LOWER SCHOOL
2025-2026
Embedded Files
Lower School Town Crier - November 10, 2025
Lower School Town Crier - November 10, 2025
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Dear Lower School Families -
For the many years I've been at Shorecrest our traditional Costume Parade was immediately followed by the Fall Festival. Between COVID and last year's hurricanes, this sequence was disrupted, prompting our fantastic 2025 SCA leadership team to rethink the event entirely.
I'm a big believer in the question "What if?" It's what opens the door to new and exciting possibilities. In September, Mrs. Hollenbeck (Adri) and I met with the SCA leadership; they proposed shifting the special Fall Festival to a Saturday evening in November, when it is cool, families are available, and we are pretty much done with hurricane season. To make the event truly memorable, they developed a new theme: The Electric Fall Festival.
This coming weekend we are officially launching this fresh take on a beloved Experiential and Lower Schools’ event. Join the community this Saturday, November 15, from 5-8pm for the fun!
Shorecrest parent volunteers have put so much time and hard work into making this a special night for our community. What makes it genuinely meaningful is seeing our children and their families participate.
Parents/Guardians MUST sign a waiver before ticket holders will be granted entry. You may sign for more than one child at a time but you must list all the children who are attending. If you are bringing a child who is not in your family, their parent must still sign the waiver to have it on file.
We also need volunteers to make this event a success! Shifts are short (only a half hour) so you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
Book Fair is Here!
Book Fair is Here!
Last week teachers and students had a sneak preview of our Scholastic’s Book Fair, which will run from November 10 - 14 in the Raymund Center. Feel free to check in during the week and shop; books make a great holiday gift! In addition, the Book Fair will be open all day on Wednesday, Conference Day, so parents and students can shop before or after their scheduled conferences. The Book Fair is a fun, hands-on way for children to independently discover their next great read and deepen their lifelong love of reading. Proceeds will benefit our Haskell Library.
Fourth Grade Campout
Fourth Grade Campout
Morning of Thursday, February 5 and returning around 1pm on Friday, February 6.
We are starting preparations for our Fourth Grade Campout and will provide more detailed information for families this week. Look for my letter to fourth grade families going out Tuesday. The fourth grade teachers wanted to also share this news:
4th Camping Announcements.MOVParent Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, November 12
Parent Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, November 12
We will see you this Wednesday for Parent and Teacher Conferences.
Bridges in Mathematics for Second and Third Grade
Bridges in Mathematics for Second and Third Grade
This event is postponed. New date TBD. (Canceled date: November 19.)
Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Students will learn and talk about Veterans Day and why it is critical that we pay our respects to those who have served our country. Thank you to our service women and men for all that you do. You have made a difference in the world we live in.
Reading Workshop in Third Grade
Reading Workshop in Third Grade
During their non-fiction reading workshop, third graders are building essential informational text skills. These photos capture the students energetically discussing and naming the various text features they found (e.g., table of contents, glossary, photographs). They were clearly engaged and having fun while solidifying their understanding of how these features help a reader.
Persuasive Essay Writing, by Student Council Member, Avi Palazzolo, Third Grade
Persuasive Essay Writing, by Student Council Member, Avi Palazzolo, Third Grade
Right now third grade is learning about argument writing. Kids get to write about what they want and what they think is right. A couple of examples from my class: no more glass in the trash cans, longer weekends, and two people want a baseball club! While we are writing our teachers tell us that we should imagine that we are talking to the people that are in charge of the things that we want to change. For example, if I think there should be less laws, I would imagine that I’m talking to the President. So far most of us are finishing our second books, but some people are starting their third book. Maybe you will see some of our writing soon!
The Kind Mouse Food Drive
The Kind Mouse Food Drive
Thank you, thank you and thank you for all of your contributions. Let’s keep this important food drive going. Please involve your children since this is their school’s food drive and we want them to participate in contributing. This food drive ends November 19, just before Thanksgiving break.
Fourth grade -- Jars of baby food for the Mouse Babies distribution.
Third grade -- Vienna sausages, single-serving pasta, tuna pouches or Beanee Weenees.
Second grade -- Pudding cups, jello cups and single-serve peanut butter cups.
First grade -- Granola bars, protein bars, and cracker packs (such as Lance).
