Head of School Letter: A Special Day

Last Friday, we welcomed over 750 visitors to our 41st annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and mild, with a slight breeze. Grandparents and Special Friends came from across the country and even traveled internationally to join us. The day began with coffee and comestibles served by SAGE, which was followed by a showcase of student performances, class visits and a luncheon. The Gaffney Green was filled to the brim with proud grandparents and special friends as they clapped and cheered to start the day.

The purpose of Grandparents and Special Friends Day is to offer a glimpse inside the classroom and gain a sense of the daily life of Shorecrest by observing children and teachers engaged in learning activities. We want to demonstrate the lived experience at Shorecrest and have visitors see our Core Values of Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Knowledge and Compassion in action. During GPSF day, visitors had a chance to see how our teachers and classrooms create opportunities for students to explore passions, ignite curiosity and imagination, and discover new areas of strength and develop confidence. Our goal for all Shorecrest students is for them to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers who are ready for college and to thrive in the world beyond school. We strive to empower students with the character and curiosity that will lead to a life of purpose and meaning.     

Since Shorecrest’s founding in 1923, families have played an integral role in the life of the school. This is part of the reason why we celebrate having grandparents on campus. We are a generational school, with children and grandchildren of alumni who are here today as current Chargers, learning and growing. We are a school that treasures its history while facing forward and looking ahead to our future with excitement and innovation. And while our physical structure and campus has changed enormously over the past decades, what hasn't changed is the commitment that all Shorecrest students are cherished, nurtured and challenged as they develop a love of learning throughout their educational journey.

We welcome family involvement in the student life of Shorecrest. Whether grandparents live locally or will be in St. Petersburg visiting, we invite participation in a variety of volunteer opportunities: in the classroom, library, Helping Hands, or joining a class as an expert presenter or mystery reader. It means so much to our students to have their loved ones on campus. They are thrilled to show off their school, eager to demonstrate what they are learning and doing, and excited to introduce their teachers and friends.

Next week is Shorecrest’s Giving Week, when we seek to enhance participation in supporting Shorecrest. Our students have benefited enormously from the volunteerism and financial support of parents and grandparents. As our visitors spent time in the classrooms and on our campus, they saw many projects that were made possible by the generous annual support of those who have contributed to the Shorecrest Fund. If you have not already given to the Shorecrest Fund, we hope that you will take the opportunity next week to contribute and demonstrate an appreciation for what a special community Shorecrest is. No amount is too small – our goal is to have full participation from everyone who values the educational opportunities that Shorecrest provides.

All the best, 

Nancy

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