Fourth grade recently wrapped up their "Footprint on Florida" unit guided by the question: How have different industries impacted Florida’s growth? Fourth graders created videos, scavenger hunts, board games, children’s books, newscasts, interviews, puppet shows, dioramas and more to express what they learned about the impact that development had on Florida's landscape.

On Thursday the Experiential School students were treated to a little puppet theater. Mrs. Thompson, Ms. Trayer, Mrs. Markunas and Mrs. Hollenbeck told a story called “May I Bring a Friend?” an adaptation of the book by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers.

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 Garrett Staples Award.

Tomorrow evening we will celebrate and honor the Class of 2022 as they become Shorecrest’s newest graduates. Their achievements reflect the hard work and vast talents of this diverse group of 87 individuals. I want to share some of the impressive accomplishments of the Class of 2022.

Sonoma Kasica '24 won the state title in javelin in all classes 1A-4A in Florida! This performance also made Sonoma the first two-time State Champion in the same event. Nine additional Chargers were top 8 finishes and made the podium.

This week we recognize Jennifer Alesia as a Contributing Charger. Since joining the community in 2018, Jennifer and her son Nick ‘30 have become active members of the Shorecrest Community. This year Jennifer joined the Advancement Committee and participated in each of our three Giving Days as a volunteer. 

Find information about Fall 2022 Sports here. Note: Some team practices start before school starts. Required athletic forms will be collected via the FHSAA Athletic Clearance Website. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.

As a college preparatory school, Shorecrest continues to invest in its college counseling program to ensure it has the resources to offer students and families the best individualized college counseling in the region.

There are many good math programs and they all come with different strengths. Some are more workbook heavy and others allow for more hands-on, differentiated learning. The one program that resonated with every teacher on our committee from kindergarten to fifth grade, and the one we thought was the best for our school, was Bridges in Mathematics.

Star in a fully-staged performance of the original "tail" that made Disney's most wickedly fashionable villain infamous - "101 Dalmatians." 

In Honors Organic Chemistry, Shorecrest Upper School students were tasked with presenting a named reaction as a culminating experience in the class.

Ms. Updike English 11 Honors: American Literature course, Shorecrest Upper School students participated in a Q and A with Pakistani author Kanza Javed, writer of "Ashes, Wine and Dust" as well as several short stories and selected poems.

Alumna Laura Peterson Addicott ‘12 was the Valedictorian and Outstanding Senior of the Shorecrest Class of 2012. It is a tradition at Shorecrest for the Outstanding Senior to return to speak at Commencement 10 years after their own graduation. Laura will return to Shorecrest later this month to address the Class of 2022. Learn what she's been up to!

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.

SCA will be collecting gently used Lands’ End uniform donations during morning drop-off on Wednesday, May 25 at each of the carline drop off locations.

In Season 2-Episode 4 of the Shorecrest Upper School student podcast, "Women in STEAM: Perspectives from the Field," host Aspen Slavick-Gierlach '22 speaks with NASA Engineer Kim de Groh.

In conjunction with Ms. Estremera's Introduction to Engineering, Programming, and Robotics course, Neko Jackson '23, created a digital escape room of five locks on BreakoutEDU. The escape room contained concepts learned in Ms. Updike's English 11: American Literature course.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is coming back to Shorecrest this Fall! Athletes who are girls in third and fourth grade are invited. Athletes will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:55-4:30pm starting the week of September 19 for 12 weeks. The final week will include a 5k, scheduled for December 3.

There will be a Varsity Golf interest meeting on Wednesday, May 18, at 3:45pm on the Landy Deck (in front of the US office). This is an opportunity to meet Coach Miller and learn more about the golf program at Shorecrest before summer break.

You don't have to be a Shorecrest student to be part of a summer of fun camps at Shorecrest! Shorecrest Summer Programs will run June 6 - August 5, with full day and half day camps, including before care and after care. Programs are available for campers from age 4 through 12th grade. In-person camps and programs are expected while maintaining the health and safety precautions necessary.

On May 12, the seventh grade Class of 2027 took to the Janet Root Theatre stage — the first Shorecrest Middle School Music Performance since their fifth grade performance on March 12, 2020.

Alpha students, JK students, families and faculty celebrated on May 12 at the Alpha on the Go! transportation event.

At this time of year, we are preparing to celebrate our seniors as they move on to the next stage of their lives - college. I can’t wait to tell you all about our Class of 2022 in next week’s Ebytes, our last before Commencement. As we prepare to celebrate our graduating class, we also celebrate some beloved faculty and staff who are moving on to the next stage of their lives - retirement. This group of wonderful individuals has invested almost 200 years in Shorecrest altogether! Please join me in heartfelt appreciation for their many contributions to our school.

This week we recognize the Mathews family as Contributing Chargers. Since joining the community in 2012, they have supported Shorecrest through their time, talent and financial support. Throughout the time that Kobi ‘16, Ella ‘28 and Jack ‘31 have been at Shorecrest, Leslie Mathews has shared her talents as a professional photographer and at many events, and also dedicated her time with SCA in support of Teacher Appreciation and Shorecrest Cares.

On May 13, the Shorecrest Class of 2034 - also know as kindergarten - presented songs and poems they learned throughout the school year in music class, Spanish class and more

Shorecrest is pleased to announce that Myra Simpson has been selected as the Director of College Counseling following an extensive national search. With over 20 years of experience in college admissions at both the college and secondary school levels, Myra joins Shorecrest most recently from Oak Hall School in Gainesville, FL, where she has served as the Director of College Counseling.

