March 31, 2006

Home | Calendars
Intranet | Back Issues
Printable E-Bytes

E-Bytes Contents

Art Beat

Artrageous Auction

Athletic News

Booster Club

E-Bytes Reminders

Early Childhood

Honor Pledge

Interact Hockey Tournament

Lower Division

Middle Division

Poll: Music

Poll Results: Newspaper

Relay for Life

Shorecrest Business Partners

Ski Trip

SPA Spring Luncheon

Summer Camp

Three Cheers for...

Travel to Italy and Greece

Upcoming Events

Updating E-mail Addresses

Upper Division

Voting for Books

Upcoming Events

April 1 Saturday

• SAT

April 2-8

• National Library Week will be celebrated April 2-8 and the theme is "Change Your World at Your Library"

April 3 Monday

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

April 4 Tuesday

• Teacher Appreciation Day

April 5 Wednesday

• Middle Division Coffee for Fourth through Eighth Grade Parents
  Sher Center Breezeway 8:00 a.m.
• Tapping Assembly for Upper Division
  Janet Root Theatre 1:30 p.m.
• Tapping Banquet 6:30 p.m.

April 5-6 Wed-Thurs

• WrAP for Middle Division

April 10 Monday

• Blood Drive on campus
  Bloodmobile will be east of Central Admin Bldg.
  7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

April 10-14 Mon-Fri

• Track Districts

April 11-12 Tues-Wed

• WrAP Grades 3-4

April 11 Tuesday

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

April 13 Thursday

• Early Childhood Parent Chat
  Student Activity Center 8:30 a.m.

April 17-18 Mon-Tues

• Summer Reading Book Sale Media Center

April 17-21 Mon-Fri

• Softball Districts

April 17-20 Mon-Thurs

• ERB Testing - Middle Division

April 20-22 Thurs-Sat

• Celebrate the Arts
  Upper Division Juried Art Show and Lower and Middle Division Art Display
  Upper Division Spring Musical

April 20 Thursday

• Lower Division Musical Performance EC-4 at 1:00 p.m.
  Middle and Upper Division Musical Performance 5:30 p.m.

April 24-27 Mon-Thurs

• ERB Testing - Lower Division

April 24-28 Mon-Fri

• Baseball Districts

April 25 Tuesday

• "My Heart in a Suitcase" for Grades 5-8
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

April 27-30 Thurs-Sun

• Middle Division Boston and D.C. Trips

April 27 Thursday

• Second Grade Program Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

April 28 Friday

• School Closed
• Grad Night

Spring Luncheon

The invitations have gone out! Please look for your invitation to this year's luncheon in the school mailing that went out yesterday.

This luncheon honors all Shorecrest parents. We would love to have a great turnout from each grade level. Please send back your response card and look forward to a great time!

Summer Camp

Shorecrest's Summer Camp program is on-line and registration for classes is being accepted. There are many, many wonderful opportunities this year, including a three-day marine science trip to Key Largo, a four-week professional theatre camp, an African drumming camp, an iMovie camp and of course numerous athletic camps.

Spaces fill up quickly, so don't delay your registration! Check the online program and registration form.

Relay for Life

• When: May 5-6

• Where: Shorecrest

• What: A walkathon fundraiser for the American Cancer Society

• Website link

Team Meeting Reminder!

• When: April 6 at 7:15 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Shorecrest Library (5101 1st Street NE)
• What: The same content will be offered at both times, so please choose a time that works best for your schedule
• Who: All team members are welcome!

Christie Pratt
Community Representative, Pinellas Unit
American Cancer Society
4801 86th Ave. N.
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Phone: 727-812-7025
Cell: 727-480-1161
Fax: 727-545-3753
E-mail: christie.pratt@cancer.org

Last Chance Online Auction

This is the Last Chance to be a part of the Artrageous Affair success! One FINAL "Online Auction" is currently available now through Monday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. You may click to visit the auction website and place your bids. Who knows, that one thing that you really wanted may just be a click away. All proceeds will be included in the Big Event 2006 total, benefiting every Shorecrest student.

Thank you to all who helped to make this event such a wonderful success.

Only Four Spaces Left

Once again this year Mrs. Robison and Mr. Heller will be leading a trip to Italy and Greece from June 5 through June 25. It promises to be a wonderful experience as we travel to Rome, Sicily, Athens and the Greek isles to name a few.

