Save the Date

Relay for Life
Mar. 28-29

Duathlon
April 18

Shorecrest
General
Calendar
for
2008-2009

Kindergarteners and first graders prepared for Presidents Day.

Message from the Headmaster

Independence and Self-Esteem

During the past few months, a very interesting series of programs with topics like how to encourage organization, how to promote good study skills, and the college search process have been presented by guests, our counselors and Division Heads to Shorecrest parents. The one common theme that I have heard in every presentation relates to the goal of helping students develop appropriate independence.

We observe independence when our Early Childhood students select a center and work on a project without an adult hovering. Similarly, when our Lower Division students enter their rooms each morning and begin the "start up" assignments of the day, students who are developing appropriate independence are obvious. Middle Division and Upper Division parents generally observe students seeking increased social independence at the same time. One can easily identify those students who know how to manage time and work without the encouragement or prodding of an adult.

Few would argue that the development of independence is not a good thing to happen for students. Yet, for many adults this is a very painful process. Allowing a child to develop independence requires the adults to trust students. It also means that an adult may need to allow a child to discover his or her own method even if it seems obvious to the adult that another choice would be more efficient or lead to more immediate success.

We delay the development of independence when we intervene every time one of our children complains about a challenge. In some cases we have become so protective, we never let our children actually experience the necessary struggles that lead to independent decision-making and stronger self-esteem.

There is a significant body of research being developed that clearly shows that students who are recognized for trying hard and taking on difficult tasks have stronger senses of self than children who are frequently told they are smart because they have accomplished a task regardless of its difficulty. I want children to want to take on big challenges. Even though it is nice that universities seek students who take challenging courses, there are much more important reasons for our children to have the esteem that allows them to take on challenges. We know those challenges are coming, like it or not.

All of us who care about the well being of young people recognize there is a line between being supportive and being overly protective. As long as we are not talking about life and death decisions, I support the belief that the children benefit more from working out their own problems than from having adults swoop in and save them. I am glad to reserve Superman for the life and death issues and let the children keep developing self-esteem because they have learned that they can resolve the day-to-day issues independently.

Cheers!

Service Learning

Sharing the Love

Half of the Middle Division set out into our local community to celebrate Valentine's Day on Thursday and share good wishes.

Fifth graders divided up into two groups and visited PARC's art center and the Neighborly Care Network's Lealman Adult Day Center to deliver Valentine's greetings, which contained poems they wrote in Language Arts class, and sing songs they've learned during their music wheel this trimester.

(larger photo)

The group at PARC wowed their audience so much that they did an encore of their two songs and were later presented with a clay vase that had been made by the art center's students.

Sixth graders went to The Hospice of the Pinellas Suncoast's Woodside facility in Pinellas Park and to the Louise Graham Regeneration Center in midtown St. Pete. They placed Valentine's-themed decorations on the residents' doors at The Hospice, and presented placemats to the workers at the Louise Graham Center. Both of those items were made during the sixth graders' computer wheel this trimester.

The staff and residents at The Hospice were so appreciative of the students who visited that they were treated to cookies and punch and invited to come back.

The group visiting the Louise Graham Center dropped in on their Valentine's party and had the chance to join in some spirited dancing in the middle of the day.

All the students and those they visited enjoyed this first-ever Valentine's Day service activity, and we look forward to it becoming an annual tradition.

Enroll/Reenroll

Since Friday, February 15th is the deadline for enrollment contracts, and since school is not in session that day, we will waive the $300 late fee if you mail your contracts or deposit them in one of the drop boxes at either door of the Administration Building, so that we receive them by the time we return on February 19th.

View all of the information, as well as a PDF of the enrollment contract, on the web.

Shorecrest Business Partner

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Visitors from France

How quickly the time has flown as Thursday, February 14 was the last day of the French Exchange. After a beautiful cake, decorated with both American and French flags, and many hugs and tears in the parking lot, it seems very quiet without our 23 new French friends. They made the most of their last week with our Shorecrest families.

They danced the night away at the Spanish Club Valentine's Dance on Saturday, then went to Busch Gardens on Sunday. They visited the Florida Aquarium and took the "eco-tour" out on the waters of Tampa Bay on Monday. Tuesday they bussed over to Kennedy Space Center then worked hard Wednesday helping out in various classes at Shorecrest.

All levels of our French classes have benefited from their interaction with our students. They all were sad to leave and were determined to come back to Florida again one day. Many feel that they have started friendships that will last for a long time. One month from now, twelve Shorecrest students and two teachers will see them again as they travel to France for our part of the exchange during Spring Break.

Again, special thanks to all the Shorecrest families, teachers and administrators who made our guests feel so welcome.

