Shepherd Middle School

SMS Announcements:

VolleyBall Results
7th grade last night's match against Ogemaw Heights
A team lost the match 12-25 & 15-25
B team lost the match 18-25 &18-25
8th grade volleyball results against Ogemaw last night.
A team won the match with scores of 20-25, 26-24 and 15-6.
B team lost the match with scores of 14-25 and 18-25.


This afternoon, cross country will be released for their competition at 245.

Today we honor Constitution Day, the day in 1787 when our nation’s Constitution was signed in Philadelphia. At the end of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
That answer is just as important today. The Constitution isn’t just words on paper—it’s an idea that only lives if we the people uphold it. President Gerald Ford from the state of Michigan once said, “Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men.” That means no single person or group gets to rule over all of us—the people hold the power.
The Constitution depends on us to keep it alive. By learning, questioning, speaking up, and treating each other with respect, we protect the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, the balance of power among the branches of government, and the rule of law that applies to everyone.
It all begins with the words:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…”
Today, let’s remember: the Constitution isn’t something far away in Washington—it’s ours. And it’s up to us to keep it.

And BlueJays, lets have a great day by remembering to be R.E.A.L.—Respectful, Engaged, Accountable Leaders. Be R.E.A.L. every day. And always know, we’re glad you’re here.

Greetings 6th Grade Families,

We hope you’ve had a safe and relaxing summer! Sixth Grade Orientation is just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome our newest BlueJays to Shepherd Middle School.

Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 14th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Shepherd Middle School. Students can be dropped off at the Middle School doors and will spend the morning with our student leaders enjoying a mix of learning and fun! They’ll receive their class schedules, practice using lockers, tour the building, and reconnect with classmates.

Parents: Please plan to join us for an informational meeting in the Auditorium from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Announcements: Tuesday, June 3... 6th graders - You are now able to sign up for locker partners for next year. You have until the end of the day today (6/3) to sign-up. If you do not sign-up for a locker partner one will be assigned to you. You can only sign-up between classes or at lunch. 7th Graders who applied to be a part of the WEB Program this next year, check your emails. Boys High School Soccer sign up sheets are in the office. If you are in 8th grade and interested in playing High School Soccer in the fall stop in the office to sign up. Today during SOAR classes will finish their CKH Reflections.

Announcements: Thursday, May 29... 8th graders - today is your last day to sign up for a locker partner for your freshman year. The sign-up sheet is in the MS office. If you choose not to sign up, a locker partner will be assigned to you. 6th graders - You are now able to sign up for locker partners for next year. You have until next Tuesday (6/3) to sign-up. If you do not sign-up for a locker partner one will be assigned to you. You can only sign-up between classes or at lunch. 7th graders - you do not need to sign-up for locker partners. You will each get your own locker next year. Boys High School Soccer sign up sheets are in the office. If you are in 8th grade and interested in playing High School Soccer in the fall stop in the office to sign up. Registration for Youth Football and Football Camp has been emailed out to all current 6th & 7th grade students. The links can also be found in our BlueJay Bulletin Newsletter. Youth Football Skills Camp will be August 5-7 for $25 and Youth Football practice begins on August 12. Any current 8th-11th grader (boys included) that are interested in sideline cheer for the fall 2025 season, there is a meeting with Coach Leah on Friday May 30 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the cafeteria. For MS: Any current 5th - 7th Grader and parents/guardians that are interested in cheering for the 25 - 26 season, there is a meeting with Coach Leah in the cafeteria from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Shepherd Boys Basketball Summer Camp will be held on June 19 and 20, for all boys who will be in 3rd through 8th grade next fall. Pick up a flyer in the MS Office for registration and more information. Today during SOAR students are to check their grades in PowerSchool and email parents. Then it is Silent Reading for the remainder of the class period. Following announcements, any students who have been a part of the following school groups or clubs, please report to the MS Gym for a picture of your group. Student Council WEB Leaders Robotics Club

Announcements: Wednesday, May 28... Mrs. Byrne’s Theatre Classes have created Shoebox Sets, which will be on display on tables outside her classroom today for students to look at. They are to be looked at but not touched. Anyone interested in participating in the Youth Police Academy in Mt. Pleasant this summer, pick up a flyer in the MS Office. Deadline to sign-up is June 6. Shepherd Boys Basketball Summer Camp will be held on June 19 and 20, for all boys who will be in 3rd through 8th grade next fall. Pick up a flyer in the MS Office for registration and more information. Today during SOAR students are to work on their Math IXL Recommended Skills.