Our group so far is comprised of students (who are taking this for college credit) and adults, and we have a few spaces available for those of you who may be seeking an experience you (if you choose to join) and your child will always remember. Please contact either Mr. Heller (rheller@shorecrest.org) or Mrs. Robison (robbylatin@shorecrest.org) for more details.

Booster Club

The Shorecrest athletic programs are an intricate part of the balanced educational experience our children receive. The Booster Club is an essential supporter of Shorecrest and its athletes, and we need your help to continue!

The Booster Club is accepting nominations for the 2006-07 Board and seeking volunteers for committees and events. Elections will be held in May. Become involved in this fun and important group of parents. Many of the people listed below have served for two years or more. It is time for some new people to step up to the plate!

Chris Reynolds, President, reports:

The Booster Club is having another successful year, thanks to the time and energy of both the Board and the Booster Club membership. The Booster Club, in partnership with the Athletic Department and the Administration, allows Shorecrest to maintain a quality athletic program, improve facilities and upgrade/replace equipment for all sports. Your dues and additional funds resulting from the hard work of the many people in the concession stand, working the gates, and selling FanFare enable Booster Club to pay for all umpires, referees, and medical support. Additionally, Booster Club pays for all trophies and awards and honors students who have achieved academic excellence while participating in sports.

This year, the club has paid for a new ice machine for the gym, air conditioning for the concession building, renovation of the batting cage nets, a shade tent for softball, and fan buses to Ft. Lauderdale for the girls soccer finals. Additional expenditures have included a donation to the Annual Fund for the benefit of athletics and participation in the cost of busing our athletes.

The Booster Club meetings in April and May typically include discussions and decisions with regard to the disbursement of any remaining funds. 2006/07 Booster Club membership dues and gate fees will also be decided. Booster Club members are encouraged to come to the meetings on April 3 and May 8 to participate in these important decisions. Many thanks to this year's Executive Board members and Committee Chairpersons:

• VP - David Silver
• Secretary - Susan Rasmussen
• Treasurer - Mike Kinter
• Concessions - Donna Wood
• Membership - Paul Van Law
• FanFare - Jan Lowry/Myra Wolfson/Toni Huber-Battey/Jean Johnston
• Team Parent Coordinator - Iris Mastry/Sandy Hayford
• Academic Athlete Awards - Susan Rasmussen
• Spirit Night - Jean Catanese
• Punt Pass and Kick - Jean Johnston/Sandy Hayford
• Homecoming Pre-Powder Puff Pizza Party - Chris Reynolds
• Baseball Banners - Mike Kinter.

Art Beat

Shorecrest Band receives "Superior" rating

Each year, the Shorecrest Band performs in concert at the Florida Bandmasters Association District Concert Music Performance Assessment. High school bands from throughout the county perform at this event at which each band's performance is assessed by a panel of judges. The judges then assign a rating based on the quality of the performance. For the past five years Shorecrest has achieved an "Excellent" rating.

This year, for the first time in Shorecrest history, the band achieved a "Superior," the highest rating awarded. For our small band, which rehearses a total of two and a half hours per week, this is a magnificent achievement. The judging for this event is tough and bands are required to play pieces which have a specific difficulty rating. Our kids did an outstanding job and have put Shorecrest on the map as a quality music program in the county.

Young Dramatist

Gabe N. was selected as one of the winners of the Gorilla Theatre's Young Dramatist's project for his short play, The Cross and the Lamp. Gabe receives a $250 prize and membership in the Dramatist's Guild of America.

He has been assigned a professional director and dramaturg, and will have his play produced in Tampa in a festival of new student works, opening April 27 for two weekends.

National Language Exams

Beginning February 23 and lasting until March 13 Shorecrest students joined students nationwide to assess their skills in French, Spanish, and Latin. National associations for all three languages administered carefully designed exams over this period that allowed our students to see how they compare with students across the country.

Over the years Shorecrest students have posted outstanding scores and have garnered prizes and recognition and helped the World Language Department in an ongoing evaluation of the curricula.

This year, the National Spanish Exam was administered online for the first time, and we are delighted to have been part of this trial.

Test results and awards will be announced before the end of the year.

Results of last week's poll:

What's the most interesting part of the newspaper?

