February 10, 2006

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E-Bytes Contents

Artrageous - The Big Event

Athletic News

E-Bytes Reminders

Early Childhood

Grandparents Day Photos

Headmaster's Message

Lower Division

Middle Division

Poll: Pets

Poll Results: Valentines Day

Quilters Needed

Re-enrollment Time

Three Cheers for...

Upcoming Events

Updating E-mail Addresses

Upper Division

Videos Available

Upcoming Events

Feb. 11 Saturday

• Upper Division Valentine's Dance

Feb. 13 Monday

• "The Just Say No Show" for Grades 3 and 4
  Janet Root Theatre 10:00 a.m.

Feb. 14 Tuesday

• "101 Dalmatians" Grade 6 Performance for Students
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.
• "101 Dalmatians" Grade 5 Performance for Families and Friends
  Janet Root Theatre 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 Wednesday

• "101 Dalmatians" Grade 5 Performance for Students
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.
• "101 Dalmatians" Grade 6 Performance for Families and Friends
  Janet Root Theatre 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 Thursday

• Second Trimester Ends (K-4)
• Shorecrest Parent Association Meeting
  Student Activity Center 8:15 a.m.

Feb. 17 Friday

• School Closed

Feb. 20 Monday

• School Closed
  Presidents' Day

Feb. 21 Tuesday

• Picture Lady and Gentleman Day
  Classrooms 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 22 Wednesday

• Athletics Awards - Soccer
  Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 23 Thursday

• Early Childhood Pet Show
  Reilly Softball Field 8:20 a.m.

Feb. 23-24 Thurs.-Fri.

• National French Exam
  French classes

Feb. 27-Mar. 10

• World Languages Exams

Feb. 27 Monday

• Early Childhood Parent Chat
  Student Activity Center 8:30 a.m.
• "History Alive" - Thomas Edison - for Grades 5-8
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

March 1 Wednesday

• Middle Division Coffee for Fifth through Eighth Grade Parents
  Sher Center Breezeway 8:00 a.m.
• Upper Division Barbecue and Jazz Concert at lunchtime
• Athletic Awards - Basketball
  Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.

March 3 Friday

• Fourth Grade Program
  Janet Root Theatre
• The Big Event

March 6-10 Mon-Fri

• Oldie Goldie Book Collection and Sale

March 6 Monday

• Alumni Association Meeting
  Admin. Conf. Rm. 5:30 p.m.
• Booster Club Meeting
  Student Activity Center 7:00 p.m.

March 7 Tuesday

• Academic Services (K-12) Information Coffee
  Student Activity Center 8:15 a.m.
• Puppeteer Katie Adams presents "Johnny Appleseed" for Grades EC-2
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.
• Our Children and the Law: What Every Parent and (Pre) Teen Needs to Know
  at Tampa Prep 7:00 p.m.

March 8 Wednesday

• Class Pictures for Lower and Middle Divisions

March 9-10 Thurs-Fri

• National Spanish Exams

March 13 Monday

• National Latin Exams

March 15 Wednesday

• Third Quarter Ends
• Field Day for Junior Kindergarten
  8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Community Service Day for Upper Division

March 16-27

• Spring Break

March 27 Monday

• School Closed - Professional Development Day

March 28 Tuesday

• School Resumes

Wednesday Deadline for Re-enrollment Contracts

Don't forget to turn in your child's re-enrollment contract! The deadline is Wednesday, February 15, after which there will be a $300 late fee applied. Spaces are at a premium, and we will be awarding spots to new students after the 15th.

Three Cheers for...

• Middle Division oceanography teacher Michele D'Ambrosio who has been nominated "Science Teacher of the Year."
  
  

• Fifth grader Kaiya K., who knows how to give "lots" of love through "locks" of hair in her community.
  
  
  
  Kaiya had her long hair cut at Great Clips For Hair located at 7807 Ninth Street in St. Petersburg. Her fifth grade teachers and classmates are very proud of her sincere commitment and generosity.

The Big Event:
Artrageous Affair

Friday, March 3, 2006 is the date and the Coliseum is the place. Did you know that you can now make your reservations and pay online through the secure auction website? Click on this link, Artrageous Affair Online Auction, and you will have the Artrageous Affair auction website at your fingertips. Once at the website, you can also bid on exclusive items for the Online Auction II which closes Monday, February 13 at 5:00 p.m.

