On Saturday, May 20, members of the Shorecrest Preparatory School centennial Class of 2023 received their diplomas in the Janet Root Theatre. Among the graduating class of 91 were 10 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. including two who received National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships, 5 NCAA committed student-athletes, and Thespians acknowledged by the Broadway Star of the Future Awards! Nine Chargers were recognized as STEAM Scholars and 3 as Global Scholars. Collectively the Class of 2023 had an average GPA of 3.9.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
This past week the number of volunteers to help with Morning Announcements has been growing and my mornings have started with a full office and a chance for the kids to greet the school through the P.A. system.
Following a nationwide search, Shorecrest is pleased to announce that Earl Walton will join the School as its the first-ever Director of the Ross Roeder Institute for Economics, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship (RRI). A seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, and educator, Earl brings a wealth of experience, passion and drive to launch the RRI at Shorecrest.
Shorecrest Middle School held its annual Middle School Awards Assembly in the Janet Root Theatre. Awards were presented for academic achievement, Citizen of the Year, Spark Awards in each grade level, as well as the Harold Bruggeman Award and more.
Select Varsity Track and Field Chargers competed at the Florida State Meet. The Chargers won their first state title of the day when back-to-back state champion Sonoma Kasica '24 set a mark of 44.78 in the javelin. That throw made her the first athlete to win three state titles in three different years. The second title came when Ahmad Crumity '25 won the triple jump title on his very last jump (13.62m). The girls placed 21st, the boys placed 15th.
It's wonderful to have admission offers from multiple colleges as students plan exciting paths ahead. While they may have chosen not to attend some of these institutions for a variety of reasons, they are achievements worth recognizing and celebrating. Visit www.shorecrest.org/2023 for the full matriculation list and more Class of 2023 data.
As we conclude the 2022-2023 school year, there are so many moments that stand out. It has been a year of looking back at 100 years of our school's past while also looking forward to imagine the Shorecrest of the future. This has been a week of transition, traditions and rituals.
Are you tired of searching for the perfect "3-prong, plastic folder with pockets?" SCA can help! Let us shop for your child's school supplies this year. SCA offers school supply packages for students in K-8th grade. There are some supplies on each list SCA does not provide. Please be sure to read the list for the grade your student(s) will be entering.
by Emili Jaime-Allwood, Lower School Spanish Teacher
Lower School Arts, Music, Technology and Spanish came together in cross curricular projects that were showcased at exciting event -- LatinXplosion! Students had a unique opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in various subjects while gaining a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and forms of expression to create meaningful and creative works.
Shorecrest Upper School students in the Introduction to Engineering, Programming and Robotics course completed an Aviation Module. The students learned about the engineering and aerodynamics of drones, built and piloted their own drone, and buddied-up with first graders to fly drones through an obstacle course.
Upper School students, families, faculty, staff and honored guests gathered to recognize academic achievements and beyond in the Janet Root Theatre on May 19, 2023. Congratulations to all of our students for a very successful school year!
by Emili Jaime-Allwood, Lower School Spanish Teacher
Next summer Sra. Emili Jaime Allwood, Lower School Spanish Teacher, is planning to take LS and MS students and families to Peru. An informational meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 8-9am.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Shorecrest’s Mission is augmented by the generosity of those who support the school philanthropically or by effecting change locally, globally or right here at Shorecrest. We are pleased to spotlight Jenny and Ryan Camp who are Lower School parents, owners of Harrington Air Conditioning, and this year’s sponsors of the 1923 Society Celebration.
Shorecrest Pride is hosting an activity booth at St. Pete Pride's LGBTQ+ Youth Pride & Family Day. The event will be Saturday, June 10, 10am-2pm at Straub Park in downtown St. Pete.
The Athletics Department will have several tables of Lost and Found items set up in the Athletic Center lobby from 8am on Monday, May 22 through the end of school day on Wednesday, May 25.
As we welcome new faculty and staff members for the upcoming school year, housing is a top concern for those who are moving to our area from out-of-town. If you are aware of or possess any potential rental properties that may be appropriate for new or current faculty or staff members, we encourage you to reach out to Julie Meyer.
by Alvanita Hope, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid
Shorecrest currently accepts a limited number of Florida Tax Credit Scholarships, primarily for students who also qualify for financial aid at Shorecrest. For the 2023-2024 school year, we have already reached the maximum amount of state funding that we accept.
Tomorrow morning we will celebrate and honor the Centennial Class of 2023 as they become Shorecrest’s newest graduates. Their achievements reflect the hard work and vast talents of this diverse group of 91 individuals.
On May 18, the Shorecrest Class of 2035 - also known as this year's kindergarten - presented songs and poems they learned throughout the school year in music class, Spanish class and more.
Students in Upper School Musical Theatre classes presented songs and dances they have been working on throughout the year in a special "An Evening of Song and Dance."
Five members of the Class of 2023 committed to taking their sport to the next level after graduation. A Commitment Ceremony was held during Monday Morning Meeting on May 15 to celebrate.
Ten Shorecrest Chargers seventh grade athletes competed together at the Clearwater Challenge Volleyball Tournament on May 13. They finished first place, and returned home with some hardware!
Every year since 2020, Anderson O. and Haydon S. have helped fellow children in the Tampa Bay area by hosting a Cereal for Summer food drive. This year they collected 194 pounds of cereal, creating 21,200 meals, and raised $3,852.59 in donations.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Shorecrest’s Mission is augmented by the generosity of our parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who support the school philanthropically or by effecting change locally, globally or right here at Shorecrest. We call these community members Contributing Chargers. This week we are pleased to spotlight Experiential and Lower School parents Zach and Abbi Reynolds. The Reynolds Family joined the Shorecrest Community in 2020, and are parents to Ellie '31 and Locke '36.
