MS In The Know

MIDDLE SCHOOL

2025-2026

Middle School In the Know - November 17, 2025

Letter from Ms. Grant

Good afternoon,

This is our last weekly newsletter before the Thanksgiving Break. I wish everyone a restful break and safe travels if your plans call for travel.

Parents / Guardians please Join this Fantastic Opportunity -
Keynote Speaker Sam Demma

We are excited to announce that Sam Demma will be coming to Shorecrest on Thursday, November 20 to speak with the Middle and Upper Schools during the school day and will have a special presentation to all Shorecrest parents/guardians at 6:30pm in the Janet Root Theatre.

Sam Demma is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and highly sought-after keynote speaker, particularly within the education sector. He is the creator of The High Performing Educator multimedia platform.

In his book "Empty Your Backpack," Demma uses a powerful metaphor to address the burdens that hold individuals back from reaching their full potential. The "backpack," he explains, represents the accumulation of limiting beliefs, doubts, and the negative opinions of others that people unknowingly carry with them through life.

The core message of the book is a call to action: to consciously "unpack" these detrimental thoughts and replace them with empowering beliefs and consistent, positive actions. Demma emphasizes that achieving one's dreams is not about grand, sweeping changes, but rather the result of small, steady steps taken over time. This philosophy of "small, consistent actions" is a cornerstone of his teachings and is woven throughout the book.

Report cards and conference reports will be posted Friday afternoon. Please login with your FACTS credentials to access them.

Have a great week,

Kris Grant
Head of Middle School
kgrant@shorecrest.org
727-456-7526

MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

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 -

Monday, November 17
Dads Night Out

Thursday, November 20
Sam Demma Keynote Performances

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
7th & 8th Grade Performance

Thursday, December 11
Winter Band Concert

Friday, December 19
Early Dismissal

Monday, December 22
Winter Break (through January 4)

Monday, January 5
Return to School

Spring Sports Sign Ups

Spring Sports Sign Ups are taking place in the Athletics Office Monday, December 8 through Friday, December 12. Any Upper School student wishing to participate in Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis, and/or Track & Field should stop by the Athletics Office during break, lunch or after school to sign up. MS students will sign up during their PE classes.

These sign ups help coaches and the Athletics Office know how many students are interested in participating in a particular sport. The Athletics Office also double checks that the students who signed up have completed all their athletics paperwork before the first practice/tryout takes place. This helps to ensure that all students are eligible to participate from day one of the new season.

ALL STUDENTS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPRING SPORT MUST BE CLEARED THROUGH THE ATHLETIC CLEARANCE SYSTEM* at least 72 hours BEFORE THEIR FIRST PRACTICE. Click here for the Athletic Clearance Guide to help you with this process.

*The Athletic Clearance system is used for collecting athletic physicals and other important Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) information for student participation in sports.

Share Your Feedback - Shorecrest Fall Satisfaction Survey

Each fall and spring, Shorecrest publishes a satisfaction survey to faculty and staff, families and students. This three-question survey provides helpful feedback to the school administration at all levels. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to share your feedback. The survey closes on Friday, November 21.

Take the Survey

Read about how past survey feedback has helped to influence significant improvement across all divisions. [Read the Article in Shorecrest News]

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

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 must 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.

Apply Now for 2026-2027 Financial Aid

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.

Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!

Coming up: Holiday Gift Drive! Shorecrest volunteer needs can also be found by clicking Volunteer Info on the menu here, or on the Shorecrest Parent App.

Gift Drive Volunteering

Volunteer Needs

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.)

Order Yearbooks

COMMUNITY EVENTS

This Week: Keynote Speaker Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack”

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.

Scholastic Book Fair

There's still time to shop the Book Fair online. Continue shopping through November 20 for more resources for Shorecrest! Families can choose from thousands of books and orders ship direct to home, with free standard shipping on book-only purchases over $35.

Book Fair Online

SCA Moms Holiday Night Out

Celebrate the season with other Shorecrest moms! Your $35 ticket includes light bites and festive drinks. Holiday attire encouraged.

Buy a Ticket

International Festival - Register your country!

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 to feature your country is January 29, 2026.

The School Store

However you celebrate this holiday season, the School Store is here to help you equip your Chargers family!

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.