Dear Shepaug Families,

Each year, Shepaug students and faculty participate in the summer reading program.  Our students read a minimum of one fiction and one non-fiction book, complete a form that is designed to capture their analysis of what they've read, and join in a book chat with a faculty member upon their return to school in September. I look forward to discussing Big Girl Small with students; I've read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it!

The books that comprise our summer reading list are varied, and chosen to inspire interest in the adolescent reader. However, the topics that inspire one family may offend another. I encourage our families to discuss reading choices with your son or daughter. Several reviews for each book on our summer reading list can be found on the SVHS web page, www.region-12.org/shs. Once you are on the home page, scroll down to the summer reading links, and click on "Book Covers and Info," which can also be found with the following link, http://www.shelfari.com/o1514437180/shelf

Simply click on any book cover and you will find reviews, comments, and summary information about the books that we suggest. Be careful, the information is so thorough; you may read some spoiler information!

There are few things more enjoyable on a summer day than a good book on the beach....happy summer reading!

Fondly,

Kim Gallo

Principal

Five Shepaug teachers made the decision to retire at the close of this school year, signaling the end of an era that represents more than 125 years of teaching experience. We offer these brief synopses of their contributions to the Shepaug Experience:

Janet Strausberg began her teaching career at Shepaug in 1974. A graduate of Washington High School, Janet's love for her community and its students is undeniable. Janet's commanding presence inspired a love of literature, an appreciation of classic works, and a respect for the agreed upon rules of Shepaug that comprise a legacy that will not be forgotten!

Robert Hopkins began his career in Region 12 in 1968. He has served in each of the five schools as a teacher, math coach, and tutor to countless students. He was overheard to express excitement about furthering his education in history when he retires, a testament to life long learning!

Barbara Mendelson has advanced Spanish culture in our school since 1992. Sra. Mendelson's classroom contains exciting visual tours of Spanish culture through the lens of noted artists and the work of former students. Perhaps the strongest evidence of her positive impact on our students is the day that her students serenaded her with Fotografia, a Spanish song that has been taught as an introductory lesson to our students for many years. Clearly, the lesson and the love of culture stayed with them!

Christopher Shay came to Shepaug in 2000, and immediately impacted our chorus. Among his favorite memories are the European tour in June of 2005, the creation of a competition chorus, and his final play with the middle school, Fame. Mr. Shay's talent and his abiding love of music have left an indelible mark on the Shepaug Experience!

Pamela Wilson also arrived her in 2000 (a very good year), and her leadership in the English and Social Studies department was instrumental in the creation of our Humanities program. Mrs. Wilson led her department to teach history through the lens of literature, making the curriculum come alive through the stories that were inspired by history! As Humanities was expanded to include the arts, Mrs. Wilson enthusiastically led the creation of such comprehensive units of study as the Harlem Renaissance, in which literature, history, music and art were explored by our students.

For more information please visit http://shepaugspf.org. 

To help you plan, below are some important dates:

Please see event calendar on our website for details