Kindergarten -- Fruit snacks and individual size cereal.
Inquiry
Inquiry
Projects are in depth investigations on a topic worthy of study and that is of high interest to children. We too are asking big beautiful questions and making connections with the world around us. Here is a snapshot of what kids are investigating in Lower School:
Kindergarten is wrapping up their All About Me investigation
First grade is deep into their Human Body study
Second grade is investigating Plants and Pollinators (a trip to Selby Gardens is around the corner )
Third grade students are deep into their Florida Ecosystem inquiry.
Fourth grade is learning about immigration, with a focus on Ybor City.
It is critical with inquiry work that we are able to access primary resources and to use our community resources, people and places, as an extension of our classroom. We believe we need “to get out of the classroom, and into the world” to make learning meaningful and to teach important research skills (such as wondering, asking questions, making connections, taking notes, documenting, etc.).
Final thoughts…
Final thoughts…
We all know that writers write for an audience, and when students publish their writing we like to celebrate their hard work by sharing their stories with others. Last week I attended a few classes’ shares, Mrs. Husenitza’s and Weinkle’s; we refer to the shares as, “writing celebrations.” Parents, relatives, friends or other classes are often the audience.
Our students are smart, thoughtful and talented writers. Their writing is strong. This is perhaps due to the emphasis we place on writing in the Lower School; it is truly a critical part of our day – one that children love.
I was amazed by the fourth grade students’ work and their sophisticated craft. These weren't just stories; they were fully realized books, complete with beautiful hand-sewn covers, vivid illustrations, personal dedications, detailed "All About the Author" pages, and compelling blurbs about the story on the back. The students were proud to share their hard work and stories. Every element was a testament to the powerful teaching that guided this journey.
It is hard to believe that our temperatures are going to drop this week. Have the kids dress for the weather because we will be outside for morning play, recess, and PE.
I hope you have a great week. See you around campus!
With appreciation,
Lisa
Dr. Lisa Bianco
Head of Lower School
727-456-7518
If your family is experiencing food insecurity due to the government shut down, please reach out to the School so that we may assist you. We have received a generous gift from a donor to provide Publix gift cards for Shorecrest families in need.
Contact Julie Meyer at jmeyer@shorecrest.org, who can provide more information. All requests will be kept confidential.
Mark Your Calendars -
Mark Your Calendars -
November 10-14
Book Fair
Wednesday, November 12
Fall Conference Day - No school for students; SCA Uniform Sale
Saturday, November 15
Electric Fall Festival
Monday, November 17
Dads Night Out
Wednesday, November 19
Math presentation postponed, new date TBD.
Thursday, November 20
Keynote Speaker - Sam Demma
Friday, November 21
Fourth Grade Show
Mon. - Fri., November 24-28
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, December 1
Holiday Gift Drive Kick-off
Wednesday, December 3
SCA Moms Holiday Night Out
One Night Only: MS & US Thespians Showcase
Friday, December 5
Charger Chat with Nancy Spencer
Friday, December 19
Holiday Sing Along, Early Dismissal
Monday, December 22
Winter Break (through January 4)
Monday, January 5
Return to School
Monday, January 19
MLK Day of Service (NO SCHOOL)
Thursday, February 5
Third Grade Show for LS
Fourth Grade Campout Overnight
Friday February 6
Third Grade Show for Families
Shorecrest Movie Night
Friday, February 13
School Closed / Professional Development for Faculty
Monday, February 16
Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)
Author visit with Lindsay Currie
Author visit with Lindsay Currie
Students from Shorecrest Lower and Middle Schools (grades 3-8) will meet with author Lindsay Currie on Wednesday, December 3. She will also have lunch with the students who are participating in Battle of the Books.
Book Signing will be available:
Purchase any of Lindsay’s titles from her Amazon Storefront
Label book(s) with student’s first & last name, grade
Drop your book off at a Shorecrest Library for signing by Monday, December 1
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Health Updates from the Clinic
Health Updates from the Clinic
Flu and respiratory illness season is here, and head lice has been found on campus. Practicing good health habits is more important than ever. It takes a community to keep us all safe. Get practical tips, resources and a refresher on Shorecrest policies regarding when children should be kept home from school.
