Letter from Dr. Bianco

Dear Lower School Families,

Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony - Wednesday, May 20 

Fourth grade students will be honored at our Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30am in the Janet Root Theatre. This will be a simple, heartfelt gathering of teachers, family and friends to celebrate our students’ journey and wish them well as they transition to Middle School. Following the event please join us for a small reception in the Weiss Family Pavilion.

Last Town Meeting, Friday May 22

At our last Town Meeting this Friday we will be saying goodbye to faculty who are leaving as well as our wonderful fourth grade students who will be moving up to the MS next year. You are welcome to join us.

Progress Reports and ePortfolios

In early June you will receive access to your child’s final progress report and ePortfolio. I suggest you print the progress report out, find a quiet space, and read it aloud with your child. The comments are written in the form of a letter and addressed to the child. I would also put the report somewhere special to refer back to in the future. 

Summer 

Summer is a wonderful time for curiosity to flourish. Visit museums, cook a new recipe together, go to the library, stargaze, plant a garden, or write some books. Reading every day should be the norm. It is so important that we get kids off of devices. Please limit screen time. Let them be bored and do something creative or hand them a book and some writing or art materials. 

What Place Does AI Really Have in an Elementary School?

I recently read the article, "What Will it Take to Get A.I. Out of Our Schools?" One of the people interviewed was Dr. Immordino-Yang (Chair in Humanistic Psychology; Director, USC Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education; Professor of Education, Psychology, and Neuroscience at the Brain & Creativity Institute and Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California; and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Education). Fifteen years ago Dr. Immordino-Yang was a guest speaker at Shorecrest. She is brilliant. 

[See attached article about AI in the Elementary classroom.]

A Note From Senora Jaime-Allwood

First and Second graders are ending the year in such a beautiful and joyful way, celebrating all the Spanish they have learned with so much confidence and excitement! Our second grade students proudly performed their “Baila Baila Hispanoamérica” show, bringing together dancing, singing, culture and Spanish in a truly unforgettable celebration. Watching them learn, dance and speak Spanish with such enthusiasm made this performance the perfect grand finale for my second graders!

It has also been incredible to watch both first and second grade students grow so much in their Spanish speaking skills throughout the year. Their confidence, joy, and starting to develop their ability to communicate in Spanish continue to shine brighter every day, and I could not be prouder of all they have accomplished as young language learners. Enjoy these videos!

First Grade
https://padlet.com/ejaime_allwood/la-ropa-1st-grade-ztwk4tic1gc1420s

Second Grade
https://padlet.com/ejaime_allwood/la-ropa-pd05kw85j1egveqm

Fun Days

LS Student Council suggested we have some fun days starting the week of May 18:

• Tuesday, May 19: Dress out of uniform day

• Wednesday, May 20: Bring a small stuffed animal to school day (must be able to fit in your backpack)

• Thursday, May 21: Dress as your favorite book character, teacher or coach 

• Friday, May 22: Spirit Wear day

Lost & Found

Please check our Lost & Found. Remaining items will be donated after school ends.

Final Thoughts…

With just one more newsletter to go, I will soon provide important dates for your calendar alongside where to access summer reading lists and grade-level supply requirements for the upcoming school year. As soon as this year wraps up, Sarah, Marcia and I will shift our focus entirely to ordering, planning, and preparing for the next one. (We are in the office throughout the summer.) It has been a wonderful year and I am genuinely sad to see it end, but after taking a little respite, we will all be ready to head right back into our school routines. Thank you for everything. I am grateful for your continued support.

With appreciation,

Lisa 

Dr. Lisa Bianco

Head of Lower School

lbianco@shorecrest.org  

727-456-7518

Mark Your Calendars - 

Wednesday, May 20
Fourth grade moving up ceremony

Monday, May 25
Memorial Day, School Closed

Wednesday, May 27
Last day of school, early dismissal

All-School Calendar

Lower School Contacts