The business section - it teaches me how to be an entrepreneur.
- Entrepreneur

I think the most interesting part of the newspaper is the business section!
- Business section lover

I enjoy reading from the stock section of the newspaper, The St. Petersburg Times; this section contains a wealth of information pertaining to the economy. Throughout my childhood, I have derived much knowledge about our community's monetary aspects of which I have developed a special interest.
- Seventh grader

I like the stock market section of the newspaper so I can see which companies are prospering. I also like the comics because I like the cat Garfield.
- Eighth grader

I love looking at the stocks...I wanna see the China Walmarts go up...
- Chinese Walmart lover

The classifieds - duh.
- Shorty and tall person

I enjoy the classifieds sections. I learn a lot from it.
- Seventh grader

Classified ads. I read them like a fragmentary novel, learning about people through this very primary source, as it were.
- Old student

I absolutely LOVE the comics!

The funnies.
- Second grader

I think the most interesting part of the newspaper is the comics or movie reviews. I'm not really into all that politics and things. Some of the comics are a bit corny but some are really good. The movie reviews are usually on Monday and a kid our age does them. It's just a good way to read how a movie is with a person who shares your point of view and is your age.
- Sixth grader

Oh my gosh! The funnies ! My fav. comic is The Zits. It's like all about teens and its like so totally true and I like love the sarcasm.
- Teenager

The comics! They are so totally awesome. Don't forget to read them every day, especially on Sundays.
- Comics freak of nature

The comics.
- Confidential

Comics.
- Someone who is alive

Comics! What's your favorite?
- Seventh grader who reads the comics

Of course, the good ole-fashioned funnies! Especially the Sunday version, in color!
- Proponent of less video games

The funnies! Ha Ha!
- Tomboy girl

I think the most interesting part of the newspaper is the comics because they are pretty funny.
- B

Editorials and op ed pieces. Some of the best writing is found there - whether or not you agree with the opinions. George Will is usually very wrong, but his rhetoric is masterful.
- Reader

Looking at the fashion tips! Heck yes.
- Kid

The Floridian section offers calendars with home and garden, festivals, music, crafts and hobbies etc. It also has the comics, movie schedule, puzzles and local news.
- Parent for 32 years

Floridian, because of the new movies coming out.

The parts your friends are in.

Front page.
- Student

I'm gonna say the home and living section.
- Seventh grader

The price of houses is amazing.
- Honor student

The letters to the editor! It's just amazing to think some of these weirdos live amongst us!
- Mom

The best section is the movie section... Because they are so COOL! that's were I found out about the Curious George movie, which was my absolute favorite! I think that that is the best place too look...the only advice I can give is to make the writing PINK and the background PURPLE!
- Girl who's in PreK

The obituaries.
- Eighth grader

Obituaries. But I think all the information about the person's life should be in the birth announcements instead of in the obituaries.
- Junior

Opinion/perspective or comics.
- Eighth grader

I think that politics are the most entertaining and delightful sections.
- Politician

I love the shopping list in the newspaper and the new movies - mostly the shopping though.
- cool girl

Sports. The rest is fishwrap.
- Dad

The sports! And the front page when Chuck Norris is on it.
- Special little boy

The sports section. Especially during football season, and other seasons.
- Tony Goat and friends

Duhh! Sports section - who would not know dat!
- Football fan

Sports!
- Dude

I think the sports section of the newspaper is the best because there are a lot of interesting facts about the previous night's sporting events.

Sudoku!
- Sudoku addict

Section E of the St. Pete Times, where I start my day with Sudoku.
- Parent

Who reads the paper except maybe parents and teachers? I luv magazines! Seventeen, People, Us, and everything else.
- Teenage Cosmo girl

I'm not trying to be mean because I personally don't like the newspaper because I don't like how you have to look at the little printed words and.....it's not entertaining to me - the TV is totally better.
- Dude

I don't like the newspaper. It's like a yawn.
- Tired kid yawnn

I don't read the newspaper, I stare it down until I get the information I want!
- Greek God

Why do you keep asking me these questions every week! STOP!
- Eighth grader

Upper Division students Judson S., Chelsea R., and Shelby H. worked in the kitchen at the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Community Service Day, March 15.

Early Childhood

Welcome Back!

It was a great vacation and a needed break for students and teachers alike, but now everyone is back in better health and with lots of enthusiasm! The children seem to have sprouted; all look taller and seem a bit older. They were so happy to see their teachers and friends and share news with each other.