I want to think of motherness as a concept more than a kind of physiological lineage, the qualities that comprise what a mother is; the things she stands for, the sacrifices she makes, the kind of novel and different intelligences she holds–her creativity.
Moving to a new country is life-changing, and part of that for many is learning a few new sports. Oliver Francis '23 knows how to adjust to change. He moved from England to the United States two years ago. He quickly found a new home, playing for Shorecrest’s football team, and helping the Chargers win a state title the past two seasons.
Shorecrest Performing Arts productions of the play "Lord of the Pies" and the musical "Mamma Mia!" were reviewed as part of the Broadway Star of the Future program presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
The 2022-2023 Janet Root Volunteer Service Award recipient was revealed at SCA’s Volunteer Thank-You Social attended by past winners and current volunteers.
In preparation for A.P. exams, Ms. Updike's A.P. Literature and Composition classes played a literary version of Apples to Apples. This game provided important, comprehensive review for students to remember main themes, characters, plot details, etc. while practicing their all-important argumentative and analytical skills.
by Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology and Media Services
All members of the Shorecrest community are welcome to join Shorecrest Upper School students pursuing their STEAM Signature Program certification as they present their self-directed, culminating STEAM projects relevant to their specialty area: Engineering, Medical Engineering, Computer Science, or Entrepreneurship and Design.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Join in the fun of Shorecrest Family Day at Tropicana Field to watch the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Milwaukee Brewers sponsored by Shorecrest's Grandparent Council and Dads Night Out. 200 Level Tickets are $20/ea (a $50 value). All family and friends of the Shorecrest Community are invited to attend.
First graders took audiences on a journey of ocean discovery in the Janet Root Theatre on Thursday and Friday with "Commotion in the Ocean," a fun and engaging show about a variety of sea creatures and their ocean habitats.
“Mamma Mia!” was reviewed as part of the Broadway Star of the Future program presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Under direction of the US Theatre and Thespian director Michael McCarthy, the following Chargers have been nominated for Broadway Star of the Future Awards for their roles in "Mamma Mia!"
Shorecrest's College Counseling Team attended the 2023 Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) Conference. Armed with the valuable knowledge gained from attending the Conference, the College Counseling Team eagerly looks forward to working with Upper School students to help them prepare for these changes in the upcoming school year.
The youngest Chargers at Shorecrest are the 3-4 year old Alpha students. This week they celebrated the growth they made during the 2022-2023 school year by taking to the streets! Students rode scooters, tricycles, balance bikes, bicycles and more through carline at Alpha on the Go!
This first week of May has been chock full of fun and significant events, as we celebrate our students and our faculty. It is also Teacher Appreciation Week, as SCA honors teachers throughout the week with treats and messages of support and thanks. This week highlights the many relationships that have been built within the Shorecrest community and provides an opportunity for us to reflect and express what we most value: the people of Shorecrest.
by Casey Giroud '02, Media & Information Technology Specialist
A team of Shorecrest Chargers competed this week in the Bay Area Association of Independent Schools 2023 Battle of the Books competition at Berkley Prep. They were fifth graders competing against teams of 6-8th graders; and came in 4th place.
The Shorecrest centennial Class of 2023 celebrated College Decision Day on May 1. This is a national day when most high school seniors make their final decision on where they will attend college.
by Kayla Brazee, Director of Global Scholars Initiative
Over the last couple of weeks, Shorecrest members of the Class of 2023 participating in the GSI program presented their final projects to members of the GSI Board, faculty members, family and peers. In addition to defending their work, the students submitted a detailed research portfolio and were required to take specific classes in order to meet the GSI program requirements.
Shorecrest members of the Class of 2023 in Ms. Updike’s A.P. Literature and Composition classes stormed the sidewalks to share their favorite or most memorable quotes from any novel they had read all year.
On Saturday, April 29, Shorecrest juniors and seniors gathered at NOVA 535 in downtown St. Petersburg for a night of dancing, food, fun, and lots of memories!
Varsity Baseball vs. Lakewood: 5-6 Loss. Varsity Baseball vs. Calvary Christian: 0-11 Loss. Varsity Baseball vs. Admiral Farragut in District Quarterfinals: 13-2 Win! Varsity Softball vs. Foundation Christian Academy: 12 to 2 Win!
To complement the first grade's Ocean Studies unit, eighth grade Marine Science students taught a hands-on lesson about water salinity, sand and coral. Eighth graders also buddied-up with second graders to talk about plants and pollinators in the Native Classroom at the back of campus.
Shorecrest is proud to announce that after an extensive national search, Jennifer Phelps will take on the role of Director of the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), the next iteration of the program currently known as The Learning Center at Shorecrest. The addition of this role and the program's name change are part of the expansion of the robust student support services Shorecrest offers.
This season marks the first time that both the Shorecrest Chargers Varsity Tennis boys and girls teams won Regionals and advanced as teams to the State Championship Series! The State Championship series is a gathering of the best teams in high school tennis in class 1A through class 4A, the smallest to the largest schools in the state of Florida.
by Stacy Alexander, US Assistant Dean of Student Life
The Shorecrest Preparatory School Upper School Honor Society chapters inducted their newest members at a special virtual assembly on Friday, April 28. Society chapters include French Honor Society (FHS), International Thespian Society (ITS), Mu Alpha Theta Society (Math-MAT), Tri-M Honor Society (Music), National Art Society (NAHS), the National Honor Society (NHS), Rho Kappa Society (RK), and Spanish Honor Society (SHS).
