Attendance Line Number - 490-3062

September 2, 2005

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

In this issue...

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PRINCIPAL REFLECTIONS

One of the unique differences at Shepardson is our core belief in wanting each child and staff member to feel a strong sense of belonging! We recognize that this component is one the most influential in helping children feel accepted and valued for their uniqueness, a critical element in having the confidence to take the risks needed when challenged to reach high goals.

Shepardson is especially fortunate to reflect a more diverse culture by being comprised of children who receive special services due to their learning English as a second or third language, due to their learning challenges, and due to their extremely high level of academic performance. Our model strives to include all children just as they will experience in life. We do this by bringing our extra staffing to the classrooms to assist children who need extra or different support systems, as opposed to sending children to a different location for services. We also realize that this inclusive approach is a visible message to all children that we can find effective ways to work together even if we are doing some things differently and that everyone has value to contribute to a community. As a result, we often have children who do not even recognize the disabilitiy a child may have due their acceptance of everyone having different needs. Learning how to get along with others and how to accept those who are different may be our best gift to prepare your children for a global world.

This model is best served by teachers and support staff who embrace this inclusive philosophy. It is also most effective when we are able to create small groups for instruction at a child's level. We are so pleased to have so many volunteer parents this year! Over 300 of our 350 plus families have volunteered. An incredible record! Special thanks to Coordinator Becky Haberecht who made this process easier for parents. There are so many ways you can assist this team in accomplishing its high goals.

As parents, you are your children's primary teacher! We value our working together for the benefit of your child. Next week we have conferences and we will seek to meet with each one of you for this purpose. You know your child best and can help us understand how he/she can be most successful in the school setting. While you must always be your child's best advocate, we also need your support in the learning process.

Together we can and will reach the stars!

Have a special time with your children on this long holiday weekend!

-	Mary Kay Sommers
	email: msommers@psdschools.org

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CALENDAR

September 02, 2005

SEPTEMBER 2005			SEPTEMBER 2005
5	Mon	Labor Day - NO SCHOOL	7	Wed	Gold C Books Sales/Coupon Card Fundraiser ends today
6	Tue	PTO Meeting - 7:00 pm; Pre-meeting for Pod Reps and Room Parents at 6:00 pm	8	Thu	Ice Cream Social for Shepardson Community/New Family event 6:00 pm - Gym
6-8	Tue-Thu	Parent Conferences - 3:20-8:00 pm	8	Thu	Picture Day (individual pictures)

(Table of Contents)   (Top) 2005-06 SHEPARDSON STAFF

Principal: Mary Kay Sommers Adm. Assistant: Mr. John Passantino Primary Unit Kindergarten Special Education Mrs. Shelley Aust (FD Kdg) Mrs. June Holmstrom Mrs. Libby Gleason (AM Kdg) Mrs. Kirsten Wood (PM Kdg) Teaching Assistants Mrs. Cathy Jarman First Grade Mrs. Laura Hoag Mrs. Bev Addington Mrs. Char Griffith Mrs. Heidi Hanson Mrs. Pauline Howard Ms. Sarah Harkins Ms. Elizabeth Schiola Second Grade Mrs. Larre Hanford Mrs. Anita Martinez Ms. Stacey White Middle Unit Third Grade Special Education Mrs. Colleen DelMonte Mrs. Danielle Feeney Mrs. Margo Miller Mrs. Cathy Sawin Teaching Assistants Mrs. Linda Hewell Fourth Grade Mrs. Kathy Lutheran Mrs. Cecilia Bonertz Mrs. Cheryl Gratias Ms. Lena Ziegler Mrs. Loretta Yabroff Mr. Angelo Gordon Upper Unit Fifth Grade Special Education Mrs. Beth Brown Mrs. Diann Schooler Mrs. Cece Cooke Mr. John Passantino Teaching Assistants Mrs. Pauline Johnson Sixth Grade Mrs. Debbie Stradt Mrs.Gayle Eberhardt Mrs. Brittany Turley Mrs. Jan Hoffman Mrs. Becky Burke Mrs. Sandy Shibles Specialists Music: Mrs. Caren Everett Art: Mrs. Lori Pibal Physical Education: Mr. Greg Neal Counselor: Mr. Rea Kreider Media Specialist: Mrs. Margie Bucher Computer Lab: Mrs. Becky Woodcox Media Center: Mrs. Mary Gamble ELL Teacher/Coordinator: Mrs. Sue Harbour Literacy Coordinator: Mrs. Pauline Howard Speech/Language Specialist: Mrs. Rhonda Ewan Occupational Therapist: Mrs. Kristy Thiemann School Psychologist: Mrs. Chris Walker Office Staff Office Manager: Mrs. Sharon Aberegg Office Clerk: Mrs. JoDee Swets Health Tech: Mrs. Elaine Beckman Nurse: Mrs. Nancy Weber Custodial Mr. "Stretch" Sutton (Head/Day) Mr. Roger Lunsford (Night) Food Service Mrs. Michaelene McCulloch (Mgr) Mrs. Patty Gavin (Cook/Server) Mrs. Gina Hawley (Cook/Server) Special Programs Enrichment Coordinator: Mrs. Becky Woodcox Base Camp Director: Ms. Stacey Hale

