Attendance Line Number - 490-3062

May 26, 2006

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

In this issue...

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PRINCIPAL REFLECTIONS

This is the LAST newsletter for 2005-06 school year! And what a year it was! This past week alone was one that highlighted many events and experiences that will live in our memory!

• This week we celebrated the life of our friend Haley Jimenez, a fourth grader who died in November, by installing a bright yellow bench in her memory. Haley's extended family, many of our current Shepardson parents, and community members joined the whole school to remember our friend. Several students shared poems they had written while Mrs. Bonertz and Mr. Kreider shared their reflections and wishes. I reminded students that such a loss is very rare. Even for adults, however, this event has brought back some sad memories. Please know how special your children are to all of us too!

• The sixth graders challenged the staff in what may become an annual kickball game! The adults even practiced for a strong showing. Sixth graders are to be commended for their sportsmanship and persistence!!!!! You will always be winners!

• The choir completed its final musical tour this week after a year of commitment to early morning practices. Shepardson has one of largest elementary choirs with 70 students!

• The kindergarten students impressed their parents in their first school music program with many songs, instruments, and dances! What a special joy, found so easily in young children! Thanks, Mrs. Everett!

• Kindergarten students experienced a special "graduation" to celebrate their hard work and their enthusiasm for learning. They are ready for first grade and desks!

• Students enjoyed Spring Zing---a celebration that reminds us of the importance of families and friends spending quality time having fun and being physically active. Thanks, Mr. Neal and specials team, for making this event possible!

• Classroom teachers have spent many hours planning field trips, picnics, poetry readings, plays, a rodeo, and other culminating events to celebrate a wonderful year of learning and friendships.

• Dinger, Mascot of the Colorado Rockies, arrived this week to encourage children to do their personal best and to respect others.

• Parents have assisted teachers in so many ways to make these final days even more memorable, from assisting and planning, to creating memory CDs of the school year, to attending school events. Your partnership with us is so valuable and beyond measure! Thank you!

What to do this summer???

• Summer time is a long three months! Keeping your children engaged in learning and practicing their reading, writing and math skills is one of the best gifts you can give to your children. Students who read during the summer find school much easier in the fall. Otherwise, students who have not been reading often are 3 months behind when school starts, making school more challenging. Some students attending IB at Lesher have already been given 3 novels to read over the summer! Please model for and read with you children every day!

• Many children will be traveling. As one example, Elia and Sahana will be in Switzerland where they will be attending school there! Traveling is a great time to practice writing skills by journaling and reading about the area. Some students make scrapbooks with pictures using their writing and creativity. Teachers love to receive postcards from their students. Having your children use their skills in meaningful ways in the summer reinforces the value of education in "real life." Your support and encouragement are often what makes the difference in your child's success.

• Don't forget to keep your children physically active!

Congratulations and best wishes, Sixth Grade! It is that time of year when I remember the sixth graders when 50% of them were 5 years old and in kindergarten here at Shepardson. In spite of our transient workforce, 71% 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 hours and relentless energy toward our school's improvement and special activities that value a strong sense of community that cares about all children. It is with mixed feelings that we celebrate their accomplishments and their moving on to junior high, for their presence will be missed. They have been an important part of this family and we will remember them. I will miss you tremendously!

On behalf of the staff, we wish everyone a relaxing summer when you can find time to enjoy your most precious gift... your children. Our best wishes to our sixth graders and to those families who will be moving on. We have truly enjoyed having you be a special part of the Shepardson community.

My best always to all of you!

-	Mary Kay Sommers
	email: msommers@psdschools.org

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CALENDAR

May 26, 2006

MAY 2006			MAY 2006
29	Mon	Memorial Day-NO SCHOOL	31	Wed	Students released at 11:30 am-NO LUNCH
30	Tue	Sixth Grade Graduation-6:00 pm	AUGUST 2006
		Last Day for Half-day Kindergarten Students	22	Tue	Back to School Open House
31	Wed	Last Day of School	23	Wed	First Day of School!

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A WONDERFUL WEEK AT SHEPARDSON! We've had a busy and exciting week! We hope you'll enjoy a collection of images from our week . . . Haley's Bench Dedication Kindergarten Program Kickball game

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SHEPARDSON KIDS RUN AND THROW TO CHAMPIONSHIPS AT DISTRICT TRACK MEET! This 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 were outstanding. We had thirty-five athletes place in the top ten of their events in the district and had the largest number of district champions that I can remember! Special congratulations goes to Joseph Gutierrez, 6th grade boys shot put champion; Cody Olson, 5th grade boys softball throw champion; Josh Miller, 4th grade boys 800 meter run champion; Matthew Liringis, 4th grade boys 200 meter dash champion and the 4th grade boys relay team of Josh Miller, Matthew Liringis, Austin Rudd and Connor McNairy were also district champions. The official results of the meet can be viewed on the Eyestone Elementary home page and should be on the PSD web page soon. 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. Pictured with Mr. Neal and Mrs. Sommers are Joseph Gutierrez, Matthew Liringis, Connor McNairy, Josh Miller, Cody Olson, and Austin Rudd.