Varsity Baseball vs. Victory Christian Academy: 11-1 Win! Varsity Softball vs. Cambridge Christian: 15-0 Win! Varsity Softball vs. Academy of the Holy Names: 0-15 Loss.
The Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP5) is written by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), a nonprofit educational organization that oversees the development, administration and scoring of standardized assessments. This test is commonly referred to as “The ERBs” and is an assessment tool for high achieving students used by more than 1,600 schools, mostly independent schools, including Shorecrest, and some public schools.
by Kayla Brazee, Director of Global Scholars Initiative
GSI Students attended a Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations presentation entitled "My Employees are Held Hostage: Next Steps When the KGB Seizes Your Property."
Last week at the Tampa Bay Private School Championship spectators witnessed Sonoma Kasica '24 throw the javelin farther than all high school girls in history for the state of Florida, with a mark of 44.35m! Jeremy Barton '23 threw the javelin 49.50m for another school record! Kaja Dionne '24 came close to breaking the school records in both the 100m and the 400m dashes. This week at Districts the Varsity Girls took First Place, and the Varsity Boys were Second Place!
Varsity Girls Tennis completed their third District Championship in a row and won the Regional Championship for the first time since 2011. Varsity Boys Tennis won Districts and the Regional Championship - also for the first time since 2011. Both teams head to Orlando for State Quarterfinals on Monday, with the girls facing the Community School of Naples and the boys vs. ODA.
This week Shorecrest hosted two annual events which brightened the lives of children and transported them to all parts of the globe. The Book Fair and International Festival were both huge successes!
All Shorecrest Lower School students participated in Poetry in the Park to close out their Celebrate the Arts week. For an audience of family and friends, each class and other small groups recited poetry in English and Spanish. In honor of the School's centennial the show opened with an original work by Mrs. Oman and her Second Grade Students, "Happy Birthday Shorecrest."
by Takeya Trayer, ES Arts and Technology Instructor
Last week students in the Experiential School of Tampa Bay explored a variety of art mediums during Shorecrest's annual Celebrate the Arts Week. Visiting artists shared clay, dance, puppets, music and more!
Varsity Softball vs. Admiral Farragut: 4-1 Win! Varsity Boys Baseball vs. Seffner Christian: 3-5 Loss. MS Softball vs. Pinellas Prep: 17-7 Loss. Varsity Boys Baseball vs. Indian Rocks Christian: 15-1 Win! Varsity Boys Baseball vs. Berkeley Preparatory School: 0-6 Loss.
An unforgettable summer adventure is coming! Full day and half day camps are available from June 5 - August 4 for age 4 - grade 12 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Open to the public, not just Shorecrest students.)
Shorecrest Upper School students in Allison Roberts’ intro and advanced graphic design classes designed posters for the upcoming spring musical “Mamma Mia!” Shorecrest worked with a local printer to have three printed copies made of each poster design. One poster is displayed in Landy Hall to help promote the show. Another poster will be hanging in the Janet Root Theatre throughout the performance dates. Students saved their remaining poster for their portfolio.
Alpha and JK students were involved in the process of turning a slab of clay into an original, finished, glazed piece of art. Printouts from Bruno Munari’s Variations on the Theme of the Human Face were guides to stipple a face on clay. Upper School art teacher, Casey McDonough, hosted each ES class so they could see the kiln and each student could glaze their tile.
Shorecrest's Upper School Introduction to Engineering, Programming, and Robotics course completed a design thinking project with first grade buddies. Upper School STEAM students interviewed their first grade buddies about how they would go up to the clouds and designed a prototype of what their buddy ideated.
It has been a difficult week for the Shorecrest community following the tragic loss of Graham Floto '25. It is challenging to make sense of the senseless, to wade through grief while comforting our students, and to process our community’s loss while dealing with unknown facts and speculation. We are committed to honoring Graham, to supporting the Floto family, and to providing resources and comfort to our grieving students and faculty.
Misha Drunov ‘24 organized a collection drive to better the chances of Ukraine’s victory and hopefully save lives. A total of 172lb of donations have been sent thus far. Misha and his family have asked that we extend our collection through the end of the school year.
by Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing and Communications
Shorecrest is pleased to announce that Christine Scoby, Middle School Curriculum Dean and Technology Coordinator, has been named a runner-up in the 2023 Tampa Bay Times NIE Teacher of the Year competition.
Shorecrest Upper School Performing Arts presents "Mamma Mia!" April 13-15, 2023. For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, story, and music that make the jukebox musical "Mamma Mia!" the ultimate feel-good show.
The Shorecrest Upper School Human Rights Club recently sponsored its 2nd Annual Diaper Drive with the goal of collecting 1,923 diapers (a number chosen by the club to honor Shorecrest’s centennial) for Babycycle. The drive ended up yielding a monumental 2,079 diapers!
Shorecrest fifth graders in Señora Miller's Spanish class wrote poetry inspired by the Poem "Tú y yo". Diego Ojeda, the author of the inspiration poem, contacted the Chargers with a video of appreciation for their efforts.
Shorecrest's AP U.S. History class hosts a Meeting of the Minds to help students become more familiar with the ideas of the various leaders during their respective time periods.
Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian: 21 to 11 Win! Varsity Softball vs. Boca Ciega High School: 11 to 7 Win! Varsity Baseball vs. Keswick: 4-5 Loss. Varsity Baseball vs. Largo Packers: 14-4 Win! Varsity Baseball vs. IMG Academy: 5-1 Win!