During the last month of the academic year, students, family, and faculty, gathered to participate in Global Scholars Initiative thesis defense presentations. This year Shorecrest had the largest class of GSI scholars in recent memory.

Independent Studies are student-driven courses in which Chargers have the opportunity to focus on an interest that typically isn't offered in Shorecrest’s Upper School curriculum. Holland Bentley ‘23 is a student who has taken her interest in organ transplantation to the next level by designing her own independent study course, “Transplant Medicine.”

At the Florida History Day state contest Jacob Mandell ‘23, Matthew White ‘23 and Dylan Winer ‘23 won first place in the website category for their work “Debate, Diplomacy and the Avoidance of Nuclear Armageddon: The 1956 Suez Crisis.” Miles Lucas ‘23 and Taylor Register ‘23 won third place for their Exhibit board on the US overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” was reviewed as part of the Broadway Star of the Future program presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Musical were: Sofia Ayral-Hutton ‘23 (Tobias), Marco Camuzzi ‘23 (Anthony), Cían McCarthy ‘22 (Sweeney Todd), Verity Rabin ‘23 (Mrs. Lovett), and Brooke Wright (Johanna) ‘22.

Members of the Class of 2022 committed to taking their sport to the next level after graduation.

Upper School Performing Arts invites the Shorecrest community to a special musical concert with singer Lauren Brumbelow '24. Enjoy an hour of original music on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 7pm in Shorecrest’s Janet Root Theatre.

Members of the Class of 2022 gathered on Landy Deck for College Decision Day festivities, including special treats and photos with classmates.

First graders took audiences on a journey of ocean discovery in the Janet Root Theatre on Thursday and Friday. Their poems, songs and dances taught lessons about ocean friends and reminded everyone to be respectful of the seas and marine life so the beauty of the ocean will continue to amaze future generations.

In honor of Mother's Day, this week’s Ebytes is guest-authored by my son, Stan Sandoval. Stan lives in Indianapolis and works as a Performance Engineer for the IndyCar team Ed Carpenter Racing. He is a graduate of Westminster School in Connecticut and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Spanish from Columbia University (NY) and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from University of Southampton in England.

Shorecrest placed 2nd against 6 other Bay Area Independent School teams in the Battle of the Books. The students read the 15 Middle School Sunshine State Young Readers Award titles during the school year and then competed in a quiz bowl. 

Each year the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) organizes a poster design contest. Shorecrest Chargers Olivia M. '28 won first place and Gaston G. '26 won second place!

55 Chargers from third and fourth grades participated in the Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) program. They were honored at Town Meeting on May 6.

I have been enjoying seeing Ms. Markunas’ class develop their performing skills while exploring a multitude of versions of the story “The Three Little Pigs.”

Youth Leadership Pinellas is a seven-month series designed to educate high school teens on community resources and issues, develop an excellence in leadership, build teamwork skills, and foster involvement in community services. Shorecrest Upper School students Caroline Carlan ‘23 and Dexter Schneider ‘23 were accepted into the program.

Last Saturday, dressed in black and pink to resemble flamingos, the Experiential School Faculty and Special Friends surprised Mrs. Lori Bell with a retirement party. After 22 years at Shorecrest our dear Mrs. Bell will now enjoy life spending time with family and friends, dedicated to her favorite hobbies and traveling the world.

Informational meetings will be held in August and September 2022 about 2023 Global Explorers Programs. Lower and Middle school students and their families have opportunities to join exchange programs and host overseas students.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day returned for its 37th year as a beloved Shorecrest tradition. This year's event, held on April 22, brought together more than 400 guests that included grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and all kinds of special friends. On a beautiful Friday, we celebrated our community coming together again after two years of separation.

Here comes May, the most anticipated month of the school year! May is chock full of activity, as the academic year comes to a close. The days are full of so many academic, athletic, artistic and community events. I love the rituals and traditions that go along with school life in May, and I am looking forward to all of it! Please check our school calendar for the specific dates and times of all these exciting events.

The Shorecrest Preparatory School Upper School Honor Society chapters inducted their newest members at a special virtual assembly on Wednesday, April 27. 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).

The Shorecrest Varsity Girls Tennis Team finished the 2022 season with a solid Districts victory, a win at the Regionals semi-finals, and runner-up for Regionals overall.

Congratulations to Betty L. '26 for her winning entry in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Annual Art Contest!

Dr. Tim Hart, Professor of Criminology at the University of Tampa and Shorecrest parent, presented to Ms. Ashley Dernbach’s Honors Geometry class on the use of probability and statistics in the field of criminology.

Shorecrest hosted the track and field District 11 meet on Thursday, April 21. Twelve teams competed for a district title in the most competitive district in the state by far. After the day-long district competition, the Chargers boys ended the day taking home a hard fought 2nd place, district runner up trophy. After being the district runner-up last year, the girls came back to win the title in the end.

There’s a magical space between what one says and what others understand.
The length of this line might determine how close we connect, how deep we comprehend, and even how apart we might become.

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.

Shorecrest Community Association presents Dr. Philip Ovadia discussing his philosophy and book "Stay off My Operating Table: A Heart Surgeon’s Metabolic Health Guide to Lose Weight, Prevent Disease, and Feel Your Best Every Day." Join us on Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Roughly 70 participants joined Shorecrest & Clean Coast Initiative on the sand of Upham Beach for an educational Beach Clean Up on Saturday, April 23. Over 71 pounds of trash was collected - most of it was cigarette butts and very tiny pieces of plastic.

