Experiential School News

EXPERIENTIAL SCHOOL

2026-2027

Experiential School News - August 31, 2026

Letter from Mrs. Hollenbeck

Dear Experiential School Families,

To wonder at each thing is the first step of reason towards discovery.
Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895)

Some pairings are simply elemental: peanut butter and chocolate, movies and popcorn, children and clay. There is something deeply instinctual about a child reaching for raw earth: a messy, tactile encounter that echoes our earliest origins, when shaping our world began with physical curiosity and open hands.

Children and clay share a rare, dynamic rhythm. Both are fluid, resilient, and endlessly adaptable, brimming with the potential to transform on a whim. Clay meets young learners at every level: a tiny chunk invites delicate, focused exploration, while a massive block demands strong muscles and whole-body energy.

The true magic lies in the unscripted dialogue between the child and the material. Clay is both a supportive medium and a playful provoker. It speaks back, pushes the narrative in unexpected directions, and encourages continuous reinvention. When the clay shifts, the child listens, adapting their story in real time. Because this creative process has no fixed script or final destination, it values the child’s agency and imagination above all else.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - September 1 at 7pm

We will start Back To School Night in the Janet Root Theatre, followed by class presentations in your child’s classroom, led by the teachers. We are looking forward to seeing you! The event is for adults only.

Carline Notes

Thank you for adjusting so well to our carline protocol.

Here are a few extra reminders:

Please keep your dashboard sign VISIBLE until your child is brought to you. Cars are different so it is important that you place it where we can see. If you can put it on the windshield, secured by the visor, we all can see it and it will expedite the process.
As much as we understand that sometimes parents wish for a quick update, we ask that you do not get into the habit of expecting a chat during carline. You are welcome to reach out to teachers by email if you have any questions. They will reach out to you as well.
Some teachers mentioned that there are families with an after school snack routine during carline. We understand that children might appreciate that, but we ask that you don’t slow the flow due to needing to unwrap packages, etc.

There can be a domino effect with these seemingly insignificant carline details, and we want to share the reasons behind our practices to keep carline running smoothly for everyone.

We appreciate you so much for your cooperation and continued support.

Picture Day - ES & LS - Wednesday, September 2

Students, faculty and staff are photographed annually for the Crestviews yearbook. School picture day for students in Alpha - 4th grade is on Wednesday, September 2.

Parents will receive a link to digital proofs for ordering. A retake day opportunity will be available, date TBD.

SAGE Dining

Families can access Shorecrest’s Lunch Menu through our website or through the Shorecrest app.

Important Information Regarding Playground Use and Campus Tidiness

Dr. Bianco, ES/LS teachers and I need to share some important information regarding the use of our campus playgrounds and to kindly request your cooperation in maintaining our shared spaces.

First and foremost we all want to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our students. Please be aware that the Lower School playground, located across from the Mike Murphy ES building, has been specifically designed for our older Lower School students. The recreational equipment on this playground is not suited for children of the size and age of our Experiential School students. For their safety and to prevent any potential injuries, we respectfully ask that Experiential School students use their designated playground areas, which are appropriately designed for their developmental stage.

Additionally, we understand that many of our half-day children enjoy playing in the sandboxes located around campus. We love seeing them engage in creative play! To help us keep all our campus spaces neat and organized for everyone, we kindly request that parents assist their children in picking up any toys when they are finished playing in any sandbox - balls or other toys. We also ask that families respect the space during Lower School outdoor times as meant just for those classes - while the “big kids” are running around it presents a risk to the little ones.

Working together as a community to tidy up and be safe helps ensure our campus remains welcoming for all. Your understanding and cooperation in these matters are greatly appreciated as we strive to create the best possible environment for all our students.

Shorecrest Student Babysitters List

We are sharing a new list of Upper School students who have opted into a list of babysitters. Please keep their information password-protected and only shared with Shorecrest families. The list is also linked on the bottom of the ES, LS and MS Parent Pages, and in the ES, LS and MS menus of the Shorecrest App.

Potty Proficiency Reminder

The Experiential School is not licensed for diapering or potty training. Because of this we are unable to provide the health and safety needs required by the state for potty training assistance. Students in our program must be fully potty trained. We understand that accidents do happen, but for your child to be considered "potty proficient" they need to be able to accomplish the following to remain in The Experiential School:

Your child knows when they have to “go”.
Your child can “go” when you take them.
Your child can pull down and up the simplest clothing.
Your child can wipe after toileting with some accuracy.
Your child rarely, if ever, has a potty accident.
Your child is comfortable going to the bathroom without a parent.
Your child does not have potty accidents while sleeping.

To meet and maintain our program's stringent licensing requirements for student health and safety, students who have a pattern of accidents without improvement may be required to go on a reduced schedule or take a sabbatical from The Experiential School to work on potty training. The school keeps track of this data, which is managed through daily communication with the families. A meeting will be scheduled to determine the steps forward in case a student demonstrates they are not yet meeting the requirements.

However, this is not only an issue of our school’s potty proficiency policy; it is also a licensing conflict. We are licensed by the Pinellas County Licensing Board and our program is not licensed to diaper; this means we do not have the required facilities for laundering soiled clothing or diapering children, and are not licensed to wipe/wash children ourselves. Because of this, we cannot accommodate excessive bathroom accidents as they pose a health and safety risk to your child, to the staff, and to the other children in the program.

