Letter from Dr. Bianco

Dear Lower School Families,

As we approach the final days of the school year, I want to take a moment to look back on what an incredible and rewarding year it has been. As I shared with the children on Friday, if they look back at who they were as learners at the beginning of the year – what they knew and were able to do – and compare it to what they know and can do now, they will see their remarkable growth. Challenges are a natural part of the school journey, but our students persist, persevere, and truly grow from those experiences. 

None of your child’s success would be possible without our dedicated and talented teachers and staff, and your unwavering support, partnership and encouragement. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such an essential part of our community. It has been a privilege.

Tomorrow all Lower School students may wear Shorecrest Spirit Wear to school.

Progress Reports

On June 4, you will gain access to your child’s final progress report. Because the comments are written in the form of a letter addressed directly to your child, I encourage you to find a quiet space to read this letter aloud with your child. Afterward, consider saving the report somewhere special so you can both look back on it and celebrate their growth in the years to come.

Keep an Eye Out: Student E-Portfolios Coming!

Check your student’s bag today for a special QR code! Please save this code in a safe place, as it is the ticket to accessing your child’s completed Seesaw ePortfolio beginning June 4. These portfolios offer a window into the classroom and are a wonderful way to reflect on the school year and your student’s academic growth. Click here to read a letter regarding SeeSaw e-Portfolios. More information to come on June 4. Note you will not be able to access these portfolios after June 30, 2026.

Upcoming Dates

Now that we are going into the summer, mark your calendars with a few important summer dates:

• Wednesday, May 27: Summer packets (summer reading, school supplies, etc.) will be shared through Shorecrest News 

• Thursday, June 4: Access to progress reports and e-portfolios

• Mid-July: Summer letters from Shorecrest will be sent to families 

• August 8-11: Students will receive a letter from their new classroom teacher and a letter to sign-up for Listening Conferences

• Monday and Tuesday, August 17 & 18: in person Listening Conferences (save those dates - there are no make-up days) 

• Wednesday, August 19: First Day of School. Early Dismissal (11:45am)

• Thursday, August 27: Back to School Night at 7pm. ADULTS ONLY.

Lessons on Financial Literacy in the Lower School, by Ilaria Belloni

Kindergarten learners are already becoming savvy spenders! We have introduced the concepts of earning money and making "smart choices" when working with limited resources. To highlight the connection between effort and earning, students are receiving "coins" from their teachers for their hard work and helpful behavior, which they are proudly storing in their piggy banks. They will have the opportunity to use these savings at the Kindergarten Store on May 26! In addition to shopping for small toys, students can choose to donate a penny to a charity or contribute to the Kindergarten "bank." These options teach the vital lesson of balancing personal spending with saving for the future and giving back to those in need.

Third graders began financial exploring by learning about "three buckets" of money management: Save, Spend, and Share. We specifically focused on the "savings bucket," brainstorming creative ways to combat the effects of inflation. To put these habits into practice, students stepped into the role of Investment Managers, overseeing a virtual $10,000 portfolio. They strategically allocated their funds across savings accounts, real estate, stocks, and even new business ventures. It was inspiring to hear the students articulate why they made their investment choices. They showed a level of thoughtfulness that would impress any financial advisor!

Summer is a wonderful time to relax, but it’s also a great opportunity for students to practice their new skills at home. Whether it’s helping with extra chores to earn a small allowance, re-organizing their "money buckets," or even launching a lemonade stand with friends, there are so many ways to keep that entrepreneurial spirit alive! We also encourage you to visit local kids' markets to help boost their creativity and financial confidence over the break.

Lost & Found

Please check our Lost & Found. Sweatshirts, glasses, water bottles - oh my! Remaining items will be donated after school ends.

Dress Up Days

Dress up days were fun. Sloan dressed as Dr. Bianco and she presented her project on sustainability:

Final Thoughts…

Every year brings its own unique and special experiences. You can feel confident that we will continue to build on the individual achievements of your child and the collective growth of our learning community. Our unwavering commitment to child-centered, empowering education remains at the heart of all we do. We strive to ensure that every student not only succeeds academically but also develops the knowledge, skills, values, and habits of mind necessary to thrive as capable and confident lifelong learners and compassionate, engaged citizens.

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. (Check out “Digital Delusion” or “Anxious Generation.”) Let them be bored and do something creative or hand them a book and some writing or art materials. 

Tomorrow is the last day of school with early dismissal. Watch for a special Shorecrest News tomorrow with summer info & updates! (Parents of 4th graders, remember to read the Middle School / 5th grade details for next year.)

I wish you and your family a safe, happy, and wonderfully relaxing summer break! See you in August!

Lisa 

Dr. Lisa Bianco

Head of Lower School

lbianco@shorecrest.org  

727-456-7518

New Multi-Factor Authentication Requirement for your FACTS Account 

Beginning May 27, 2026, FACTS will require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all non-student users when logging into their online account to access FACTS SIS. This new security process will be implemented for access via a website or through the Shorecrest app.

FACTS recommends that all users utilize a free authenticator app, such as Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator -- OR receive an authentication email containing a unique code when logging in. Your current username is your unique email address on file with Shorecrest.

Many of you are already familiar with the MFA process from accessing the FACTS Financial portal.

If you have any questions related to the process, please see this attachment or contact FACTS at 1-866-441-4637.

All-School Calendar

Lower School Contacts