Announcements: Tuesday, May 27... As of today, students are not allowed to check out any books from the Media Center. All books that are currently checked out must be returned by this Friday, May 30. June 16-19 The Marilyn Chapman Shepherd Youth Golf Clinic will be held at the Maple Creek Golf Club. This is a FREE event and open to all boys and girls entering Grades 3rd through 12th. Registration forms are in the office. Anyone interested in participating in the Youth Police Academy in Mt. Pleasant this summer, pick up a flyer in the MS Office. Deadline to sign-up is June 6. Shepherd Boys Basketball Summer Camp will be held on June 19 and 20, for all boys who will be in 3rd through 8th grade next fall. Pick up a flyer in the MS Office for registration and more information. Today during SOAR students are to work on their ELA IXL Recommended Skills.

Announcements: Friday, May 23... Results from the Track Invitational yesterday at Central Montcalm. The boys team won the invitational taking 1st place out of the 14 teams that competed and the girls team took 5th place. Congratulations to the following for Qualifying for the Megastar track meet: Gabe Smith in Pole Vault. Ellie Davis in the 55m Hurdles The girls 4x800m Relay Team of Josie Eisenberger, Brianna Roberts, Brooklyn Nethers, and Meghan Moeggenborg The boys 4x800m Relay Team of Caleb Cahoon, Tucker Berry, Will Robb, and Brayden Rountree June 16-19 The Marilyn Chapman Shepherd Youth Golf Clinic will be held at the Maple Creek Golf Club. This is a FREE event and open to all boys and girls entering Grades 3rd through 12th. Registration forms are in the office. Anyone interested in participating in the Youth Police Academy in Mt. Pleasant this summer, pick up a flyer in the MS Office. Deadline to sign-up is June 6. Shepherd Boys Basketball Summer Camp will be held on June 19 and 20, for all boys who will be in 3rd through 8th grade next fall. Pick up a flyer in the MS Office for registration and more information. All 8th graders will be eating lunch during A Lunch today. After 3rd hour, they will get their lunches and take them back to Mr. TerBurgh’s, Mrs. Verhaar’s, Mr. Roed’s, Mrs. Goodspeed’s or Mr. Baker’s classrooms to eat. After eating lunch they will be getting ready to walk to the Cemetery for their project this afternoon. Today during SOAR is Finish or Free Friday. 8th Graders, make sure you have everything printed off and ready for this afternoon at the cemetery.

Announcements: Thursday, May 22... Good Luck to the Track Teams as they travel to Central Montcalm for an Invitational Meet this afternoon. All those participating in the meet will go to A Lunch after 3rd hour this morning, and then you will be dismissed from the cafeteria at 11:45 and the bus leaves at Noon. June 16-19 The Marilyn Chapman Shepherd Youth Golf Clinic will be held at the Maple Creek Golf Club. This is a FREE event and open to all boys and girls entering Grades 3rd through 12th. Registration forms are in the office. Anyone interested in participating in the Youth Police Academy in Mt. Pleasant this summer, pick up a flyer in the MS Office. Deadline to sign-up is June 6. Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Any current 6th or 7th grade girl interested in playing Middle School Volleyball please sign up using this link. The link was emailed to all 6th & 7th grade students in your school email. Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. The sign-up sheet for Middle School Cross Country for next fall is outside Mrs. Gimmey’s room (318). 8th Grade please stop into the office and sign up for locker partners for next year in High School. You have until the end of the school day on Thursday to sign-up or you will be assigned a locker partner at random by the High School. 6th Grader, we will be asking you to sign up for locker partners next week. 7th graders, you do not need to sign up since you will be getting individual lockers next year. Today during SOAR today students are to check their grades in PowerSchool and then send an email to parents. Then it is Silent Reading for the remainder of the class period.

Announcements: Wednesday, May 21... June 16-19 The Marilyn Chapman Shepherd Youth Golf Clinic will be held at the Maple Creek Golf Club. This is a FREE event and open to all boys and girls entering Grades 3rd through 12th. Registration forms are in the office. Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Any current 6th or 7th grade girl interested in playing Middle School Volleyball please sign up using this link. The link was emailed to all 6th & 7th grade students in your school email. Only one sign up per athlete is needed. Middle School Volleyball Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. The sign-up sheet for Middle School Cross Country for next fall is outside Mrs. Gimmey’s room (318). 8th Grade please stop into the office and sign up for locker partners for next year in High School. You have until the end of the school day on Thursday to sign-up or you will be assigned a locker partner at random by the High School. 6th Grader, we will be asking you to sign up for locker partners next week. 7th graders, you do not need to sign up since you will be getting individual lockers next year. Today during SOAR all classes will be working on their SecondSteps Lesson 25, which we postponed due to online webpage issues we had on Monday.