You may also purchase raffle tickets for Shorecrest's $10,000 Tuition Raffle.

The winner of this raffle may also redeem their prize for $5,000 cash in lieu of $10,000 tuition credit. Raffle tickets may be purchased online by going to www.Shorecrest.org

Click on Support Shorecrest

Click on the link in the left column for $10,000 Tuition Raffle

Complete here for complete Rules and Regulations.

Calling All Quilters

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 14 and 15 Shorecrest is having a Quilting Bee in the Student Center from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. each day, and we need your help.

One of the favorite items offered for auction each year at the Big Event (Artrageous Affair on March 3 this year) are the Shorecrest themed quilts. Over the years beautiful works of art have been handcrafted using themes from the Lower Division grade level programs including American Kids and Medieval Lords and Ladies.

But probably the most popular and coveted quilts have been those sewn together from the various Shorecrest sports teams T-shirts. Even if you are not a quilter we can use your assistance in preparing many of the grade level projects to get them "auction ready." So come on over to the Student Center and pick up a paint brush, a glue gun or a pair of scissors and join us. You'll have a ball!

Grandparents Day Photos Available

No doubt last Friday will go down in the history books as the "rainy-est" Grandparents and Special Friends Day on record!

But oh what a great time our special guests enjoyed with our students. We were pleased to have three photographers from Northeast Photography here on campus to capture prized moments with the families and friends of our students. All of these photos are available to view online.

You may also order prints of any of these images online. To view the photos, go to www.collages.net. Once on this site click on "View an Event" and enter the following user name and password:

User Name: gpday

Password: 7348

Also view ten pages of online photos.

Shorecrest Videos

There is no need to haul your video camera, tripod and other equipment to Shorecrest events anymore. Each major Shorecrest production featuring our students and their talents is now being professionally recorded and produced in DVD format. Sit back and enjoy the moment and let someone else handle the video recording.

Videos are currently available for the following Shorecrest events:

• Fifth and Sixth Grade casts for 101 Dalmatians, Feb 14 & 15, 2006 (taking orders now)
• Third Grade Program – America's Kids, Feb 10, 2006
• Winter Band Concert
• Annie Jr. - both the seventh and eighth Grade cast performances
• Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Swimming, and Volleyball Events
• Visual and Performing Arts Showcase: Song and Dance '05 and CD Performers
• Poetry in the Park DVD and Theme Song CD Soundtrack Set
• All Varsity Football Games and "Feel Good" Reels
• Homecoming Week Events and Game Highlights - 3 DVD set
• Varsity Cheerleaders DVD

Click on www.Stefio.TV for more information and to place your order.

Results of last week's poll:

Valentines Day - How will you celebrate?

Alone
- Lonely Freshman

I am very authentic. Valentine's day gives me the chills.
- Authentic person

I'm gonna eat candy till my tummy hurts!
- Candy fanatic

Cheese and wine.
- Concerned Frenchman

Forget love - its all about the chocolate!
- Middle school chocolate addict

I will be at home scarfing down all my Valentine's Day chocolate!
- Candy loving seventh grader

I will give everybody a Coke and sing!
- a Guy

I'm going to school on Valentine's Day, and I'm watching 101 Dalmatians.
- Cool as a cucumber

Watching 101 Dalmatians - fifth grade presentation in the Janet Root Theatre!
- Costume coordinator

By seeing 101 Dalmatians! How else would I celebrate?
- Mother of fifth grader

I am going to a dance party!
- Person who likes to party

Before going to the Valentine's Day dance, my Valentine is going to make dinner for two.
- Junior

I don't know - someone won't tell me what we are doing....
- Student

Valentine's Day is every day at home.
- Mom

Having a food day in my English class!
- Seventh grader whose loves to shop!

