LOWER SCHOOL
2025-2026
Embedded Files
Lower School Town Crier - October 14, 2025
Lower School Town Crier - October 14, 2025
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Letter from Dr. Bianco
Dear Lower School Families,
Our Lower School is a very caring and giving community. I see this in our day-to-day interactions with one another, as well as when there is great need. This Friday, October 17, our Student Council will present our plans at Town Meeting for our annual community food drive benefiting The Kind Mouse. We are excited to launch this effort and invite your family to participate.
This drive is an opportunity for our young students to put our mission of social responsibility into practice. By collecting food for children living in our local St. Petersburg community, our students learn empathy and discover that they can actively make a difference.
We will begin collecting non-perishable food items on Monday, October 20, and the drive will run until Wednesday, November 19, the day before Thanksgiving Break.
We are collecting the following:
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.
Please partner with us. By working together, we can give our children the powerful experience of coming together as a school community to help others in need and demonstrate what our caring community can accomplish.
Upcoming Parent Presentations
Upcoming Parent Presentations
Let Grow Parent Presentation (K-4)
Thursday, October 16 @ 8:15am in the Ohana Room
Let Grow Parent Presentation (K-4)
Thursday, October 16 @ 8:15am in the Ohana Room
Our wonderful school counselor, Ms. Kate Fierce, will be sharing information about our new K-4 Let Grow Program. I am sure that your children have been coming home with some of their ideas of things they want to try to do independently or you have seen our leaves with ways children are taking positive risks displayed in our breezeway. This will be a presentation tailored made for you. This parent presentation is on Thursday, October 16 at 8:15 in the Ohana Room.
Book Discussion (K-4)
Wednesday, October 22 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
Book Discussion (K-4)
Wednesday, October 22 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
Raising Mentally Strong Kids is a little bit of a workbook. That is part of the reason I chose this book. Thus, before the meeting on Wednesday, October 22, please take a moment to think about the following: What are your goals as parents for your child? Does what you say and do align with those goals? Who is the person you want your child to be?
Phonics and Word Study (1st Grade)
Thursday, October 23 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
Phonics and Word Study (1st Grade)
Thursday, October 23 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
On Thursday, October 23 Kristin Silver and Sarah Palazzolo will lead a presentation on phonics and word study in first grade. It will be at 8:10am in the Ohana room. RSVP to Sarah Palazzolo at SPalazzolo@Shorecrest.org.
Executive Functioning Skills in the Digital Age: How Parents Can Help Their Children (K-4)
Tuesday, November 4 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
Executive Functioning Skills in the Digital Age: How Parents Can Help Their Children (K-4)
Tuesday, November 4 @ 8:10am in the Ohana Room
Have your child’s teachers ever talked to you about the skills of task completion, emotional regulation, handling transitions, organization, and following directions? Join Miriam in a discussion about the importance of executive functioning skills to success in school (and life) and how they are impacted in our digital age. Leave the presentation with practical suggestions and strategies to help your entire family and partner effectively with teachers. This parent presentation is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 8:10 in the Ohana Room. It will be led by Miriam Pardoll, Dean of Student Support Services for The Center for Academic Excellence and Student Well-Being.
Mathematical Thinking and Development (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Wednesday, November 19 @ 8:15am in the Ohana Room
Mathematical Thinking and Development (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Wednesday, November 19 @ 8:15am in the Ohana Room
Thank you to all who came for our parent workshop with Chase Piper, math consultant, coach, and educator. Mr. Piper shared a wonderful family site: mathathome.mathlearningcenter.org. Check it out.
Christine Oman, second grade teacher, and Jessica Ford, third grade teacher, will pick up where Chase left off; they will provide an overview of Bridges in Mathematics for grades 2 & 3 on Wednesday, November 19 at 8:15. Save the date and join us in the Ohana room at 8:10am. RSVP to LBianco@Shorecrest.org.