Members of the Shorecrest Fishing Club had their second tournament of the year. The winning boat, containing Max Baschinsky '25, Sam Reeder '25, Jake Diner '25, and Cooper Register '25 caught 8 snook for the day.

A two-week “Jump Start Middle School” camp will prepare your Middle Schooler for the start of the school year. 

Learn more about athletics at Shorecrest.

Save the dates below for Cheerleading Tryouts! Be a part of a fun, hardworking team, and a huge part of building school spirit all year long! The team is open to rising 6th-12th grade girls and boys and is a full year commitment.

As we have just completed hosting an International Festival, we are in the process of refreshing our international recognition -- through flags located in the Lower and Middle School breezeways. Please take a moment to complete this survey and be sure your family is represented.

April is a busy time at Shorecrest! We recently hosted our second International Festival which was a huge success. Today was our 37th Grandparents & Special Friends Day, taking place after a two-year hiatus. Today also marks the end of our week-long Celebrate the Arts festivities. Last night, the Upper School Spring Musical “Sweeney Todd” premiered to a packed house and was a resounding success!

Arts education has a rich history at Shorecrest. Celebrate the Arts Week started about 30 years ago as a way to highlight the Upper School Performing Arts spring musical. It has become a time for the entire school to learn more about the arts, celebrate the artists inside each of us, share student work, and engage with artists in our community.

Shorecrest Middle School Robotics team 1449, The R2D2s, traveled to Niceville, Florida, to compete in the First LEGO League State Championship. The team developed an app, Bee Cool, that trucking companies that transport bee hives can use to find water sources within 5 miles of the interstate to cool down hives when temperatures reach a dangerous level. The R2D2s earned second place for their robot design.

Dylan Winer ‘23 was selected as an FSU Young Scholar for 2022.

Students in Allison Roberts’ graphic design classes were given a unique opportunity to test their computer skills. Roberts, together with Shorecrest’s Creative Director Jon Hoefer, presented the students with a real-world assignment. With Shorecrest’s Celebrate the Arts week as the deadline, the students were given the task of creating their own poster for the musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

Members of the Class of 2022 and their parents/guardians were invited to a presentation by the USF Student Transition Department regarding transitioning to college with Academic Accommodations.

First and second graders performed a project share for their inquiry "Baila Baila Latin America!" In this unit the Chargers studied different countries from Latin America including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Columbia and Brazil.

On April 14, 2022, the Shorecrest community was enthralled by an incredible International Festival, organized by parents and volunteers from International Connection, a parent-led community group that celebrates and connects families who have a passion for multicultural enrichment. As Chargers celebrated the diversity of the community, families gave of themselves by hosting, decorating, cooking, and sharing information about the rich culture of their own households.

Kindergarteners learned that every person has the right to basic needs– healthy food, clean water, a safe home, and an education. They learned how their choices affect their personal wellness and their community.

The Shorecrest Upper School Human Rights Club recently sponsored a Diaper Drive with the goal of collecting 1,000 diapers in one week for Babycycle, and the drive ended up yielding an impressive 1,761 diapers!

Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian School: 6-5 Win!
Varsity Softball vs. Cambridge Christian School: 5-8 Loss.
Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian School: 16-0 Win!
Varsity Softball vs. Gibbs High School: 20-0 Win!
MS Softball vs. Seffner: 11-12 Loss.
MS Softball vs. Pinellas Prep: 1-19 Loss.
MS Softball vs. Indian Rocks: 14-14 Tie.
MS Softball vs. Bradenton Christian: 17-16 Win!

Third graders recently completed a unit and inquiry projects about wetlands. They shared their findings with the junior kindergarteners about food chains, habitats and the dangers humans and natural disasters pose on these.

The Red, White and Blue Club is holding a toiletries donation drive for the Bay Pines VA Hospital. Collection bins will be in advisories April 26 - May 6. The advisory that brings the most items will get a donut/breakfast party.

Intrigue and revenge will take center stage at Shorecrest Preparatory School’s Janet Root Theatre when Shorecrest Performing Arts presents the musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

The Varsity Boys Tennis Regional Semi-Finals match ended Tuesday with a 4-1 loss to Tampa's Berkeley Prep.

In Season 2-Episode 3 of the Shorecrest Upper School student podcast, "Women in STEAM: Perspectives from the Field," host Aspen Slavick-Gierlach '22 speaks with Fernanda Chieco, International Artist. 

The Shorecrest Varsity Girls Tennis team squeezed out runner-up Calvary Christian to win the District 4A Championship, April 13-14. Out of seven teams total, the top 3 final scores were Shorecrest 21, Calvary Christian (CV) 19, and Clearwater Central Catholic (CCC) 18. The Chargers are now repeated as the District Champions, and 5 girls won individual District Championships.

In a season of surprises, the Varsity Boys Tennis team came through by 1 point over Indian Rocks Christian school to secure the runner up spot in District competition. The boys had individual Championships in back to back years.

Learn what is on the horizon for your Charger as a member of our Upper School community.

Yesterday, the Gaffney Green in front of Charger Commons was filled with beautifully decorated, family-run booths representing more than 30 different countries. At each booth students, parents, faculty, staff and friends could learn about a different culture and part of the world from which a Shorecrest family hails. The International Festival represented the cultural richness of our school community and was an incredible opportunity for us to learn and celebrate together. Many thanks to our International Connections group and the many volunteers who made the festival possible.

