Shepherd Middle School

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Spring Break!

Please note that the school office will close at 1:15 PM on Friday, March 27, and will re-open at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

We hope everyone enjoys the break!

April Lunch Menu

Our 8th grade Champions of the Charter were invited as special guests to Jefferson’s Champion of the Charter lunch. Not only are they positive role models at Shepherd, but they also lead beyond our walls by showing kindness, confidence, and the power of giving back while celebrating our littles for making a positive impact in their own school community!

Congratulations to our February Champions of the Charter! February students were selected for being focused, in control of their behaviors, and making mindful decisions. Thank you for being positive role models!

On Saturday, February 28th, members of the Shepherd band joined with the members of the Northbrook band from Mendota and the Northlawn band from Streator for our 64th annual Massed Band Festival! These students worked diligently under the baton of Dr. Rachel Maxwell for hours of rehearsal to put on an electric performance at the end of the day. Congratulations to the young musicians representing the Illinois Valley so well!

March Lunch Menu

Here is the lunch menu for next week! Full menu to follow soon!

Come check out our Ottawa musicians at the 36th annual OEHS Music Fest!

On Friday, January 30th, Madyson G., Adyssen B., and Jesse D. represented Shepherd in the Jr. High All-State Honors Band!

These students completed 10 hours of rehearsal over the two-day festival under the direction of Wendy Higdon, resulting in a high-quality performance. A special congratulations to Adyssen B., who performed a xylophone solo on the band's final concert piece!

February Lunch Menu

Due to the e-learning day on today, Friday, Jan 23,2026, the lunch menu for next week will change slightly.
Monday's lunch will now be:
Turkey in Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Dinner Roll w/butter
Pineapple
Milk
The rest of the week will be as previously posted.

January Lunch Menu

We are so proud of all the students who qualified for our whole-school Spelling Bee! Your hard work, preparation, and courage to compete truly paid off. Great job to all who participated!

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Champion, Brayden K., and Runner-Up, Sam R. Way to go, Rams!

Volleyball tryout information has been updated.

All after-school activities for Monday, December 1, 2025, have been cancelled.

Please get in touch with the Shepherd office if you have any questions.

December Lunch Menu

Get in the holiday spirit and support our school! Student Council is selling holiday cookie kits - perfect for baking, decorating, and sharing some festive fun with family and friends.

Place your order today and make this season extra sweet!

To order, please contact Lori Sanders at lsanders@oes141.org or (815) 434-7925

November Lunch Menu

🎃🍕 No tricks, just treats!

Join us Thursday night at Pizza Hut to support the student council! A portion of all sales will go right back to our school — helping fund awesome programs for our students.

Skip the cooking and grab some pizza — it’s an easy (and delicious) way to make a difference! 👻💛

*Flyers were sent home with students yesterday. If you need another, please reach out to the office.

Next week is Red Ribbon Week! This year's theme, "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free," reminds us that every choice we make adds a piece to our future.

We hope all students will join us with the dress-up/theme days, celebrating a drug-free life! ❤️🧩