Donna Shepard Leadership Academy

A Message from Mrs. Evans

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Meet the Teacher! We had a wonderful turnout, received great feedback, and had the opportunity to make some meaningful connections with our families. A special thank-you to our PTA for hosting a booth and providing dinner for our staff—you continue to make such a positive difference in our school community!

Beginning this week, we are making a small adjustment to our student dismissal procedures. For the first few weeks, dismissal began at 3:56 PM; moving forward, we will begin releasing students at 4:00 PM so we can maximize instructional minutes for every student. You will not notice a change in where students are released or in teacher supervision—you will simply receive your student about four minutes later. We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we prioritize every minute of learning and work together toward unbridled growth for all of our Mustangs!

This week, our students will participate in MAP testing, which gives us valuable information about what each student knows and is ready to learn next. 6th graders should bring their school-issued devices fully charged each day, while 5th graders will be provided a device for testing. We encourage every student to work hard, take their time, and show what they are capable of—this data helps our teachers plan targeted instruction, interventions, and enrichment opportunities.

One shift you will notice this year is that students of all ability levels will participate in targeted instruction based on their individual needs. Our teachers will regularly use the most current data to adjust groups and provide WIN (What I Need) time, ensuring that students who need additional support receive it while students who are ready for greater challenges continue to be stretched, enriched, and growing. Our goal is not simply to help students catch up—it is to make sure every student continues moving forward.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s journey. We believe deeply in the potential of every student, and we are committed to making sure each Mustang feels known, supported, challenged, and celebrated. We are just getting started, and I can’t wait to see our students soar!

With appreciation,

Mrs. Evans

September

• 1 - Newman's Birthday
• 1 - Reading MAP Test
• 2 - Well Dressed Wednesday
• 2 - Math MAP Test
• 3 - Science MAP Test - 5th grade only
• 5 - Ms. McFadden's Birthday
• 5 - Ms. Fernandez's Birthday
• 10 - Virtual Title 1 Parent Meeting
• 15 - Picture Day

Students will be taking MAP tests this week. We will use this data to help us inform instructional groups, interventions, and extensions for students. We will be on an alternate bell schedule on testing days as students will test from 8:30-10:30 each morning. If students need additional time, we will work with them to ensure they are able to complete the assessment.

Tuesday, Sept 1 - Reading MAP testing for all students

Wednesday, Sept 2 - Math MAP testing for all students

Thursday, Sept 3 - Science MAP testing for 5th grade students

Please use the button below the flyer titled "NWEA MAP" for more information about MAP testing, MAP Growth, and access to the family toolkit.

As part of our dedication to leadership, the first Wednesday of every month will be Well-Dressed Wednesday. Students are encouraged to dress in their best professional or business-casual attire as a way to represent themselves with pride and embrace their role as leaders. Let’s dress up, show up, and lead every day—because how we present ourselves reflects our character, confidence, and potential.

Dear Parents,

Please be reminded that fee statements are sent out every week. I currently have several students who have received a bus tag but have not yet paid the required fee.

These payments are essential so that I can continue to replenish bus tag supplies and other necessary materials. At this time, I have used most of the supplies that I originally ordered for the school year, and I will not be able to purchase additional supplies without the necessary funds.

Please take a moment to review your child’s fee statement and ensure that any outstanding balances are paid as soon as possible. Your prompt attention and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Mrs. Rubio

Our House Shirt Store is now open!!! 🤗🎉

The link will close on September 8th at 11:59 PM, and shirts will be delivered to the school on September 29th. These two weeks will be the only opportunity to order, so DON’T miss out. Grab your House shirt today! ♥️💚🩶💛💙🧡🎉

https://bullmarketpromostores.com/donna-shepard-houseof/

Thank you to the families who joined us for our Title I Parent Meeting on August 27th in the library! We will also host an additional virtual meeting on September 10th at 9:00 AM for families who were unable to attend. Please see below for the information shared during the meeting, including Title I programs, campus goals, assessments, and ways families can be involved in supporting student success.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/298541812865592?p=ZfFS9CUzSqAVcjjP6X

Meeting ID: 298 541 812 865 592

Passcode: yz3zh3oq

FLIPS (Fostering Leaders, Innovators, and Pioneers in STEM), a free STEM camp designed to give elementary students from underrepresented communities across the DFW area the opportunity to explore STEM through engaging, hands-on activities.

This year’s FLIPS Camp will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 7:30 AM-2:45 PM at the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center in Crowley, Texas. The camp is completely free for students in grades 3-6, breakfast and lunch are provided, and students will rotate through interactive stations covering areas such as engineering, chemistry, medical, robotics, and more.

Use the QR code on the flyer to register your student to attend.

The Silver Spurs and Legacy Cheerleaders will soon be hosting a Mini Spirit Clinic together for our community to come enjoy on Saturday, October 10th! Our fun-filled event is open to all K-6th graders who love and are interested in dance and cheer. The link to register your student for the event is here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/legacy-high-school-spirit-clinic--2026.