LOWER SCHOOL
2025-2026
Embedded Files
Lower School Town Crier - March 2, 2026
Lower School Town Crier - March 2, 2026
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Dear Lower School Families,
Second Grade Show
Second Grade Show
This week our second grade students will perform their grade level show, “A Small Part of the World,” on Thursday, March 5, for Experiential and Lower School students and faculty/staff, and on Friday, March 6, for family and friends. Both shows are at 8:30am. Our second graders will take us on a journey across the continents. Through music and storytelling, this vibrant performance explores the unique cultures, traditions and ways of life in countries around the globe. As we celebrate both the similarities and differences that make each part of the world special, we are reminded of the beauty in diversity and the importance of valuing all people. At its heart, the show inspires us to embrace our role as global citizens—curious, compassionate and ready to lead and build a better world together.
Students in second grade have been investigating countries around the world and writing stories to accompany their inquiry. Project shares for Mrs. Johnson on 3/10, Mrs. Granger 3/11, Mrs. Asad 3/12, and Mrs. Oman 3/6 after the show.
Kindergarten family project share on the morning of 3/11.
Dottie Smay Day
Dottie Smay Day
Monday, March 9 is our Dottie Smay Day / morning read-in (8:15-8:45 am). Children should bring a towel and a book or books they love to read. The whole Lower School will be outside and read together.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Grandparents and Special Friends Day is around the corner (Friday, March 27 - Early Dismissal). We are excited to welcome your loved ones and friends into our classrooms and to share a little slice of school life in the Lower School. This event also provides an opportunity for grandparents or a close friend to share stories about their elementary school experience.
Community News
Community News
I am happy to share that two experienced and loved former Shorecrest educators will be returning to Shorecrest next school year. Mrs. Allison Hawley Brown will be teaching second grade next school year and Ms. Jeanne Simons will be teaching third grade – as Khana Rebman, our amazing third grade teacher, steps into a new role as Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
Campus Traffic Alert - Track Meet Tuesday, March 3
Campus Traffic Alert - Track Meet Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, March 3, Shorecrest is hosting a Middle School Track & Field Championship. There may be heavier campus traffic than usual from 9am-4:30pm. Visiting athletes on team buses and spectators will be coming and going from campus.
Upcoming Town Meeting Dates
Upcoming Town Meeting Dates
3/6 2nd grade show for families – NO TOWN MEETING
3/13 Mrs. Casano’s Class, Student Council
3/20 Spring Break
3/27 Grandparents/Special Friends Day – NO TOWN MEETING
4/3 Mrs. Sheppard’s Class/Cheerleaders (Little Chargers)
Schoology
Schoology
As always, please read your child’s teachers’ pages on Schoology to learn about what’s happening in the classroom.
Final Thoughts…
Final Thoughts…
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have represented our school, along with Meghan Schneider and Khana Rebman, at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference in Seattle. It was several days of profound learning and connection that has left me with much to process. Highlights included a visit to the Giddens School, a small progressive gem in Beacon Hill, and transformative sessions with thought leaders like Cassie Holmes, who spoke on her research/book "The Happiness Hour" and finding time for the small things that matter; Jason Craig Harris, who provided a roadmap for building intentional cultures of care; Dr. Lerner, whose work focuses on purpose and passion; and finally, attorney Bryan Stevenson, author of “Just Mercy.”
From exploring "Design for Belonging" and restorative practices to hearing NAIS leadership discuss the future of independent education, the common thread was clear: school culture and mattering are important. While the sessions were brilliant, the true highlight was connecting with peers who share our passion for educating young people. I’m returning energized and deeply focused on how we can continue to ensure every member of our community feels they truly belong and are valued. I leave you with a quote that resonated with me.
“A community is a group of people who share mutual concern for one another's welfare. It is distinct from a group who share ideas, interests, and proximity, or any number of things but lack concern for one another.” (C. Vogl) Shorecrest is certainly a community of people who care about each other.
I hope you have a great week. Next Saturday night we set our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. Spring is around the corner.
I will see you at the Gala!
With great appreciation,
Lisa
Dr. Lisa Bianco
Head of Lower School
727-456-7518
Mark Your Calendars -
Mark Your Calendars -
Friday, March 6
Second Grade Show (NO TOWN MEETING)
Saturday, March 7
Shorecrest Gala
Monday, March 9
Dottie Smay Reading Day
Wednesday, March 11
Navigating Higher Education in the U.S.
March 16-20
Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Wednesday, March 25
The Future of Learning: Navigating the AI frontier at Shorecrest
Friday, March 27
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, April 17
Poetry in the Park 8:15am Weiss Family Pavilion
Tuesday, April 20-24
ERB Testing for Third and Fourth Grade
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grandparents & Special Friends Day: Notes for Families
Grandparents & Special Friends Day: Notes for Families
Grandparents and Special Friends of Shorecrest students are cordially invited to campus for a special program at the 41st Annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day on Friday, March 27 - presented by Bayway Dental. The event will run from 8am-1pm and will include a special program and lunch. There will be early dismissal for ES, LS and MS.