Shorecrest Upper School students were excited that Service Week 2022 once again allowed them to get out into communities - locally and nationally - and help in a hands-on fashion.

We all know that we all come from different places. The history of our ancestors and the story we write today traces this blue planet of ours with countless lines.

The second grade is deep in a science investigation about the well-being of pollinators and pollinator habitats, and wanted to evaluate whether or not the Native Classroom was a suitable home for pollinators. They  teamed up with eighth graders, led by Middle School science teacher Kathryn Jeakle.

Members of Shorecrest Robotics team #6104A competed in the Create Robotics Open World Championship Tournament and placed 9th overall! Additionally, they won the MegaAlliance Award.

Three Shorecrest Upper School students were awarded Top Honors in music, coding, and messaging in the Your Voice is Power competition presented by Amazon Future Engineer, Georgia Tech, and Yellow.

Students in Dr. Bullock’s math class created drawings with labeled Unit Circles.

Students in Junior Kindergarten have been exploring maps and how they work. The young Chargers were prompted with a map of Shorecrest.

MS Softball Chargers vs. Indian Rocks: 14-14
MS Softball vs. Pinellas Prep: 0-10 Loss

Varsity Track and Field Chargers had a great showing at the Tampa Bay Championships on April 7, 2022!

Varsity Softball vs. Cambridge Christian School: 5-8 Loss.
Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian School: 16 to 0.

A core tenet of Shorecrest’s mission is “the development of a commitment to social responsibility.” One of the best examples of our mission in action is service learning, embodied by the Upper School Service Week, which concludes today. Service Week demonstrates our dedication to the core values of Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Knowledge and Compassion.

Sixth graders took part in an empathy-building, collaborative activity on April 6.

Save the date for a roaring good time at the swankiest joint in town - the Shorecrest Speakeasy! The Big Event is SCA's signature community-building event. Planned for Saturday, April 9, 2022 - it will be held at the St. Pete Yacht Club. Learn more at:

In Season 2-Episode 2 of the Shorecrest Upper School student podcast, "Women in STEAM: Perspectives from the Field," host Aspen Slavick-Gierlach '22 speaks with Upper School Computer Science and Robotics Teacher, Melissa Estremera.

Congratulations on new placements:
Stacy Alexander - US Assistant Dean of Student Life
Mark Brown - Associate Director of Enrollment Management, US History Teacher
Paul Miller '05 - MS English Teacher

With volunteer and standardized testing opportunities in flux due to COVID, one particular part of the college application process - the personal statement - will bear more weight toward helping college admissions committees see the fuller, impactful, and unique YOU that you are. Join us June 6-10 and come away with a Common App Personal Statement. 

Congratulations to Troupe 3140 on their success at the Florida State Thespian Festival. The cast of the one-act play "MASTERPIECE" performed in Morsani Hall at the Straz Center, the largest theatre in the southeast.

At the USAG Florida State Championship, Maddie won the gold medal in all individual events (Floor, Uneven Bars, Vault and Beam), and she won the All Around gold medal within her group and was the highest scoring Level 9 gymnast in Florida.

The Strategic Planning Task Force is charged with helping Shorecrest set strategic goals for the next five years, as well as with providing guidance in the development of a plan to achieve them. A strategic plan helps the School identify the differentiators which will distinguish Shorecrest amongst our peers. Strategic planning also ensures that our mission serves as a guiding beacon to make short- and long-term decisions.

Students in Dr. Bullock’s math class completed a Black Women in STEM poster project.

To further support students, families and faculty in diversity and inclusion efforts, four Diversity Coordinators have been appointed among the Shorecrest faculty: Meghan Schneider in Upper School, Dr. Lizz Angello in Middle School, Khana Rebman ‘05 in Lower School and Takeya Trayer in The Experiential School.

On Friday, March 25, 2022, more than 600 members of the Shorecrest community gathered together for our first annual Movie Night, an amazing event presented by SCA and the Shorecrest Fund.

Friday was one of the happiest days of the year here at The Experiential School. It was a day when ES students had a chance to be part of Explore Time. 

Digital Stop Motion Animation for grades 2-8.
Girl Rising for students rising into grades 5-8.

MS Softball vs. Seffner: 11-12 Loss.
MS Softball vs. Pinellas Preparatory Academy: 1-19 Loss.
Varsity Softball vs. Northside Christian School: 6-5 Win!

Instead of the Oscars, we have the Chargers, coming together on Friday, March 25 for our very first Movie Night, presented by a collaboration between the Shorecrest Community Association (SCA) and the Shorecrest Fund. 

The Global Explorers program was promoted last semester through a logo design contest open to Middle School students. Fifth grader Izzy N. ‘29 won the contest by capturing the spirit of the program with her drawing.

During this school year the collaboration between The Experiential School office and the Office of Admissions has brought us so many great opportunities to talk about the wonderful experiences that happen in our building.

Shorecrest Upper School students in Ms. Dowling's AP English Language class performed mock trials this week. The Chargers researched people who were wrongly convicted and then exonerated through The Innocence Project, an organization that uses DNA evidence to free the innocent. 

Shorecrest is pleased to share that Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Educational Technology,  is now a certified Apple Learning Coach. Apple Learning Coach is a professional learning program that trains instructional coaches, digital learning specialists, and other coaching educators to help teachers get more out of Apple technology.

The March Issue of "The Chronicle," the Upper School's digital student newspaper, has been published.

Varsity Softball vs. Bradenton Christian: 0 to 12 Loss.