Marine Biologist and author, Carlee Jackson Bohannon, visited Shorecrest Lower School and shared her work with sharks and ocean environments which supported the first grade ocean study.
Next Monday is the beginning of Shorecrest’s decades-old tradition of Celebrate the Arts Week. These five days showcase the School’s commitment to and value of visual, performing and literary arts. Each spring, students, teachers, staff and parents share their love for the arts, embrace individual creativity, and enjoy the artistic achievements of Shorecrest students, from Alpha to 12th grade.
by Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology and Media Services
Shorecrest Upper School robotics team 6104A participated in the CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Championship, an advanced engineering challenge, in Council Bluffs, Iowa from March 30-April 1. The team finished the competition in 3rd place.
Students in Al Irwin's Spanish V Accelerated Honors History & Civilization recently met via WebEx with Dr. Charles Tuggle, the producer of "En la búsqueda de su identidad," a documentary on the work of Las abuelas (the grandmothers) de la Plaza de Mayo of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian: 23-3 Win! MS Softball vs. Skycrest Christian: 0-0 Win by forfeit. Varsity Softball vs. Boca Ciega High School: 2-10 Loss. MS Softball vs. Canterbury: 3-11 Loss. Varsity Softball vs. Bradenton Christian: 5-6 Loss.
On Saturday, July 22, Shorecrest athletes will have an opportunity to acquire their physicals through All Florida Orthopaedics Associates. This event will allow athletes to get their required athletic physicals for the 2023-2024 school year.
SCA's annual Oldie Goldie Book Sale will be on Wednesday, May 10. Please consider donating any gently used children's books you have to the Oldie Goldie Book sale.
Last week’s Upper School Service Week saw Shorecrest students working on projects around the Tampa Bay region and, in fact, spread across the nation! The junior class used their time for a four-day workshop presented by the College Counseling team on the college application process. And this past Wednesday, the senior class joined their Lower School buddies for community time in the Kindergarten and first grade classrooms.
Throughout second semester, Shorecrest first graders are learning about the ocean, life supported by oceans, and how to keep oceans clean. Because the Gulf of Mexico is right near campus, this study is very meaningful for the young Chargers. They will present all of their learning in a performance for family and friends called“Commotion in the Ocean”.
SMATH is a term the Shorecrest Middle School uses when science and math seamlessly blend together and aid each other. This month the recipe for playdough was SMATHed! One recipe was for the entire fifth grade (70 students) and the recipe was cut in half for the Junior Kindergarten students.
The entire 9th-12th grade Upper School student body participates annually in Service Week along with their teachers. Throughout the 4+ days, students immerse themselves in service projects with non-profits and educational institutions.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
The One School concept is embraced by the entire Shorecrest community. There are initiatives that take place in other divisions and are shared with The Experiential School. This week the Upper School a capella group, Treblecrest, brightened the morning of students in The Experiential School with beautiful music.
Varsity Track and Field at the Senior Night Track Meet: Girls 188, Boys 111 The Chargers had many personal records and even 2 school records broken that night.
Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Jesuit: 4-3 Win! JV Boys Tennis vs. Bradenton Christian: 6-1 Win! JV Boys Tennis vs. Canterbury Varsity Tennis: 2-5 Loss. Boys Varsity Tennis vs. St. Pete Catholic: 3-4 Loss. Girls Varsity Tennis vs. St. Pete Catholic: 7-0 Win!
My name is Alex Bean, and I am a senior working on my personal project for the STEAM Certificate program. I am interested in learning about what causes traffic problems in the Tampa Bay area, and how to work around overpopulation from an infrastructure perspective.
Shorecrest Upper School students in the Introduction to Engineering, Programming, and Robotics course are working on a project for Mrs. Sheppard's first grade class. The teens are studying the Design Thinking process and are using this process to create a project for their first grade buddies called "Up, Up and Away!"
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
In the Reggio-inspired Experiential School, investigations based on the students' interests create an environment that fosters growth. Teachers encourage small groups to collaborate using dialogue, comparisons, negotiations and respect.
On Sunday, Shorecrest Preparatory School will welcome our FCIS accreditation team for a three-day visit to campus. This is the culminating step of our accreditation process, a quinquennial (every five years) process where Shorecrest is evaluated on all aspects of school life, as set by the standards established by the Florida Council of Independent Schools.
by by Michael McCarthy, US Musical Theatre Instructor
From Thursday through Saturday, Upper School Thespians attended the Florida State Thespian Festival held at the Tampa Convention Center. Over the course of the festival each school may present up to six qualifying acts, and all of the Shorecrest acts received adjudication awards at State.
Members of the staff of The Chronicle, the Shorecrest Upper School student newspaper and news blog, took a trip to NYC to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Convention. The conference prepares students for the future with skills, confidence and integrity while focusing on the importance of fair and balanced reporting in light of technological advancements.
After a successful St. Pete Middle School Track & Field Championship on campus this week, the MS competition for this season has ended. Some Shorecrest school records were broken this season by the MS Girls Track & Field Charegrs.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Not only is Woodie’s Wash Shack owned by a Shorecrest family, there are also three Chargers alumni working for their marketing team - Jake DeGeare '15, Avery Cutro '15 and Chris Lovesky '15. They joined the Community Movie Night on Friday, February 24 with the rest of their team and brought some EPIC fun!
by Michael McCarthy, US Musical Theater Instructor
Shorecrest MS and US Thespians had an exciting trip to see "Wicked" at the Straz Center this month and hung out with actor Timothy Shew (The Wizard of Oz), a former "Les Misérables" colleague of US Musical Theater Instructor Mr. McCarthy.
by Sandy Janack, Fifth Grade Social Studies Teacher
Shorecrest fifth graders celebrated March 14, or 3/14, also known as Pi Day, in style! On the first day back from spring break, students rotated through four Pi-related activities.
