UPPER SCHOOL
2025-2026
Embedded Files
This Week in Upper School (TWIUS) - November 10, 2025
This Week in Upper School (TWIUS) - November 10, 2025
Letter from Mr. Schneider
Letter from Mr. Schneider
Dear Upper School Families,
Conference Day, November 12
Conference Day, November 12
Conference Day is this Wednesday, November 12. View our Conference Day FAQs below:
Is conference day required?
No. Conference day is an opportunity for families to schedule time with the teachers they specifically need to see. Please do not feel like you need to have a conference with every teacher.
Should students attend with their parents?
Students do not need to attend. However, they are welcome to attend if parents believe it will be helpful.
What if a teacher does not have a sign-up sheet?
You can email the teacher directly to set up a conference. The conference may be on a different day.
What if I need to cancel last minute?
Please email the teacher and Ms Morlando (FMorlando@shorecrest.org) to let them know.
How long are the sign up sheets available?
The sign up sheets will lock Monday, November 10 to provide teachers time to prepare.
Service Week Trips
Service Week Trips
Hopefully, you saw my correspondence last week regarding Service Week trips taking place in April available to grades 9,10 and 12. Note: 11th graders do not participate in Service Week. Instead, they are enrolled in Junior GPS, a program run by our College Counseling team to train and prepare for the college application process.
Our Service Week trips include: Pine Ridge in South Dakota, La Carpio Humanitarian Journey in Costa Rica, and Marine Conservation in The Dominican Republic. We are extending the deadlines to SHOW INTEREST in three travel service trips. We need to see interest from students, or these trips will not run. Students should fill out the form or application for each trip listed below.
Re-Member Lakota Pine Ridge
South Dakota
Chaperones: Dowling
April 11-18
https://forms.gle/tqGMjJh9JiKMBByq6
$2100 - Estimated cost w/ 12 students
Deadline: Complete Interest Form by Nov 11
La Carpio Humanitarian Journey
Costa Rica
Chaperones: Anderson and Marcelli
April 12-18
https://gojourneyabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/31456
MIN 10 STUDENTS AND 2 CHAPERONES: $3450
MIN 16 STUDENTS AND 2 CHAPERONES: $3000
Deadline: Complete Interest Form by Nov 6
Marine Conservation
Dominican Republic
Chaperones: Dr. Carlie and Casey
Dates: April 11-18, 2026
Service Focus: Marine Conservation
If you are interested in attending this trip, parents/guardians should register for the trip info session on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30pm.
RSVP for the meeting.
If you have questions, please reach out to our Service Week Coordinator, Chris Powers (chpowers@shorecrest.org).
Midterm Exams Details
Midterm Exams Details
For planning purposes, we would like to share information on Midterm Exams (Dec 15-19).
Exciting Guest Speaker!
Exciting Guest Speaker!
We are excited to announce that Sam Demma will be coming to Shorecrest on November 20 to speak with the Middle and Upper Schools during the school day and will have a special presentation to all Shorecrest parents 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," youth keynote speaker and author Sam 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.
We hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful week!
Erich Schneider
Head of Upper School
eschneider@shorecrest.org
727-456-7529
UPPER SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPPER SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Student Announcements
Student Announcements
Student-specific announcements are shared by Student Council every Sunday in an email called "TWIUS" (This Week In The Upper School). This page is regularly updated by our Administrative Assistant, Fatima Morlando.
Mark Your Calendars -
Mark Your Calendars -
Tuesday, November 11
Upper School Heads Search Sessions
Wednesday, November 12
Fall Conference Day (No School for Students)
November 13-14
Upper School Play "Vintage Hitchcock"
Saturday, November 15
Electric Fall Festival
Monday, November 17
Dads Night Out
Tuesday, November 18 - New Date**
College Counseling: Money Matters. Learn more about financial aid and affording college from Shorecrest College Counseling and guests. For Upper School families.
Thursday, November 20
Sam Demma Guest Performance; Not a late start day for students
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
Fall Sports Playoffs
Fall Sports Playoffs
Shorecrest Chargers Cross Country boys will run in Regionals on Thursday, November 13 at Holloway Park in Lakeland. Entry is $12. Buy Tickets
The boys and girls golf teams will compete in the State Championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, on November 14 & 15. Admission is free but parking is not: Details
Chargers Varsity Boys Swim & Dive team members just competed at an extremely competitive State Championship and earned 111 Points with a 7th place finish. The 200 Free Relay (Anton Ho, Ethan Swann, Leonardo Ho, Maddox Matyas) placed 4th with a school record time of 1:25.68 and the 400 Free Relay (Anton Ho '26, Milan Spodin '28, Maddox Matyas '26, Leonardo Ho '28) also placed 4th with a school record time of 3:08.32. The 200 Medley Relay (Tristan Cooper '27, Milan Spodin '28, Stepan S '30, Ethan Swann '26) finished 13th. Maddox Matyas '26 was 6th in the 200 Free with a school record time of 1:39.99 and also made the podium in the 500 Free in 7th place. Anton Ho '26 broke the oldest record on the books (from 1988) in the 50 Free with a lead-off relay time of 21.41 and he broke his own 100 Fly record with a new time of 50.97. Coach Patty said, "This 1A State meet ranks as one of the best of all time for Shorecrest. I cannot say enough about the hard work, dedication and resilience of these young men and what they accomplished this past Saturday at the fastest, most competitive meet in Florida - if not the United States. Congratulations to our 1A State team!"
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.
"Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play" is an evening of adaptations of three early films directed by Alfred Hitchcock: "The Lodger," "Sabotage" and "The 39 Steps." These stories come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast, with 16 actors playing dozens of characters, live sound effects and musical underscoring.
