy and will post our school's list. We know you will want this list when the sales occur in July.
Teachers' last official workday is next Thursday. Office Manager Sharon Aberegg will be available two weeks after school is out and will return two weeks before school begins. I'll be in and out during the summer involved in hiring, training, conferences, meetings as well as some vacation time. You can leave messages and I will return them as I can.
We thank the Shepardson families again for all you have done to work in partnership with us as we help each child achieve their personal best. You have been so supportive, which enables your child's progress to be so much greater than without it. To those leaving or moving, we wish you our best. We will miss you! Have a wonderful summer!
| - | Mary Kay Sommers |
| email: msommers@psd.k12.co.us |
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| CALENDAR | May 20, 2005 |
| MAY 2005 | MAY 2005 | ||||
| 23 | Mon | Kindergarten Graduation 5:30-7:00 pm | 24 | Tue | Last Day of School for half day Kindergartens |
| 23 | Mon | Spring Zing 3/4 9:00-11:30 & 5/6 12:45-3:00 | 25 | Wed | Last day of School- Classes dismissed at 11:30 am |
| 23 | Mon | Scholastic Book Sale 12:00-6:00 | |||
| 24 | Tue | Spring Zing Kind. 8:45-11:00 & 1/2 12:45-3:00 | AUGUST 2005 | ||
| 24 | Tue | 6th Grade Graduation 7:00 pm | 23 | Tue | Back to School Open House 11:00 - 1:00 Family Reception in Gym 12:00 - 1:00 Classroom Visitations |
| 24 | Tue | Scholastic Book Sale 8:00 am-9:00 pm | 24 | Wed | First day of School 2005-06 (elementary) |
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After 36 years of teaching, including all of the 27 years Shepardson has been open, where she taught both music as well as 4th and 5th grades, Pamela has decided to join our happy and relaxed counterparts in the new world of retirement. We wish her the best and thank for the wonderful years she has given to the children she's adored. Her heartfelt passion for teaching has endeared her to generations of children, to hundreds of colleagues, and to countless thankful parents. We wish you our very best and will miss you! |
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We are thankful to have had Mrs. Teague (5/6 resource teacher, 2 years) and Mrs. Hopkinson (grade 4, 1 year) serve Shepardson. Mrs. Teague will be returning to Arkansas to be near her family. We are so pleased that she has already accepted a similar teaching position. Mrs. Hopkinson and her family will be relocating east of this area. As hard as this decision was, she knows that she needs to be closer to her young children. We are still in the hiring process to find the best teacher for this 4th grade classroom. Students placed in this classroom will receive a letter from the new teacher after this decision is made. We appreciate both Amy May and Christine for their positive energy, focus on children and willingness to do what is needed to help each child be a successful learner and citizen. Both have made significant contributions to Shepardson during their short tenure here. We thank them for all they have given of their time and expertise and wish them our very best! |
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It is that time of year when we reevaluate how we can best use what staffing we have to support us with the instructional program. We want to especially thank and recognize those who will be moving on for many reasons, including fewer positions that we will have available. We thank you so much for all of your dedication and commitment to help us Educate Every Child Every Day!
Valerie Depew Frances Belling Renee Paratore Cheryl Comfort Monica Kuntz Lorna Walker
A special thanks and congratulations to Lorna Walker on her retirement as a school nurse.
Best wishes Lorna!
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Diann Schooler, Resource Teacher for 5/6
Next year Diann will have the unusual advantage of moving up with the 3/4 students to serve students in grades 5 and 6. Her experiences from high school, her consistent enthusiasm and her strong commitment will enable her to effectively serve the upper grade students with unique needs.
John Passantino, Fifth Grade Teacher
Former Shepardson teacher John Passantino will be returning to teach fifth grade after two years serving at the district level as Math Specialist and Curriculum Generalist. John is excited to return to the classroom and be working with students! We are very pleased to have his strong skills, his energy for school improvement processes, and his focus on children! John has also agreed to serve as our Administrative Assistant next year, relieving counselor Rea Kreider from some of the extra duties he assumed as well as John taking on more leadership responsibilities common to this position. We graciously thank Rea for assuming this role during these past few years!
Mrs. Danielle Feeney, Resource Teacher for 3/4
Danielle has been serving students at Irish this semester after relocating from New Jersey, where she served in a very similar setting as Shepardson. Recommendations from her past principal strongly suggest that she will be an asset in many ways for our students, for our team, and for our program. We feel very fortunate to have someone with her expertise joining our staff!
Mrs. Libby Gleason
Formerly known as Mrs. Nielson (Kdg teacher), Libby was married this spring. Congratulations!
