Shepherdstown Elementary School

Don't forget to join us this evening for Meet the Teacher Night at SES! Last names A-L should try to attend the 5-6pm session. Last names M-Z should attend the 6-7pm session. Please enter the building through the gym doors. Admin will speak in the gym before you spend the rest of your time with your student's teacher.
To maximize efficiency of both time and space, this is intended to be a parent/guardian only event. Thank you!

What a wonderful first day of school! Whether big or small, plentyy of smiles reminding us we all feel a little better with a teddy to hug!

’Twas the night before school, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring—not even the mouse.
Backpacks were packed and the pencils were bright,
All ready for morning, tucked in just right. New shoes sat waiting beside the front door,
A lunchbox was packed with a snack and some more.
A water bottle sparkled, a jacket hung near,
And everyone knew: the big day was here! But upstairs in bed, with the blankets pulled tight,
One little child whispered, “I’m nervous tonight.” “What if I don’t know where I should go?
What if I don’t know the things I should know?
What if I’m shy? What if I feel small?
What if I can’t find my classroom at all?” Then Mom gave a smile and a soft little hug.
“You’ll learn as you go, my sweet little bug. “Your teacher will help you. Your friends will be there.
There’ll be stories and songs and things you can share.
You’ll draw, you’ll discover, you’ll laugh and you’ll play,
And you might learn something brand-new every day. “And here is the best thing I want you to know:
You don’t have to know everything when you first go. “Your first day is simply a wonderful start—
A brand-new adventure for your curious heart.” The little child smiled and snuggled down deep.
“Maybe,” they whispered, “I’ll dream while I sleep.” So they dreamed of a classroom with windows of blue,
Of crayons and books and a friend or two.
They dreamed of a teacher with a welcoming grin,
And wondered what wonderful things might begin. They dreamed of recess, of running and fun,
Of chasing their friends underneath the sun.
They dreamed of a lunchbox and something to share,
And building tall towers and fixing a chair. Then morning arrived with a bright golden glow.
The sun peeked inside saying, “Up you must go!” The backpack went on with a hop and a swing.
The shoes were tied tightly—what a wonderful thing! At the door came a hug, then another one too.
“Have a wonderful day. Be brave. Be you!” The little child paused and looked down the street,
With butterflies dancing from head to their feet. But then came a smile.
And then came a cheer. The first day of school was finally here! There would be new things to learn,
New places to see,
New friends to discover,
And new dreams to dream. And the little child knew, as they walked through the door,
That school wasn't something to worry about anymore. It was a place for questions,
For stories and art,
For growing and trying,
And following your heart. So if you feel nervous on your first school night,
Remember: tomorrow can be happy and bright. You don't need to know everything.
You don't need to be perfect or brave every minute. Just bring your smile,
Your curious mind,
And the wonderful YOU
that no one else can find. For every new school year begins with a day,
And every big adventure begins in some way. So snuggle in softly,
Let sleepy dreams call—
Tomorrow is waiting. And you are ready for it all! Good night, little learner. Sleep snug as can be. Tomorrow is your first day—
What a wonderful journey it will be!

Enjoying a beautiful weekend before school begins! What are you doing to enjoy the sun and free time before we begin a new and best year ever of school?!

I am looking for outgoing, communicative and positive parents who want to serve on our new LSIC (Local School Improvement Council) this school year! We meet every other month at 4:00 in S.E.S., leaving the other months for individual committees to have time to meet as needed at school as well. You will be part of a new beginning for LSIC in our brand new school and impacting how our students, families and staff utilize all the incredible resources in our community and beyond to allow SES to continue to progress in meeting social, emotional and academic needs of our school population and elevating experiences and opportunities to collaborate and inspire. On this committee will be the administration, 3 teachers, 2 service members and 3 community members assigned by Principal Payne. To put your name into the pool to vote on and elect 3 parents who have children in the school at our first S.E.A. meeting on September 21 , please email your name or any further questions you may have to Principal Jodi Payne at jpayne@k12.wv.us
I look forward to working with this elite committee for the success and future of S.E.S.!

First day of school reminder: Please send your student to school with a paper note stating how they will be getting home on the first day. This will help us have a safe and efficient dismissal on day one. Thank you!

Playing at the park is so much fun but we can't wait to start playing outside SES! We will be working on fundraisers this year to expand our playground experiences and we can't wait to build on to what we already have for future years of fun to come!

Correction to previous message..

Meet the Teacher Night
*Thursday*, August 20th

Meet the Teacher Night coming soon!
Tuesday, August 20th

Join us Tuesday night to kickoff the 2026-2027 school year!

Students with last names starting with A-L will attend from 5-6pm.
Students with last names starting with M-Z will attend from 6-7pm.

Check out the website for additional info!

KC Styles knows just what our Black Bear needs for a beary good haircut before school begins! 6 more days!

Last minute school shopping? Class supply lists are up-to-date on our school website. Follow this link to find 26/27 SES Supply Lists.
https://ses.jcswv.org/o/ses/page/supply-list

We are lacing and racing into the final days of summer! Black bears are running out of time ! So be sure to plan some time to practice school routines that will set the pace for a perfect start to school!

Shopping for back to school items is so much fun! Just 8 more days until all those supplies are unpacked and put to great use in the classroom! Be sure to reach out if you need any help supplying your little Black Bear with school supplies! Our suggested classroom supply list is posted on our school website.

Which of our Black Bears have been playing sports this summer? If you want to share your picture please do!

I hope all SES Black Bears have been reading and enjoying favorite or new stories together this summer!! 11 more days and counting until our school library opens new adventures for all our students !

13 more days of summer vacation, Black Bears! ! Dive into these last fun free days and enjoy the sunshine!

If you need assistance with school supplies, please read for information!

You never know who will meet up on our lovely downtown streets of Shepherdstown! Staff enjoyed their first day of prepping classrooms today and we are getting beary excited for all our families to gather again!

Even on a rainy day, our SES Black Bear is having a ball enjoying the last days of summer vacation! 14 more days and counting to when our students come back and fill our classrooms with just as many smiles and energy!