Due to a public speaking ability learned by listening to his newsman father, Paul Wilson was chosen to read the student announcements at Shorecrest Preparatory School in the mid 1980s. But he didn’t always mimic his father John Wilson, the retired Tampa news anchor. “Sometimes I’d read the announcements like Richard Nixon,” Wilson, 54, said. “Who knew that would lead to a job?”

JV Boys and Girls vs. Bradenton Christian: Girls won 3-0, Boys lost 0-7.       
Varsity Boys vs. Saint Petersburg Catholic: 0-7 Loss.       
Girls Varsity vs. Saint Petersburg Catholic School: 7-0 Win!
JV Girls vs. St. Stephen's: 2-5 Loss.
JV Tennis vs. Bradenton Christian: 0-7 Loss.

Shorecrest fourth grade Teacher, Mrs. Husenitza, is offering three "Science Action Club" camps this summer for those rising into grades 3-6.

In this Faculty Spotlight, new Upper School Arts and Humanities Department member Scott Warfel (Musical Theatre Teacher) shares a little about himself and the subjects he teaches.

The Shorecrest Middle School FIRST LEGO League robotics teams competed in the West Florida Regional Championship held at State College of Florida in Bradenton on March 5, 2022. Team 1448 came in first place out of 32 teams in the area of Core Values. Team 1449 won first place in the category of robot design and secured a bid to the State Championship.

A fun Spirit Week kicked off the final leg of the 2021-2022 school year at The Experiential School of Tampa Bay. These simple things bring so many smiles and remind the children that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

A fourth grade historical unit of study was concluded with the integration of history, research, and technology. Groups of students created timelines of a specific historical period and programmed a robot, Dash, to present their timeline.

Donor dollars given to the Shorecrest Fund are invested directly into the growth and development of our people and programs. For those of you who have already made a generous gift this school year, we thank you. And for those of you who are still considering making your gift, please know that your support will positively impact the lives of Shorecrest students and faculty. 

In response to an essay contest sponsored by Bad Animal, a bookstore in Santa Cruz, California, Mila Salamone ‘22 celebrated her first-place win with a prize of 500 books! 

Although there are still two regattas left on the schedule, Shorecrest has already accumulated enough points throughout the regular season to qualify for the District Championship.

Shorecrest second grader, Mila H. ‘32, didn't just passively learn about the contributions of African Americans in our history, she took what she learned and created a teaching poster so others could learn about these Changemakers.

Mr. Heller’s sophomore World Civilizations class built a 3D model of the Western Front utilizing materials in the Charger Commons Makerspace. 

Varsity Softball vs. St. Petersburg Catholic: 19-1 Win!

The Upper School Robotics Team 6104A has been invited to participate at the national level at the 2022 CREATE Championship, which will take place in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on April 7-9. We are currently seeking individual or corporate sponsors to help make their trip to Nationals possible.

The second graders have been taking a trip around the world in their study of the different continents. This week they took audiences with them in their musical program, "A Small Part of the World."

This past week, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosted its annual conference and launched its inaugural Heads Summit. The theme was Remembering Our Why: Finding Joy and Inspiration in Our Work. A number of Shorecrest faculty and administrators attended the virtual NAIS conference and I was lucky to participate in the Heads Summit in person.

Pinellas History Day was held February 25 and 26 at Largo High School. This year’s theme was Debate and Diplomacy in History. View results here.

Congratulations to Sasha Schratwieser ‘24 and Sophia Smith ‘24 whose video project won 2nd place for secondary schools in a national French competition.

In all experiences with engineering in the classrooms at The Experiential School, we ask ourselves: How might we support all children to access innovative thinking with the materials we are providing?

For the past couple of weeks, students in Kayla Brazee's Honors U.S. History classes have been examining the Cold War and the Atomic Age. After learning about the development of the atomic bomb and its impact on American popular culture in the 1950s, students were asked to create their own detailed nuclear fallout shelters.

The Chargers placed 2^nd overall out of 17 girls teams with a lot of strong performances. The boys also had a strong showing placing 5^th overall. There were also some Middle School records set this season!

Shorecrest Middle School students and Jr. Thespians Troupe 88197 performed for family and friends at the annual Middle School Variety Show on February 17, 2022, in the Janet Root Theatre. 

Thank you to everyone in the Shorecrest community who supported the Upper School Interact Club's car wash in the fall. The funds were used to purchase supplies for making blankets for Project Linus, an organization that donates blankets to children in local hospitals. 

Varsity Softball vs. Keswick Christian: 15 - 0 Win!
MS Softball vs. Indian Rocks: 9 - 14 Loss.

JV Girls Tennis vs. Cambridge Christian: 6-1  Win!
Varsity Girls Tennis vs. St Pete catholic: 7-0 Win!
Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Saint Petersburg Catholic: 6-1 Win!
JV Boys Tennis vs. Cambridge Christian: 6-1 Win!
Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Clearwater Central Catholic: 5-2 Win!
Varsity Boys Tennis vs. Northside Christian: 6-1 Win!

It has been said, often credited to the famous Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky, that there are only two plots in literature: a character goes on a trip and a stranger comes to town. Those two themes stick in my mind as this week draws to a close.  

All members of the Shorecrest community were invited to celebrate the literary achievements of Black authors by listening to and participating in the 2022 Black Authors Read-In. 139 works by 55 authors were read by 97 readers, including students, faculty and staff.

