Experiential School News

EXPERIENTIAL SCHOOL

2026-2027

Experiential School News - November 9, 2026

Letter from Mrs. Hollenbeck

Dear Experiential School Families,

It started as an ordinary Thursday lunch. The chicken dish was a hit, and children were happily coming back for seconds when a small yogurt spill occurred. In our dining routine, spills are rare.

Our young learners know expectations well and move through lunch with impressive independence. Naturally, I stepped into standard adult mode: move quickly, direct traffic, grab paper towels, and keep the routine flowing seamlessly.

Enter Theodore S., from Ms. Vicky and Ms. Gen’s JK class.

Having bonded earlier that morning over a conversation about singing and dancing, Theodore and I were already on the same wavelength. He paused, staring down at the white splash on the floor, while I gave him the classic adult "watch your step" look.

Theodore pointed to the spill and said, “It’s like your imagination!”

He was absolutely right. It looked just like a thought bubble floating on the floor. I wasn't fast enough to snap a picture, but his insight instantly stole the scene.

As adults, we train ourselves in fast efficiency, often tuning out the world's subtle details. Children, however, move with a rich, slow wonder. Theodore wasn't concerned with the mess; he was processing a symbol. He recognized that a cloud-shaped blob represents a speech or thought bubble, a clear sign of emerging literacy and a deep connection to the printed world.

Moments like these remind us how extraordinary a child's perception truly is. Before we blink, Theodore and his classmates will be reading entire books on their own in Kindergarten and beyond. Until then, grab some popcorn—watching their minds unpack the world is the best show in town.

Frozen Fun Friday Farewell

We would like to thank the cast, crew and production team of "Frozen JR." who joined us for Fun Friday Farewell for a wonderful sneak-a-peak of the beautiful musical. I was lucky enough to see the show on Saturday, and also see many of our ES students in attendance.

“Some people are worth melting for.”

Conferences

The teachers and I are looking forward to Wednesday, when you will have a chance to meet for Parents-Teachers conferences, giving you another chance to learn about your children and their time at The Experiential School. There is no school on this day.

Winter Clubs - Last Day for Registration

The Winter Club Catalog is available. Browse the offerings and see what your child will enjoy after school!

Monday, November 9 at 6pm: Club registration closes
Week of November 16: Winter clubs begin

For club policies, dismissal procedures, frequently asked questions, and the full three-season registration calendar, please visit:

Yearbook Photo Retakes Tuesday

Tuesday, November 10

Families should have received a link to view photos directly from Mr. KamraMan, the yearbook photographer. Purchases may be made online.

Every once in a while photographs from Picture Day do not come out well or students are absent on picture day. We will have picture retakes on Tuesday, November 10. A registration link for retakes was sent directly from Mr. KamraMan via email. You may also register for retakes here.

Don't worry about the time slot, teachers will know who to send and when, based on class schedules
If your student was absent they will be registered to be photographed on retake day automatically

Warmly,

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 -

November 9: Last day for Winter Clubs Registration

November 10: Yearbook photo retake day (Grades A-11)

November 11: Conference Day, no classes

November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break, School Closed

Class Representatives & Volunteering in ES

Click here to access more information about Volunteering at The Experiential School.

Kind Mouse Food Drive

The Lower School has kicked off their annual Food Drive supporting the Kind Mouse.

Led by our Lower School Student Council, in partnership with the Upper School Kind Mouse Service Club, this drive is an opportunity for our young students to put our mission of social responsibility into practice. By collecting food for children living in our local St. Pete community, our students learn empathy and discover that they can actively make a difference. The drive will run until Monday, November 23.

Most-needed items are:

Jars of baby food for the Mouse Babies distribution.
Vienna sausages, single-serving pasta, tuna pouches or Beanee Weenees.
Pudding cups, jello cups and single-serve peanut butter cups.
Granola bars, protein bars, and cracker packs (such as Lance).
Fruit snacks and individual size cereal.

As the children said at Lower School Town Meeting, “If each of us brought in at least one item a week we could feed hundreds of children.”

ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chargers Post-Season Play

On Thursday, November 12, the Chargers Cross Country boys team will compete in the Regional meet starting at 8:35am. The team will meet at 2402 Holloway Park Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803. Spectators should drive to 3050 Lakeland Highlands Road. Meet Information

Admission is $12. Parking is included in the ticket fee. Tickets may be purchased here. There will not be live streaming.

On Friday, November 13, the Chargers Swim team will compete in the State Championships starting at 9am at FAST - Florida Aquatics Swimming & Diving - 4635 SW 67th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474. Meet Information.

Admission is $14 for advance purchase and $17 on the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased at GoFan. Parking is included in the ticket fee. Gates open 60 min prior to each event.