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SHEPARDSON STUDENTS WIN LOCAL AWARDS Shepardson student Maisie Iven was a featured speaker at the Sensible Housing Summit 2 in June along with Senator Allard and Mayor Hutchinson. Maisie's essay on "What a Home Means To Me" was the Overall 5th grade winner as well as the 5th grade Shepardson winner. She received a framed certificate and a $100 savings bond! Mrs. Cooke and Mrs. Sommers were pleased to join Maisie and her family for this very special community event! She again proved that doing your best can truly "pay off"! We also honor Anne Haas who was selected as the 6th grade Shepardson winner and won a $100 savings bond and certificate. Congratulations, Maisie and Anne!

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2005 POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY TRACK MEET RESULTS This past year's District Track Meet was another successful one. Thank you to all the parents, families and friends for coming and supporting this event. Shepardson athletes performed very well at the meet and their sportsmanship and encouragement for each other was outstanding. We had twenty-five athletes place in the top ten of their events in the district and had three district champions. Special congratulation goes to Joseph Gutierrez, 5th grade boys shot put champion; Morgan Reuter, 5th grade girls 50meter dash champion; and Jake Hanks, 4th grade boys 50meter dash champion. If you would like to see how the students placed in the track meet, results are posted on the bulletin board in the gym. If you would like a copy of the results please stop by and see Mr. Neal.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) COUNSELOR'S CORNER

By Rea Kreider, Shepardson School Counselor

Greetings everyone, and welcome back to another school year. For the many of you who are new, I have been at Shepardson as the School Counselor since August, 2000. The role of a school counselor concentrates on four major areas.

• Prevention- I spend close to half of my time each day in the classrooms working with students. Guidance lessons for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade are adapted from a program called "Second Step" which is a nationally acclaimed violence prevention/ positive behavior program designed by the Committee for Children. Major emphasis is placed on empathy, problem solving and anger management. In 3rd through 5th grades, many of the lessons come from a program entitled "Steps to Respect" which is another program designed by the Committee for Children. Nearly all of the lessons in this curriculum center around activities that provide students opportunities to understand and practice friendly, respectful behavior. The time I spend in 6th grade curriculum centers around a drug and alcohol awareness program mandated by the Poudre School District entitled "Here's Looking At You."

• Individual and Small Group Counseling- Approximately 25% of my time is spent working with individual students or with small groups of students needing additional support and guidance. These sessions could be the result of teacher referral, parent request or student initiated. The district's guidelines for school counselors is that we are allowed to meet with students up to three times to assist them in solving whatever difficulties they may be having. If it appears that it will take more than three meetings, or if the counselor feels parents need to be informed of the situation sooner, parents will be consulted. For any regularly scheduled individual or group meetings, parents' permission will be requested before sessions begin.

• Crisis Response- An important part of the counselor's role is to respond to any crisis or potential crisis that students may be experiencing. Thankfully this does not happen often, but at these times it is important to be available to soothe, comfort and support the child here at school. Often times (but not always) it is the parent who informs us of these situations, and every effort is made to communicate frequently with parents throughout these troubling periods. As a member of Shepardson's Crisis Response Team, I assist with safety drills each fall and am prepared to respond in the unlikely event of any unforeseen crisis that may occur at the school or in our greater community during the year.