Fourth graders in Mrs. Weinkle’s class recently presented projects representing their learning from a science unit on Sustainability along with a presentation that included a sustainability-related problem they wanted to solve, the solution they planned, a prototype if applicable, and a visual representation of their ideas.

Alpha Teachers Taylor Styke and Jacqueline Roller in The Experiential School of Tampa Bay noticed their students had been playing car wash on the playground. Eventually it came time for the Alpha class to have their own car wash! The students had so much fun throughout their car wash unit - a light-hearted example of child-driven and memorable learning.

In the second week of varsity tennis action, the boys swept Calvary Christian School on Thursday 7-0, and squeaked by Indian Rocks Christian School on Tuesday 4-3.

Discover Kindergarten: Wednesday, January 26 [Video]
Developing Math Thinking:
- JK & Kindergarten [Video]
- February 1: Grades 1 & 2 [Video]
- February 24: Grades 3 & 4 [Video]

Varsity Girls Soccer beat Geneva in the State Semifinal: 4-1!

Sandy Janack, fifth grade Social Studies Teacher, and Allyson Fletcher, Middle School Media Specialist, collaborated in December and January to guide fifth graders through a research project. To present their findings, each student created an infographic.

On Friday, February 18, the teachers of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay will have a chance to learn from Swedish educator Suzanne Axelsson.

The STEAM Signature Program in Shorecrest Upper School allows students to pursue STEAM-related coursework and apply 21st Century skills that are applicable across many disciplines while investigating a specialized area of interest. Shorecrest STEAM student, Carson Granese ‘25, has selected Computer Science as his area of study. In many ways he is learning that computer science is not just about writing code, it is about how we use such tools and what we learn when we do.

Today marks the beginning of a long weekend vacation for Shorecrest families. This four-day, mid-winter break coincides with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning’s annual Winter Institute, a day of professional development for Shorecrest teachers and other educators from across the country. This winter long weekend also takes place over Presidents Day, a federal holiday set aside to recognize and honor the birthdays of both President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln.

The Junior Varsity Tennis opening week began on Monday, February 14, with a first match against Saint Stephen's Episcopal School. The Boys were swept by SSES in most of the singles and doubles. On Wednesday against ODA, the Boys rebounded and ended with a 3-3 tie. JV Girls tennis lost to St. Stephen's 1-6 and beat ODA 4-3.

Shorecrest seniors Christian Bepler '22 and Emily Forney '22 have been named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Both students were named National Merit Semifinalists in September and have advanced to the next round of competition.

Varsity Girls Soccer Chargers beat Indian Rocks Christian School in the Regional Semifinals: 3-2. They shutout First Baptist Academy in the Regional Finals: 4-0!
Catch the State Semifinal on February 18 at home on Haskell Field at 6pm.

Dr. Nathalia Jeffrey-Fort, a general and cosmetic Dentist in St. Petersburg and Shorecrest Alumni Parent, visited the Peck Center for Medical Sciences to share information about her career path and other dentistry related careers.

The Varsity Boys Tennis team swept Canterbury 7-0 with decisive wins all around. Varsity Girls Tennis team beat Canterbury: 6-0.

SCA volunteers lead and support many committees with various functions on campus. Find a list of SCA Committees and contacts and the best volunteering fit for you at www.shorecrest.org/SCA.

The week started as normal until one of our Alpha students asked to go to the Nurse’s Clinic. Ms. Kemp was trying to understand what was going on, and it didn’t take long for her to realize that the student was not ill, but rather missing their teacher, who was not at school on that day.

This week marked my return to the classroom as a history teacher, for the first time in almost two years. As a faculty member for the Evening Charge program, I was very excited (and, I admit, a little bit nervous) to be back standing in front of students. As the evening unfolded with this wonderful group of Shorecrest parents and grandparents, our discussion about historical events reaffirmed to me how learning about what has happened in the past gives context and understanding to our world today.

The Shorecrest Alumni Association celebrated the Class of 2022 with some special treats in honor of 100 days left until Graduation!

Congratulations to Shorecrest senior, Cían McCarthy ‘22, who won first place in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Shorecrest Middle School students in Forensics had a fantastic showing in their meet at Berkeley last night, and more importantly had a great time!

Congratulations to the following Shorecrest Upper School students whose artwork was featured in the 2022 Emerging Artists Pinellas County High School Virtual Exhibition: Benny Ames ‘23, Libby Cenedella ‘24, Julianne Lurie ‘25, Ashli McKenny ‘22, Sara Rose ‘23 and Chase Waitz-Miller ‘23.

District Semifinal: Varsity Girls Soccer beats Canterbury School of Florida 9-1!
District Final: Varsity Girls Soccer beats Cambridge Christian 6-0!
Regional Quarterfinal: Varsity Girls Soccer beats St. John Neuman 9-1!

Students in Shorecrest Upper School’s ninth grade Honors English course, taught by Ms. Elouej, recently participated in the 2022 Membean Go! Contest. Sabrina Everhart ’25 won one of the top prizes for her photograph, “Repertoire.”

They became District Champions with a score of 2-0 and beat Cambridge again in the Regional Quarterfinal, 4-1.

Shorecrest Vex Robotics team #6104A won a Design Award, which qualifies them for the Regional Championship next month!

As second graders are studying schools around the world, four Shorecrest tenth graders who were exchange students in Madrid, Spain, were invited to present about their trip.

Zombies strike again! In Ms. Updike's Honors English class for seniors, Dystopian Literature, Chargers worked in teams to beat the count-down clock in a zombie-themed escape room.