Congratulations to the Shorecrest students who participated in this year's Pinellas County History Day competition. This year’s theme was Frontiers in History.
Today the Shorecrest campus was full of activity as we welcomed over 600 Grandparents and Special Friends for an exceptional day with gorgeous weather! Shorecrest Chargers loved showing off their school to their grandparents and relished having their special friends with them for this day.
Congratulations to Sofia Ayral-Hutton '23 who will be featured in the cast of "According to the Chorus," a New Light Theater Project in association with The Journey Company. The show will be performed Off-Broadway from March 23-April 15, 2023 at 59E59 Theaters. Tony winner Karen Ziemba leads the cast; Sofia is making her New York professional debut in the role of Nicki.
The Varsity Chargers Track and Field team competed against 12 schools on March 2 at the Shorecrest Invitational. The girls finished 3rd overall, and the boys finished 9th.
by Roberto Burón, LS Music Teacher and Michele Johnson, Second Grade Teacher
Over the past few months, second graders have been exploring the globe to learn what life is like in other parts of the world. This week they took audiences on a wonderful journey around the world through music.
Now nine weeks into our spring semester, our centennial year is well underway with examples of our mission and core values in action all across our PK-12 campus.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
The Chargers spirit could be felt under the stars on the Gaffney Green as more than 600 members of the Shorecrest community gathered for the second annual Shorecrest Community Movie Night on February 24.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
I had no idea what I was doing, but it didn't take long for this maker to fall in love with the puppetry world. I was determined to find ways to incorporate this new medium into The Experiential School.
The Upper School Vex Robotics teams competed on Saturday at the PHSC Bobcat Rumble Rama. Both teams earned a spot at the North/Central Florida Regional VEX Robotics High School championship!
Varsity Tennis vs. Indian Rocks Christian School: 7-0 Win! JV Boys Tennis vs. Canterbury Varsity Tennis Team: 3-4 Loss. Varsity Tennis vs. ODA: 5-2 Win!
We appreciate all the ways that families support Shorecrest, and acknowledge that the cost of an independent school education is a substantial investment. That is one of the reasons we offer our families tuition refund insurance. This year, re-enrolling families are automatically enrolled in the Tuition Refund Insurance Program unless they opt out of the program by checking the designated box on the enrollment contract.
Based on our recent survey, the one word used to describe what people love most about Shorecrest is “community.” Creating and sustaining a strong sense of community is an active and intentional part of the Shorecrest Community Association (SCA), whose volunteers work together to support and enhance the mission of the School. Coming up in the next month are three events through which we can connect as a community.
After setting up a hospital center in the classroom with no explanation on how to use it, ES students became very interested in bones and how the body works. They also met with the school nurse, a pediatrician and Upper School's Mrs. Peck to further their investigation.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
Throughout the 2022-2023 school year thus far, ES Studio teacher and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for The Experiential School, Ms. Trayer, has integrated DEI into countless experiences.
Upper School students recently submitted video projects to the AATF Media Contest. Students created short videos based on this year’s theme: “Le français: langue de la diversité! French, the language of diversity!”
by Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology and Media Services
Shorecrest Middle School robotics Team 1448, The Force, was a finalist for the Champion's Award at the FIRST LEGO League Regional tournament last week. This earned them a bid to the state competition at the end of March.
At Shorecrest, faculty across grade levels and disciplines found developmentally-appropriate ways to promote awareness, equity, and social change related to Black History Month in their classrooms, including these units of study and projects in Upper School.
At Shorecrest, faculty across grade levels and disciplines found developmentally-appropriate ways to promote awareness, equity, and social change related to Black History Month in their classrooms while honoring the perspectives, legacies and contemporary achievements of people of the African diaspora. Read about some of the units of study and projects in Middle School.
International Connection will host Shorecrest international families for a meet & greet with the College Counseling Team. Join on Thursday, March 16 from 8:30-10am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons [map].
Chilok M. '27 competed at the MATHCOUNTS Pinellas Chapter and took 2nd place as an individual. He will be representing Pinellas at the Florida State Competition on March 10 in Orlando!
In Ms. Updike's twelfth grade Dystopian Literature honors course, students lead individual lessons once each semester based on a large section of reading. Last week, Graci Silverthorn '23 made and led a creative game over Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalyptic novel "The Road."
by Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing and Communications
Shorecrest junior Sonoma Kasica ‘24 has been invited to compete with the Top U.S. Soccer Players, U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Soccer Team, February 10-19 in England.
Coming soon for the 2023-2024 school year is the Shorecrest School Store - a brick and mortar store on campus where our community can purchase Shorecrest branded items, school supplies, snacks, drinks and more.
JV Girls Tennis vs. Cambridge Christian: 5-2 Win! JV Boys Tennis vs. Cambridge Christian: 3-4 Loss. Varsity Girls Tennis vs. Academy of the Holy Name: 5-2 Win! JV Girls Tennis vs. Keswick Christian: 7-0 Win! JV Boys Tennis vs. Keswick Varsity Boys Tennis: 3-4 Loss.
Shorecrest seniors who have learning accommodations along with their parents/guardians are invited to a special workshop hosted by TLC. Allison Dinsmore from USF’s Student Accessibility Services will visit on Wednesday, March 1.
Fourth graders created 100 pieces of art with the theme of cupcakes for Sparky’s 100th birthday. The originals are on display in the Raymund Center on campus and some art will be used for birthday cards the School sends.