Reminders for Experiential and Lower Schools:
Experiential and Lower School students should be dressed in uniform (not spirit wear)
Dismissal for grades ES-4 is 11:45am
Lunch will be available on campus 11:30am-1pm for Grandparents / Special Friends who RSVP'ed to dine with students
Lower School students leaving with their grandparents must be signed out in the classroom before leaving campus
Experiential School families need to complete a Dismissal Plan Form, which is shared on Schoology
Students who are registered for School Closed Child Care after lunch with a Grandparent/Special Friend need to be signed in for School Closed Child Care
Students who are registered for School Closed Child Care without a special guest will not attend the luncheon and should bring a packed lunch and snack
EVENT SCHEDULE -
8-9am: Check-in and breakfast at Charger Commons
9-9:45am: Program / Performances outdoors on the Gaffney Green
10-11:25am: Classroom Visits
11:30am-1pm: Lunch with students at Charger Commons
EVENT PARKING -
All available parking areas will be marked
Personnel will be on hand to help direct guests for parking and getting around campus
Please expect a high volume of cars and slower than usual traffic
If there is heavy rain prior or on the day of the event, the Event Parking field on the north side of campus will be closed. Grandparents & Special Friends may park in any parking lot on campus, except for the 1st Street lot, which is reserved for faculty.
This is not a day for parents to spend with their student(s), but some parent volunteers will be needed.
If you have any questions about the event please contact Samantha Cleveland at scleveland@shorecrest.org.
I. C. Coffee Meetup
I. C. Coffee Meetup
Join International Connection for a casual coffee meet up after morning drop off.
Tuesday, March 10
8:15am
at Flatbread & Butter, 497 7th Ave N, St. Pete.
Navigating Higher Education in the U.S.
Navigating Higher Education in the U.S.
Wednesday, March 11, 8:30–10am
in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons
College Counseling and Shorecrest International Connection are hosting an informal Q&A for international parents / guardians. This session is intended for parents/guardians who were educated outside the US and are navigating the education system for the first time with their student. Regardless of the age or grade level of your Charger(s), you are welcome to join us!
The Future of Learning: Navigating the AI frontier at Shorecrest
The Future of Learning: Navigating the AI frontier at Shorecrest
Wednesday, March 25, 8–9:30am
in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons
An evening session will also be offered via Webex for those that can not attend in person. Date to be determined.
Led by Dr. Anna Baralt and Christine Scoby.
How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) enriching the way our children learn, create and grow? Go behind the scenes and see exactly how we are incorporating AI into our classrooms to enhance teaching and learning while staying anchored to our Mission and Core Values.
Following an overview we will transition into smaller groups for deeper, age-appropriate discussions and Q&A.
Experiential & Lower School (ES/LS) - A focus on how faculty use AI to spark curiosity and personalize learning materials while ensuring the student experience remains hands-on and grounded in play and discovery.
Shorecrest Family Night at the Threshers
Shorecrest Family Night at the Threshers
Take me out to the ball game! Join SCA for a Family Night on Saturday, April 11 to cheer on the Clearwater Threshers!
Gates open at 5:30pm, game starts at 6:30pm
At BayCare Ballpark, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater
vs. Tampa Tarpons
A $20 ticket includes your entry to the game and an all-you-can-eat buffet of hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, peanuts, popcorn, chips, ice cream sandwiches, soft drinks & water.
Be sure to stay until the end of the game for a firework show with friends!
Vote on New Merch!
Vote on New Merch!
Friday, March 13, come by the Shorecrest School Store and vote for your favorite designs. Then come back in the fall to see which items and designs won! The Shorecrest School Store will be open from 8am-4pm on Friday, March 13.
Shop the School Store for new spring Shorecrest gear
Mon-Thurs 11am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Credit cards, checks, and Apple Pay accepted (sorry, no cash or SAGE accounts). Students under grade 9 must have parent/guardian present to purchase during the school day.
For spring: shorts, hats, Tshirts - warm weather gear for everyone!
All-School Calendar
All-School Calendar
Register Now for Summer at Shorecrest
Register Now for Summer at Shorecrest
Summer at Shorecrest offers a huge variety of exciting, enriching, and FUN summer programs for students in preschool-12th grade. Featuring classic summer day camp, STEM camps, Performing and Visual Arts, Sports Clinics, Academic Enrichment/College Prep...and so much more! View the full catalog and register at www.shorecrest.org/summer.
With extended day care, camps are available 8am to 5:30pm, June 8-July 31. Additional camp sessions are offered June 1-5 and August 3-7 from 9am-3:30pm.
Lower School Contacts
Lower School Contacts
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