Announcements: Tuesday, May 20... Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Any current 6th or 7th grade girl interested in playing Middle School Volleyball please sign up using this link. The link was emailed to all 6th & 7th grade students in your school email. Only one sign up per athlete is needed. Middle School Volleyball Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. The sign-up sheet for Middle School Cross Country for next fall is outside Mrs. Gimmey’s room (318). 8th Grade please stop into the office and sign up for locker partners for next year in High School. 6th Grader, we will be asking you to sign up for locker partners next week. 7th graders, you do not need to sign up since you will be getting individual lockers next year. Today during SOAR students are to work on their Math IXL.

Announcements: Monday, May 19... Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. The sign-up sheet for Middle School Cross Country for next fall is outside Mrs. Gimmey's room (318). Today during SOAR, 6th & 7th graders classes work on ELA IXL this morning. The SecondSteps online platform is down today. We will come back to SecondSteps tomorrow. 8th grade will be going to the gym for a talk regarding their Memorial Day Projects at the cemetery on Friday.

Announcements: Friday, May 16... Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS football next year should sign up by today (5/16) either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. There is an INCOMING FRESHMAN PARENT/PLAYER meeting this evening, May 16th, in the media center from 6-7pm. Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. Today we are wearing green, which is the international symbol of mental health. Green can represent energy, hope, and fresh starts- all great things when it comes to mental health! Moving your body is an example of behavioral activation, which is a great way to break the cycle of inactivity and boost your mood! To get moving, boost our mood and help improve our mental health, following announcements this morning, we are all going to head outside to the MS walking track. At the end of announcements I will release students by grade level out to the MS Playground, where we will walk around the walking track, in a counter-clockwise direction, the same direction you run on a track. This will go until the end of SOAR class, and which time students will go to their 1st hour class.

Announcements: Thursday, May 15... Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS football next year should sign up by Friday (5/16) either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Any current 8th grader interested in playing HS Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. Any 8th grade girls interested in playing HS volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Today’s spirit day is Thinking Cap Thursday! Today we want to highlight the power and importance of our thoughts! What you tell yourself in a situation can have a huge impact on your mood and your actions! Remembering the good things in our life and practicing gratitude is a great habit to help improve our mental health. Additionally, questioning our thoughts is a great way to come up with more helpful thoughts. We can ask things like, “Do I have any evidence for this thought?,” “Is this thought helping me right now?,” or even, “What would I tell a friend in my situation?” For tomorrow’s Mental Health Awareness activity, it is.. Friday - wear GREEN! Students will be planning a game of capture the flag during recess and we will have the outdoor mental health walk during SOAR. This morning we will be helping to send off this year's Senior Class of 2025 with the Senior Walk. Once everyone has gone to their 1st hour class, I will be making an announcement for all 7th & 8th grade band students to go to the band room. Then a few minutes later I will be releasing all students to the Bus loop, where we will be joined by the students and staff from all of Shepherd Schools as we send off our Seniors for the last time in the Senior Walk. All Middle School students and staff are to line up on the curb of the bus loop in front of the Industrial Arts and Art building. To allow enough room for the seniors to walk through, we are asking all students to stay on the curb and sidewalk and not stand out in the bus loop. We will release at about 8:35am and the walk should be completed before 9am. At that time students will be returning to their 1st hour class. Today during SOAR students are to check their grades in PowerSchool and email parents. Then it is Silent Reading for the remainder of the class period.

Announcements: Wednesday, May 14... Results from the Jack Pine Conference track meet last night. The boys finished in 4th place and the girls finished in 7th place. The track team has another meet next Tuesday at Grand Ledge. Any current 8th grader interested in playing football next year should sign up by Friday (5/16) either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Any current 8th grader interested in playing Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. Any 8th grade girls interested in playing high school volleyball in the fall should fill out the google form on the Shepherd Volleyball Program's Facebook page. Today’s spirit day is Water Wednesday, which highlights the importance of taking care of our physical health. Taking care of our physical health is a foundational step to support positive mental health. Doing things like limiting how much time we spend on screens, getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water, and moving our bodies often are all great ways to stay healthy! Mental Health Awareness Activities for the rest of this week Thinking Cap Thursday - Student council would like to do this as a fundraiser and charge students $1 to wear a hat in school. Friday - wear GREEN! Students want to plan a game of capture the flag during recess and we will have the outdoor mental health walk on Friday. This walk has been changed to Friday morning after announcements during SOAR. Today during SOAR all students are to work on their Math IXL Recommended Skills.