Varsity Boys Basketball vs. St. Pete Catholic: 66-51 Win!
JV Boys Basketball vs. Saint Pete Christian: 57-43 Win!
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Lakeside Christian: 61-43 Win!
District Quarterfinal: Varsity Boys Basketball lost to Admiral Farragut 51-77.

The boys team came away with a decisive win 5-1! The girls team lost a nail biter 3-4. The next Varsity Tennis match is on Tuesday February 15 vs. Canterbury at Puryear Park.

Information about spring sports for students in grades 6-12 may be found here. If you are interested in trying baseball, softball, tennis, or track and field - this is your chance!

Help SCA show how grateful we are to all the teachers and staff who make Shorecrest the special place it is for our children and our families!

Please see the attached calendar for the 2022-2023 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.

Ms. Rosas and Ms. Trayer - teachers in The Experiential School of Tampa Bay - noticed that their Junior Kindergarten class had a deep interest in boats. The teachers attentively listened to students and used their interests as the starting point of a long-term investigation of boats that integrated math (shapes and measurements), language (stories, vocabulary, letter sounds), science (properties of matter, materials that float, engines, wind), social studies (maps), art, engineering and technology.

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. Over several weeks of study the students learned that everyone has the potential to make a positive difference. The culminating event was a performance, “Be The Change.”

Last week the eighth graders shared their Rock Your World projects with Middle School students and faculty. As previously reported, the Rock Your World program guides students to use art and media to offer solutions to, or raise awareness of, global problems.

On the second of February, France celebrates la Chandeleur. The holiday mainly consists of eating crêpes and having fun with family and friends. Thanks to Lily F. and her mother, seventh grade French class had a taste of this delicious French food tradition.

A small moment at last week’s Lower School Town Meeting brought home to me how meaningful are the relationships formed between teachers and young children, and how that connection extends throughout their years at Shorecrest and across the many acres of this campus.

The Varsity Soccer teams won District Finals matches!

The Shorecrest Alumni Association and Upper School hosted a virtual panel discussion on College Life during this week’s Junior and Senior Advisory. As students get closer to their commencement from Shorecrest, it is helpful to hear from some familiar faces about college experiences.

How do you measure a building as tall as Charger Commons? Students in Mrs. Dernbach's Upper School Geometry class recently had a lab to answer that question. They used indirect measurement to find the height of tall structures around campus.

The Admissions Office and Marketing Department released an updated virtual campus tour for prospective families. Students Sean Sheikholeslam ’23 and Phoenix F. ‘30 are delightful tour guides and give narration regarding many of the fabulous programs available at Shorecrest.

The Shorecrest Upper School Human Rights Club recently hosted a letter-writing workshop. The club’s faculty sponsor, Ms. Elouej, facilitated the workshop with a focus on writing letters to government and other officials around the world in order to appeal human rights violations.

A group of over 15 Shorecrest grandparents and special friends gathered to enjoy a docent-led tour of Art Festival Beth-El.

Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Keswick: 63-32 Win!
MS Girls Basketball vs. Cambridge Christian: 11-20 Loss.
JV Girls Basketball vs. Berkeley Prep: 26-22 Win!
MS Boys Gold Basketball vs. St. Pete Christian: 17-30 Loss.
JV Boys Basketball vs. Keswick: 58-35 Win!
JV Boys Basketball vs. Northside Christian: 41-46 Loss.
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Academy at the Lake: 72-50 Win!
JV Boys Basketball vs. Academy at The Lakes: 55-27 Win!

Author A. A. Milne, best known for his Winnie-the-Pooh books, wrote a poem called “Halfway Down.” It’s about a little boy who likes to stop and sit on a special step, halfway up and halfway down the staircase. As we edge past the halfway point in our school year, there is a stanza that resonates with me.  

This fast moving planet challenges us on a daily basis; and educators from all corners of the globe have learned that we should stick together and compare notes.

Shorecrest Middle School Robotics Teams, 1449 - The R2D2s and 1448 - The Force, competed in the West Florida First LEGO League qualifying tournament. Both teams received tickets to move forward to the regional competition in March!

Shorecrest delegates participated in a variety of committees at the 19th annual GatorMUN (Model United Nations) conference on the University of Florida campus. Committees at the three-day conference ranged from The Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and Disarmament and International Security, to historical committees, such as Egypt’s (1952-1957) Revolutionary Command Council, and Alcatraz 1934.

The January Issue of "The Chronicle," the Upper School's digital student newspaper, is officially released! We’ve got a great selection of stories written for you by some talented Upper School students, so do them a favor and check it out!

Varsity Boys vs. Northeast High: 56-53 Win!
JV Girls Basketball vs. Keswick Christian: 44-25 Win!
MS Gold Basketball vs. Berkeley Prep: 22-26 Loss
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Manatee: 51-49 Win!
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Osceola: 55-36 Win!

The deadline for submitting a financial aid application for the 2022-2023 school year is January 31, 2022. This is a firm deadline. Find more info at https://www.shorecrest.org/admissions/tuition/affording-shorecrest.

To continue to meet the needs of our juniors and seniors and their families, and to help provide college counseling support to students in younger grades, Shorecrest will add an additional counselor to the team starting with the 2022-2023 school year. 

Shorecrest hosted three Facing Forward: What to Expect events. Each event gave families an overview of what to expect as they move through the divisions at Shorecrest.

Evening Charge: new workshop series. A variety of topics for adult members of the Shorecrest community and their friends.