STEAMakers Open House
STEAMakers Open House
The Shorecrest Experiential and Lower Schools invite families with toddlers through fourth grade to STEAMakers Open House on the Shorecrest campus on Saturday, October 18, 10am-11:45am. Current students and parents can join in the fun alongside our prospective families. Several ES classrooms will feature hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities with some of your favorite Shorecrest teachers. Admissions information will be available at this open house event. RSVP here, invite your friends!
Homecoming Pep Rally + HOCO Fun Days
Homecoming Pep Rally + HOCO Fun Days
We will have a whole school pep rally this Friday, October 17 at 1:45pm. Students should wear Shorecrest green and gold to show their school spirit! There will be a football game in the evening that you are invited to, kickoff is at 7pm. The following week we will have some fun days:
Homecoming Fun Days October 20-24
10/20 - Pajama Day
10/21 - Crazy Socks Day
10/22 - Fun Hair Day
10/23 - Favorite Sports Team T-Shirt Day
10/24 - Class Colors
Class Colors: In the spirit of school unity, all grades are invited to wear their class color on Class Color Day of Homecoming Week, which promotes class unity, and connection to older peers who share the same class colors. The class color travels with the student as they progress through Shorecrest. The colors assigned to be worn by each class are intentionally not Shorecrest green and gold, which are reserved for green and gold day celebrating ONE Shorecrest!
Class of 2034, 4th grade - red
Class of 2035, 3rd grade - purple
Class of 2036, 2nd grade - blue
Class of 2037, 1st grade -orange
Class of 2038, Kindergarten - red
Picture Retake Day - October 29
Picture Retake Day - October 29
Families should have received a link to view photos directly from Mr. KamraMan, the yearbook photographer. Purchases may be made online.
Every once in a while photographs from Picture Day do not come out well, or students are absent on picture day. We will have picture retakes on Wednesday, October 29. A registration link for retakes was send directly from Mr. KamraMan via email. You may also register for retakes here (don't worry about the time slot, teachers will know who to send and when, based on your RSVP and their class schedule!)
If your student was absent they will be registered to be photographed on retake day automatically.
Schoology
Schoology
Each week read your child’s teachers’ pages on Schoology to learn about what’s happening in the classroom. Read the Specialists' pages as well: Art, Music, STEAM, PE, Spanish, SEL and Library.
Final thoughts…
Final thoughts…
One of the greatest joys in education is seeing students embrace the full spectrum of learning.
Just recently, I was greeted by a first-grade student, and as we were walking and talking, I asked him, “What do you enjoy the most at school? Is it reading, writing, inquiry, or math?” After a brief pause, William declared, “I like all of it!” (He then sealed his enthusiasm with a hug before running off.) I hope that's the kind of engagement you're seeing as well.
This memory brings to mind one of my favorite reflections from one of my former sixth-grade students. After spending 45 minutes looking through a collection of her work from Pre-K through sixth grade, I asked her what she noticed about herself as a learner. She smiled and confidently stated, “I am a writer, an artist, a mathematician, a reader, and a researcher. I am all of these things.” Yes. Music to my ears.
It's rewarding to hear students recognize themselves as powerful, whole learners. These moments reaffirm the importance of a well-rounded curriculum to nurture the whole child.
Community Events Coming Soon!
Community Events Coming Soon!
There are a number of exciting and engaging community events coming soon for Shorecrest families. Details of each of these are below, but here is a quick cheat sheet for events to register for and attend this fall:
STEAMakers Open House - Saturday, October 18
STEAMakers Open House - Saturday, October 18
Current students and families in Alpha-4th Grade can visit and play in their classrooms and explore the grades above or below them! This is also an open house for prospective families. All are welcome! Join us and bring a friend to experience Shorecrest! [RSVP]
Shore to Shorecrest 5k / Sparky Sprint - Saturday, October 25
Shore to Shorecrest 5k / Sparky Sprint - Saturday, October 25
This year marks the third annual Shore to Shorecrest 5k! This is a casual fun run / walk from the School's founding location on North Shore Drive to our current campus. Everyone from serious runners to casual walkers with strollers enjoys this morning campus event. The Sparky Sprint is for kids 8 and under and Sparky Sprint registrants get a special medal! (You do not have to do the 5k to do the Sparky Sprint - they are separate registrations!). [REGISTER]
Electric Fall Festival - Saturday, November 15
Electric Fall Festival - Saturday, November 15
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. [BUY TICKETS]
How are the children? All the children are well.