• System Support- Another important role of the counselor is to support learning and the overall academic environment. I serve as the facilitator of the school's Student and Teacher Assistance Team (STAT), coordinate the Special Education Staffing Team, coordinate the Levels and CSAP testing programs, manage 504 Plans, assist as one of the adult supervisors for Student Council, and am a member of the Stars Committee (Shepardson's Positive Behavior and Character Education Program).

In addition to the responsibilities I have at Shepardson, I have been asked to serve as the Lead Counselor for the Poudre School District. This role takes me away from the building at times for meetings with Elementary, Junior High and High School counselors throughout the district, and to serve on the Pupil Services Leadership Team facilitated by Darcy Votipka, Director of Student Services. I am honestly a bit overwhelmed with the responsibility of being liaison between PSD's School Counselors and the Administrative Team, but am honored to be an advocate for counseling services in this district and for children's mental health in any way.

On October 23rd, 2005, the PSD Counselors are presenting to the Fort Collins community the 1st Annual "Children's Clinic Classic." This is a 5K Run and family event at City Park, with proceeds benefiting the Salud Children's Clinic. For now, mark your calendars and watch for announcements in future newsletters.

That's all for now. Look for the Counselor's Corner in newsletters throughout the school year. If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding the services I provide as this school counselor, or would like to meet with me for any reason, please feel free to contact me at school (226-6370)

Let's create an outstanding school year together.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PARENT NOTICE ABOUT DRUG DOGS IN SCHOOLS

Administrative Guidelines for Use of Drug Detection Dogs

There is ongoing concern in the District related to student possession and use of illegal drugs (as defined in Policy JICH) at school. It is important that we work together with both the Fort Collins Police Services and the Larimer County Sheriff's Department to do everything possible to eliminate the presence and use of illegal drugs at District schools. We encourage ongoing and frequent collaboration with both of these law enforcement agencies, and support the use of drug detection dogs at all District schools under the terms and conditions specified in these Administrative Guidelines, compliance with which is mandatory. These Administrative Guidelines supersede all prior guidelines, rules and procedures concerning the use of drug detection dogs at District schools.

1. When and How Drug Detection Dogs May Be Used
   1. Drug detection dogs may be used without reasonable suspicion to determine if illegal drugs are in student vehicles parked in school parking lots (if applicable) and/or in areas of the school over which the District maintains control such as desks, lockers, classrooms and locker rooms.

   2. If a dog sniff indicates the presence of drugs in a student vehicle parked in a school parking lot, school officials may follow up with a physical search of the vehicle before it is moved off school property, but only if the student is present. Under Policy JIH, failure to allow the search of a vehicle's interior or trunk under these circumstances will result in the student's automatic loss of the privilege of parking at school for at least the remainder of the academic year.

   3. If a dog sniff indicates the presence of drugs in the closed space of an area of the school over which the District maintains control, such as a desk or locker, school officials may follow up with a physical search of the space before there is an opportunity for the removal of items without the school officials' knowledge. When feasible, a videotape record of the search should be made. The student may be present at the option of the principal.

   4. Drug detection dogs may NOT be used without reasonable suspicion to search a student's person or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, etc.). In cases where there is reasonable suspicion that illegal drugs are on the student's person or contained in the student's personal effects, a physical search rather than a dog sniff search should be conducted unless advance approval is obtained from School Services.

   5. All physical and dog sniff searches must be conducted in compliance with Policies JIH and JLIE. August 2005 2 shs/drugs/2005 Admin.Guidelines drug dogs

2. Notice Requirements Concerning the Use of Drug Detection Dogs
   1. The fall or "back to school" newsletter to parents from each school must include a statement that trained dogs may be used without reasonable suspicion and on a random basis to determine if illegal drugs are in student vehicles parked in school parking lots (if applicable) and/or in areas of the school over which the District maintains control such as desks, lockers, classrooms and locker rooms.

   2. Information in the fall or "back to school" newsletter concerning the use of drug detection dogs must also be included in both the school's student and staff handbooks.

   3. School officials must discuss the terms and conditions in these Administrative Guidelines at the beginning of each school year with the School Improvement Team, and with staff and students.

