Letter from Dr. Bianco

Dear Lower School Families,

Homecoming Week is finally here! After an incredible start, highlighted by last week's spirited pep rally, we are ready to dive into a week dedicated to building our community and igniting school pride. We hope you caught the energy at the big game on Friday. This week is all about keeping that momentum going, creating lasting memories, and celebrating our traditions together.

Experiential and Lower Schools students can choose to dress in the themes provided below.

10/20 - Pajama Day
10/21 - Crazy Socks Day
10/22 - Fun Hair Day
10/23 - Favorite Sports Team T-Shirt Day
10/24 - Class Colors 

Class of 2034, 4th grade - red
Class of 2035, 3rd grade - purple
Class of 2036, 2nd grade - blue
Class of 2037, 1st grade -orange
Class of 2038, Kindergarten - red 

Upcoming Parent Presentations

Book Discussion (K-4)
Wednesday, October 22 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room

“Mental strength, or resilience, is the ability to adapt to challenges, regulate emotions, and perform effectively under pressure. This capacity depends on the physical well-being and functional integrity of the brain.”

"Raising Mentally Strong Kids" book club meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 8:10 in the Ohana room. See you there! RSVP to Lbianco@shorecrest.org.   

Unlocking Literacy: A Phonics Workshop (K & 1st Grade)
Thursday, October 23 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room

Kindergarten and first grade parents and caregivers should join Shorecrest Literacy Specialist, Kristin Silver and Assistant Head of Lower School, Sarah Palazzolo, for an interactive session focused on how children successfully learn to read.

We will provide a detailed overview of the research and specific methods behind our phonics instruction here at Shorecrest. You will gain practical insights as you participate in hands-on word work with letters and sounds, empowering you to better support your child’s development at home. See you Thursday 10/23, at 8:10am in the Ohana. RSVP to Sarah Palazzolo at SPalazzolo@Shorecrest.org. 

Article About The Threat of AI for Children

Check out this article about AI in our children’s lives: click here.

“Jonathan Haidt (author of Anxious Generation) warns that curbing the popularity of artificial intelligence will be harder. Haidt says AI has the power to make content so much more addictive.”

“If we don't get a handle on this now, then I think Gen Alpha and Gen Beta after them are just going to be completely lost in the most entertaining content ever created ,” Haidt says.

‘The consequences are already here.”  

Read the Full Article

Parents and Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, November 12

Parents and Teacher Conferences are around the corner, Wednesday, November 12. Thus, as we approach our first round of conferences this school year, I want to emphasize just how important these meetings are. Conferences provide a valuable opportunity for teachers and parents to connect and partner in supporting their child’s development.

Teachers will have sign up sheets posted on their Schoology page today. The School’s expectation is that everyone will sign up.

At the conference, your child’s teacher will ask you how you feel things are going and give you an update on your child’s academic progress, classroom behavior, and social interactions with peers. You’ll hear about friendships they are forming, their engagement in class, things they like to do, and how they’re navigating the school environment. (Teachers will discuss areas of strength and concern.) This time is truly about partnering; we want to ensure we’re working together to support your child in the most meaningful ways.

I encourage you to come to the conference with any questions or insights you may have. These conversations are designed to be collaborative, and your perspective is just as important as what’s observed in the classroom. Together, we can create the best possible experience for your child’s growth and success.

Schoology

Each week read your child’s teachers’ pages on Schoology to learn about what’s happening in the classroom. Read the Specialists' pages as well: Art, Music, STEAM, PE, Spanish, SEL and Library.

Final thoughts…

Our Second Grade students, working side-by-side with their teachers and Farmer Ray, brought new life to the outdoor classroom garden this week. The children truly embraced the hands-on process, showing incredible ownership as they prepared the soil, dug, planted seeds, and watered plants. The collective sense of accomplishment and pride they shared in tending to the garden was wonderful. We can't wait to watch their garden grow!

November Parent Presentations - 

Executive Functioning Skills in the Digital Age: How Parents Can Help Their Children (K-4)
Tuesday, November 4 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room

Have your child’s teachers ever talked to you about the skills of task completion, emotional regulation, handling transitions, organization, and following directions? Join Miriam in a discussion about the importance of executive functioning skills to success in school (and life) and how they are impacted in our digital age. Leave the presentation with practical suggestions and strategies to help your entire family and partner effectively with teachers. This parent presentation is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 8:10 in the Ohana Room. It will be led by Miriam Pardoll, Dean of Student Support Services for The Center for Academic Excellence and Student Well-Being. 

Mathematical Thinking and Development (2nd & 3rd Grade) 
Wednesday, November 19 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room 

Thank you to all who came for our parent workshop with Chase Piper, math consultant, coach, and educator. Mr. Piper shared a wonderful family site: mathathome.mathlearningcenter.org. Check it out.

Christine Oman, second grade teacher, and Jessica Ford, third grade teacher, will pick up where Chase left off; they will provide an overview of Bridges in Mathematics for grades 2 & 3 on Wednesday, November 19. Save the date and join us in the Ohana room at 8:10am. RSVP to LBianco@Shorecrest.org.

How to Order Yearbooks 

If you or your child would like a copy of the 2025-2026 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.)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Keynote Speaker: Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack” - Thursday, November 20 

Shorecrest is pleased to welcome keynote speaker and author Sam Demma to campus on Thursday, November 20 for three unique performances - one for Middle School students, one for Upper School students, and an evening event for all Shorecrest parents/guardians. 

A dynamic, high-energy performer known for his signature giant red backpack, Sam will guide students through his keynote “Empty Your Backpack,” a powerful message about overcoming fear, building resilience, and leading with empathy. Through stories, humor, and reflection, Sam encourages students to let go of what weighs them down and take small, consistent actions toward excellence and meaningful living.

Families are also invited to an evening parent session, “Lightening the Load: Helping Kids Build Resilience and Empathy,” where Sam explores how caring adults can help children navigate the pressures they carry and foster a family culture of understanding and connection.

Schedule of Events: 

10:35-11:35am: Upper School* Assembly Performance (also open to parents)
*Thursday, November 20 will NOT be a late start day

2:15-3:15pm: Middle School Assembly Performance (also open to parents)

6:30-7:30pm: Parent Evening Performance [RSVP here] 

Learn more about Sam Demma at samdemma.com/videos.  

Donor support for this opportunity was inspired by the Pyxis Fund. 

All-School Calendar

Lower School Contacts