Ms. Stacey White
Formerly known as Mrs. Stetler (1st grade teacher)
Mrs. Laura Hoag
Will be returning as a Kindergarten para after a sabbatical in Australia with her family.
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Mrs. Wyman's fifth grade class read more than 100 books in the fall to meet the challenge offered by Scholastic Book Club. After returning the recording sheet to the company, SBC gave 100 books to help children in need across America. (SAVE THE CHILDREN, REACH OUT AND READ, and FIRST BOOK).
In their return letter to the fifth grade students, SBC said, "It is wonderful to set a goal and then accomplish the goal. It is rewarding to know that you are helping others." The students in Mrs. Wyman's room did just that and they should feel very proud of themselves.
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The sixth grade class of 2005 is pleased to present Shepardson Elementary with the gift of a stepping-stone that will be placed in a path that leads from the sixth grade classrooms to the breezeway in the front of the school. We would like to thank Shepardson parent Maria Smailes who took all of the kids' ideas and compiled them into a "Leap of Faith" design. Because Eco Week was revived with this class, we felt it was important to create an everlasting image of this incredible adventure. This stepping-stone will remind the class of 2005 of happy memories for many years to come. The pathway in which our stepping-stone will be embedded will be started sometime this summer. We are looking for a few parents who can help with this project. If anyone has experience in digging a path, setting flagstone, and general landscape, we would appreciate the help. Please call Jamie Mekelburg at 229-0698 or Rea Kreider at 226-6370. Thank you. Jamie Mekelburg |
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Ever wonder how these newsletters actually happen? While many folks are a part of writing, typing, and editing articles as well as the actual copying, collating and stapling the final edition, a few folks deserve special recognition. For without their willingness to work hard 21 weeks a year to put articles and pictures into a final communication document that appeals to different groups, our newsletter formats would be severely limited and probably rather dull. Each of these tasks requires considerable time (probably from 60 -120 hours/year) as well as specific skills to transform our best efforts into polished and professional documents. Please help me thank these folks:
Kevin Smith, parent of a sixth grader Abby, moves all of these submissions into Publisher and adds creative and enticing elements to capture your interest as a reader. This is Kevin's last newsletter since he began in August, 2001! What a commitment! Thank you so much, Kevin!
Dave Roschke, former parent who has stayed to help us after his children went to Junior High, takes these submissions and transforms them magically onto our website. He also listens to parent and community requests as well as his own ideas to keep the web page updated and useful to all of us. We often use our website to quickly find information from years past. Did you know you can read Shepardson newsletters from 1996! Almost 10 years ago! What a commitment! Thank you so much, Dave!
Jennifer Burkhart, current parent, volunteers to translate these lengthy newsletters into Spanish so our monolingual families can be fully informed and feel more a part of our community. What a commitment! Thank you so much, Jennifer!
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Special thanks to the members on SIT who volunteer their time once or twice a month to discuss the higher level decisions that most affect teaching and learning at Shepardson. As with other school commitments, having 16 adults give their "evening" time for this level of involvement is found in schools where great things happen! Thank you!!!
Congratulations to Chuck Hubbeling who received the most votes in an election to serve Shepardson on SIT and on the District Advisory Board for the next two years! Thanks to both Chuck and Rand McConnell for their willingness to serve in this time-consuming position.
Special thanks and best wishes to those who will be moving on...
New parent members for SIT for 2005-06...
We are still in need of several positions:
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Another HUGE THANKS to everyone who participated on PTO and in the many events and fundraisers throughout the year. Our volunteers are incredible!
Interested in Volunteering? So many people have come forward to volunteer their time and talents next year and we are truly grateful! If you would like to learn more about opportunities or are interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer Burkhart @ 225-1873 or Burkys@aol.com.
THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SOCK HOP! Many thanks to everyone who made the Sock Hop a fun event again this year! Special recognition is due to Amy Lopez for heading up this effort. Amy and her many committee leaders made this a memorable event for all Shepardson kids and families. Thanks!
Summer PTO Meeting August 15, 2005 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Case Park by Ft. Collins High School This meeting is in preparation for the 2005-06 Open House |
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It is often said that the older one gets, the faster time passes. Based upon how quickly this year has come to an end, I must be aging...at least a little. Before we take a break for the summer, I wanted one last article in the school newsletter to inform you of the results of this year's Student Attitude Survey.