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Shorecrest’s Mission is augmented by the generosity of our parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who support the School through their time, talent and philanthropic support. We call these community members Contributing Chargers. This week we are pleased to spotlight Douglas and Christina Yim, Experiential and Lower School parents of Olivia '32 and Laz '36. Since joining the community in 2021, Christina has devoted her time to the School because she enjoys watching her children interact with their friends and seeing their classroom experiences in real-time.
On February 13, seventh and eighth grade Acting Studio students presented two short sensory plays they had written to JK students in the new Lower School Outdoor Classroom and Garden.
by Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing and Communications
Shorecrest seniors Addison Sptaru '23, Kevin Tang '23, and Dylan Winer '23 have been named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
by Matthew Belopavlovich, MS Theatre Teacher and Stephanie McCarthy, MS Music Teacher
On Tuesday, February 14, fifth grade Performing Arts students shared their trimester-end culmination of songs from animated classics, musical theatre choreography, and fun facts about each of the musical numbers.
Did you know Shorecrest Summer Programs has camps for high school students? Select from drawing, painting, essay writing, test prep - even Driver’s Ed - and more!
While students have the day off on Friday, Shorecrest faculty and staff have a day on – one of learning, creativity and collaboration with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning’s annual Winter Institute. We are excited to attend this annual day of professional development, along with attendees from schools across the country, which will be in-person on Shorecrest’s campus for the first time since 2020!
by Charla Gaglio, Chair of US Visual Arts Department
Award recipients for the 2022-2023 Pinellas County Art Region of The Scholastic Art competition were recently announced. Student artwork was also accepted to this year’s Art Festival Beth-El Emerging Artists of the 21st Century Pinellas County High School Exhibit.
by Corinne Leavengood '14, Asst Director of Auxiliary Programs
New for summer 2023, the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is an apprenticeship for Shorecrest students entering 7-10th grades who are interested in becoming a camp counselor.
Students in grades 3-8 can take part in a Soccer/Futsal Camp during spring break. In this fast-paced morning camp, learn the best of both worlds: playing soccer outside and futsal indoors. What is futsal? Futsal is a fast-paced, indoor game that is played with similar boundaries to a basketball court. Futsal is outstanding for developing footwork, improving technical ability and challenging players to make quick decisions in tight areas.
by Stacy Alexander, US Assistant Dean of Student Life
The countdown has begun!! With just 100 days left in the school year, graduation is close enough to taste! (And it’s pretty sweet... or is it bittersweet?) To honor this milestone on the calendar the Shorecrest Alumni Association celebrated the Class of 2023 with some special treats on the Landy Deck on Friday.
This week is #Shorecrest100 Week, which marks the official start of the celebration of our School’s centennial year. There is so much to celebrate as we look back at the earlier days of Shorecrest and look ahead to our future. It is amazing to consider the century that has passed between the School’s founding in 1923 to today.
by Sarah Heibein, Senior Giving Specialist/Community Partnerships
Shorecrest Middle School students in the Entrepreneurial Design Institute (EDI) and their teacher, Christine Scoby, welcomed Dr. Nick Reynolds of Northeast Orthodontics to share his entrepreneurial journey. This guest lecture helped to connect concepts taught within the EDI program to real world application.
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Canterbury in District Semifinals: 9-1 Win! Varsity Boys Soccer Chargers vs. Cambridge Christian in District Semifinals: 2-3 Loss.
by Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing and Communications
Mrs. Carson and Mrs. Sheppard's first grade classes welcomed WFLA Channel 8 Tampa Bay Chief Meteorologist & Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli as a guest expert during their study of weather.
A collaborative effort by St. Pete resident, Shorecrest Alumnnus and Oxford student Jackson Willis '15 and Creative Arts Unlimited is bringing what will be one of the Sunshine City’s most iconic and unusual murals to the waterfront.
On February 3, 2023, more than 30 Shorecrest Alumni Chargers from around the metro New York area joined me for an Alumni Association reception at The National Arts Club West Gallery in Greenwich Village. It was so nice meeting these talented and enthusiastic alumni from the classes of 1985 to 2018 and reminiscing with them about their time at Shorecrest.
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Bayshore: 66-55 Win! Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Admiral Farragut: 45-39 Win! Varsity Boys Basketball played in the District Semifinal vs. Northside Christian: 42-56 Loss.
All members of the Shorecrest community were invited to celebrate the literary achievements of Black authors by listening to and participating in the 2nd Annual Black Authors Read-In. The open mic reading spanned the entire school day, breaking only during the Upper School’s lunch period, on Friday, February 3 beginning at 9am.
by Kathryn Jeakle, Eighth Grade Marine Science Teacher
The Shorecrest eighth grade ROV/ROT Project has two main parts. First students ideate and prototype a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) or Remote Operated Technology (ROT) that would solve a real world problem. Next students build actual ROVs with motors and controllers that perform underwater tasks.
One of the fun parts about being the Head at Shorecrest is getting to meet so many Shorecrest alumni and hear their stories about life as a Charger. As we celebrate our centennial, I have had a chance to talk with alumni from many decades and learn about their experiences at Shorecrest. Tonight is a New York City alumni gathering.
Third graders are wrapping up a unit on Changemakers. A Changemaker is one who desires change in the world and gathers knowledge and resources to make that change happen. To share their learning, the third graders hosted a March for Change around the Shorecrest campus on January 27. The culminating event for the young Changemakers was the third grade performance, “Be The Change.”