With great appreciation,
Lisa
Dr. Lisa Bianco
Head of Lower School
727-456-7518
Mark Your Calendars -
Mark Your Calendars -
Tuesday, October 14
DEI Search Community Session
Thursday, October 16
Parent session: "Let Grow" presented by Kate Fierce, Lower School Counselor. Please RSVP to lbianco@shorecrest.org. [Learn more]
Friday, October 17
Food Drive Kickoff at Town Meeting
Charger Chat with Nancy Spencer
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
Homecoming varsity football game & Homecoming court crowning
Saturday, October 18
STEAMakers Open House
October 20-24
Homecoming Week Fun Days
Tuesday, October 21
Blood Drive
Shore to Shorecrest Packet pickup
Tuesday, October 21
Parent presentation: Motivation led by Kim Granger
Wednesday, October 22
Book Group Meeting, “Raising Mentally Strong Kids” by Daniel G. Amen and Charles Fay; Lisa, Jennifer and Kate
International Connection Potluck
Thursday, October 23
Parent Presentation: Phonics and Word Study, Differentiated Instruction, led by Kristin Silver
Saturday, October 25
Shore to Shorecrest 5k & Sparky Sprint
Wednesday, October 29
Picture Retake Day
Friday, October 31
Fall-O-Ween Parade & Fun Day - 11:45am Dismissal
Tuesday, November 4
Executive Functioning Skills in the Digital Age: How Parents Can Help Their Children
November 10-15
Book Fair
Wednesday, November 12
Fall Parent and Teacher Conferences (No School for Students)
Saturday, November 15
Electric Fall Festival
Wednesday, November 19
Math in Grades 2 and 3
Friday, November 21
Fourth Grade Show
Fall-O-Ween Details - Friday, October 31
Fall-O-Ween Details - Friday, October 31
We are thrilled to invite you to our annual Fall-O-Ween Costume Parade, on Friday, October 31 starting at 8:45am. This event is an evolution of a cherished Shorecrest tradition that brings together Experiential and Lower Schools’ students for a fun-filled morning of celebration. (Note to returning families, some details of this event have changed from our former Fall Festival of prior years.) Please read the following details to ensure a safe and smooth event for everyone.
The school day begins as usual, but in costume. Drop your children off in carline wearing their costumes and with a change of clothes for later (fall themed top and denim jeans). By 8:35am, LS classes will start to line up, so please have your student dropped off by 8:00am. Then find parking if you plan to view the costume parade.
Families can view our Fall-O-Ween costume parade, go to work, pick up students for early dismissal (ES at 11:30, LS at 11:45am) and then have an amazing Halloween evening! After the parade, Lower School students will attend class studies as well as enjoy fall related activities.
Costume Guidelines
Costume Guidelines
Costumes should be appropriate for the school environment and considerate of young children. No scary costumes, toy weapons or sight-obstructing masks. It is important that your child’s costume allows them to comfortably and safely walk the distance of the parade route and back. When considering the choice of costume take into account your child’s ability to walk with their class and other children without costume support.
Please view the attached map for parking locations. Upper School parking spaces and event parking will be available. Staff will be directing cars. Please park only in designated areas - NOT in the front parking lot. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
The costume parade will begin at 8:45am. ES and LS will parade together. Alpha and JK will start in front of Charger Commons at Charger Blvd. The Lower School will assemble beginning with Kindergarten and be joined by each of the Lower School grade levels in ascending order as they process. Check the map for great spots to view the parade. We will have photographers along the route.