Shorecrest Jr. Thespian Troupe 88197 enjoyed attending the in-person Florida State Jr. Thespian Festival held at the Orlando Convention Center from January 13-15, 2022. The Chargers performed pieces for adjudication throughout the final day, earning a total of 26 individual awards!

A primary component of our school’s mission is to encourage lifelong learning. At Shorecrest we strive to create a learning environment where innovation and risk-taking are encouraged.

Back at Shorecrest on the day after the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream BIG Parade, I reflected on how meaningful it was for our school community to not only attend the parade, but also to serve our greater community.

Shorecrest Vocal Music Instructor, Stacie Steinke, is currently appearing in the Gulfport Players Production of "Gilligan’s Island: The Musical." This family-friendly stage musical version of the popular and iconic '60s TV comedy show runs for another weekend at the Catherine Hickman Theatre in Gulfport.

Varsity Girls Soccer vs. McKeel Academy of Technology: 4-1 Win
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Largo High School: 4-0 Win at home on Senior Night!

After a long career as a Technical Writer and Learning Specialist, a recent relocation finally placed Wesley Wells and his family back in sunny St. Petersburg, where he is now providing Technology Help Desk support at Shorecrest.

College Counseling presents a virtual event for ninth graders and their parents/guardians. Learn what you can be doing to prepare for college right now.

Congratulations to the following Shorecrest Upper School students on a fantastic showing in this year's Scholastic competition.

This weekend we honor the birthday and life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A little-known aspect of Dr. King’s life is the impact of two summers that he spent working in a tobacco field in Connecticut. That experience would influence Dr. King’s decision to become a minister and heighten his resentment of segregation. That town was Simsbury, Connecticut, my home for fifteen years before coming to Shorecrest. It was always town legend that a young MLK spent time in Simsbury. In 2010, a local history teacher worked with high school students on a research project to investigate and later document the story about how his time in Simsbury shaped Dr. King’s life.

It’s not unusual to hear Reggio Emilia-inspired educators refer to their environments using the phrase "rich normality." The expression describes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive contexts to which they continually aspire.

Shorecrest fifth grader Eva O ‘29 created the digital book “What Will Happen When You Litter.”

In Shorecrest Upper School Honors U.S. History students are exploring the Progressive Era. To learn more about the time period, students were asked to create interactive presentations that focused on one Progressive Era reform. Each group taught a 10-12 minute class on their assigned reform that had to engage their peers in some way.

Single-handed Championship: Co-captain Guthrie Braun '22 brings home national title! Danielson '22 finished fourth.
Keel Boat Championship: Shorecrest Chargers finished fourth.

MS Green Boys Basketball vs. Northside Christian: 20-45 Loss.
MS Green Boys Basketball vs. Indian Rocks: 33-36 Loss.
MS Boys Gold Basketball vs. Skycrest Christian: 11-36 Loss
MS Girls Basketball vs. Indian Rocks Christian: 20-32 Loss
MS Girls Basketball vs. Indian Rocks Christian: 22-32 Loss

Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Academy of Holy Names: 1-2 Loss.
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. St. Pete High: 1-2 Loss.
JV Boys Soccer vs. Cavalry Christian: 0-3 Loss.

It is commonplace to acknowledge that the world is changing rapidly. For teachers to perform at the peak of their professional ability in the classroom, they need to be lifelong learners. Professional Development events, such as those hosted by Shorecrest’s Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, enable teachers to learn alongside a community of educators who empower them to be experts in the craft of teaching.

With the end of the first week of the new year, looking ahead seems to be a natural outcome.

I am pleased to share with you that Erich Schneider has been selected as the Head of Upper School at Shorecrest. After an extensive national search that resulted in three strong candidates, the Search Committee agreed that Erich’s depth of experience, commitment to the Shorecrest community, and vision for the future of the Upper School, make him the ideal leader for our 9th-12th grade program. Having served as the Interim Head of Upper School since July, Erich will become the official Head of Upper School effective immediately.

Maëlle G. used parts from some old furniture from home to make a cabinet and filled it with masks and small hand sanitizer bottles. She donated the box to a food pantry before winter break (Beacon of Hope in Clearwater).

I truly enjoy watching the older siblings who walk their little brothers and sisters to The Experiential School. Since there is a pattern that is so evident I thought I’d take the time to let you all know that you are doing a fantastic job as parents.

Second grade and JK recently collaborated on paintings of plants and pollinators so the students could learn from each other.

Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Osceola High School: 3-0 Win
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Osceola: 0-1 Loss

MS Green Boys Basketball vs. Indian Rocks: 44-19 Loss
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Indian Rocks: 66-53 Win
JV Boys Basketball vs. Indian Rocks: 63-20 Win
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Northeast High School: 54-38 Win
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. St. Stephens: 43-40 Win
Varsity boys Basketball vs. Sarasota Military Acdemy: 67-26 Win
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Braden River: 54-28 Win
Varsity Boys Basketball in Holiday Tournament vs. Manatee High School: 47-45 Win
JV Boys Basketball vs. St. Stephens: 35-43 Loss
JV Boys Basketball vs. St. Petersburg Catholic: 31-49 Loss
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. St. Petersburg Catholic: 48-46 Loss
JV Girls Basketball vs. Saint Petersburg Catholic: 34-10 Loss

After Winter Break, Shorecrest students will collect, organize, and transport donations to Clothes to Kids.

Incidental expense charges include class fees, technology fees, tutoring, etc... and will be present throughout the year in your FACTS account. They should be paid within 30 days from the invoice date.