Please take a couple of minutes to complete Shorecrest Middle School Robotics Team 1448's quick survey about your experience with power outages this past year. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
JV Boys Basketball vs. Admiral Farragut: 79-33 Win! Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Dunedin HS: 17-42 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Indian Rocks Christian School: 18-55 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Sickles: 12-70 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Canterbury: 25-50 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Northside Christian in District Quarterfinals: 20-57 Loss. Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Canterbury: 65-66 Loss.
On January 24, the Shorecrest Athletics Department unveiled State Championship banners of both the Chargers Football from the fall 2022 season and Sonoma Kasica '24, earned spring season 2022.
One of my favorite parts of working in a school like Shorecrest is hearing directly from students. Everything we do at Shorecrest is designed to be in the best interest of students. While we do our fair share of formal data gathering to get feedback from students, recently during morning carline I did some informal focus groups, asking students from Alpha to seniors, “What do you like about Shorecrest?”
by Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology and Media Services
Shorecrest Middle School Robotics teams had a great showing at their first robotics tournament of the season on Saturday, January 21. Team 1448, The Force, won the overall Champion’s Award. Team 1449, the R2D2s, won the Robot Design award. In addition, faculty sponsors Chris Scoby and Dr. Anna Baralt won the Coach’s award at the tournament.
Three Shorecrest Upper School students in the Global Scholars Initiative, William Brockman ‘24, Sabrina Everhart ‘25 and Story Pennock ‘24, joined History Teacher Mr. Heller for a lecture hosted by the Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations (TBCFR).
Mrs. Silvers’ and Mrs. Simons’ students, who are studying maps, participated in a photo zoom-in. The Chargers saw a small portion of a larger image projected on the board. They made guesses as to what the larger picture might be based on the little visible piece.
The past several years of added stress and burden have taken a toll on everyone. Children and teenagers are reporting levels of stress, anxiety, and depression at rates never seen before. A session led by Kate Fierce, LS/MS Counselor, will give attendees strategies to support their own wellbeing, while supporting the needs of the children and teens in their lives.
MS Girls Basketball vs. St Pete Christian: 16-17 Loss. MS Green Boys Basketball vs. St. Pete Christian: 35-49 Loss. Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Manatee: 52-59 Loss. Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Hollins: 63-41 Win! Varsity Girls Basketball vs. CCC: 4-41 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Southeast HS (Bradenton): 4-66 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. St Stephen's Episcopal School: 13-44 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. St Pete Catholic: 5-29 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Manatee: 21-50 Loss. JV Girls Basketball vs. Keswick Christian: 10-44 Loss. JV Boys Basketball vs. Manatee: 42 - 55 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Hollins HS: 35-19 Win!
by Olivia Segalman, Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement and Events
Brooke Baldasare Marin '02, CEO and co-founder of FreshWater Companies, says Shorecrest taught her, "being brave, hard working, and determined result in success.”
by Stephanie McCarthy, MS Music and Thespian Director
Qualifying Middle School students from Shorecrest Jr. Thespian Troupe 88197 had the honor of participating in the Florida State Jr. Thespian Festival held at the Orlando Convention Center. Troupe 88197 members performed their own qualifying acts for adjudication throughout the day earning a total of 32 individual awards!
On January 18, Shorecrest's Middle School Forensics Team competed in the second Bay Area Forensics League meet of this season. The League awards competitors in 1st through 5th place in seven categories.
"Evening Charge" is a workshop series for adults in the Shorecrest community and their adult friends. Follow *one* course through the following Spring 2023 Thursdays: February 9, February 16, February 23 and March 2 - from 7-8:30pm.
When donor passion, institutional priorities, and mission align, magic can happen. With that in mind, I am delighted to announce that Shorecrest has received a $1 million endowment gift to establish the Ross Roeder Institute for Economics, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship (RRI). The RRI will establish a historic, first-ever faculty chair at Shorecrest. The program will fund a faculty position with the vision that this faculty member will teach while also implementing a schoolwide program in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
by Emili Jaime-Allwood, Lower School Spanish Teacher
Global Explorers is a program in Shorecrest Lower, Middle and Upper Schools that strives to create a global mindset in our students and an appreciation and understanding of world cultures. Soon, Shorecrest will welcome a delegation from our partner school in Mexico City, Escuela Ameyalli. They will be hosted by fourth and fifth grade families.
by Coaches Goodland, Folwell, Tallon, Moten, Bearden
MS Boys Gold Basketball vs. Carrollwood Day School: 33-1 Win! MS Green Boys Basketball vs. Carrollwood: 8-50 Loss. MS Boys Green Basketball vs. St. Paul Independent School: 58-25 Win! MS Girls Basketball vs. CDS: 11-21 Loss. JV Boys Basketball vs. Tampa Prep: 58-20 Win! Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Tampa Prep: 55-68 Loss. MS Girls Basketball vs. Saint Paul's: 9-12 Loss. JV Boys Basketball vs. Saint Pete Catholic: 43 - 32 Win! Varsity Boys Basketball vs. St.Petersburg Catholic: 46-49 Loss.
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Clearwater Central Catholic: 6-0 Win! Varsity Boys Soccer vs. St. Stephens: 1-1 Tie. MS Boys Soccer vs. Berkeley Prep: 0-4 Loss. MS Boys Soccer vs. Berkeley Prep: 0-6 Loss. MS Boys Soccer vs. Carrollwood Day School: 1-8 Loss.
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Bradenton Christian: 0-1 Loss.
Each year, there is a unit of the third grade curriculum on Changemakers. A Changemaker is someone who desires change in the world and gathers knowledge and resources to make that change happen. Over several weeks of study the students learn that everyone has the potential to make a positive difference. Changemakers demonstrate empathy and courage. They believe in a better world and see themselves as having the power to improve it - and that conviction is a great trait to nurture in students.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
Every educator at The Experiential School believes in the importance of slowing down. As a team we enjoy watching children fill themselves with all the possibilities of learning with nature.