Live streaming on NFHS

Community Committee on Inclusion

Please join us for a Community Committee on Inclusion meeting (formerly Community Committee on Diversity) on Wednesday, November 18 from 3:30-4:30pm in the Ohana Community Room, on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons. This group is open to all community members who are interested in learning more about and being a part of the diversity efforts at Shorecrest. It is also a forum for complex and engaging conversations around timely topics related to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Financial Aid for the 2027-2028 School Year

Applications open November 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027

The Financial Aid portal for the 2027-2028 school year opens November 1, 2026. 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 2027-2028 school year is January 31, 2027.

How to Order Yearbooks

If you or your child would like a copy of the 2026-2027 Crestviews Yearbook, which features the full Alpha-Grade 12 school, please place your online order using the link below. Yearbooks are $80. (Families of seniors do not need to order yearbooks. They are a part of the senior fee.)

Order Yearbooks

Shorecrest Performing Arts Presents “Parody This"

Shorecrest Performing Arts presents "Parody This!" on November 12 and 13 at 7pm in the Janet Root Theatre.

"Parody This!" is a seriously unserious ode to theatre, classic literature... and bananas.

Have you ever wondered what the classic story of Oedipus would be like if it were done...on ice? Or what the beloved play "Twelve Angry Men" would look like if it were performed by one woman? Or what would happen if Dr. Frankenstein opened a shop in the mall? You’ve never wondered any of these things? Well, that’s okay. You don’t have to - because the fearless writers of "Parody This!" have answered these completely inane questions and more in a madcap, whirlwind show.

Get Tickets

SCA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Electric Fall Festival - Saturday, November 14

Join us for the second annual Electric Fall Festival presented by Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation on Saturday, November 14, 5–8pm on campus. Enjoy an electric evening of fun for the whole family featuring music, games and activities for all ages!

Event Tickets

Each $20 ticket includes ALL activities: bounce houses (for both big & little kids), a DJ & dance party, mini golf, bowling, crafts, animal encounters, bubble show, face painting, Glow fun from Great Explorations - and more!
Tickets also include pizza from the Colony Grill food truck, and a frozen sweet treat from Andy’s Frozen Custard!
NEW this year, a MS Lounge in the Middle School Quad.
Food trucks will also be on site with delicious dinner options available for purchase.

Get Tickets

Volunteers Needed

Can you help with check-in, raffles, or the bounce house? This is a great opportunity for Middle and Upper School parents to volunteer so parents of little ones can hold tiny hands through the event.

See Open Shifts

Poinsettias Still Available

SCA is offering gorgeous, large Poinsettias with optional bows. Enjoy show-stopping, festive flowers with bold, green foliage. Each Poinsettia is potted in a 10” container wrapped in gold foil, ready to grow tall and luscious plants.

Orders must be placed by Monday, November 30.
Orders will be available for pick up on campus from Thursday, December 3 - Monday, December 7, from 8am to 4pm.
For larger orders, questions or technical difficulties, please contact Shorecrest Greenery at greenery@shorecrest.org.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Order early - these always sell out!

SCA Greenery Details

SCA Holiday Wrap & Sip Masterclass

Elevate Your Gift Wrapping This Holiday Season! In a 2-hour, hands-on workshop you will master the secrets to crisp edges, flawless folds and the perfect Tiffany bow. Your $35 ticket includes expert step-by-step instruction and all wrapping materials, plus holiday nibbles and mocktails. Space is limited to ensure a cozy experience. We will meet on Tuesday, December 8 from 12-2pm in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons. Secure your spot today!

Diwali Lunch

Shorecrest's International Connection is hosting a Diwali lunch on Thursday, November 12 at 12pm at the authentic Indian restaurant, Lajawab Indian Cuisine, located at 2705 54th Ave N, St. Pete. Everyone is responsible for ordering off the menu for themselves.

There is limited seating so please only RSVP if you can commit, and if your plans change please release the spot for someone else.

RSVP for Lunch

SCA Moms Night Out

Thursday, December 3, 7-9pm
at the Copper Shaker 169 1st Ave N, downtown St. Pete

Step away from the holiday hustle - and step into a night of celebration at SCA's Holiday Moms Night Out! Before the peak of the busy season it's time to dress up and enjoy a night out at Copper Shaker with festive cheer, great cocktails and even better company.

Your $30 ticket includes:

Two artisanal holiday cocktails crafted to kick off the celebration
A curated selection of delicious hot and cold savory bites

Please note tickets are non-refundable.

Get Your Ticket

The Shorecrest School Store has cool weather needs for the whole family: mock necks, jackets, hoodies, long sleeve shirts, blankets and more. Stop by and see what's in store!

School Store Hours

Mon-Thurs: 11am-4:30pm
Fri: 8am-4pm

Special Hours:

November 11 / Conference Day: 8am-4
Electric Fall Festival

The School Store is cash-free; credit cards, checks, and Apple Pay accepted. Students under grade 9 must have parent/guardian present to purchase during the school day.