Dear Families,

We had a wonderful first week of school! It was such a joy to welcome our students to Shep and see their excitement as they settled into their classrooms. Throughout the week, they have been busy building friendships, practicing schoolwide expectations, and learning the routines that will help them succeed this year. On Friday, students participated in Wildcat Way Cafeteria Training with Mrs. Lawler, our school counselor, to practice how we can all make the cafeteria a safe and welcoming space for lunch.

This week, we will begin our schoolwide community meetings. On Tuesday, each grade level will meet to learn expectations for assembly behavior and to officially launch our Wildcat Way tickets. These tickets are given to students when they are “caught” demonstrating the CATS expectations: Communicating with Respect, Acting Responsibly, Taking on Challenges, and Staying Safe.

On Thursday, we will come together for our first whole-school community meeting. During this time, we will introduce our Super Paws. Each month, we will spotlight one of the CATS expectations. In September, our focus will be Communicate with Respect. Super Paws will be awarded to students who go above and beyond in this area. Students earning Super Paws during the month will be showcased at our September community meeting.

As a reminder, there will be no school on Friday, August 29, or Monday, September 1, for Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend!

Mr. Echelmeier

Each school year, we get lots of questions about how parents can volunteer, what they need to do and how they get their clearances. Hopefully this answers your questions!

If you have additional questions, or want to verify that existing clearances are still valid, please email ShepOffice@mbgsd.org.

If you are a new volunteer you will need ALL documents submitted.

Items Needed:

1. State Police clearance (Act 34) - https://epatch.pa.gov/home

2. Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151) - https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS

3. TB Test

4. Volunteer Verification Form (button to right) if you have lived in PA for past 10 years consecutively, OR will need FBI Background Check.

   1. FBI Background Check - https://uenroll.identogo.com/

5. Volunteer information sheet (button to right)

Birthdays are important to every child, and most kids like to celebrate with their classmates. However, sending in a food treat to the classroom to celebrate can exclude those children who have food allergies, diabetes or other dietary restrictions. Also, classrooms are not well-equipped to serve food, especially cupcakes and other messy treats.

If you would like an alternative to food treats for your child’s birthday celebration at school, there are many possibilities. Always check with your child’s teacher first to see what options may work best.

Invitations to birthday parties or other gatherings may not be passed out in school, unless the entire class is invited. Teachers cannot distribute contact information.

Attention 3rd grade girls:

Join a program where you'll discover your Heart Power - the power to speak up and share what's inside your heart! You'll move and play games, make new friends and have fun with your team! At the end of the season, you'll celebrate by finishing a 5K.

Be on the lookout for a flyer with more details to come home the first week of school

If you haven't already done so, you're invited to like and follow our official Mechanicsburg Area School District Facebook page for the latest celebrations, news, and updates from across the district: www.facebook.com/MASDwildcats.