• SHEPHERD HIGH SCHOOL

    We Are Shepherd:  A safe, respectful, and positive community where our high expectations and emphasis on personal growth support all students being successful, lifelong learners.

    We Are Shepherd:  Empowering students to achieve greatness.

    Built Upon:  ResPect - LeadeRship - IntegrIty - KinDness - AchiEvement

    Monday, December 19, 2022

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    Hello Everyone!

    First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  The Christmas Break is quickly(?) approaching.  From the looks on everyone's faces and the tone of the voices, we could all use a bit of a break.  So, please enjoy the time and as always, be safe.  

    I would like to reiterate a few items that I had on my previous page.  These are items that have taken place this year, but at times I hear that parents are not aware of them.  

    1) Cell Phones...they will no longer be allowed in the classrooms.  Cell phones are to be kept in student lockers during the course of the day.  They have become so much of a distraction that it is greatly affecting student learning.  Consequences for not keeping cell phones in lockers include:  1st offense...warning, parent/guardian will need to pick up phone;  2nd offense...Friday School, parent/guardian will need to pick up phone; 3rd offense...one day of OSS, parent/guardian will need to pick up phone; all subsequent offenses will result in OSS days and parent/guardin retrieval.  Students will be able to access/use their phones during lunch.  Cell phones and social media platforms are so distracting to students that their education is in jeopardy if we do not do something about it.   

    2)  ICU will be discontinued for the upcoming school year.  It will now be a voluntary study hall during the times of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 245 PM to 330 PM.  It is the student's responsibility to utilize this time wisely.  Teachers and staff are here to help every student.  However, the student needs to be present...again, the student's responsibility.  I will no longer be monitoring the door to watch for students who are supposed to be in a particular classroom.  If you need help, get yourself there.  As a student...take charge of your education!  Parents, please encourage your children to take advantage of this time.  I will be discussing this voluntary study hall with the students again after the Christmas Break so as to remind them of the rules during this time frame.    

    3)  Over the last 10-15 years, in my opinion, we have afforded students countless opportunities to turn in assignments late and/or retake tests.  That will not occur anymore.  Deadlines need to be met, plain and simple.  It's time to get the job done.  (note:  obviously if there are IEP/504 accommodations on file, they will be met)  It's my belief that we have been enabling students for far too long and generally doing them a disservice when it comes to them leaving our doors after graduation with what we have been doing. 

    As you can see from the three items mentioned above, it's time to get back to the BASICS of education.  However, I do believe that we can get back to what we need to be doing...educating the students rather than being distracted by every little thing.  This may sound a little out of the ordinary from the direction of many schools these days, but I think a 'reboot' is in order to better serve ALL of our students.  If at any time you have a question regarding any of the above information, please feel free to contact me at the high school office.

    Parents, please help us with those issues listed above.  Thank You! 

    Some items of interest that are approaching:

    Dec 21-Jan 2     Christmas Break                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dec 3-13            MAPS Assessments for juniors, sophomores, and freshmen                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jan 13                End of the 1st Semester                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Feb 8                 High School Ski Trip                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Feb 13-14          Student-Led Conferences                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Countless basketball games, wrestling matches, speech and drama meets

    Sincerely,

    K.J. Poepping, Principal

    MASSP President