Letter from Dr. Bianco

Dear Lower School Families,

This coming Wednesday, August 20, marks the official beginning of our 2025-2026 school year, and we couldn't be more delighted to welcome you all (come rain, or shine)!

Our teachers are brimming with anticipation to meet and get to know each of their new students. Magic is in the air! We can only imagine the excitement building in your children as they look forward to reuniting with classmates, making new friends, saying hello to their former teachers, and of course, forming connections with their new teachers.

We are thrilled to partner with you in creating an enriching and impactful learning experience for your children. We're starting off the week with Listening Conferences today, Monday, August 18. and tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19. These fifteen minute, in-person intake conferences are a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with you and for you to share insights about your child. Your child may also come, say hello to the teacher, drop off their supplies, and practice arrival procedures.

To ensure a smooth and gentle transition, both Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, will be early dismissal days (dismissal at 11:45am) with Friday, August 22, being our first full day of school. This gradual start allows everyone to ease back into the routine at a comfortable pace. 

Morning Drop-Off

Lower School children are dropped off at Charger Blvd. (Pratt Blvd. if they have Experiential School siblings.) I will be out on Charger Blvd. in the morning along with faculty and staff to greet you and the children. Do not let your children exit until adults are in place to supervise morning arrival (7:30am) – this includes patrols. 

First through fourth grade children may get out of the car on their own when the car is stopped. Students must exit their vehicles on the left side closest to our sidewalk (it is not safe for students to get out on the right side). Shorecrest faculty and staff will open the car doors predominantly for kindergarten children. There will be fourth grade patrols and faculty and staff members to help walk kindergarten students to the playground or classrooms, and to help direct new students. Adults - please don’t get out of the car. If your child needs help, just let us know. 

After your child closes the door, watch them walk ahead of you before driving off. Then use your car signal to move into the right lane for exit. 

Afternoon Pick-up 

On Wednesday and Thursday, August 20 and 21, Lower School dismisses at 11:45am. 

Special note to families of Lower Schoolers with Middle School siblings - Middle School is hosting a Locker Luau event from 12-1pm on Wednesday, August 20 that includes parents. If your Lower School child is carpooling with their Middle School sibling on Wednesday, a teacher will bring the LS siblings down to the MS Sher & Razook Center Breezeway. Please pick up your LS student at the Breezeway before attending the Locker Luau. 

Name Tags in Car Windows for Pick-up

At Listening Conferences tell your child’s teacher who will be picking up your child for the first three days of school. Whoever is picking your child up needs to have the name tag given to you at Listening Conferences in the window. Tucked behind the driver’s visor is best.

Medical Papers and Online Forms

Online forms and your child’s medical papers need to be completed. Medical forms can be turned into the Lower School office or to the school nurse, Donna Conroy, in the Clinic. 

Special Dates to Put on Your Calendar

Thursday, August 28

Back to School Night, 7pm in the Janet Root Theatre. Adults only.

Monday, September 1

No School - Labor Day 

Wednesday, September 3

Picture Day: Alpha - Grade 4

Note to returning families: due to our longtime yearbook photographer's retirement, we have a new photographer and new process for ordering yearbook photos. There are no paper forms or proofs to return. Photos will be shared via email directly from the photographer with a link to purchase online. 

Thursday, September 11

Kindergarten Parent presentation: “Supporting Your Child’s Early Literacy Development.” Presented by Kristin Silver and Sarah Palazzolo. Starting at 8:15am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons.

Tuesday, September 16 

Third and fourth grade parent presentation: “ERB Testing: Understand our school’s standardized testing and what this means for your child.” Presented by Sarah Palazzolo and Mandy Howell. Starting at 8:15am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons. 

Final Thoughts…

Our Mission is to educate a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence. This mission is the very core of our existence, guiding everything we do. As we embark on this new journey, we want to reiterate our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within our learning community. At the heart of our school's excellence is the deep belief that when students feel a sense of belonging, are challenged with care and support, and see purpose in their work, they truly rise to do great things. An education of excellence begins with the Lower School’s supportive and engaging school culture.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to all our teachers and associate teachers. They have put so much love and time into creating beautiful learning environments and preparing lessons. Their remarkable commitment and dedication to delivering teaching excellence is evident in everything they do. 

It is an honor and a privilege to be part of your child's life. I look forward to partnering with you and watching your children flourish at Shorecrest. It is going to be a fantastic school year!

How are the children? All the children are well.

With great appreciation,

Lisa 

Dr. Lisa Bianco

Head of Lower School

lbianco@shorecrest.org  

727-456-7518

Carline Safety and Reminders

After School Clubs - Registration Opens Thursday, August 21

Clubs are offered for Experiential and Lower School students with a variety of themes per session to keep students active and engaged after the school day is over. There are four six-week sessions offered throughout the year. Session 1 clubs begin on Tuesday, September 2. Preview the After School Clubs catalog here. 

Clubs will be available for Alpha students beginning in session 2 (October). It is important for Alpha students to have the time to adjust to their new teachers, friends, and school routines first in order to receive the greatest benefit from their experience. If you require after school care, please register for Extended Day! Extended Day mirrors and extends the school day in a way that helps maintain this consistency for our youngest Chargers.

Registration opens Thursday, August 21 at 6pm for After School Clubs: https://shorecrest.campbrainregistration.com

Clubs fill up quickly, so mark your calendar to register! 

[KINDERGARTEN] Parent Presentation: Supporting Your Child's Early Literacy Development - September 11

Join us on Thursday, September 11 for a Kindergarten Parent presentation: “Supporting Your Child’s Early Literacy Development.” Presented by Literacy Specialist Kristin Silver and Assistant Head of Lower School Sarah Palazzolo. 

The event begins at 8:15am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons.

[3rd & 4th Grade] Parent Presentation: ERB Testing Info Session - September 16

Join us on Tuesday, September 16 for a third and fourth grade parent presentation: “ERB Testing: Understand our school’s standardized testing and what this means for your child.” Presented by Assistant Head of Lower School Sarah Palazzolo and ERB Coordinator Mandy Howell. 

The event begins at 8:15am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons. 

Dads Night Out, August 27

Shorecrest Dads are invited to a casual meetup on Wednesday, August 27, 7:30–9:30pm at Three Birds Tavern, 1492 4th St N, St. Pete.

Dads Night Out holds informal get togethers most months, usually at the end of the month at 7:30pm at a local bar. Nothing fancy, these are not school-sponsored events. The intent is to provide an opportunity for dads to get to know each other in a casual and social setting. 

The first gathering of this year will be at Three Birds Tavern in the lower outdoor patio area.

Contact Frank to join the email reminder list: frank.casano@gmail.com 

All-School Calendar

Lower School Contacts