Dear Lower School Families,

Love is at the heart of the Shorecrest experience. We believe that developing a strong ethic of care is essential to creating a joyful learning environment, and our faculty and staff strives to embody our Lead with Love motto every single day. This week, we look forward to celebrating that spirit of connection and kindness.

On Thursday, students are invited to celebrate Valentines Day by wearing a red, pink, or purple top with their uniform bottoms. Red and pink dresses are also acceptable. In the classroom, children will exchange Valentine’s cards and enjoy a small treat provided by the school. To ensure our celebration remains safe and inclusive for every student, please remember not to send in candy or any other edible items with your child’s Valentines. Beyond our classroom celebrations, we are excited to continue the tradition of our Acts of Kindness. Each class has been paired with another to perform a special act of service for one another, fostering a sense of community and service across all grade levels. We look forward to a wonderful week of kindness and connection.

Parent and Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, February 18 

Parent and Teacher Conferences are next Wednesday, February 18. They are about 15-20 minutes long. Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. The teachers will start by asking you to tell them how you think the year is going for your child, so take the time to jot down some of your thoughts and the areas of growth that you have seen. You might also think about the goals you shared at the Listening Conferences at the start of the school year. 

Reminder - there is no school for students Alpha-8th grade on conference day. 

Fourth Grade Campout

Last week, our fourth-grade students embarked on an adventure during our first overnight trip to Daysprings with Pathfinders. It was a remarkably positive experience for everyone involved. The work we did with Pathfinders served as a series of provocations for the fourth-grade investigation into how we live and interact with nature, with a specific focus on sustainability. Throughout, they were asked to be curious and to think like scientists.

The way we departed in the cold wind and rain only to return to Shorecrest under a canopy of blue skies and sunshine is such a fitting metaphor for the children’s journey of learning. By spending a day and a half immersed in the outdoors (away from technology) the children had the opportunity to truly connect with their environment and each other. Most importantly, they stepped out of their comfort zones to tackle challenges (external and internal). This is a vital component of our Let Grow program, which aims to shape confident, resilient, and independent children. Together, they learned, took risks, collaborated, dialogued, and created memories that will stay with them for years to come. 

Thank you to all parents for your trust and support. I am grateful to all the teachers - Mrs. Weinkle, Ms. Avard, Ms. Schilling, Mrs. Bhuyan, Mrs. Palazzolo, Mrs. Brier, Ms. Fierce, Mrs. Granger, Miss Jasmine, and Nurse Conroy – for all that they did to make the campout experience a success. The children felt safe, seen, heard, and cared for.

Handbook Information About Class Placement Policy

We keep each child’s needs in mind while creating a cohesive classroom community. Creating class lists is a complicated process with many factors taken into consideration. A great deal of thought goes into creating class lists. Our goal is to create well-balanced classes that will be cohesive and work well together and with the teacher.

Parents may not request that their child have (or not have) specific teachers. Parents are welcome to come to talk to the Head of the Lower School about any concerns or thoughts they have regarding placement. These meetings need to occur by the end of April. Families must meet in person. Emails are not accepted. Once class lists have been finalized in May, there will be no moving of students from one class to another. The decision to place siblings or cousins in the same class will be based on the best interests of the students and is at the discretion of the school’s administration.