MS In the Know - January 12, 2026

MIDDLE SCHOOL

2025-2026

Middle School In the Know - January 12, 2026

Letter from Ms. Grant

Good afternoon,

This week the weather is getting colder. We told the students that they could have a sweatpants day on Thursday, January 15. Friday will be a regular Spirit Day.

All Grades - College Counseling Webinars

The College Counseling Office has upcoming virtual events that all Shorecrest families are welcome to attend.

January 13 - College Counseling Showcase, 6-7:30pm: Learn about how the College Counseling Office supports Shorecrest students throughout their college search and application process. https://shorecrest.webex.com/shorecrest/j.php?MTID=mf7f5aea2dfbfbab0be62cba07f77f305

January 21 - Exploring Summer Program Options for High School Students, 12-1pm, https://shorecrest.webex.com/shorecrest/j.php?MTID=m10b9696ff0bc3ceabcf456f1f5a83b85

February 25 - Playing the Field, 12-1pm; Learn about College Athletic Recruitment and the Admissions Process, https://shorecrest.webex.com/shorecrest/j.php?MTID=m20f52207c8a7f5bdab3fa3c0d37b2807

March 25 - The Art of College, 12-1pm: Pursuing Performing and Visual Arts Programs, https://shorecrest.webex.com/shorecrest/j.php?MTID=mf85347b47ae5c39590b01098b3c04ac8

Eighth Grade Families

With re-enrollment approaching, the Upper School Administrative team would like to offer you an opportunity to learn about our Upper School program and to ask any questions you might have. Among the topics to be discussed are:

The Upper School Curriculum: What does a ninth grader’s schedule look like and what opportunities will be available to students as they move towards their senior year?
Who are we? What do we ask of our students and what do we hope to achieve in four years?
Student Life: Advisory, Morning Meetings, Clubs, Homecoming Week
Leadership opportunities: Ambassadors, Honor Council, Student Council
Service Week

We hope you can join us on Wednesday, January 14 at 8am in the Ohana Community Room, 2nd Floor of Charger Commons for an 8th Grade Parent Breakfast to learn more. Please RSVP to Fatima Morlando (fmorlando@shorecrest.org).

Snowflake Soiree

Seventh and eighth graders, save the date for the Snowflake Soiree on Friday, January 30, from 6-8pm in the MS Breezeway! More details to follow…

Have a great week,

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

MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars -

Wednesday, January 14
8th Grade Parent Breakfast - learn about Upper School

Friday, January 16
Charger Chat + SCA Parent Coffee

Monday, January 19
MLK Day of Service (NO SCHOOL)

Friday, January 30
Snowflake Soiree (7/8th grades)

Thursday, February 5
International Festival

Friday February 6
Shorecrest Movie Night

Friday, February 13
School Closed / Professional Development for Faculty

Monday, February 16
Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, February 18
Parent and Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

CAE / MS Math Lab

Math Lab is a new after-school math peer tutoring program designed to help Middle School students feel more confident and successful with their math work. The program provides a structured, supportive environment where students can complete homework, review concepts, and ask questions with guidance from trained peer tutors.

Students will work in small groups organized by grade level, allowing for individualized attention and targeted support. A staff member will be on site to oversee the program, manage sign-in and sign-out, and ensure a smooth and safe experience for all students. Peer tutors are Shorecrest Upper School students who have met special qualifications to participate in our peer tutoring program.

Math Lab will be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30–4:30pm, beginning the week of January 19. Location: Ms. Stripling's classroom in the 6th grade hallway

Math Lab is designed to reinforce classroom instruction, support homework completion, and give students a consistent, encouraging place to build math skills and confidence. Snacks will be provided, and the cost is $20 per student, per session. Families are required to sign students up weekly through a simple online form. Students who are not signed up will be sent to Middle School After Hours.

To Register click on "Student Support Registration and Details"

Important New Athletic Requirement

Starting July 1, 2026, FHSAA will require the following students to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG):

All incoming 9th grade student-athletes
Any student in grades 10–12 who has never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport

ECG screening is non-invasive, painless and takes about 5 minutes. An ECG performed on or after July 1, 2024 will satisfy the requirement.

There is a free ECG Heart Screening event coming up on Saturday, February 7 at the Galen College of Nursing in St. Pete (10200 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N.) from 10am-1pm. This date is also National Youth Heart Screening Day so it will be a large community event!

Spring Sports Info

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.

Spring Sports Details

ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Shorecrest College Counseling Showcase

Tuesday, January 13

6pm, Virtual via Webex

All Shorecrest families are invited to the College Counseling Showcase on Tuesday, January 13 at 6pm.