In November 2022, Shorecrest Upper School honors-level math students were invited to participate in American Mathematics Competitions. Nineteen Chargers volunteered to take part - 10 ninth and tenth graders took the AMC 10, and 9 took the AMC 12.
When Shorecrest Performing Arts presented "Lord of the Pies" in November 2022, adjudicators from Broadway Star of the Future attended. Congratulations to Lauren and Story on their nominations!
Seniors in Ms. Updike's English 12 Honors: Prison Narratives course presented a Gallery Walk to educate the public regarding various aspects of the prison system. They have been working all semester to create individualized, student-directed projects with an accompanying paper that speak to a problem and an actionable solution within the prison system based on various prison narratives.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
The Experiential School is happy to welcome Mrs. Victoria Sweet to the team. Victoria will lead an Alpha class alongside Mrs. Dominique, who knows the children and the Alpha routines very well.
by Coaches Tallon, Morgan, Moten, Follwell, Goodland, Bearden
MS Girls Basketball vs. Bradenton Christian: 13-20 Loss. MS Girls Basketball vs. Berkeley Prep: 22-16 Win! JV Boys Basketball vs. Berkeley Prep: 54-52 Win! JV Boys Basketball vs. St. Pete High: 39-44 Loss. JV Boys Basketball vs. Academy at the Lakes: 78-43 Win! MS Boys Green Basketball vs. Pinellas Prep: 35-27 Win! MS Green Boys Basketball vs. Berkeley Academy: 23-32 Loss. MS Boys Gold Basketball vs. Pinellas Prep Academy: 36-23 Win! MS Girls Basketball vs. Pinellas Prep: 7-27 Loss. Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Northside Christian: 44-58 Loss. MS Boys Gold Basketball vs. Berkeley Prep: 25-23 Loss. JV Boys Basketball vs. Canterbury: 52-2 Win! JV Boys Basketball vs. Lakeside Christian: 42-24 Win! JV Boys Basketball vs. Academy at the Lakes: 78-43 Win! JV Boys Basketball vs. Northside: 41-43 Loss.
by Coaches Montoya, Dougherty, Idinge, McDonough, Hall, Dougherty, Sukaratana
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Calvary Christian: 5-3 Win! Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Clearwater Central Catholic: 3-0 Win! MS Girls Soccer vs. Berkeley: 0-8 Loss. Varsity Girls Soccer vs. South Walton: 0-1 Loss. Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Clearwater High: 8-0 Win! JV Boys Soccer vs. Calvary: 6-2 Loss. JV Boys Soccer vs. Clearwater Central Catholic: 0-0 Tie. MS Boys Soccer vs. Bradenton Christian: 3-1 Loss. MS Girls Soccer vs. Out of Door Academy: 0-6 Loss.
The Learning Center at Shorecrest serves all students of our school to ensure academic success at all levels including Alpha, JK, and K-12. Over the past few months, I have been in discussions with Tracie Belt and others about ways for The Learning Center to grow and evolve, including a new 12-month role for the Director of the Learning Center.
by Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay
Morning carline is one of my favorite times of the day. The word “carline” is usually associated with our rushed schedules, so it is easy to miss the joyful interactions that take place during those brief moments.
As the calendar turns the page to 2023, it means that Shorecrest is entering its centennial year! This will be a tremendous and joyful year of celebration, with many opportunities to honor our past accomplishments, students, faculty, families, and our century of growth within the Tampa Bay Area. Turning 100 years old is an impressive achievement and we hope that you will participate in the many activities we have planned to mark this occasion.
The Athletics Department is considering creating a basketball club for students in kindergarten-5th grade to begin in February. Please fill out the form if interested.
MS Boys Green Basketball vs. Academy Prep: 34-50 Loss. MS Boys Green Basketball vs. Bradenton Christian: 32-26 Win! Varsity Girls Basketball vs. IRCS: 12-57 Loss. Varsity Girls Basketball vs. CCC 13-54 Loss. Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Northeast High School: 58-61 Loss. Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Lakeside Christian: 50-51 Loss. Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Academy at the Lakes: 44-33 Win!
Please see the attached calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. This calendar is also posted at www.shorecrest.org/calendar. We strive to publish this information as early as possible to help faculty, staff, students and families plan ahead.
Shorecrest Upper School Performing Arts has announced their musical for spring 2023: "Mamma Mia!" Auditions will take place January 4-5, 2023. Auditions are open to eighth graders and all Upper School students. (Students do not have to be in theatre classes to try out for the show.)
by Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology and Media Services
We are ready to move forward with the full implementation of our license plate reader system for all cars entering and exiting campus. Please complete the Vehicle Registration Form that has been uploaded to your SchoolForms Online account.
by Kathryn Jeakle, Eighth Grade Marine Science Teacher
Shorecrest was recognized as an Ocean Guardian School for the 2nd year in a row for work done during the 2021-2022 school year. The recognition comes from NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries.
Shorecrest Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students preschool through high school, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Shorecrest acknowledges its obligation to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin sex, citizenship status, genetic information, handicap or disability in admissions, access, employment, tuition assistance, educational policies, or other school administered student and employee programs and activities. Questions regarding the School’s compliance with the application and administration of the School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Kristine Grant, Head of Middle School, 5101 First Street Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33703, (727)-522-2111, kgrant@shorecrest.org or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Please refer to the School’s Non-Discrimination Compliance Policy on the School’s website for information on how to file complaints with OCR.