Coming up in the next few weeks are parent conferences, field trips to Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary for JK and to Sunken Gardens for Alpha, Celebrate the Arts, and Alpha's Parent Day. We hope you will be able to come hear the EC - grade 4 students sing at 1:00 p.m. in the gym on April 20 and view the student art exhibit. If you are not able to be here for the singing, please stop by the Library and Student Center anytime on Friday or during the following week to see the awesome artwork!

Soaring into Space

The Junior Kindergarten Activity Day on March 15 was a special day indeed! Each child put together an individual solar system and made alien puppets and headbands. They also took "a trip to the moon" where there were searches for moon rocks and snacks to eat.

Everyone prepared lunch for themselves and their parents, which they later enjoyed eating outside on the playground. The parents who joined us to help for the entire morning were an incredible group, and we so appreciated their help. They and those who came later for lunch also enjoyed the outdoor performance where the children sang several songs about space.

Ride 'em Cowboys

Alpha's last day before vacation was also extra special. The children came dressed in western attire, complete with the bandanas they'd made at school earlier. During the party, they made and ate "pigs in a blanket" for snack, decorated sheriff's badges, and made magnetic quiet bottles.

They rode hobby horses and even roped "cows" with lassos. The most exciting activities, however, were making their own stick horses and riding them around the campus to the "campfire" where they "roasted" marshmallows!

Butterflies and Birds

In the spring, it's back to nature in the Early Childhood Center. The Alpha students listened to Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar this week and found caterpillar eggs on the plants on the playground. Some eggs were moved indoors to containers where they will be carefully observed through the process of metamorphosis. During exploring, the children created "Eric Carle paper" to use in projects related to his books that they will be reading in the coming weeks.

The Junior Kindergartners are starting spring with the study of birds and recycling projects. This week, the children took nature walks in small groups with their teachers. They looked and listened for birds, and they also picked up materials birds might use to build nests. When they returned to the classroom, the children recycled their collection bags into nests and glued on the natural materials they'd collected. Making eggs from air-drying clay and then painting them will make the nests complete!

Lower Division

Cracker Country

On Monday, March 13, the fourth graders walked over a bridge into a peaceful, oak-shaded few acres and found themselves back in the year 1898. They spent their day doing and seeing things that they would have if they had been children at that time.

They attended a one room schoolhouse and played with traditional toys. They did some planting chores in the garden and helped churn butter. They made their own candles and made rope. They watched a blacksmith at work and helped to run the printing press. These students even did some laundry.

All of this was possible through a trip to Cracker Country, a living museum focusing on Florida frontier life around 1900. The students were so entertained as they moved from place to place with friendly, knowledgeable docents who were eager to teach the students about their expertise that they didn't notice that there was actual learning going on. The favorite fact learned that day was that back then, people only took baths once a week and an entire family shared the same bath water.

The fourth graders were tired after their very full day at Cracker Country and were eager to return to 2006 where they didn't have to take a bath after anyone else, and their teachers wouldn't put them in the corner with a dunce cap.

World Teach

Rachel Miller, Shorecrest graduate, is a teacher in the very warm Republic of the Marshall Islands, a beautiful group of atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. Rachel's other claim to fame is that Jan Miller, Lower Division specialist, is her aunt.

When Mr. Shelton's and Mrs. Church's kindergarten class learned of that special connection, the teachers and children decided to help Rachel's school. Rachel, who is teaching under the "WorldTeach" program, had mentioned that the school could use some new books. The class responded with mailing to Rachel's school a load of 100 books! The books were purchased with bonus points earned each time parents and students ordered other books from book clubs.

Young Author

Taylor W. recently visited Mr. Shelton's Kindergarten class to read a short story she wrote for Mrs. Rankin's fourth grade class.

Taylor's younger brother, Frank, listened carefully to her story, "Mia Hamm, a Soccer Playing Pig." It seems that Mia Hamm was a pig who discovered she was a not only a great porker, but she was also a talented soccer player! Her mom was worried that Mia would get too much exercise and grow thin - a bad thing in the pig world.

Florida Education Technology Conference (FETC)

Kate Burton attended FETC in Orlando during spring break. She enjoyed workshops on integrating technology into the classroom and utilizing the full potential of the Internet in instruction.

Pi Day

What could be so exciting about a Tuesday afternoon in the middle of March for all the "hoop"-de-do? It's Pi Day (π as in the number, 3.1415926535...) because it is March 14th (3/14)! At 1:59 and 27 seconds, the fourth grade festivities began.