Give Valentines to my friends and eat candy!
- Someone who is alive

I will help my mother make Valentine goodie bags for all of my teachers like we do every year. It is like a tradition.
- Fifth grader

Same as any day. I much rather receive a card and a rose when they are NOT expected! I think "Hallmark" set it up.
- Parent

I will hang out with my girlfriend. We are going to the Valentine's Day Dance together.
- Ninth grader

I will celebrate Valentine's Day by sending secret Valentines, sending known Valentines, and giving hugs and kisses.
- Student

Money money money!
- Rich girl

By having a party!
- Cool kid

Have a party! Go to the Daddy Daughter Dance.
- First grader

Party!
- North Carolina girl

A big smooch!
- Eighth grader

Snuggle with my boo bear.
- Freshman

Tell my Valentine I love her.
- Romancer

Volunteering at the third grade party in red.
- Mom

I will watch TV at home.
- Horse lover

With my love.
- High school student

Updating E-mail

If you need to change your e-mail address or would like to add additional e-mail addresses, please send your e-mail addresses to the registrar at jroberge@shorecrest.org. Thanks!

Sign Up for E-Bytes Reminders

If you do not currently receive a weekly e-mail on Fridays notifying you that E-Bytes is updated, please send a request with your name and e-mail address to ebytes@shorecrest.org and we will be happy to add you to the list.

E-Bytes is a collaborative effort of dozens of members of the Shorecrest community.

To submit material to E-Bytes, please send it to Diana Whittle at dwhittle@shorecrest.org and remember to write "For E-Bytes" in the subject line of your message.

• Diana Whittle, Director of Marketing and Communications
• Bob Clingman, Editor

The Girls Varsity Soccer Team headed for their chance to become state champions at the Final Four in Fort Lauderdale. An all-school pep rally sent them off.

Athletic News

Athletic Schedules

Girls Soccer Team Advances to Final Four!

The Girls Varsity Soccer team won the Regional Championship Saturday night, Feb. 4, at Tampa Prep, winning 2-0! Both goals for the Chargers were scored by Chrissy Mastry. The Chargers advance to the state Final Four in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend, Feb.10-11. The State Semifinal game will be played Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium against American Heritage from Delray Beach.

The State Championship game will be Saturday afternoon at 2:30. There was an All School Pep Rally on Thursday to send off the team. The Booster Club has underwritten the cost of busses and admission tickets for the students to travel to Ft. Lauderdale to support the team. Thank you, Booster Club, and Go Chargers!

Boys Varsity Basketball Team Plays In District

The Chargers played Indian Rocks Christian on Tuesday night, Feb. 7, in their first district game and lost 65-19. Chris S. was high scorer with 7 points.

Fall Sports Awards Nights

Charger athletes were honored last month at their respective award nights. Congratulations to all of our athletes for their commitment to the Charger Athletic Program. Here are the top award winners:

Girls Varsity Swimming

• Most Valuable - Jackie S.
• Most Improved - Rachel S.
• Coaches' Award - Kelly M.

Girls Varsity Diving

• Most Valuable - Hannah S.

Boys Varsity Swimming

• Most Valuable - Josh G.
• Most Improved - Marcus H.
• Coaches' Award - Henry S.

Girls JV Swimming

• Most Valuable - Paige T.
• Most Improved - Kaitlan G.
• Coaches' Award - Hope A.

Girls Varsity Cross Country

• Most Valuable - Sarah E.
• Most Improved - Erin M.
• Coaches' Award - Pavandeep B.

Boys Varsity Cross Country

• Most Valuable - Alex F.
• Most Improved - Andrew N.
• Coaches' Award - Jordan S.

Girls JV Cross Country

• Most Valuable - Shannon M.
• Most Improved - Kathryn K.
• Coaches' Award - Nicolette G.

Boys JV Cross Country

• Most Valuable - Rheese W.
• Most Improved - Ryan D.
• Coaches' Award - Jake C.

Boys Varsity Golf

• Most Valuable - M.J. M.
• Most Improved - Geoffrey R.
• Coaches' Award - Mark S.

Varsity Volleyball

• Most Valuable - Chelsea R.
• Most Improved - Michelle B.
• Coaches' Award - Ashleigh D.

JV Volleyball

• Most Valuable - Courtney H.
• Most Improved - Helen K.
• Coaches' Award - Brooke O.

Middle Division Volleyball (A Team)

• Most Valuable - Becky D.
• Most Improved - Ali K.
• Coaches' Award - Tanja G.