Extended Care
Extended Care
If you require childcare after the early dismissal, Extended Care will be available from 11:30am-6pm at a cost of $70. Students must be pre-registered to attend. You can register at the following link under the “Extended Day” season: https://shorecrest.campbrainregistration.com
What if it RAINS?
What if it RAINS?
It will be a regular arrival drop off.
If there is rain, there will not be a costume parade. LS students should leave their costumes at home.
Students may wear fall themed T-shirts with uniform bottoms or jeans.
For more information or assistance, please call the Lower School office at 727-522-2111 ext.400. I look forward to seeing you on the morning of October 31st and your students in their costumes.
Scholastic Book Fair Coming Soon!
Scholastic Book Fair Coming Soon!
Get ready–the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Shorecrest! Find bestselling series and characters that students love from more than 100 publishers. Plus every purchase benefits our school.
Books for age 3 - grade 8. Some classes will have a sneak peek on November 7 to see what is available and make wish lists.
Main days of sales are: November 10-14, 8am-4pm. The Book Fair will be open on conference day!
St. Pete Public Library will be on campus during conference day to help any Shorecrest student sign up for a library card 8am-2pm. Students under the age of 16 need a parent/guardian present to sign up.
2nd-5th grade Students are Invited to Scotland & Ireland — Info Session Oct. 22
2nd-5th grade Students are Invited to Scotland & Ireland — Info Session Oct. 22
A field experience is being planned for Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh in Summer 2026, and students in grades 2-5 are invited!
Khana Rebman is excited to tell you more about the trip she's planning with EF Tours, an educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for the info session on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30-6:30pm to be considered for this opportunity: https://rsvp.eftours.com/vxmns6d
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
How this opportunity will benefit your student
What we’ll see and do on our trip
Everything that’s included in this experience
How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sign Up For International Festival 2026
Sign Up For International Festival 2026
The annual parent-run International Festival hosted by International Connection will be Thursday, February 5, 2026. This exciting event brings our diverse community together to celebrate global cultures through food, music, dance, games and unique artifacts. Families will showcase souvenirs and traditional attire from their countries, creating a vibrant and educational experience for all.
Schedule -
Set-up 8-10am
International Festival 10am-1:30pm
Tear-down 1:30pm-2:30pm
We would love to have you join us in bringing this special event to life! This event is 100% organized by parent volunteers with the goal of showcasing as many countries as possible to celebrate and reflect the rich diversity of our Shorecrest community. Your support will play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience not only for you, but for our students and staff.
The registration deadline is January 29, 2026.
Sign up to help manage a country's booth or volunteer with the Festival Committee! https://signup.com/go/bDdyFgo
If your country is not listed, please contact Tani Masvidal at msmartinoms@gmail.com to have it added.
Fall Sports Playoffs
Fall Sports Playoffs
Chargers Varsity Volleyball will play in the District Quarterfinal vs. Admiral Farragut Academy on Tuesday, October 14 at 6pm at home in the Crisp Gym. Entry is $8.
The winner will play in the District Semifinals on October 15 & 17 at 7pm at Northside Christian. Entry is $8.
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.)
Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!
Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!
At the Shore to Shorecrest 5k: Packet pick-up, parking, making waffles, etc.
For Electric Fall Festival: Check-in, raffles, bounce house and more!
Library Shelfies help organize Haskell Library between class visits by shelving books and other special projects.
STEAMakers Open House - Saturday, October 18
STEAMakers Open House - Saturday, October 18
Current and prospective families with toddlers through 4th graders are invited to experience the campus, classrooms, and hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities with their favorite Shorecrest teachers on a Saturday!
Attendees will also have the opportunity to chat with our Admissions team, meet Student Ambassadors and more in this family-friendly campus playdate. This is a great opportunity for current families to bring friends to experience Shorecrest!
Contact the Admissions Office for more information at admissions@shorecrest.org.