During this virtual event you will hear from members of the College Counseling Office, college admissions representatives, and current Shorecrest students about the benefits of Shorecrest's comprehensive 4+ year college counseling program.

The presentation will highlight the current college admissions landscape and the process Shorecrest’s College Counseling Office utilizes to advise and guide students during the college search and admission process.

Join the Virtual Event

Charger Chat + SCA Parent Coffee

Friday, January 16

8:30am in the Raymund Center

Come to a special edition of Charger Chat + SCA Parent Coffee. Grab a cup of coffee outside Charger Commons and chat with Head of School Nancy Spencer and SCA Co-Presidents about Shorecrest events for this spring and next fall. We’d love to hear feedback and get ideas & suggestions!

Every parent who attends will be entered in a raffle to win a gift card to the Shorecrest School Store! Parents of all grade levels welcome!

Following Lower School Town Meeting (roughly 8:30am).

International Festival

Thursday, February 5 on the Gaffney Green

The annual parent-run International Festival hosted by International Connection will be Thursday, February 5. This exciting event brings our diverse community together to celebrate global cultures.

The registration deadline is January 29.

Learn More

Movie Night featuring "Inside Out 2"

Friday, February 6, 6pm on the Gaffney Green

Join us for our annual Movie Night sponsored by Griffin Concierge Medical. Bring your family and cozy blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for an evening under the stars.

Food trucks will be on campus with dinner and snacks available for purchase.

RSVP

Learn More

St. Pete MLK Parade Community Service Opportunity

MLK Day, Monday, January 19
No School for Students

The Shorecrest Black Student Union (BSU) would like to invite the entire Shorecrest Community to make MLK Day a day of Service. The 2026 St. Pete MLK Parade will take place the morning of Monday, January 19. You can volunteer for specific tasks or by time slot, whatever works best. There are a wide range of ways to help and all of it matters! We hope you will join us!

A volunteer meeting hosted by Parade Staff will be held in person/virtually on Tuesday, January 13 from 5:30-6:30pm. This is when you'll learn about your assignments, get your T-shirt, and be provided with logistics of the parade.

Shorecrest Gala
Nearly Sold Out!

Saturday, March 7 at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

Join the Shorecrest community for an unforgettable night of giving and celebration that invites you to look at The View from Here... Save your ‘seat at the window’ today.

Limited Tickets Remain!

Get Tickets

Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Verify Contact Info

Grandparents and Special Friends Day presented by Bayway Dental is coming on Friday, March 27, 8am-1:30pm.

To be sure your family members receive an invitation, please update grandparent contact information in FACTS by January 23.

How to:
Login to FACTS Family Portal > select Web Forms > click on SPS Family Demographics > and scroll down to Grandparents Information.

Contact details for invitees who are not grandparents may be emailed to scleveland@shorecrest.org.

Friday, March 27 will have early dismissal for ES, LS and MS.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion - Meet the Candidates

We are excited to announce that we have reached the final stage of our search for a new Director of Diversity and Inclusion. As a valued part of our school community, your perspective is incredibly important to us during this selection process. We invite you to join us for two "Meet the Candidate" sessions to hear from our finalists and share your feedback on Tuesday, January 20, 2:15–3:15pm and Wednesday, January 28, 2:15–3:15pm in the Ohana Community Room on the second floor of Charger Commons.

These sessions will provide an opportunity for you to hear each candidate’s vision for our school and ask questions regarding their approach to fostering an inclusive environment for all students. Your input helps ensure we select a leader who understands the needs of our families and reflects the values of our community.

Please RSVP to Dr. Anna Baralt at abaralt@shorecrest.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dads Night Out Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 29, 7:30pm at Whiskey Exchange, 540 Central Ave, St. Pete. This has become a favorite spot for the Dad's Night Out based on turnout. (They have more than just whiskey.)

Thursday, February 19, 7:30pm Dads Night Poker Tournament at Win! Derby Poker Room 10490 Gandy Blvd N., St. Pete. This is always a fun night and we raise money for the School while having a pretty good prize pool.

Cash only $80 buy-in at the cage - just tell them you are there for the Shorecrest Tournament
Rebuys until ~8:45pm to allow for more fun-raising
Derby Lane bar will be open before and after with tableside service
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can shuffle up and deal at 7:30

DEADLINES & REMINDERS

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.

Apply Now

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

Upcoming Special Event Hours -

February 6 - Open for Movie Night
February 18 - Open 8:30am-4:30pm for Conference Day
February 21 - Open for the Robotics Tournament

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.