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STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS The Art Service Committee of Student Council has completed another mural to be hung in the 5/6 boys bathroom. Straten Ahlbrandt, Taylor Hinton, and Nicole Perry painted a 4'x8' mural of the planetary system to be enjoyed by students for years to come. Five more Art Service Committee members completed a canvas painting titled 'Imagination' which will be sent to our adopted Louisiana school, Grand Caillou Elementary. The painting consists of four puzzle pieces illustrating the possibilities in life using a little imagination. The five students who gave up their lunch recesses to work on this were Nicole Dowswell, Stephanie Hamrick, Andra Helton, Emily Morrison, and Lauren Smailes. Sammie Trujillo, another member of the Art Service Committee, was in charge of painting a trashcan for the school lunchroom. The committee wanted to brighten up the school with decorated trashcans so Sammie has started with the lunchroom trashcan, painting food cartoon characters around the can. Thanks so much to all these students who took the time and effort to brighten up the school with art! Mrs. Pibal

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SHEPARDSON CHOIR FILLS THE AIR WITH SONG! A big thank you to Mrs. Everett and the Shepardson Choir and Percussion Ensemble for their dedication and commitment throughout the school year. We've enjoyed their performances and singing at school and in the community! Thanks, choir and Mrs. Everett!

2005-2006 Shepardson Choir Members: Straten Ahlbrandt, Brandan Alcorn, Kayla Alstad, Megan Arent, Eddy Banda, Julie Barstow, Adam Berry, Matt Bowman, Ashley Brooks, Phillip Bugh, Alexandra Chrostowski, Carina Chvatal, Seth Conklin, Brianne Cutter, Colton Davis, Brandi Demmer, Charlie DeMoss, Mitchell Dilley, RJ Dowswell, Anastasia Eichler, Daniel Elder, Nicole Finnman, Grant Fourcroy, Lauren Garcia, Sarah Gloor, Emily Green, Sandra Hamrick, Jake Hanks, Andra Helton, Taylor Hinton, Katelin Hoffman, Austin Hunt, Paul Kelley, Jessy Knaus, Nicole Lange, Kate McDonnell, Lindsay Morris, Emily Morrison, Hannah Murphy, Nichol Ngo, Tori Oblender, Cody Olson, Nicole Perry, Jessica Puckett, Jill Remmers, Morgan Reuter, Lexi Schroeder, Kim Scott, Matt Skipworth, Michelle Slawson, Lauren Smailes, Taylor Steshyn, Ashlyn Stults, Samie Trujillo, Evelyn VonNieda, Matthew Witczak

Percussion Ensemble Members: Stephanie Hamrick, Jared Miller, Gretchen Carow, Tait Rutherford, Edward Zhu, Gavin Miller, Steven Tang, Michael Hurley, Nicole Dowswell, Lizette VanZyl, Maisie Iven, Gabe Brull, Arun Chandra, Trey Seale

(Table of Contents)   (Top) YEARBOOKS

The yearbooks have arrived! Students got their books in class today. If you forgot to order one in February, there are a few extra available to purchase in the office for $12. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Marcie Dietrich at 282-9336 or Michelle Murray at 226-6224.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) THANK YOU TO SOME SPECIAL LADIES!

A very big Shepardson thank you goes out to Jennifer Linley, Shawnie Mulligan, Liz Shiola, Deb Stradt, and Loretta Yabroff. We will be saying "goodbye" to these terrific ladies who have been serving as paraprofessionals at Shepardson during this school year. We've appreciated their dedicated and loving service to our school. Thanks a million and good luck to all of you!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) NEW SIT MEMBERS FOR 2006

Welcome to our new SIT members: Cecilia Bonertz, representing 3-4 Grade; Jan Hoffman, representing 5-6 grade; Laura Hoag, representing classified staff, Kelly Hooper and Kumi Kono, parent representatives. We appreciate your willingness to be a part of SIT!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) LETTER CARRIERS SAY "THANK YOU, SHEPARDSON!"

