Dear Lower School Families,

The transition to middle school marks a special chapter in a child’s educational journey, serving as a bridge between their foundational years and the new horizons ahead. While our fourth graders are preparing to take this next step at the end of the school year, they remain elementary students in both spirit and development, carrying with them the curiosity and needs of their current developmental stage and age. Over the years I have seen how Shorecrest’s Middle School honors this reality by thoughtfully continuing the nurturing student-centered work of the Lower School, ensuring that every student is known, cared for, and guided. This approach creates a seamless continuation of their growth, providing a supportive environment that values their childhood even as it encourages their emerging independence.

On Thursday of this week, January 22 at 8:45am in the Ohana Room, the Middle School will hold their annual rising fifth grade parent orientation. This is designed for current fourth grade parents who would like to know more about the fifth grade curriculum and programs. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and get a sneak peek into the children’s future guided journey. 

Field Day, From the PE Team

The Lower School PE Department is excited to host this year’s edition of Field Day. It will be held on Friday February 27, 2026. We will be utilizing Haskell Field (football field) and Hernandez Field (baseball field). Students will be split by grades K and 1st on one field and 2nd-4th on the other. Your child will be assigned a color to correspond with their team’s color. We ask that your students wear their team colored athletic clothing, proper athletic shoes, and bring their water bottle with them to the event. Hats and sunscreen are also recommended. Please do not feel obligated to purchase new clothing for your child as Shorecrest Spirit Wear is also acceptable. 

We would love to have our wonderful parents fill the 30 spots available for volunteers. We will try our best to assign you to your child’s field but we cannot guarantee it. Volunteers will be selected on a first come first serve basis. Our parents really do make this event even more special. Please reach out to Coach Woody Every at wevery@shorecrest.org if you would like to be a volunteer. More details will be provided once the spots are filled. – The PE Team

Updates & Announcements from the RRI at Shorecrest

Empowering Parents: Joline Godfrey’s Visit to Shorecrest

On January 9th Shorecrest hosted the inaugural RRI Speaker Event featuring Joline Godfrey, nationally recognized expert in family financial education and author of "Raising Financially Fit Kids."

Joline provided powerful insights into raising financially confident children, emphasizing that the most successful students are those supported by a strong partnership between home and school. We are incredibly grateful for the Shorecrest parents who attended, promoted the event, and continue to champion the RRI mission. Thank you for being our partners in this journey!

Fourth Grade: Taking on the "Sharks"

Before winter break, our fourth graders dove headfirst into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students pitched their business ventures to a panel of "investors" (their teachers); some of our young founders were a bit "stingy" with their equity! These students are learning the value of their own intellectual property and how to ask for what they're worth.

Second Grade: The Buzz About Business

Following their classroom bee study, second grade has begun exploring the Beekeeping Business. This week, our "apiary entrepreneurs" investigated the various jobs required to bring honey to market. The highlight? A lively trading session where students traded their honey for other natural resources. Next up, we move into Brand Identity and Marketing, where students will learn how to make their products stand out in a competitive hive!

Planning Upcoming Speaker Series and Parent Presentations
Share your input! 

As we plan for an upcoming speaker series and community events, we would value your input on the topics and authors that matter most to your family. We are curious to know which developmental subjects you would like to explore with others and if there are specific authors you would be interested in hearing from in person. We are also exploring the possibility of forming parent-led book groups and would love to know if that is a community experience you would enjoy. Please share your thoughts with us so we can continue to offer meaningful support that resonates with your journey as a parent. Complete survey or email me at LBianco@Shorecrest.org.