Letter from Mrs. Hollenbeck

Twas the Day of the Puppets

'Twas the day of the show, and all through the school,

Not a student was stirring, which was quite the new rule.

The rod marionettes, carved with great Czech care,

By good Mrs. Hollenbeck, hung in the air.

The teachers were gathered, dressed up for the stage,

To turn the familiar three pigs tale to a page.

Ms. Trayer wrote the whole thing and directed the play,

Hoping the Wolf wouldn't ruin the day.

The voices were ready: Ms. Ginger and Vicky,

Ms. Alyssa, and Ms. Corinne (the narrator so tricky).

Ms. Jessy stood by, instruments with a gleam,

in charge of the foley and sound effects stream.

And good Ms. Dee helped to handle the tech, 

Ensuring the mics would not give them a wreck. 

With levels all set and the speakers on cue, 

She made sure the music would perfectly do.

Then out on the carpet there rose such a clatter,

As students built houses, which was quite the matter!

With foam and Magnatiles and blocks made of wood,

The Alpha and JK students built just as they should.

The puppeteers worked with great skill and such grace,

Mrs. Hollenbeck, Ms. Cat, then Ms. Markunas set pace,

With Mrs. Beggins beside them, their hands fast and fleet,

Moving the pigs' little paws and their feet.

The JK backdrops were bright and so bold,

But the twist in the story had yet to unfold!

For the Wolf, when he came, he did not huff and puff,

He explained to the pigs that the noise was enough!

"I just like the ruckus!" the big bad Wolf cried,

"Not to damage your dwellings, I truly confide!"

They shook his big hand, quite amazed at his plea,

And accepted his pardon with great jubilee.

The pigs' little frowns turned to smiles, wide and deep,

While the quiet Wolf promised the friendship to keep.

And I heard the narrator shout, as they started to jam—

Now they've formed a great band, and they're all playing, ma'am!"

---

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and we are looking forward to the busy weeks ahead.

We continue being thankful for your trust and for this partnership.

Sincerely,

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 1
Holiday Gift Drive Kick-off

Wednesday, December 3
SCA Moms Holiday Night Out
One Night Only: MS & US Thespians Showcase

Friday, December 5
Charger Chat with Nancy Spencer

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 30
ES Studio Performance

SAVE THE DATES:

ES STUDIO PERFORMANCE
Friday, January 30, 2026, in the Janet Root Theatre, 8:30-9:30am
All ES students will perform.

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, 2026, 5:30-7pm
  ES Art Exhibit Vernissage in The Mike Murphy Experiential School building
  This event is exclusive for Alpha and JK students and their parents.
  Small bites will be provided by SAGE Dining Services.
  Before Winter Break the Administration will send an RSVP to confirm attendance.

• March 12 and 13 during school hours
  ES Art Exhibit
  Shorecrest community, family and friends are welcome

Volunteers Needed - Holiday Gift Drive, Greenery

Shorecrest volunteer needs can also be found by clicking Volunteer Info on the menu here, or on the Shorecrest Parent App. 

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