Branch 849 of the National Association of Letter Carriers extends their sincere appreciation to Shepardson Elementary for their May food drive. Students collected 114 pounds of food! This contribution to our Larimer County Food Bank helped make the food drive the success that it was. The total pounds collected in May were 23,047 pounds. Shepardson Elementary was one of four schools in Poudre School District to participate in the Letter Carriers Food Drive. Way to go helping the community!!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) PTO CORNER

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Please check the Shepardson web site at www.psdschools.org for the activities planned for PTO for 2006-2007 school year. Our website will be updated throughout the summer.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) CALENDAR CHANGES NEXT YEAR

Effective professional learning communities are provided effective time blocks for collaboration. Starting next year, the school calendar will accommodate four days for staff to set goals, focus learning on student needs, and assess student progress. These four days will be release days for students. The school times will be increased by 8 minutes every day to provide for these release days. We are already looking at ways to use these extra minutes effectively. Teachers are always asking for more time to teach! Notice that the school day at Shepardson will be extended to 3:08. Half day kindergarten times were extended by four minutes. Please plan on your children arriving home about 8 minutes later next year.

We will send revised calendars home the first day of school. The School Board is still making adjustments to provide an additional three days of instruction to the school calendar. They expect to make final decisions in June. Please check the district website for the most accurate information regarding 2006-07 school calendar (www.psdschools.org). To avoid confusion, we will not be sending home a calendar on the last day of school.

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PARKING LOT CLOSED TO PARENTS IN FALL OF 2006 Even though the reduced parking lot will be open to staff next fall, some staff members will still need to park elsewhere. We recommend the non-bus lane parking areas on Springwood for drop offs and pick-ups during the pre and post school hours. Please be careful about parking in the bus lanes close to arrival and dismissals. We strongly encourage your children to ride the bus or walk to school next fall. Carpooling is also encouraged whenever possible. We are very pleased that the district will provide an extra crossing guard for first semester and School Resource Officers for a few weeks as we locate any unsafe conditions. We will be observant of these issues as we focus first on safety! We appreciate your patience and understanding during the inconvenience that accompanies construction. Construction will be completed when students return after Winter Break in January, 2007. Check out the bulletin board in the Media Center for the construction designs.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) CLASS PLACEMENTS FOR 2006-07

On the last day of school, your child will bring home several things, some of which will be even more important in August:

1. Class Lists
   
2. Supply Lists
   
3. Letter with specific information for fall.

The supply lists are posted on our website, near our front door, and are available at school when the office is open. A final calendar will be distributed in August after school resumes.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) 2006 BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Different Format For Next Fall!

Tuesday, August 22

Parents with last names beginning from A- K:

11:15 - 11:30		Parent Support Center in gym.
		Pick up your Personalized Parent Packet.
11:30 - 12:00		Visit classrooms, bring supplies, meet your child's teacher.

Please leave the area so that the next group of parents can find closer parking. Thank you.

Parents with last names beginning from L-Z:

12:15 - 12:45		Visit classrooms, bring supplies, meet your child's teacher.
12:45 - 1:00		Parent Support Center in gym.
		Pick up your Personalized Parent Packet.

Kindergarten families will also come by last names, not by morning or afternoon sessions, to help us address our limited parking condition during remodeling.

(Table of Contents)   (Top) NEWSLETTERS NEXT YEAR!

A final thank you to Dave Roschke for serving Shepardson as our Webmaster for the last 10 years, long after his children graduated from Shepardson. Such dedication is highly unusual. We are extremely indebted to his commitment to Shepardson. The historical record of Shepardson is easily accessed on the website through Dave's hard work. Thank you so much, Dave! You have truly left your mark on Shepardson!

We are so fortunate to have another parent "step up to the technology plate" to serve us in this capacity. Please help us welcome and thank parent Brian Bode! We look forward to continued communication with parents through this format. With a reduction in office staff, we plan to have fewer newsletters and will be considering more website communications. Stay tuned!

(Table of Contents)   (Top) SPRING TESTING RESULTS

Parents of third graders will be receiving a summary of their child's reading CSAP scores from this spring's testing with their child's report card. If you have questions, please contact the school.

The rest of the CSAP reports are not received until late summer. We send these summaries home after school starts in the fall. If your child moves to a different school within the Poudre School District, we can forward these reports to you.

This spring students in grades 2-6 took Levels Tests (or MAPS) in reading and math. This test is multiple choice, unlike the CSAP that is performance based. It is standardized and does give us good information to show growth through the years. Unfortunately, we are unable to print off a comprehensive summary at this time. If you would like this information when it becomes available, please contact the office and we will provide a summary for you.

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