Experiential School News

EXPERIENTIAL SCHOOL

2025-2026

Experiential School News - January 5, 2026

Letter from Mrs. Hollenbeck

Welcome back, everyone!

We hope you had a happy and relaxing Winter Break.

Here we are, back on campus, ready for the second leg of this journey.

It’s wonderful to see the kids again and they all look a tad taller, a tad older, and a tad smarter.

THANK YOU for so many thoughtful gifts and messages. Your kindness warms our hearts and is evidence of the strong bond we have established. I have cherished each card with family photos, I have eaten - and shared - every yummy treat, and enjoyed goodies purchased through gift cards.

We finished the year with a fun countdown so here we are, ready to start counting up, celebrating a new year and a new semester. Happy 2026!

The Hundred Languages of Teachers: Embracing the Joy of Being a Learner

In the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach, we often speak of the "Hundred Languages of Children"—the infinite number of ways that children can express, explore, and connect with the world around them. But as educators and researchers of this approach, we must ask ourselves: Do we still speak these languages?

To be a truly effective educator is to acknowledge that we never actually "finish" school. Our mindset is one of perpetual growth. We believe that to support the hundred languages of children, we must continue to nurture the hundred languages of teachers.

Breaking the Walls Between Mediums

Part of our role as researchers in the classroom is to challenge the status quo. We aim to break down the walls that traditionally separate artistic mediums and techniques. Why must photography remain separate from sculpture? Why must fabric remain separate from nature?

When we explore new materials, we model curiosity. When we step out of our comfort zones, we gain empathy for our students who face new challenges every day.

A Lesson in Light and Texture

Recently, we had the privilege of putting this philosophy into practice, guided by the talented Ms. Ginger.

Ms. Ginger has been doing fascinating work with her students, exploring the intersection of chemistry, nature, and art through cyanotype printing and textiles. She has been teaching children to integrate sewing with the beautiful nature that surrounds our campus.

In a generous act of mentorship and community, Ms. Ginger invited the Experiential School faculty to step into the role of the student.

Under the beautiful, crisp blue skies of a Florida fall, we gathered outside to explore this new medium. We moved away from our desks and into the sunlight. We arranged natural materials—leaves, ferns, and flowers found on our grounds—onto treated fabric. We watched as the sun performed its chemistry, turning the fabric a deep, rich blue, leaving the ghostly, delicate white silhouettes of nature behind.

More Than Just Art

While the cyanotypes we created were beautiful, the afternoon offered us something far more valuable than the final product.

We connected as Scholars: We engaged in the rigorous, joyful work of learning a new technique, reminding ourselves of the focus and patience required to master a new skill.
We connected as Colleagues: We shared space, materials, and ideas, strengthening the collaborative spirit that defines our faculty.
We connected as Human Beings: We took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, appreciate the Florida weather, and laugh together.

These moments help us make memories that sustain us. They allow us to see one another not just as co-workers, but as fellow learners who appreciate the beauty of the world and the strength of our team.

When we nourish our own creativity, we return to our classrooms refreshed, inspired, and ready to listen to the hundred languages of the children we are so lucky to teach.

January 30 Studio Performance - Save the Date!

A Note from Ms. Trayer regarding Performance Attire for the Studio Event in January

To ensure our young performers are comfortable, look vibrant, and can move easily on stage, we kindly request the following attire guidelines be followed for the upcoming show.

We are aiming for a fun, festive, and comfortable look that will truly pop under the stage lights!

Key Guidelines for All Performers

Style: Please choose fun, vibrant, and festive clothing! Think comfortable holiday party or celebration attire.
Comfort is Key: It is essential that all clothes are comfortable and do not restrict movement, ensuring the children can perform their best.
Footwear: For safety and comfort, please make sure children wear flat, comfortable shoes (sneakers, ballet flats, or dress shoes with no heel). No heeled shoes, flip-flops, or slippery soles, please.

Group Specific Colors

Please choose clothes for your child that feature the designated color below. The color can be the main focus of the outfit (e.g., a green dress or blue shirt) or a very prominent part of the top and/or bottom.