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 -

Tuesday, September 1: ES Back to School Night

Wednesday, September 2: Yearbook Picture Day

Monday, September 7: Labor Day - School Closed

Wednesday, September 9: College Counseling Meet & Greet

Class Representatives & Volunteering at The Experiential School

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

ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2025-2026 Annual Report

Each year, this report gives us an opportunity to recognize the many donors and sponsors whose generosity strengthens Shorecrest. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chose to support our community this past year and proud to celebrate the collective generosity that makes so much possible.

View the Annual Report

Welcome New Faculty & Staff

We are excited to announce new additions and changes to our faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

Meet the Team

Get to Know the CCO!

CCO is the College Counseling Office at Shorecrest. Through an individualized approach, Students are coached to find a best match college or university that meets their needs, interests and expectations. In addition to one-on-one guidance and a strong network of connections with colleges, the CCO is also equipped with Cialfo, software designed specifically for research, organization, and communication during the college admissions process.

All Shorecrest parents/guardians are invited to learn more at these upcoming events:

College Counseling Meet and Greet - Wednesday, September 9, 9:15-10:15am in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons
First Year Foundation - Tuesday, September 15, 6pm in the Janet Root Theatre. Geared towards families of the Class of 2030.
The Shorecrest Advantage: Exploring Shorecrest Upper School - virtual on October 14, 7pm (more details to come)
Sophomore Strategies - January 12, 2027, 6pm in the JRT (more details to come)
CCO Showcase & Lunch and Learn Webinar Series - January 27, February 24, March 24 (more details to come)

Download the Shorecrest Parent app

All families have free access to the Shorecrest Parent app via the App Store and Google Play. The Shorecrest Parent app allows families to access all of their FACTS Family Portal information, including a family directory, schedules, billing information, and more. The Shorecrest app is also a hub for Monday Division Heads Letters, Shorecrest News archives and all-school emails, lunch information, links to documents like Handbooks and curriculum guides, and more.

Download the App

Shorecrest Communications 101

SCA ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCA Mahjong Morning

Thursday, September 3, 9am at Bay Club Women's Boutique, 4401 4th Street N, St. Pete.

Beginner lessons and open play available. The link will take you to the instructor's calendar. Select September 3 and there will be 2 events to pick from. Proceeds benefit SCA! RESERVE TODAY

Dads Night Out new date!

Get together with fellow Shorecrest Dads to kick-off the new school year & NFL season! Nothing fancy, everyone buys their own drinks and such. The intent is to provide an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other in a casual and social setting.

Thurssday, September 10 at 7pm at Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Ave, St. Pete

RSVP to Wes Watkins at shorecrestdads@shorecrest.org. Not a school-sponsored event.

SCA Volunteer Info Breakfast

Learn how YOU can get involved with SCA this year. Coffee and lite bites provided!

Friday, September 11 at 8am in the MS/US Dining Room, Charger Commons.

Grandparent Gathering - Pizza Night!

Calling all Shorecrest Grandparents! The Grandparent Gatherings group invites you to enjoy an informal evening to connect with fellow grandparents, make new friends, and share the joy of your grandchild’s journey at Shorecrest.

Wednesday, September 16, 4:30pm at Colony Grill, 670 Central Ave, downtown St. Pete

Please RSVP by Friday, September 11, to Sarah Heibein, Associate Director of Advancement-Community Partnerships at sheibein@shorecrest.org.

International Connections Coffee Meetup

Friday, September 18, 8:15am at Foxtail Coffee Co. 730 4th St N.

Shorecrest's International Connection (I.C.) is hosting a coffee meet up after morning drop-off. Open to all parents/guardians, grandparents, faculty and staff interested in international culture and cultural enrichment, including families who were born outside the US, who have spent time living abroad, who speak different languages at home or simply have an interest in this topic.

SCA Moms Night Out

Wednesday, September 30 7-9pm at The Mandarin Hide: 231 Central Ave N, St. Pete.

Limited tickets available, click to get your today!

SCA Soiree: Game. Set. Soiree!

presented by Mann Orthodontics

Saturday, September 19, 7-11pm at St. Pete Athletic

Serve up the new school year in style at this year’s SCA Soiree: Game. Set. Soiree! presented by Mann Orthodontics on Saturday, September 19, 7–11pm at St. Pete Athletic. You are cordially invited to an evening inspired by timeless country club charm, classic tennis traditions, and the spirit of our SCA community. Early bird pricing ends September 2!

Attire: Country club chic with a tennis-inspired twist. Think polished cocktail attire in crisp whites, classic greens, timeless burgundy, and collegiate navy. Tailored dresses, sport coats, blazers, pleated skirts, chic jumpsuits, loafers, and statement accessories are all welcome. Stay tuned for exclusive Shorecrest shopping opportunities with our official Styling Sponsor, Bay Club Women’s Boutique!

Get Tickets

School Store Hours

11am-4:30pm M-Th; 8am-4pm Fri

Visit the School Store to find Spirit Wear for the whole family, including PE clothes, joggers, T-shirts, plus snacks and drinks!

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.