Middle Division Volleyball (B Team)

• Most Valuable - Jennifer C.
• Most Improved - Morgan D.
• Coaches' Award - Carola R.

Varsity Football

• Most Valuable - Corey K.
• Most Improved - Page H.
• Golden Helmet Award (Coaches' Award) - Clay B.

Middle Division Football

• Most Valuable - Javonte M.
• Most Improved - Alistair F.
• Coaches' Award - Tyler S.
• Garrett Staples Award For Courage - Henrik B. and Zak S.

Varsity Cheerleaders

• Most Spirited - Leslie E.
• Most Improved - Jackie K.
• Coaches' Award - Chelsea S.

Order Your Sports Pictures Now

To access the website to order sports pictures logon to: www.collages.net

• Girls Middle Division Basketball
• Username: girlsmdbasketball

• Girls JV Basketball
• Username: girlsjvbasketball

• Girls Varsity Basketball
• Username: girlsvsbasketball

• Boys Middle Division Basketball
• Username: boysmdbasketball

• Boys JV Basketball
• Username: boysjvbasketball

• Boys Varsity Basketball
• Username: boysvbasketball

• Boys Varsity Soccer
• Username: boysvsoccer

• Boys Varsity Baseball
• Username: boysvbaseball

Password for all pictures: 7348

Early Childhood

What Great Grandparents

Shorecrest grandparents are the best anywhere! Last Friday's special day for them may have been a bit challenging because of the rain, but they never stopped smiling.

The Early Childhood students made it back and forth to the theater despite the weather, and they sang their songs with gusto and poise. When the grandparents and special friends got to the classrooms, the children showed them all their favorite activities, and many of them became engaged in play themselves. Clothes may have been dampened, but the spirits of those in attendance never were!

Thank You, Dr. Partridge

The Junior Kindergartners thought that Partridge Animal Hospital was a really great place! They saw several types of pets, watched a dog get a physical, listened to her heart, saw X-rays and even viewed their own hearts via sonogram! They saw all aspects of the clinic including the waiting and treatment rooms, the surgery, radiology and the kennel.

The children loved the cool surgical caps and animal surgical masks they received along with some other special treats! We really appreciate Dr. Partridge and his staff for allowing us to visit and for teaching us so much.

Our First All School Pep Rally

The Early Childhood students attended their first all school pep rally today to wish the Girls Varsity Soccer Team good luck. We clapped as the players were introduced in the gym and wished them well with lots of cheers! It was great fun to be in the gym with the entire student body!

Smiles Continue

Mrs. Moyle's class visited Mrs. Owen's first grade this week to share smiles. They brought the One Smile book to share along with special words and Smiley Face cookies that they baked themselves. The first graders sent them a thank you note and promised to pass the smiles on!

Upper Division

Junior Seminars

This month marks the start of the Spring Junior Seminars. Ms. Huck and Ms. Bevan will familiarize the juniors with several aspects of the college process, including research, financial aid, resumés, essays and much more. Juniors will attend the first seminar in ST-6 on February 22 during their free period or lunch. All juniors should plan to attend.

Final Four

Upper Division students and faculty members head for Fort Lauderdale to watch the Girls Varsity Soccer Team play for the state championship in the Final Four.

History Rocks

On Friday February 3, twenty-three students from the Upper Division braved the drenching rain to attend the History Day Fair at Eastlake High School in Tarpon Springs. In general Shorecrest did exceedingly well and the Upper Division took the following awards:

Gabe N. - 1st Place Paper Category (Taking a Stand for the Common Man: John Locke)

Max R. - 3rd Place Paper Category (Magna Carta)

Andrew N. and Joey M. - 2nd Place Exhibit (Group) (The Cuban Missile Crisis)

$100 Savings Bonds were awarded to Sarah M. and Max R.

"Building a Home" Geometry Project

Mr. Ma's geometry classes completed a three-week project that demonstrated how geometry concepts are applied in the real world in designing houses. Students simulated how to showcase a home like a realtor. Students found the areas of various rooms and walls of the house in order to calculate the costs and supplies needed to build a house and submit a bid for a remodeling project.