Financial Aid for the 2026-2027 School Year - APPLY NOW
Financial Aid for the 2026-2027 School Year - APPLY NOW
The Financial Aid portal for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Past recipients who wish to continue receiving financial aid must reapply annually. All families interested in receiving financial aid to submit an application through FACTS, the external tool used by Shorecrest and many independent schools to determine need.
The application fee is $45 and supporting documentation is required including past year's W2s and tax returns. The application also includes a place to share your family's extenuating circumstances confidentially with the Financial Aid Committee. The deadline to apply for aid for the 2026-2027 school year is January 31, 2026.
New Student Applications to Shorecrest
New Student Applications to Shorecrest
Families who have students they wish to send to Shorecrest for the 2026-2027 school year who are not currently enrolled (e.g. younger siblings) now is the time to apply. The application deadline is February 1, in order to be considered for the first round of admissions decisions.
The re-enrollment process for students who are currently enrolled to commit to returning for the 2026-2027 school year is in February.
Fall Sports Playoffs
Fall Sports Playoffs
Shorecrest Chargers Cross Country boys will run in Regionals on Thursday, November 13 at Holloway Park in Lakeland. Entry is $12. Buy Tickets
The boys and girls golf teams will compete in the State Championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, on November 14 & 15. Admission is free but parking is not: Details
Chargers Varsity Boys Swim & Dive team members just competed at an extremely competitive State Championship and earned 111 Points with a 7th place finish. The 200 Free Relay (Anton Ho, Ethan Swann, Leonardo Ho, Maddox Matyas) placed 4th with a school record time of 1:25.68 and the 400 Free Relay (Anton Ho '26, Milan Spodin '28, Maddox Matyas '26, Leonardo Ho '28) also placed 4th with a school record time of 3:08.32. The 200 Medley Relay (Tristan Cooper '27, Milan Spodin '28, Stepan S '30, Ethan Swann '26) finished 13th. Maddox Matyas '26 was 6th in the 200 Free with a school record time of 1:39.99 and also made the podium in the 500 Free in 7th place. Anton Ho '26 broke the oldest record on the books (from 1988) in the 50 Free with a lead-off relay time of 21.41 and he broke his own 100 Fly record with a new time of 50.97. Coach Patty said, "This 1A State meet ranks as one of the best of all time for Shorecrest. I cannot say enough about the hard work, dedication and resilience of these young men and what they accomplished this past Saturday at the fastest, most competitive meet in Florida - if not the United States. Congratulations to our 1A State team!"
SCA Used Uniform Sale, Nov. 12
SCA Used Uniform Sale, Nov. 12
The next SCA Used Uniform Sale will be Wednesday, November 12 in the Athletic Center. The sale opens at 7am for faculty / staff and runs 8-12pm for all Shorecrest families.
If you have clean used uniforms to donate, please drop them off at the Athletic Center (preferred) or one of the school offices.
Share Your Voice: Head of Upper School Search
Share Your Voice: Head of Upper School Search
As we look ahead to build on the Upper School's strong foundation, we have engaged the search firm RG175 to help identify a visionary new leader for the 9th-12th grade Upper School to succeed Head of Upper School Erich Schneider in July 2026. There will be multiple opportunities for all community members to participate in the search process.
On Tuesday, November 11, there will be three sessions for members of the community to meet directly with our search consultant, Adam Peichert of RG175.
1:30 – 2:30pm: Trustee Session in the Ohana Community Room
2:30 – 3:30pm: Parent/Guardian Session in the Ohana Community Room
3:30 – 4:30pm: Upper School Faculty Session in the Ohana Community Room
Thank you for taking the time to contribute your voice to this important process. Your insights will play a meaningful role in shaping the future leadership of the Upper School.
Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!
Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!
Shorecrest and SCA Volunteer needs can also be found by clicking Volunteer Info on the menu here, or on the Shorecrest Parent App.
Coming up: Book Fair, Electric Fall Festival, Gift Drive
How to Order Yearbooks
How to Order Yearbooks
If you or your child would like a copy of the 2025-2026 Crestviews Yearbook, which features the full Alpha-Grade 12 school, please place your online order using the link below. Yearbooks are $80. (Families of seniors do not need to order yearbooks. They are a part of the senior fee.)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Keynote Speaker: Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack” - Thursday, November 20
Keynote Speaker: Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack” - Thursday, November 20
Shorecrest is pleased to welcome keynote speaker and author Sam Demma to campus on Thursday, November 20 for three unique performances - one for Middle School students, one for Upper School students, and an evening event for all Shorecrest parents/guardians.