Early Experience with Shorecrest College Counseling
Early Experience with Shorecrest College Counseling
The Shorecrest College Counseling Office offers comprehensive programming to support students and families throughout the college search and placement process. While many College Counseling events are tailored toward particular grade levels, all interested Shorecrest families are invited to:
The Shorecrest Advantage: Exploring Shorecrest's Upper School
Wednesday, October 15 at 7pm via Webex: https://shorecrest.webex.com/shorecrest/j.php?MTID=m0d08fe0733fce505e03a908b517cccca
A virtual event for Shorecrest parents/guardians geared towards 7th and 8th graders to learn more about the opportunities ahead in 9-12th grades at Shorecrest. During this event, families will hear from members of the Upper School Administration and the College Counseling Office about the various academic and extracurricular opportunities available for students in the Upper School and the benefits of Shorecrest's four-year college counseling program.
Director of Diversity & Inclusion Search - Share Your Insight!
Director of Diversity & Inclusion Search - Share Your Insight!
Join Greg Otis of HKS Advisory Services to offer your perspective as we embark on the search for the next Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Shorecrest. The information gathered at these in-person sessions will help inform the position description, as well as the intended skills and experience of the individual who will fill this important administrative role at Shorecrest.
Any Shorecrest community member may attend the community engagement session on October 14, 6-7:30pm in the Ohana Community Room on the second floor of Charger Commons.
PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Middle School Musical
Middle School Musical
Shorecrest Middle School Performing Arts presents “All Shook Up - Young@Part” an Elvis-themed musical starring students in grades 6-8 on November 6-8 in the Janet Root Theatre. Ticketing information is coming soon.
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. Ticketing information is coming soon.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
3rd Annual SHORE to SHORECREST 5K Run/Walk presented by Dermaclinique, Dr. Priya Nayyar, M.D.
3rd Annual SHORE to SHORECREST 5K Run/Walk presented by Dermaclinique, Dr. Priya Nayyar, M.D.
Saturday, October 25
5k Start: 8am
Start Line: Flora Wylie Park
Finish Line: Shorecrest Campus
Also returning: the Sparky Sprint* for children 8 years & younger and the Wellness Village! Every participant receives:
commemorative race T-shirt
finisher’s medal
delicious breakfast to refuel and celebrate!
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 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.
COMING SOON... Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win incredible prizes from Perry's Porch, the Vinoy, Hotworx, Pure Barre and more!
Register for the Sparky Sprint at the Shore to Shorecrest 5k!
Register for the Sparky Sprint at the Shore to Shorecrest 5k!
Join us on Saturday, October 25 for the third annual Shore to Shorecrest 5k presented by Dermaclinique, Dr. Priya Nayyar, M.D. This event also features the Sparky Sprint for Chargers 8 and under!
The Sparky Sprint is a separate registration and fee from the official 5k and includes a separate bib number and commemorative medal. Sparky Sprint registrants may compete in the on-campus race even if their grown-ups aren't doing the 5k!
Charger Chat
Charger Chat
Friday, October 17
A monthly series of casual chats with Head of School Nancy Spencer. After Lower School Town Meeting (roughly 8:30am) in the Raymund Center.
International Connection Potluck Lunch
International Connection Potluck Lunch
Wednesday, October 22
Shorecrest adults are invited to come together for a potluck lunch. Share a favorite dish from your culture & celebrate community through food and friendship.
SCA Holiday Greenery
on Sale Now!
SCA Holiday Greenery
on Sale Now!
The SCA Greenery Sale offers a stunning selection of festive wreaths to elevate your holiday spirit. The deadline to order is November 3.
Gift Greenery for $25
Gift Greenery for $25
Share the love by gifting a 22-inch Noble Fir Wreath to Guardian ad Litem! Greenery for Guardian ad Litem caretakers will be distributed at the Holiday Gift Drive event on December 13.
All-School Calendar
All-School Calendar
The School Store
The School Store
It's fall and hopefully that means cooler weather is on the way. Come by the School Store for long-sleeved shirts, jackets, hoodies and more.
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
Page updated
Report abuse