SMS Announcements:
Cheerleading: The Gold cheer team took 3rd out of 6 at the Sanford Meridian competition last night.
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Listening to learn instead of interrupting shows REAL Respect. When we let others finish their thoughts, we show that their ideas matter—and that’s how strong conversations and strong communities are built.
Cheerleading: The Gold cheer team took 3rd out of 6 at the Sanford Meridian competition last night.
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Listening to learn instead of interrupting shows REAL Respect. When we let others finish their thoughts, we show that their ideas matter—and that’s how strong conversations and strong communities are built.
Tonight is the 8th grade transition parent meeting. If you have a current 8th grade student, please plan to attend!

Use the QR code to order your yearbook. Orders will run through March 20th.

Announcements:
Over the weekend: The Gold cheer team took 1st. Blue cheer team took 2nd in their competition.
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Respect isn’t just about how we talk to each other — it’s also about what we do. Respect means keeping your promises and honoring your commitments. When you say you’ll do something, follow through. That builds trust, shows responsibility, and helps us all be stronger R.E.A.L. BlueJays.
”Remember 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.”
Over the weekend: The Gold cheer team took 1st. Blue cheer team took 2nd in their competition.
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Respect isn’t just about how we talk to each other — it’s also about what we do. Respect means keeping your promises and honoring your commitments. When you say you’ll do something, follow through. That builds trust, shows responsibility, and helps us all be stronger R.E.A.L. BlueJays.
”Remember 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.”
SMS: BlueJay families, please find the latest bulletin here https://app.smore.com/n/p5stm
Announcements:
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Listening without interrupting is a powerful way to show respect. When you let others finish their thoughts—whether it’s a classmate or an adult—you show that their voice matters. Today, challenge yourself to pause, listen fully, and respond respectfully.
That’s how R.E.A.L. BlueJays show respect.
”Remember 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.”
Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament. All boys and girls of the ages of 9-14 can participate. It will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, From 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Shepherd Middle School Gym. There will be a prize for each boy and girl winner of each age group. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of January 1, 2026. The first-place winners will advance to the next level. If you have any questions, contact Steve Nartker at 989-955-0452 and leave a message.
Listening without interrupting is a powerful way to show respect. When you let others finish their thoughts—whether it’s a classmate or an adult—you show that their voice matters. Today, challenge yourself to pause, listen fully, and respond respectfully.
That’s how R.E.A.L. BlueJays show respect.
”Remember 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.”
SMS: BlueJay Families, we look forward to returning to school soon! Please find a short bulletin here: https://app.smore.com/n/2j6g1e Reminder, no school on Monday. School resumes Tuesday January 6.

SMS: Please check out the BlueJay Bulletin here https://app.smore.com/n/u1synb
In our BlueJay Bulletin, we advertised that there will be a December SKY meeting on Wednesday, December 17. Due to scheduling conflicts, the December SKY Meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting will be January 21.
Shepherd Middle School Families,
We are gathering survey feedback on our Capturing Kids Hearts Practices. If you haven't yet done so, we would appreciate your feedback here.
https://iheartckh.com/public-survey/rpxtxa8z
We are gathering survey feedback on our Capturing Kids Hearts Practices. If you haven't yet done so, we would appreciate your feedback here.
https://iheartckh.com/public-survey/rpxtxa8z

"The wrestling team at Midland Dow on Saturday had 17 placers with 9 in the finals and 4 champions. In 4th place were JJ Curtiss, Gaige Mikek, Isac Tapia, and Kenzi Miller. In 3rd place were Anthony Seeley, Bryson Wiley, Ethan Pigeon, and Cruz Dearing. In 2nd Place were Markiss Kiehl, Ronnie Kiehl, Bryce Florian, Billy Higbee, and Ty Tyler. The Tournament Champions for Shepherd were Kaleb Schafer, Jeremy Riddle, Daemon Nemitz, and Maverick Bendele. The wrestling team will be home this Tuesday against Standish Sterling and St Louis."
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
BlueJays, remember:
Accountability means you answer for your actions — both the big ones and the small ones. That includes owning your choices in the hallway, taking care of your space in the cafeteria, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. When you’re accountable, people know they can trust you — and that’s what keeps our school safe, respectful, and R.E.A.L.
Take a quick second today:
What’s one action you can take to show accountability?
Maybe cleaning up after yourself, getting to class on time, or returning equipment where it belongs. Small actions add up to big trust.
Be R.E.A.L. every day. And always know, we’re glad you’re here.”
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
BlueJays, remember:
Accountability means you answer for your actions — both the big ones and the small ones. That includes owning your choices in the hallway, taking care of your space in the cafeteria, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. When you’re accountable, people know they can trust you — and that’s what keeps our school safe, respectful, and R.E.A.L.
Take a quick second today:
What’s one action you can take to show accountability?
Maybe cleaning up after yourself, getting to class on time, or returning equipment where it belongs. Small actions add up to big trust.
Be R.E.A.L. every day. And always know, we’re glad you’re here.”