Calculations were needed for paint, hardwood floors, sheetrock, baseboards, and carpet. The projects were completed with enthusiasm and fundamental understanding of the complexities of home construction. These future architects showed great promise in designing their own homes one day.

[Large picture] [Link to picture album]

Wild Wacky Water Wheel

There is never a dull moment in Conceptual Physics class. This week, Mrs. Peck's students "played" with the wild wacky water wheel to learn about liquids.This hands-on activity illustrates numerous physics concepts.

The students placed a piece of wax paper over the water wheel and added droplets of red, yellow, and blue dyed water onto the appropriate area. The students then used toothpicks to "drive" the droplets easily across the wax paper. They continued to play with the colored water, mixing colors in a variety of ways and discussing their observations.

Upon completion of the activity, the students were instructed to write several paragraphs explaining their observations, using the vocabulary from the liquid unit. This is a fun activity to do regardless of age and covers a variety of concepts. Click on the Wild Wacky Water Wheel link to learn more, access a printable version of the Wild Wacky Water Wheel, and to view photos of the activity.

Leo Club

The Leo Club of Shorecrest recently held a Valentine's Day Party for the children living at the YWCA Family Village. The Leo Club is an Upper Division Service Club sponsored by the Lion's Club of St. Petersburg. The Family Village is a temporary home for families who have become homeless for a variety of reasons.

Children attending the party each made Valentine's Day cards, enjoyed a pizza lunch, and decorated yummy Valentine's Day cookies.

Clio Club News

David H. received an Honorable Mention for his entry in the Sons of American Revolution Essay Contest, "Prison Hulks of New York Harbor During Revolution."

The Clio Club Book Club will have its first lunchtime meeting in H-4 on Monday, February 13. Please read the first 60 pages of The Canterbury Papers.

Interact Presents Ronald McDonald House with a Donation

Last December, Interact Club hosted a Holiday Feast that was supplied from Boston Market. All Interact members brought in drinks and desserts to offset the cost of this lunch for the high school. $100 was raised for the families at Ronald McDonald House, where Interact had cooked a lasagna dinner in November.

Ms. Lisa Fields accepted a check from Interact President Angela G. and spoke a few words about the wonderful things this organization is accomplishing. Interact hopes to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House in the future.

Dating Game

At a special assembly on Feb. 9, Dean Sessions supervised the hilarity as couples competed to see which partners know most about each other.

A Letter from Headmaster Mike Murphy

Survey Summary and Listening Group Synopsis

In January, 348 parents responded to the online Image, Attitude and Performance survey conducted by The Kensington Group for Shorecrest Preparatory School. During the past week the results of the survey have been delivered. Parents wishing to view the summary reports which have been presented to the Board of Trustees are welcome to view those results by coming to the Shorecrest library and requesting to see the Survey notebook.

As expected, the survey demonstrates strong levels of agreement among parents, trustees and faculty regarding the importance and quality of "Support for Academic Achievement," "Caring Environment," "Fine Arts," "Values and Character Development," and "Overall Quality of Education." These are just a few of the areas where survey results indicated strength at Shorecrest.

Other areas such as food service and transportation were cited as areas requiring improvement. More importantly, survey results indicate that parents, trustees and faculty perceive a need for increased attention to innovation, grading and school security. It will be important for our community to do additional research as we address the needs, desires and concerns surrounding these three critical areas.

Along with the survey results, there will be a copy of the notes from the Listening Sessions conducted by Mrs. Stone. Approximately 340 members of our community attended Listening sessions. The results from the survey and from the Listening Sessions will be used for both the strategic plan and the school improvement plan.

I want to express my appreciation to all parents, trustees, faculty/staff, students and alumni who have contributed to these important information and perception gathering processes. We have a wonderful school. We also have a responsibility to ensure that Shorecrest will be even better next year and in the years to follow. The Board's leadership in the strategic Planning Process and the faculty's leadership in the school improvement process will ensure that Shorecrest will remain true to its mission and respected throughout the region and nation.

Cheers!

Middle Division

Shorecrest Sweeps History Fair

Last Friday, the Shorecrest Middle Division competed in the Pinellas County History Fair at East Lake High School. The students who placed first or second in their category will advance on to the Florida State History Fair in Tallahassee from May 4-6, 2006. Good luck in Tallahassee, and thanks for representing Shorecrest.