Each year we ask students in 3rd-6th grade to complete the PSD Student Attitude Survey. This survey is a standard set of 20 statements that students respond to with their level of agreement or disagreement. Examples of statements include: "The homework assigned to me help me be a better student" or ""There are adults at my school to go to if I have a problem" or "My teachers understand my ability to do well in school." These surveys are given to elementary students throughout the district. We can compare our responses to the district average response, and we can also compare Shepardson's responses this year to years past. In addition to these 20 items, Shepardson has the opportunity to pose 5 statements of our own which include "Other students treat me with respect", "If I ask someone to stop bothering me...they stop" and "Bullying is not a problem at my school." Because these items are site specific, we have no way to compare with other schools, but we can track responses from year to year.
In general, Shepardson students' responses are slightly higher than the district average, and on three of the responses, significantly higher.
Responses were lower than the district average on only two items.
As we examine the results more closely, a few statements indicate areas where we need to continue to focus our attention. Regarding the statement "Students at my school respect each other" only 49% of our students agreed. 62% of the students agreed that "Other students treat me with respect" and the response to "Students in this school respect teachers" was down 6 points from last year (still 79%, but slightly concerning.) On the site-specific statement "If someone is bothering me and I ask them to stop...they stop." 43% of students agreed. This too is a bit troubling, especially considering how often we talk with students about this important social skill. Often, as I mediate between students one student will comment "I didn't hear them say anything" or I will learn that when the offender is asked to stop, they argue or talk back rather than respectfully honoring the request. Only 42% of students agreed to the statement "Bullying is not a problem at my school".
For your information, this issue of respect and bullying is not limited to Shepardson. The district's average response to "Students treat each other with respect" was 48% this year, and has averaged very close to 50% for the last five years. We have documentation to show that clearly the majority of "bullying" at Shepardson is verbal rather than physical. As a faculty we continue to remind children to treat others the way they want to be treated themselves, to be careful of the words and tone of voice they use, and to think before they act. Virtually all of the lessons I present during classroom guidance center on the recognition of others' feelings, managing anger, kindness towards others and peaceful problem solving. We take a strong stand on any bullying situations as we become aware of them. As Mary Kay and I handle Code of Conduct situations, we have seen an increase this year in students "breaking the code of silence" and speaking up when they see problems occurring. We are very encouraged by this, and will often reward students for doing so.
We take the results of the Student Attitude Survey seriously. I have shared the results with students themselves and had excellent follow-up discussions with classes about where we are doing well and how they can help in areas we need to improve. I have made a presentation to SIT to hear their reactions and suggestions. As I plan for the 2005-06 school year, I will use these results to help guide classroom lessons and focus of the counseling program in general. If you have questions or would like a detailed copy of the survey, please contact me at school.
Have a safe, fun-filled summer, and as situations arise over the next few weeks, please help your children to recognize respectful (and disrespectful) behavior and to understand the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
Respectfully,
Rea Kreider, Shepardson Counselor
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Research shows that students who do not read and are not engaged with learning during the summer are likely to return to school operating similar to where they were operating in mid-April. This six weeks loss compared to maintaining or growing can cause significant uneasiness when school begins. These are a few tips that we encourage parents to consider for your children to maintain their skills during the summer:
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This year's Energy Conservation Team consisted of ten sixth grade students. Together, we helped classrooms, students, and staff save energy by reminding them to turn off lights, fans and more when they were out of the classroom. We also checked to make sure pod computers were turned off at the end of the day. This was a team effort of the entire school and together we earned $1200.00 to go towards Eco Week.
Thank you for helping and supporting this program. This helps this year's 5th graders go to Eco Week next year!
Erik Hansen
Abby Smith
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By Monica Franco
As the end of the year approaches, I look back and reflect on what a terrific and productive year it has been. We've raised money for Tsunami victims with money can collections. Heroes, like Martin Luther King, Jr. were honored with a school assembly that spoke the words of his "Dream" and was followed by a walk to remember his desire that all people be treated equally. Empty pantries were filled by the efforts of Shepardson students during canned food drives. Drug-free lives were encouraged with displays of ribbons on clothing and trees and with the chance for those who wore their ribbons to earn prizes. Student council encouraged the pursuit of reading with read-a-thons and the chance to dress as a favorite book character. There were also wonderful and wacky school spirit days with opportunities to come to school in pajamas, wacky hair and wear clothing the color of the flag. The final event was Earth day, a chance to promote conservation of our resources and renewal of them with a tree planting ceremony.
I've learned a lot from this experience and would encourage every student to consider this opportunity during 5th and 6th grade. It is a chance to make a difference in your community. I'd like to thank our advisor, Mr. Kreider, for all of his time, patience, and devotion to student council. And lastly I'd like to thank the teachers of Shepardson and our principal, Mrs. Sommers, for providing the students of Shepardson with such a stimulating academic environment.
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