"The wrestling team wrestled tough Thursday Night against Mount Pleasant Middle School and Bay City Handy Middle School. Getting big wins for the the wrestling team were.....Jeremy Riddle, JJ Curtiss, Austin Loonsfoot, Mason Martin, Markiss Kiehl, Ronnie Kiehl III, Ethan Pigeon, Isac Tapia, Kaleb Schafer, Cruz Dearing,Bryson Wiley,Tiarra Welch,and Kenzi Miller"
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
”Remember 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.”
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
”Remember 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.”
Girls basketball against Harrison
8th grade won 48-16.
7th grade won 51-2
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
BlueJays, take a moment today to appreciate someone who shows responsibility — maybe a teammate who always follows through, a friend who keeps their word, or a classmate who takes care of their space without being asked. Responsible BlueJays help make our school safe, kind, and accountable every day. If you see someone doing the right thing, let them know you appreciate it. That’s how we build a REAL community.
”Remember 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.”
8th grade won 48-16.
7th grade won 51-2
BlueJays, our Hoops for Hunger drive is still going strong!
Now through December 19th, you can bring in donations to help support families right here in Isabella County.
You can donate:
Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, boxed meals, and condiments
Household & hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper products, and diapers
And remember—$1 equals 9 pounds of food!
The SOAR class in each grade with the most total pounds collected will earn a trip to the Hoops for Hunger basketball game on January 7th!
BlueJays, take a moment today to appreciate someone who shows responsibility — maybe a teammate who always follows through, a friend who keeps their word, or a classmate who takes care of their space without being asked. Responsible BlueJays help make our school safe, kind, and accountable every day. If you see someone doing the right thing, let them know you appreciate it. That’s how we build a REAL community.
”Remember 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.”

SMS Announcements:
Hi I’m Reagan, and I am here to tell you that Semper Fit is doing a toy drive for TOY for TOTS. The grade that brings in the most toys will get to do something fun with Semper Fit at the end of year. (More details to come!)
Welcome back, BlueJays!
After our short Thanksgiving Break, let’s reset and show what it means to be R.E.A.L. BlueJays .
This week we’re focusing on Responsibility — owning our choices and following through on our promises.
That connects directly to being Accountable: doing what you said you would do, keeping track of your belongings, and taking responsibility for your actions whether you’re in the hallway, the cafeteria, or the classroom.
As we get back into our routines, remember to be:
Respectful by using positive language and treating others with kindness.
Engaged by staying focused and following directions.
Accountable by keeping spaces clean, being prepared, and accepting responsibility.
Leaders by setting the example for others.
Take a moment right now:
What’s one thing you’re responsible for today—big or small—and how will you make sure you follow through?
Hi I’m Reagan, and I am here to tell you that Semper Fit is doing a toy drive for TOY for TOTS. The grade that brings in the most toys will get to do something fun with Semper Fit at the end of year. (More details to come!)
Welcome back, BlueJays!
After our short Thanksgiving Break, let’s reset and show what it means to be R.E.A.L. BlueJays .
This week we’re focusing on Responsibility — owning our choices and following through on our promises.
That connects directly to being Accountable: doing what you said you would do, keeping track of your belongings, and taking responsibility for your actions whether you’re in the hallway, the cafeteria, or the classroom.
As we get back into our routines, remember to be:
Respectful by using positive language and treating others with kindness.
Engaged by staying focused and following directions.
Accountable by keeping spaces clean, being prepared, and accepting responsibility.
Leaders by setting the example for others.
Take a moment right now:
What’s one thing you’re responsible for today—big or small—and how will you make sure you follow through?
SMS: BlueJay families, please check out the latest BlueJay Bulletin here! https://secure.smore.com/n/zq4a1

Shepherd High School Leadership designed some school swag that is now in an online store. Get your items delivered to your doorstep!
https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/shepard-schools-apparel
https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/shepard-schools-apparel