Junior Historical Paper

• 2nd - Nick V. - Operation Desert Storm
• 1st - Jacob F. - The Stand of the 101st

Junior Individual Performance

• 3rd - Sami B. - Madam Liberty
• 2nd - Austin F. - Fletcher Christian Takes a Stand

Junior Group Performance

• 2nd - Jessica H. and Rachael K. - Letters from the Past
• 1st - Mary R., Jenn C., and Rebecca K. - More Than Just a Pretty Face

Junior Individual Media

• 2nd - Serena H. - Anne H.: A Woman Taking a Stand for the Right to Think, Speak and Worship Freely
• 1st - Charly M. - Julie K.: Opening the Gates

Junior Group Media

• 3rd - Stephanie U. and Amanda H. - Watergate: The Journalists that Exposed a Political Scandal
• 2nd - John S. and Miles B. - The Texans Take a Stand

Junior Individual Exhibit

• 2nd - Gerrett R. - Too Much Power
• 1st - Brian K. - Conspiracy

Junior Group Exhibit

• 3rd - Leah A. and Jackie R. - Count Me In
• 2nd - Joelle J. and Laurel M. - Marbury v. Madison: John Marshall Takes a Stand
• 1st - Dominic R., Jaime Q. and Giovanni B. - Remember the Alamo

Dalmatians are Coming!

The fifth and sixth grade productions of 101 Dalmatians will take place next week. Fifth graders perform on Tuesday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m. Sixth graders perform on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m.

All performances are in the Janet Root Theatre, and there will be a cast party in the Student Activity Center after the evening shows. Drama teacher Lillian Nelson and music teacher Emily Culley have worked together on this event, and many parents have volunteered their help. We look forward to a wonderful show!

Donating Dog Food

With the fifth and sixth grade drama productions just around the corner - literally - we wanted to let you know of a fun opportunity knocking, or rather barking at your door! Instead of an admission fee to the drama performances on the 14th and 15th of February, the cast will be accepting donations of dog food or (even cat food). Bring your can or bag of pet food to the performance and enjoy a wonderful play and share in the good feeling of helping out our four legged friends. These donations will be given to the SPCA in honor of the Shorecrest fifth and sixth graders.

A drop off container will be present in the theater lobby for all performances with "Dog Catchers" ready to assist you in collecting your donations. Feel free to bring 1, 2 or even 101 cans/bags of dog food!

The play will be a great time for all, and giving a can of dog food will spread the good will even further! Thanks 101 times.

Sew What?

Fifth and sixth grade parents, led by Michele Ginocchio, work on costumes for the upcoming presentation of 101 Dalmatians. This labor of love involves creating and sewing costumes for the 80 students involved in the show. Well done and many thanks!

Eighth Grade Soccer Players

The Middle Division is especially proud of two eighth graders who play on the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, Brooke D. and Nia B. Brooke is a starting defender, and Nia plays forward. Best of luck to the whole team playing in the Final Four from the Middle Division students.

Visiting Griot

Thursday afternoon the Middle Division students attended a presentation by Kwabena Dinizulu, a modern day griot. Griots were originally African storytellers and historians. Kwabena entertained and informed the students with stories and songs, accompanied by his drum. Thanks for the unique afternoon!

5...4...3...2...1...Blast Off!

The sixth grade students just returned from space and had a news conference in front of the national media to explain the details of their mission and to report the information that they learned while visiting the planets.

Mr. Cruise's science classes just completed a computer project that involved the students working in groups of two to create a story about a mission into space. Each group was assigned a planet to research along with other celestial objects such as comets, asteroids, or nebulas. The students were given the flexibility to create their own mission as well as reporting the facts that they learned from the experiments they conducted in space. Some astronauts just barely made it through the Asteroid Belt alive, while others were the first to step foot on Mars!

The news conference was a roaring success and included a question and answer session with the media. This project involved a variety of skills including computer use, research skills, collaborative group work, public speaking, drama skills, and creativity. Congratulations to these great American heroes!

Curriculum Fair

Parents from fourth through eighth grades were invited to the Middle Division on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 9:00 a.m. until noon for the Curriculum Fair. This annual event gives parents an opportunity to visit classrooms in session.