Alpha - Green💚

Green top, green pants/skirt, green sweater, or an outfit with a prominent green pattern.

JK - Blue 💙

Blue top, blue jeans/slacks, blue dress, or an outfit with a prominent blue pattern.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a visually stunning and comfortable performance for the children!

Experiential School Art Exhibit - Wednesday, March 11

On Wednesday March 11, 2026 from 5:30 - 7pm, the Experiential School will host an Art Exhibit Vernissage.

This is an opportunity for parents and their children to appreciate the beautiful artwork created in our classrooms.

It is important to highlight that this event is exclusive for Alpha and JK students and their parents.

Small bites will be provided by SAGE Catering so we really need your help making sure you RSVP so we can have a headcount.

Please click on this link to RSVP to the early evening event.

For families who need assistance, here’s the link to the 2025/2026 Babysitters List, which includes contact information for Upper School students who might be available to babysit.

On March 12 and 13 during school hours, the Art Exhibit is open to the Shorecrest community, when family and friends are welcome.

Join us for the first Experiential School Art Exhibit showcasing the artwork of our talented students, using a variety of techniques, inspired by the emerging studies from the classroom.

March 11, 5:30-7pm
ES Art Exhibit Vernissage in the Experiential School building
This event is exclusively for Alpha and JK students and their parents/guardians.
Small bites will be provided by SAGE Dining Services.
Please RSVP here for the early evening event.

For families who need childcare assistance, here’s the link to the 2025/2026 Babysitters List, which includes contact information for Upper School students who might be available to babysit.

March 12 and 13 during school hours
ES Art Exhibit open to Shorecrest community, family and friends

Kindly,

Adriana & The Experiential School Team

Adriana Portella Hollenbeck

Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay

ahollenbeck@shorecrest.org

727-456-7541

Experiential School Classroom Volunteer Opportunities

Specific classroom opportunities and special projects will be communicated as the needs arise. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with the children!

Volunteer Sign Up Sheets

Mark Your Calendars -

Friday, January 9
Raising Financially Fit Kids: A Parent Education Morning with Joline Godfrey
Shorecrest Spirit Night

Friday, January 16
Charger Chat with Head of School Nancy Spencer

Monday, January 19
MLK Day of Service (NO SCHOOL)

Friday, January 30
ES Studio Performance

Thursday, February 5
International Festival

Friday, February 6
Shorecrest Movie Night

Friday, February 13
School Closed / Professional Development for Faculty

Monday, February 16
Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, February 18
Conference Day (NO SCHOOL Alpha-Grade 8)

ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2026-2027 General Calendar Published

The general calendar for the 2026-2027 school year is now published:

2026-2027 General Calendar

RSVP Your Attendance

Raising Financially Fit Kids: A Parent Education Morning with Joline Godfrey

Presented by Hancock Whitney Bank

Friday, January 9

9am | Ohana Room

Shorecrest is pleased to welcome Joline Godfrey, a nationally recognized leader in family financial education, for a special parent education session on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9am.

Joline Godfrey is the founder of Bounce10™, an innovation that makes financial parenting the secret sauce of financial education. Bounce10 gives families and industry leaders unique tools and support to make a meaningful transfer of values and legacy—not just financial assets.

Her launch of FISH™ tools - financial, intellectual, social and human capital - helps families shift from a mindset of scarcity prevention to abundance management. Her introduction of MoneyScore™ gives children a metric; a tool of their own which changes the way families discuss money within the family system. [View the MoneyScore Quick Check Worksheet]

This Ross Roeder Institute program is open to the entire Shorecrest parent community, with content most relevant for parents of children from infancy through sixth grade. Expectant parents, prospective families and alumni are also encouraged to attend.

Shorecrest Spirit Night!

Friday, January 9

Starting at 4:30pm | Athletic Center + Haskell Field

Join us for Shorecrest Spirit Night on Friday, January 9, with giveaways, food trucks, a bounce house, and photos with Sparky the Lightning Bolt. Kick off the new year as a community cheering on our Girls Varsity Chargers soccer and basketball teams!