General Admission tickets are $10. Reserve and pay in advance for your tickets with our easy, secure payment link! Seats will be assigned in the order of purchase. The deadline to purchase online is Thursday, November 13 at noon. Please visit our Box Office in person during Box Office hours after that time.
Tickets may also be purchased by credit card or check at the Janet Root Theatre Box Office during Box Office hours.
Purchased tickets will be available to pick up at the Box Office Will Call window prior to the show.
Box Office hours:
Tuesday, November 11, 3-5pm
Wednesday, November 12, 3-5pm
Thursday, November 13, 5:30-7pm
Friday, November 14, 5:30-7pm
If you have questions regarding tickets, please contact Stephanie McCarthy smccarthy@shorecrest.org.
Bags of Blessings: Thanksgiving Food Drive
Bags of Blessings: Thanksgiving Food Drive
Shorecrest Upper School’s Key Club is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive and will be making “bags of blessings” (meal kits), in collaboration with Positive Impact Ministries. Collection boxes will be located in Landy Hall and Charger Commons from November 3-13. Key Club members and student volunteers will distribute our Bags of Blessings on Saturday, November 15 with Positive Impact Ministries in St. Petersburg.
The following items will be collected November 3-13:
Baking and sides:
Stuffing mix
Canned yams
Canned cranberry sauce
Canned gravy packets or mix
Mashed potatoes (instant)
Canned goods:
Green beans
Corn
Mixed fruit
Mushrooms
Breakfast and staple items:
Cereal (hot or cold)
Rice
Pasta
Share Your Voice: Head of Upper School Search
Share Your Voice: Head of Upper School Search
As we look ahead to build on the Upper School's strong foundation, we have engaged the search firm RG175 to help identify a visionary new leader for the 9th-12th grade Upper School to succeed Head of Upper School Erich Schneider in July 2026. There will be multiple opportunities for all community members to participate in the search process.
On Tuesday, November 11, there will be three sessions for members of the community to meet directly with our search consultant, Adam Peichert of RG175.
1:30 – 2:30pm: Trustee Session in the Ohana Community Room
2:30 – 3:30pm: Parent/Guardian Session in the Ohana Community Room
3:30 – 4:30pm: Upper School Faculty Session in the Ohana Community Room
Thank you for taking the time to contribute your voice to this important process. Your insights will play a meaningful role in shaping the future leadership of the Upper School.
Spring Sports Sign Ups
Spring Sports Sign Ups
Spring Sports Sign Ups will take 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.
College Compass
College Compass
Seniors
Seniors
Remember to turn in pink sheets and meet with your college counselor to review Common App, STARS, and supplementals before submitting applications. If you need or would like progress/mid-semester/Q1 grades sent to any college, please fill out a gold sheet in the CCO.
Juniors
Juniors
Consider applying for the Coolidge Scholarship which is a full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years at any accredited college/university. Apply by December 16, 2025 @ Coolidge Scholarship
Financial Aid Event: Money Matters
Financial Aid Event: Money Matters
Tuesday, November 18 (New Date) - 6-7:30pm in the JRT
Learn more about financial aid and affording college from Shorecrest College Counseling and guest speakers from a local college
Revolution Prep Virtual Events (9th, 10th, 11th Grade Families)
Revolution Prep Virtual Events (9th, 10th, 11th Grade Families)
PSAT, Now What?: Wednesday, November 12, 7pm-8pm
Digital ACT Practice Exam: Saturday, November 15, 9am-12:30pm
PSAT, Now What?: Wednesday, December 3, 8pm-9pm
Details & Register: Revolution Prep Shorecrest Page
College Reps Visiting Shorecrest
College Reps Visiting Shorecrest
College visits have mostly wrapped up for the fall. We may still get a few requests for visits. They will be listed in Cialfo as they are approved.
Planning to make a College Visit?
Planning to make a College Visit?
When a student visits a college/takes a college tour, they must complete a College Visit form prior to the day they will be absent. These are located in the Shorecrest Community Page under Forms. This digital form is quick and easy to complete.
As a reminder, Juniors are allowed three college visit absences, Seniors are allowed five.
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Health Updates from the Clinic
Health Updates from the Clinic
Flu and respiratory illness season is here, and head lice has been found on campus. Practicing good health habits is more important than ever. It takes a community to keep us all safe. Get practical tips, resources and a refresher on Shorecrest policies regarding when children should be kept home from school.
Financial Aid for the 2026-2027 School Year - APPLY NOW
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 to 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.
New Student Applications to Shorecrest
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!
Volunteers Needed - Sign up to help today!
Shorecrest and SCA Volunteer needs can also be found by clicking Volunteer Info on the menu here, or on the Shorecrest Parent App.
Coming up: Book Fair, Electric Fall Festival, Gift Drive
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.)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Keynote Speaker: Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack” - Thursday, November 20
Keynote Speaker: Sam Demma - “Empty Your Backpack” - Thursday, November 20
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.
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 & around 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 DJ, golf, bowling, planetarium — and that’s just the beginning! Food trucks will also be on site with delicious dinner options available for purchase.
WAIVER: Parents/Guardians MUST sign a waiver before ticket holders will be granted entry. You may sign for more than one child at a time but you must list all the children who are attending. If you are bringing a child who is not in your family, their parent must still sign the waiver to have it on file.
International Festival
International Festival
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 is January 29, 2026.
All-School Calendar
All-School Calendar
The School Store
The School Store
However you celebrate this holiday season, the School Store is here to help you equip your Chargers family!
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.
Upper School Contacts
Upper School Contacts
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