Athletic News

Upcoming Games and Meets

Varsity Baseball Competes in Rally Tourney and Dixie Hollins Rebel Classic

The Varsity Baseball season kicked off last week with the Rally Tournament at Shorecrest. The Chargers played Largo High School on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the first game and won 1-0. Robby T. pitched the first four innings to get the win and gave up no hits, one walk, and he struck out four batters. He also hit a home run to secure the win for the Chargers! Jeff R. pitched the final three innings to get the save. Coach Reed was pleased with the defense that turned two double plays and didn't allow a run.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Chargers hosted Osceola in the Rally Classic and lost 4-2. Chris K. pitched the first four innings and only gave up one run, walked two, and struck out two. Tyler L. came in in relief and pitched the final innings, giving up two unearned runs. Michael B. had the only hit for the Chargers.

The Chargers traveled to Dixie Hollins on Wednesday, Feb. 13, to play Pinellas Park in the Dixie Hollins Rebel Classic. The Chargers took a 6-5 lead in the fifth inning but eventually lost 8-6. Tyler L. had a great game with two hits including a home run over the left centerfield fence. Robby T. and Marc B. each had a double and an RBI. Mike B. and Dan W. also recorded hits for the Chargers. Jeff R. pitched 6 2/3 innings and had 7 strikeouts.

The Chargers will play Lakewood on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Dixie Hollins. Come out and check out the new 2008 squad.

Boys Varsity Basketball Team Falls in District Semifinal

After defeating St. Stephen's in the play-in game of the District Tournament, the Varsity Boys Basketball team advanced to the semifinals where they faced host school and top-seeded Admiral Farragut in "a tale of two halves."

After doing a nice job of controlling the tempo during the first half, Shorecrest went into the locker room down a dozen points. In the second half, the Blue Jackets' size, speed, and skill overwhelmed the short-handed Chargers en route to a 62-26 victory. Daniel W. came off the bench to lead the Chargers in scoring with seven points.

Middle Division Boys Basketball Team Finishes Great Season

The Chargers Middle Division Basketball team finished their season with a record of 18-1. The season was exceptional on many fronts. Coach Blume said, "The Shorecrest graduating class of 2012 can be something special before their careers are over if they stay together and keep progressing as a team." They won every game except a buzzer-beater shot by Indian Rocks Christian, and every player improved significantly since the first practice.

The team was led in scoring by Luke N. and Luke B., with Luke N. being recognized as the Most Valuable Player on the team. Carson R. jelled with the other eighth graders, especially in the second half, and played a significant role in the team's success with his rebounding, fearless slashing to the basket, creating assists and scoring opportunities for himself. Carson was also recognized with the Style Award.

Jake B. played some point and 2 guard and created opportunities with his assists inside and his defensive effort. Nick N., the other half of the "twin towers" combination, brought home the Coaches Award for his tremendous attitude and unselfish play on the court. Dan A. was a key contributor getting to the rim for rebounds and put backs.

Zak S. came on like a different player in the second half of the season, playing a significant role and garnering the team's "Most Improved Player Award." Austin S. received special recognition with the "Rudy Award" for his exceptional contributions, and Jason K. was recognized with the "Comeback Player" award.

The team was everything you wish for in a team, according to Coach Blume. "There was team unity on offense and defense in which no one cared who scored or received credit, which served them well in the close games and made for a most successful season."

Request for Athletic Photos

Just a reminder that E-Bytes is always looking for good photos of Shorecrest students' athletic events. We prefer to receive them in digital format. Please e-mail the original, unedited file to clingman@shorecrest.org.

Videos of Athletic Events

Varsity and Middle Division football and volleyball games, girls and boys soccer, and a swim team video are available for $20 each by ordering directly from www.Stefio.TV or by calling (727) 528-3180.

Poll Responses

What do you do or have that is the best in the world, and why?

My best friends.
- Student

Go onto the main computer and play line rider. it is so cool. everyone should try!
- Line riding junior

Try to eat seven crackers in a minute and drink a gallon of milk in an hour.

I have the best job on campus... and in the world. I get to work with Shorecrest students who give their time and talent to lots of good causes in our community, locally and globally.

I have the best collection of Will Smith movies in the world... and you ask why? I ask you why not?
- Will Smith lover

I have a pinky toe!
- Pinky toe lover!

I have a boat that goes fast. VROOM VROOM!
- Sixth grader

My Mom because she survived cancer.
- Student, soccer queen

A boyfriend! hehe :)

I have the best grandchildren in the world... Ellie and Charlie, who are both students at Shorecrest. Why are they the best? Too many reasons and just because, that's why! I can't make it to Grandparents' Day at Shorecrest so this is my way of participating and letting them know how much I love them!
- Granmother (Nana)

I run. Running = Life. It IS the best thing in the world.
- Cross country and track runner