Good luck to the Track Teams as they have the Jack Pine Conference Meet here tonight. Those participating will be released at 2:05, after checking into their 6th hour class, and then meeting in the MS Gym, as they will be heading over to the track together at 2:15. The track meet begins at 3:00. The Native American Office will be closed today. Any current 8th grade girls interested in playing golf their freshman year please meet in the middle school gym today (5/13) at 3:00pm. Any current 8th grader interested in playing football next year should sign up by Friday (5/16) either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Any current 8th grader interested in playing Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. Today is Twin/Squad Day! Twin/Squad Day highlights the importance of having supportive people in your life. Friends and family can help support our mental health. They can help bring a smile to our face or even do something as simple as being a good listening ear. They might even provide good advice! Water Wednesday - wear blue/dress up like you are going to the beach (no swimsuits). Activity: Stickers will be available at recess for students to put on their water bottles. Thinking Cap Thursday - Student council would like to do this as a fundraiser and charge students $1 to wear a hat in school. Friday - wear GREEN! Students want to plan a game of capture the flag during recess and we will have the outdoor walk for the last 30 minutes of the school day Today during SOAR all students are to work on their ELA IXL Recommended Skills.

Announcements: Monday, May 12... Any current 8th grade girls interested in playing golf their freshman year please meet in the middle school gym Tuesday (5/13) at 3:00pm. Any current 8th grader interested in playing football next year should sign up by Friday (5/16) either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Any current 8th grader interested in playing Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and our Student Council has teamed up with Mrs. Gall in the Counseling Office to help spread awareness of the importance of mental health. They have come up with dress up days and activities to bring awareness to mental health. Today’s spirit day is Music Monday! Listening to music can be a great way to relax. Using relaxation and mindfulness techniques everyday can help to decrease overall levels of stress and anxiety! Twin/Squad Tuesday - match with a friend and use sidewalk chalk at recess to write kind messages, fun pictures, etc. Water Wednesday - wear blue/dress up like you are going to the beach (no swimsuits). Activity: Stickers will be available at recess for students to put on their water bottles. Thinking Cap Thursday - Student council would like to do this as a fundraiser (I think) and charge students $1 to wear a hat in school. No scheduled activity for this day Friday - wear GREEN! Students want to plan a game of capture the flag during recess and we will have the outdoor walk for the last 30 minutes of the school day Today during SOAR all classes will be working on SecondStep Lesson 24.

Announcements: Friday, May 9... Results from the Track meet last night at Breckenridge: Both boys and girls were runners up at the Husky Invitational out of 16 teams. Brayden Rountree qualified for Megastar in the 800 meters. Any current 8th grade girls interested in playing golf their freshman year please meet in the middle school gym next Tuesday (May 13) at 3:00pm. Any current 8th grader interested in playing football next year should sign up by Friday, May 16th either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Any current 8th grader interested in playing Boys or Girls Basketball next year, please sign up in the MS Office so coaches have your name and contact information. # The kitchen is hosting their annual picnic lunch today, where hotdogs and brats will be served in the bus loop. All middle school students will have lunch at 11:25 (after 3rd hour) and lunch will be extended until 12:10. During lunch, those who want grilled hotdogs or brats will go to the bus loop, while those who want pizza, chicken or other menu items will get their lunch in the regular serving line. After getting your lunch, all students will be going directly to the MS playground area to eat their lunch and stay until 12:10. At that time all students will go to their 4th hour class.

Announcements: Wednesday, May 7... Results from the Track meet yesterday at Bullock Creek: The boys team won against Bullock Creek and Pinconning and lost to Pinconning. The girls team won against Meridian and Pinconning and lost to Bullock Creek. Caleb Cahoon qualified for Megastar in the 1600m run. The next track meet is tomorrow (5/8) at the Breckenridge Invitational. Good Luck to the Band classes as they perform in the annual Spring Concert this evening in the Auditorium at 6:30pm. Any current 8th grade girls interested in playing golf their freshman year please meet in the middle school gym next Tuesday (May 13) at 3:00pm Any current 8th grader interested in playing football next year should sign up by Friday, May 16th either in FinalForms or in the MS Office. Please use a styrofoam tray if you need to take your lunch from the cafeteria. Also, gum belongs in the trash cans, not on your tray or stuck under our serving counters. During SOAR today all students will be working on their Math IXL Recommended Skills.