Letter from Mr. Schneider

Dear Upper School Families,

It appears that our coldest stretch of weather in memory is coming to an end and that means that we are returning to our dress code rules. Please help us with reminding our students. 

By Tuesday, you should receive an email from your child’s Advisor. This will include your child’s self-reflections from Semester 1 alongside Advisor comments. These reflections are a valuable piece of our growth-oriented approach, and we encourage you to discuss them with your student.

Reminder - Long Weekend

Friday, February 13  school is closed for a Professional Development day for Faculty. Monday, February 16 school is closed for Presidents Day.

5th Annual Black Authors Read-In 

On Thursday, we will celebrate our 5th Annual Black Authors Read-In from 9am - 3:30pm. This is an open mic event to celebrate the literary achievements of Black writers. Students are welcome to pop by anytime during the day to read and / or listen. While many significant writers of the past, such as Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Claude McKay, Zora Neale Hurston, Gwendolyn Brooks, and James Baldwin will be remembered, readings of contemporary and lesser-known literary artists (including our own talented students) will be shared as well. Students are welcome to bring their favorite works to share, and some readings will be provided. All genres are welcome. Material will be school-age appropriate, and children’s and YA books will be on hand. 

This event will be nationally recognized and presented in concert with the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, who, according to their website, "established the National African American Read-In in 1990 to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month." Shorecrest and participants will be joining a larger honoring body; by taking part in this tradition, our school’s name becomes part of a national registry of participating groups, and we are afforded another opportunity to demonstrate that we are a school that champions diverse representation.

In honor of Black History Month, the history department has put together a lending library in Kayla’s room (LH-201) that features a variety of different titles. All books are black history-focused, ranging from notable autobiographies to popular culture to graphic novels. 

Have a wonderful week!

Erich Schneider
Head of Upper School
eschneider@shorecrest.org
727-456-7529

Mark Your Calendars - 

Friday, February 13
School Closed / Professional Development for Faculty

Monday, February 16
Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)

Sunday, February 22
Tampa Bay Case Studies (Grade 11 & parents/guardians)

Wednesday, February 25
Playing the Field: College Athletics Lunch & Learn

Friday, February 27
Upper School students-only Movie Night

Saturday, March 7
Shorecrest Gala

March 16-20
Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, March 25
The Art of College: College Performing and Visual Arts Lunch & Learn

Friday, March 27
Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Juniors

• Schedule your first family college counseling meeting. Both the parent and student survey need to be completed prior to scheduling. If you have not completed the survey, reach out to your college counselor. 

• Register for the Tampa Bay Case Studies Program. The TBCS Program is designed for students and parents to better understand the application review process by being part of a simulated admissions committee. Check your email for registration information! Registration deadline: extended to Feb 13.

Seniors

• Notify your college counselor of college decisions and scholarship awards. 

Parent Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

• Playing the Field: Learn about College Athletic Recruitment and the Admissions Process - Wednesday, February 25, 12 - 1pm  Join Webinar

• The Art of College: Pursuing Performing and Visual Arts Programs - Wednesday, March 25, 12 - 1pm Join Webinar 

SAT /ACT

The deadline to register for the March 14th SAT is February 27. Students need to register using their College Board account. 

Head of Upper School Search - Parent Sessions with Finalists 

Three finalists for the Head of Upper School position are scheduled to visit campus on February 10, 12, and 18. 

Parents will have the opportunity to meet with each of the three finalists and offer feedback. Please save these dates and times: 

• Tuesday, February 10 - 2:30pm in the Ohana Room

• Thursday, February 12 - 2:30pm in the Ohana Room

• Wednesday, February 18 - 2:30pm in the Ohana Room

All meetings will be held in the Ohana Room on the second floor of Charger Commons. 

Names and resumes will be sent the day prior to each candidate’s visit, so please keep an eye on your email. After each session, attendees will be emailed a survey to submit feedback on the finalists.  

All-School Calendar

Upper School Contacts