A dynamic, high-energy performer known for his signature giant red backpack, Sam will guide students through his keynote “Empty Your Backpack,” a powerful message about overcoming fear, building resilience, and leading with empathy. Through stories, humor, and reflection, Sam encourages students to let go of what weighs them down and take small, consistent actions toward excellence and meaningful living.
Families are also invited to an evening parent session, “Lightening the Load: Helping Kids Build Resilience and Empathy,” where Sam explores how caring adults can help children navigate the pressures they carry and foster a family culture of understanding and connection.
Schedule of Events:
10:35-11:35am: Upper School* Assembly Performance (also open to parents)
*Thursday, November 20 will NOT be a late start day
2:15-3:15pm: Middle School Assembly Performance (also open to parents)
6:30-7:30pm: Parent Evening Performance [RSVP here]
Learn more about Sam Demma at samdemma.com/videos.
Donor support for this opportunity was inspired by the Pyxis Fund.
Upper School Fall Play
Upper School Fall Play
Shorecrest Performing Arts presents "Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play" on Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14 at 7pm in the Janet Root Theatre.
"Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play" is an evening of adaptations of three early films directed by Alfred Hitchcock: "The Lodger," "Sabotage" and "The 39 Steps." These stories come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast, with 16 actors playing dozens of characters, live sound effects and musical underscoring.
General Admission tickets are $10. Reserve and pay in advance for your tickets with our easy, secure payment link! Seats will be assigned in the order of purchase. The deadline to purchase online is Thursday, November 13 at noon. Please visit our Box Office in person during Box Office hours after that time.
Tickets may also be purchased by credit card or check at the Janet Root Theatre Box Office during Box Office hours.
Purchased tickets will be available to pick up at the Box Office Will Call window prior to the show.
Box Office hours:
Tuesday, November 11, 3-5pm
Wednesday, November 12, 3-5pm
Thursday, November 13, 5:30-7pm
Friday, November 14, 5:30-7pm
If you have questions regarding tickets, please contact Stephanie McCarthy smccarthy@shorecrest.org.
Scholastic Book Fair this week!
Scholastic Book Fair this week!
From picture books to paperback bestsellers, our Scholastic Book Fair will be curated from preschool up to 8th grade. Books also make great holiday gifts!
The Fair will be in the Raymund Center on Monday, November 10, to Friday, November 14 from 8am-4pm daily. The Book Fair will also be open during Conference Day on Wednesday, November 12!
We're also excited to host the Public Library on campus! Stop by their table on Wednesday, November 12, between 8am-2pm. You can easily sign up for your very own public library card right on the spot.
Electric Fall Festival presented by the Cibran and Razook Families
Electric Fall Festival presented by the Cibran and Razook Families
Saturday, November 15, 5–8pm
in & around the Shorecrest Athletic Center
Get ready for an electric evening of fun for the whole family! Join us for Shorecrest’s Electric Fall Festival featuring music, games, and activities for all ages. Your $15 ticket includes a bounce house, DJ, golf, petting zoo — and that’s just the beginning! Food trucks will also be on site with delicious dinner options available for purchase.
WAIVER: Parents/Guardians MUST sign a waiver before ticket holders will be granted entry. You may sign for more than one child at a time but you must list all the children who are attending. If you are bringing a child who is not in your family, their parent must still sign the waiver to have it on file.
International Festival
International Festival
The annual International Festival hosted by International Connection will be Thursday, February 5. This exciting event brings our diverse community together to celebrate global cultures through food, music, dance, games and unique artifacts.
This event is 100% organized by parent volunteers with the goal of showcasing the rich diversity of our Shorecrest community.
The registration deadline is January 29, 2026.
All-School Calendar
All-School Calendar
The School Store
The School Store
However you celebrate this holiday season, the School Store is here to help you equip your Chargers family!
School Store Hours
School Store Hours
Shop the School Store for Shorecrest spiritwear, gifts, snacks, drinks and more!
Mon-Thurs 11:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
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.
Lower School Contacts
Lower School Contacts
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