3. Procedures Concerning the Use of Drug Detection Dogs
   1. The use of drug detection dogs under these Administrative Guidelines must be initiated by school officials, not law enforcement authorities.

   2. Before using a drug detection dog for a sniff search, you must call School Services at 490-3201 for approval. Indicate to School Services the area(s) to be searched by the dog, the reason(s) for conducting the search, when you need approval, and what if any special circumstances are present. You should receive a prompt reply from School Services regarding whether approval is granted and, if so, under what terms and conditions.

   3. If the requested use of drug detection dogs is approved, School Services will notify the following personnel that a dog sniff search will be taking place and provide additional information regarding the search:
      1. Jerry Wilson - Superintendent
      2. Norm Bastian - Security Manager
      3. Shawn Streeter - Security Coordinator

   4. After receiving approval from School Services to conduct a dog sniff search, you may contact the Fort Collins Police Services or the Larimer County Sheriff's Department to arrange for the use of the required drug detection dog(s). DO NOT make public address announcements at your site regarding the use of drug detection dogs.

   5. Report back to School Services by phone (490-3201) or email (sstruve@psdschools.org) within 24 hours regarding the outcome of the dog sniff search.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY INFORMATION AVAILABLE

State law (Senate Bill 22-1-124) requires that all schools notify parents about how to access records on registered sex offenders. Following are ways to obtain information about registered offenders:

• List of Offenders living inside city limits is available at City of Fort Collins Police Services: Residents of Fort Collins must go to the Fort Collins Police Department, 300 LaPorte Avenue, and fill out a request form (no charge to view list; $7.50 to purchase copy). Police Services is working on moving the database online. No date has been given for completion.

• List of offenders living outside city limits in Larimer County is available from Larimer County Sheriff: Residents must go to the Sheriff's Office administration building, 2501 Midpoint Drive. Bring photo identification, and fill out request form (no charge to view list; $7.50 to purchase copy). A partial database is online at: http://www.larimer.org/sheriff/sexoffenders/index.htm

• Colorado sex offenders registry from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation: available online at http://sor.state.co.us

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PTO CORNER

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 6th at 7:00 p.m. (committee work) followed by the 7:15 p.m. Board Meeting in the Shepardson Library. POD Rep and Room Parent Meeting will be held at 6:30 before the PTO meeting. For more information please contact: Jennifer Burkhart @ 225-1873. NEW FACES AND INPUT ARE WELCOME SO PLEASE JOIN US AND LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SHEPARDSON! Open House Another HUGE THANKS to everyone who came to the Open House and participated in signing up as volunteers for the year. This new process of collecting the information required by PSD in order to volunteer is quite an undertaking for everyone involved. We appreciate your patience with this new process! Although it went very well this year, we are always able to improve for next time around. One thing we will work on is shortening the wait time to get to the classrooms. We understand the importance of your time especially in the middle of the day, and we will work to streamline this process to make it more efficient. The GOOD NEWS is that we have over 300 names of parents signed up to volunteer in the various areas listed on the volunteer form! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Phone calls to those who volunteered will be made soon for upcoming events, and for those events coming later in the year, someone will be in touch as those events approach. Finally, a special thank you is due to the one who has pulled all this volunteering sign up and organizing together, Becky Haberecht! Your work is invaluable to Shepardson, THANKS! Coming Attractions: Ice Cream Social and New Family Welcome, September 8th. See calendar for more details. Gold C and VG2 Underway! You've undoubtedly received both the information for Gold C and VG2. This is the first of our fundraisers for the year. Thank you for considering to participate in this fundraiser. Your donations, time and efforts are what help make Shepardson the special place it is for everyone! Direct Donation For those interested in direct donations to Shepardson PTO, use the certificate below to accompany your donation. Simply fill out, and mail or drop your donation to the front office. Questions? Please call, Jennifer Burkhart @ 225-1873. Shepardson Elementary Certificate of Donation I/We are making this tax deductible donation in lieu of or in addition to participation in other fund raising activities. *Name: _________________________ *Address: _______________________ _______________________________ *Phone: _________________________ Amount Enclosed: __________________ 9 Please send receipt home with my child: Child's Name: _____________________ Teacher: ________________________ *Optional Please make checks payable to: Shepardson PTO Thank you for your support!

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