Save Sheppard School

Let's go 76ers! 🏀 to a special visit from our city's very own basketball team to talk to Sheppard students about the importance of physical activity - They had so much fun playing games, attempting challenges, and meeting some of the basketball players, cheerleaders, and mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers.

We foster a comprehensive learning environment at Sheppard that not only focuses on the traditional academic education but also art, cultural, and physical education. We work to build community partnerships, plan special activities, uphold school-wide traditions, and more to ensure our students have access to regular opportunities that are educational and memorable because we believe our students deserve the world 🌎

to the innovative ideas that come from Sheppard students during STEM class, creating gadgets and gizmos with Legos to show off to their teachers and peers.

At Sheppard, we value taking an interdisciplinary approach to make learning both challenging and engaging, and it pays off: Our School Progress Report (SPR) scores have been increasing in every subject area!

When a community is dedicated and determined to creating a positive learning environment, the opportunities are endless - This has been the case at Sheppard for generations, as we continue to take matters into our own hands to ensure the needs of our students are met.

We're bringing back the fabulous, Ms. D, who works with Sheppard through The Philly POPS! She spoke on behalf of our school at the January School Board meeting, and her wisdom must be shared:

"Good evening! My name is Diane Dannenfelser and I was a Music Teacher in the Philadelphia school district for 40 years, most of those years at GAMP. In one of my several retirement jobs, I run a music program at the Isaac Sheppard School - a school which is in danger of being closed. And so I say what you already know: “Small Learning Communities work!”

On paper, the data may suggest that it is not practical to keep Isaac Sheppard open: enrollment is small, the building is not new, the neighborhood is not desirable, the space is underutilized. But the data does not speak to the things which make this little school exceptional: a dedicated staff with almost no teacher turnover (that is: 99% teacher retention rate!), a small learning community where every student is well known and cared for by all teachers and staff, partnerships which support the school with music, dance, food services, and many other forms of enrichment, a safe space which shines a bright light of hope in an area where so many are in need.

PLEASE revisit the decision to close Isaac Sheppard. Statistics and data do not always lead the way to a good decision. In this case, it will be devastating to these children, and this endangered community. Please open your hearts and visit our wonderful little school again once we are fully open. Your decision on this issue will have a huge ripple effect. Invest in this small but wonderful learning institution. Expand the Kindergarten. Add a fifth grade. Help the light that is this special school shine brighter. Our children deserve this, and so much more.

I leave you with these thoughts: “One size does not fit all” and “Small learning communities work.” Keep ours safe! Thank You and be well!"

to warmer days that could be spent on outdoor adventures without bundling up in coats, hats, scarves, and gloves!

We're thinking of one of our favorite extra-curricular activities at Sheppard - Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts of America. Each week, boys and girls alike stay after school to learn what it means to be a Cub Scout, through discussions, games, and activities.

Last year, our Cub Scouts had so much fun on a weekend Scouting adventure (pictured below), a chance to leave the city for the day and apply their Scouting knowledge and skills!

The Cub Scouts at Sheppard become great leaders who uphold and model our school's values of being respectful, responsible, and always doing their best.

We are looking forward to the day we can safely return to our building and to the extra-curriculars, like Cub Scouts, that bring our students so much empowerment and excitement!