Letter from Mr. Schneider

Dear Upper School Families,

Our Core Values are the heart of our community, and we are dedicated to helping our students live them both in and out of the classroom. This past weekend our students had a remarkable opportunity to embody one of our most important values: compassion.

Dean Alexander chaperoned a group of 10 students to volunteer at the Special Olympics on Saturday. We were incredibly proud to see them demonstrate empathy and support by enthusiastically cheering on the athletes, celebrating their efforts, and creating an atmosphere of true sportsmanship. The students’ actions illustrated what it means to connect with others. One student shared, “It was a wholesome experience; it felt good to help them. They hugged us once they completed their events and they were so happy we were there.”

There are many ways for our students to earn community service hours; some ideas can be found here. 

First Academic Progress Reports (9/26)

Every four weeks, Academic Progress Reports are sent to families of students earning below a 73% in any course. These reports are designed to provide helpful context about the grade, highlight areas of strength and challenge, and share clear next steps the student can take to make progress. The goal is to ensure that students and families feel supported and have a roadmap for improvement. If you have any questions about the report, please contact the classroom teacher for more information. 

Academic Integrity Assembly

On September 10, the Honor Council, together with Dr. Baralt, led an Upper School advisory session focused on academic integrity and the use of AI. Honor Council student leaders highlighted common academic integrity pitfalls and shared strategies to avoid them. Dr. Baralt provided guidance on the risks associated with AI use and demonstrated examples of its potential applications. The full presentation can be found here. 

Homecoming 2025
We're excited to announce the schedule for Homecoming 2025! Due to a shortened week and the PSAT, we've adjusted our usual timeline to ensure all students can participate in the festivities. Homecoming will officially kick off on Friday, October 17, with our Homecoming Court presentation at halftime of the highly anticipated football game. The following week, Monday, October 20-Saturday, October 25, will be packed with special events including dress-up days (October 21-23), a class competition day (October 24), and the culminating Homecoming Dance (October 25). We look forward to celebrating with our students and creating lasting memories.

Schedule Changes
The drop/add deadline for courses is September 17. Students who wish to add or drop a course must do so by this date by meeting with Dean Frey.

This year a new policy has been introduced to better support transitions from an honors course to a college prep course. The deadline for these changes has been extended to October 15, allowing students additional time to adjust to the honors curriculum and determine whether it is the right fit. No schedule changes of this type will be permitted after October 15.

Have a wonderful week!

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

Mark Your Calendars - 

Saturday, September 27
SCA Soiree Beneath the Waves: A Florida Cocktail Odyssey presented by Mann Orthodontics

Tuesday, September 30
Sophomore Strategies - College Counseling Seminar

Thursday, October 2
Dads Night Out

Tuesday, October 7
Junior Journey

October 10-13
Fall Long Weekend, No School Friday & Monday

Wednesday, October 15
The Shorecrest Advantage - Exploring Upper School

Friday, October 17
Charger Chat with Nancy Spencer; Alumni Homecoming Tailgate; Homecoming varsity football game and Homecoming court crowning

Saturday, October 18
STEAMakers Open House

October 20-24
Homecoming Week Fun Days

Wednesday, October 22
International Connection Potluck

Saturday, October 25
Shore to Shorecrest 5k

Wednesday, October 29
Picture Retake Day

Saturday, November 15
Electric Fall Festival (More Info coming soon!) 

Shorecrest College Counseling Programs 

The Shorecrest College Counseling Office offers comprehensive programming to support students and families throughout the college search and placement process. While many College Counseling events are tailored toward particular grade levels, all interested Shorecrest families are invited to attend these College Counseling events this fall: 

Sophomore Strategies 

Tuesday, September 30 @ 6pm
Location: Janet Root Theatre
Dedicated programming for tenth grade students and their families

The Shorecrest Advantage: Exploring Shorecrest's Upper School

Wednesday, October 15 @ 7pm
Location: Virtual
Dedicated programming for families of seventh and eighth grade students 

Seniors:

Seniors should schedule a meeting with their lead college counselor prior to September 30 to finalize college lists and plan for applications (review Common App, STARS, personal statements). 

College application season has started! Remember to turn in pink sheets and meet with your college counselor before submitting applications. October 1 is the deadline to submit pink sheets for EA at FSU, UCF, FAU, UT Austin, Clemson, UNC, UGA, U. South Carolina. 

First Year Students:

If you were unable to attend the First Year Foundation presentation, be sure to stop by the College Counseling Office to pick up an orange folder. The presentation is available on the Class of 2029 College Counseling Schoology page. 

College Reps Visiting Shorecrest

In order to attend visits with college representatives, your student must sign-up in Cialfo at least 24 hours in advance. Simply log-in and look for the list of colleges that will be joining us this fall. Check back often as the list continues to grow each day! Meeting with the visiting college reps is a great way to learn more about each institution and show your demonstrated interest. Many colleges track attendance at programs such as school visits. 

College Visits:

Upcoming College Counseling Events

Spellman Preview Session - Tuesday, September 23, 7pm, Janet Root Theatre. Register for this event here.

Sophomore Strategies - Tuesday, September 30, 6pm, Janet Root Theatre. Dedicated programming for tenth grade students and their families

BAIS College Fair - Sunday, October 5, 12pm - 2pm, St. Pete Coliseum. For students and families in the Upper School. Be sure to register to receive a QR code for college reps to scan at the fair (see below graphic for registration information)

Junior Journey - Tuesday, October 7, 6pm, Janet Root Theatre. Dedicated programming for eleventh grade students and their families 

Shorecrest Vaccine Policy 

Recently proposed changes to State of Florida vaccine mandates do not apply to private schools. Shorecrest has no intention of changing its vaccine policy for students. 

All-School Calendar

Upper School Contacts