Letter from Mrs. Hollenbeck

Winter Market 2025

Last week the Experiential School students participated in one of our favorite annual traditions—and a very special learning experience: our annual Winter Market was held on Wednesday, December 10, on the Experiential School Playground. Over the last few weeks our students have worked diligently creating one-of-a-kind crafts to stock the market.

Using their Monopoly dollars, students were able to shop, deposit money into a "bank," and donate to a charity. The goal was to expose them to the concepts of value and making choices with money, all while reinforcing the hard work and effort that goes into making something of value.

Our children had a successful day of creativity and commerce!

We would like to thank Ms. Ilaria, from the Ross Roeder Institute, and all the parent volunteers who worked so hard to make this event extra special.

Early Dismissal Reminder

Experiential School has an Early Dismissal on Friday, November 19. All students will be dismissed at 11:30am from carline.

A Note from Ms. Corinne & The Auxiliary Team

A festive reminder from the Auxiliary Department that this Friday, 12/19, is a scheduled Early Dismissal and there will be no Extended Day Care for students or faculty children. This is not a schedule change—just a quick note before we head into the holidays.

Thank you for planning ahead, and we wish you all a joyful, restful holiday break! 

A Note from Ms. Trayer regarding Performance Attire 

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

Key Guidelines for All Performers

• Please choose fun, vibrant, and festive clothing! Think comfortable holiday party or celebration attire.

• Comfort is Key: It is essential that all clothes 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.

Grade-Level 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

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

Fun Friday Farewell

Thank you, Ms. Jessica Taylor and her Tiny Ballerinas for another wonderful performance. It was a Fun Friday Farewell to remember.

Winter Break

We have reached the half point of this school year and it’s hard to believe that not that long ago we were welcoming new families to our Experiential School community. For some of you, in another half year you will be getting ready to send your child to Kindergarten.

It sure goes fast.

The Experiential School team and I wish you a wonderful Winter Break, in hopes you continue celebrating all milestones and making the best memories with friends and family.

We will see you all in the new year!

Kindly,

Adriana & The Experiential School Team

Adriana Portella Hollenbeck

Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay

ahollenbeck@shorecrest.org 

727-456-7541

Mark Your Calendars - 

Monday, December 15
Pajama Day

Tuesday, December 16
Fun Hat Day

Wednesday, December 17
Book Character Day (No overwhelming Halloween costumes, please. Children will wear these clothes all day and should be safe, comfortable, and able to use the restroom independently.)

Thursday, December 18
Ugly Sweater

Friday, December 19
Fun Friday Farewell Celebration / Countdown Party - Children and teachers dress fancy/festive in gold, white or silver;
Early Dismissal 

Monday, December 22
Winter Break (through January 4)

Monday, January 5
Return to School

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

Friday, January 30
ES Studio Performance

Re-enrollment for Current Students

Re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year at Shorecrest will take place February 2-16, 2026. This is the time during which currently enrolled families with students who are eligible to return for the 2026-2027 school year are asked to complete their re-enrollment contracts and pay a non-refundable tuition deposit. This deposit and contract hold your child’s seat for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Re-enrollment is completed through the FACTS Family Portal. New this year, re-enrollment packets will be assigned by family (not by student), meaning that families with multiple children re-enrolling at Shorecrest will have fewer steps to complete the re-enrollment process. 

All-School Calendar

Experiential School Contacts