We encourage parents to visit classes that their students might have next year as well as their current classes. We hope that our returning parents enjoyed this preview of their child's opportunities next year.

Dates set for Middle Division Exchange Program with Martinique: May 8-18, 2006

Twenty-four students from the Collège de Terreville in Schoelcher, Martinique will be on campus from May 8-18, 2006. Members of the seventh and eighth grade French classes have been corresponding by e-mail with these students all year and are looking forward to finally meeting their new friends in person.

When this exchange started several years ago, it was primarily an e-mail program designed to help students improve language skills, learn about new cultures and promote diversity and understanding. Last year, both sides were given the opportunity to travel and immerse themselves in the their e-pals' culture. This unique experience was truly one of a lifetime.

The dates of this year's seventh and eighth grade trip to Martinique are May 27-June 5, 2006. Students will stay with the families of the students they hosted and participate in a variety of educational and cultural activities.

A parent meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February, 28, 2006 at 7:00 in Mrs. O'Horo's room (R-9) for those hosting a student from Martinique, traveling to Martinique, or interested in finding more about either program. Please contact Mrs. O'Horo at koho@shorecrest.org if you cannot attend or if you have any questions or need more information.

Word and Image: Arts in Education Partnership Exhibit

Three fifth grade students art work and written reflective was chosen for display in the Word and Image exhibit, Feb 10 - March, 26, 2006. Mrs. Williams submitted Kyle C., Sarah L. and Parker D.'s art pieces, and they may be viewed at the Art Center.

Aerospace Education Foundation

Mr. Henry M., grandfather of Middle Division students Mitch and Laurel M., presented the Air and Space best display award at the Pinellas County Science and Engineering Fair to eighth grader Nick V.

Tchoukball, the New Game

The students in the Middle Division are learning a new game that has an international flavor.

The game is called tchoukball. It uses a ball that looks like a mini-soccer ball on a court or field. A player scores a point for his team if he bounces the ball off the rebound net in such a manner that it cannot be caught by an opponent before it touches the floor. This is a high cardiovascular game that involves much strategy and teamwork. Most importantly, the students love it!

Lower Division

Grandparents Day

Thank you to all of our grandparents and special friends for making the children's day so wonderful. You all amazed us with your flexibility, good nature, and sense of humor. You weathered the weather better than the rest of us. Above all, you reminded us of the meaning of unconditional love! Thank you, and we can't wait to see you next year, if not sooner. [ten pages of photos]

America's Kids

The third grade students amazed their families and friends with their knowledge of America and poise on the stage as they revealed America's history through story and song.

The United States cake was the highlight as students enjoyed first assembling the giant edible jigsaw puzzle and then eating it! A special thank you to all of our students who shared their family's heritage.

Mr. Wolfrath is Celebrated at Flagpole

The entire Lower Division recognized Mr. Wolfrath and Mr. Every at the flagpole Monday for their Girls Varsity Soccer Team win over Tampa Prep.

On Thursday, we held a special Spirit Day and all-school pep rally in the gym. Children lined Charger Blvd as the team pulled out of school headed for the Final Four in Fort Lauderdale. We will be with them in Charger spirit on Friday.

Rocket Science

This week in the Science Resource Center, fourth graders learned about measuring matter. They noted the differences between mass, weight, and volume as they measured each for specific amounts of water. They then showed the displacement of water by dipping a ball of clay into the flask and measured the change in water level. A demonstration of how an inflated balloon has more weight than a deflated balloon showed them that air can have mass, weight, and volume, as well.

What convinced them was an experiment showing how air can be displaced by more air as they masterfully conducted a launch of air rockets at the end of class. Perhaps displacement IS rocket science!

Welcome to our Argentine Visitors

The Lower Division fell in love with our visitors from Argentina and wish they could stay longer.

Special thanks to Senorita Julieta who attended some of the Spanish classes to share about elementary schools, climate, and animals of Argentina. We hope you will visit again next year. Gracias!

Super Bowl LX

Third grader Ethan E. was excited and ready for the big game last weekend.

He traveled to Detroit and enjoyed Super Bowl XL at Ford Field! He had a great time at the game but was happy to return home to St. Petersburg and the warm weather.