Festivities begin at 4:30pm.
Girls Varsity Soccer starts at 5pm.
Girls Varsity Basketball starts at 6pm.
Halftime Competition during the basketball game sponsored by SPOCS Orthodontics starts around 6:45pm.

Don't miss the fun!

Shorecrest College Counseling Showcase

Tuesday, January 13

6pm | Virtual via Webex

All Shorecrest families are invited to the College Counseling Showcase on Tuesday, January 13 at 6pm.

During this virtual event you will hear from members of the College Counseling Office, college admissions representatives, and current Shorecrest students about the benefits of Shorecrest's comprehensive 4+ year college counseling program.

The presentation will highlight the current college admissions landscape and the process Shorecrest’s College Counseling Office utilizes to advise and guide students during the college search and admission process.

Join the Virtual Event

Charger Chat with Nancy Spencer

Friday, January 16

8:30am | Raymund Center

A monthly series of casual chats with Head of School Nancy Spencer. Held immediately following Lower School Town Meeting (roughly 8:30am) in the Raymund Center.

MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 19

No School for Students

The Shorecrest Black Student Union (BSU) asks you to save the date for the MLK Dream Big Parade on Monday, January 19.

More details to come.

Dads Night Out Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 29, 7:30pm at Whiskey Exchange, 540 Central Ave, St. Pete. This has become a favorite spot for the Dad's Night Out based on turnout. (They have more than just whiskey.)

Thursday, February 19, 7:30pm Dads Night Poker Tournament at Win! Derby Poker Room 10490 Gandy Blvd N., St. Pete. This is always a fun night and we raise money for the School while having a pretty good prize pool.

Cash only $80 buy-in at the cage - just tell them you are there for the Shorecrest Tournament
Rebuys until ~8:45pm to allow for more fun-raising
Derby Lane bar will be open before and after with tableside service
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can shuffle up and deal at 7:30

Inspire the Next Generation at Shorecrest Career Day!

We invite current Shorecrest families, alumni, and valued community friends to share their professional journey as a presenter at Shorecrest Career Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide in-person (and virtual) mentorship to our Upper School students by hosting a 45- minute breakout session on your career path, industry insights and universal skills (like work ethic and tenacity) that lead to success.

Career Day is Monday, April 13, from 8:30 - 3:30pm at Shorecrest

If you are interested in inspiring students and sharing your experience, please express your interest by completing a Speaker Interest Form.

DEADLINES & REMINDERS

Financial Aid for the 2026-2027 School Year - DEADLINE APPROACHING

The Financial Aid portal for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Past recipients who wish to continue receiving financial aid must reapply annually. All families interested in receiving financial aid must submit an application through FACTS, the external tool used by Shorecrest and many independent schools to determine need.

The application fee is $45 and supporting documentation is required including past year's W2s and tax returns. The application also includes a place to share your family's extenuating circumstances confidentially with the Financial Aid Committee. The deadline to apply for aid for the 2026-2027 school year is January 31, 2026.

Apply Now for 2026-2027 Financial Aid

New Student Applications to Shorecrest

Families who have students they wish to send to Shorecrest for the 2026-2027 school year who are not currently enrolled (e.g. younger siblings) now is the time to apply. The application deadline is February 1, in order to be considered for the first round of admissions decisions.

The re-enrollment process for students who are currently enrolled to commit to returning for the 2026-2027 school year is in February.

Apply Now

SCHOOL STORE HOURS

Shop the School Store for Shorecrest spiritwear, gifts, snacks, drinks and more!

Mon-Thurs 11:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Upcoming Special Event Hours -

January 9 - Spirit Night School Store Pop Up in the Athletic Center!
February 6 - Open for Movie Night
February 18 - Open 8:30am-4:30pm for Conference Day

Credit cards, checks, and Apple Pay accepted (sorry, no cash or SAGE accounts). Students under grade 9 must have parent/guardian present to purchase during the school day.