Letter from Mr. Schneider

Dear Upper School Families,

You will be receiving a communication soon (if not already) with a link to your child’s first semester grades and comments. Teachers may write comments for any student, but have been specifically asked to write comments for any students who received a grade below C-. The link that is provided will be active for 14 days. After that, families will be able to access report cards through the FACTS Family Portal. The second semester provides a clean slate. I encourage all students to take advantage of opportunities, such as extra help from teachers and our peer tutoring offerings. 

Last Tuesday, the Upper School was treated to a special assembly featuring The Doox of Yale, one of Yale University’s premier all-gender undergraduate a cappella groups. Known for their high-energy performances, complex arrangements, and signature humor, they are a staple of the Yale singing scene. Following their performance, the group participated in a Q & A where they shared sound advice on balancing academics with co-curricular commitments.   

Our Service Week trip, Costa Rica Humanitarian Journey (April 12–18), is nearly ready for takeoff! Facilitated by Go Journey Abroad, this experience perfectly blends meaningful service work with unforgettable adventure. While we have had strong interest, we are currently just a few students shy of the 10-person minimum required to run the trip. We are extending the application deadline by one week to give the trip a chance to run. Please note that if we do not reach the 10-student requirement by January 16, we will unfortunately have to cancel the trip. 

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make an impact abroad!

• Chaperones: Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Marcelli

• Next Steps: [Apply Here] [Meeting PDF] [Pay Here]

• Contact: Chris Powers, Service Week Coordinator: chpowers@shorecrest.org or 727-542-1089

Other Service Opportunities

In addition to our scheduled Service Week in April, students have been encouraged to take advantage of both on-campus and off-campus opportunities that have been shared during our Monday Morning Meetings, via email, and through the Service Opportunities Document. Several opportunities are coming up this weekend, including one with Dean Alexander at Positive Impact (food pantry) on Saturday, January 17. 

If you have not yet seen our Student Life Newsletter, we invite you to take a look at the incredible growth and student life that defined our first semester!

Have a wonderful week!

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

Mark Your Calendars - 

Tuesday, January 13
College Counseling Showcase (Virtual) Watch on Webex

Friday, January 16
Charger Chat + SCA Parent Coffee

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

Saturday, January 31
Winter Semi-Formal Dance

Wednesday, February 4
Testing & the College Landscape

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)

First Years and Sophomores

• Summer Programs: Mr. Steinly sent an email with tips and resources. You can also refer to the Shorecrest CCO Summer Program Database

Juniors

• We have started holding family college counseling meetings for families that have completed both the student and parent surveys in Cialfo. Check for an email from your college counselor with details about scheduling.  If you have not completed the survey, reach out to your 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

Seniors

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

College Counseling Showcase (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 13, 6-7:30pm: Learn about how the College Counseling Office supports Shorecrest students throughout their college search and application process. Watch on Webex

Parent Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

• Exploring Summer Program Options for High School Students - Wednesday, January 21, 12 - 1pm Join Webinar

• 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 

Practice Tests and more with Revolution Prep

• ACT Practice Exam: Saturday, January 24 |  9am-12:30pm

• SAT Practice Exam: Saturday, February 7 |  9am-12:30pm

• Navigating the Critical Changes in Admissions Testing (Parent Presentation): Wednesday, February 4 | 6:30-7:30pm in the Janet Root Theatre

Details & Registration: Revolution Prep Shorecrest Page

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.)

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!

All-School Calendar

Upper School Contacts