The book Sir Cumference and the First Round Table was read and Pi Pie, which looks suspiciously like Papa John's dessert pizzas, was consumed. The fourth graders spent the morning exploring just what Pi's relationship was to everyday items they brought in. From poker chips to soda cans, to tennis balls, all items' diameter and circumference were carefully measured. These two amounts were then divided to see if there was a common ratio.

The students were amazed to see, after careful measuring and remeasuring, that the ration was 1 to just a little over 3. This is the number π. Fourth graders are going into high school geometry with a firm understanding of what π is and how it affects the circles they see everyday.

Lower Division Head asked to Consult

Penny Jennings enjoyed a productive week during spring break consulting for Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa. The Academy will be going through their SACS/FCIS/FKC/FCC accreditation in the spring of next year and requested her expertise in preparing their self-study and in planning for the team's visit.

Mrs. Jennings met with administrators to discuss structure and strategies for completing the SACS/FCIS Collaborative Process for the Continuous School Improvement Plan. She also spent time with faculty of this Pre K-12 school to discuss curriculum, methods of documentation and assessment, and articulation within and between divisions. Mrs. Jennings said it "was an honor to consult for the school and also a timely experience to have as Shorecrest prepares for their accreditation visit in the spring. This week was professionally rewarding and helpful in crystallizing plans for our own school's visit."

Wednesday, April 5 has been designated

after the book of the same name by Theo LeSeig.

If your child would like to participate, we are asking for a suggested $2 donation to dress wacky for the day. Students will get beads to go with the wacky theme.

All proceeds raised will benefit the American Cancer Society (Relay for Life).

Donations will be collected at the picnic tables during lunch time.

Upper Division

Community Service Day

On March 15, the Shorecrest Upper Division held its Eighth Annual Community Service Day. The theme for ninth graders was "The Environment." They went to Boyd Hill Park, Ft. DeSoto and Ronald McDonald House to work outside.

Tenth graders worked with children at the Lower Division Fair and the YWCA, or with animals at Southeast Guide Dogs and Friends of Strays. Eleventh graders helped the needy by working at St. Vincent de Paul, the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity and Parc.

Seniors stayed on campus and invited Academy Prep students to visit for the day. Each student had a "buddy" and did a variety of activities together including improvisation, drawing, and sports. The students exchanged thoughts about the transition from grade school to high school and meeting new people.

After a Subway lunch generously provided by SPA and some great music by UJB Band, students participated in an assembly to talk about what they accomplished that day. All in all it was a fine send-off to Spring Break!

New Telescope

The Astronomy Club traveled with ten members to Floral City over the past weekend to view the stars with the new telescope donated to the school by Lower Division parent Farshad Bagheri.

Kaitlin B. was totally delighted finding the rings and moons of Saturn in the eyepiece.

Francophone Montréal

Ten Upper Division students and their French teacher, Mrs. Carnes, spent Spring Break in the snowy North. They went to the French-speaking Canadian province of Québec where they visited both Montréal, the world's second largest francophone city, and Québec City, the provincial capital.

In Québec City the students stayed with host families who welcomed them warmly, fed them traditional Québécois cuisine and allowed them to "live in French" during their stay. They visited the Château Frontenac, the Citadel and city walls, Vieux Québec and the Civilization Museum. A day of winter activities was also planned as students learned to drive dog sleds, walk in snow shoes, went tubing and ice skating.

The stay in Québec city ended with a visit to a "sugar shack" where they learned how maple syrup is made. A traditional dinner of meat pie, pea soup, ham and beans was served. Dessert was fresh maple syrup poured onto snow to turn it into taffy that was rolled up on a stick and eaten like a lollipop! After dinner the students took turns playing the spoons and dancing to traditional fiddle music.

On the way back to Montréal the group visited the Ice Hotel which is a functioning hotel that is completely carved out of ice. The interior temperature is -5 degrees Celsius! The Florida sunshine felt good after that, but all the students had a great time, said they learned a lot and that we should do it again!

Squids in Physics?

The ninth grade Conceptual Physics students were studying fluids, including Bernouilli's and Pascal's principles. They made "Squidy" cartesian divers to help develop a deeper understanding of fluid concepts.

Cartesian divers provide an amazing way to demonstrate and understand the science behind density and buoyancy. They really enjoyed the activity and were able to take their "Squidy Divers" home. To learn more about Squidy science, how to purchase Squidy, and to see more photos, click here!

The Hearing Impaired

After studying about disabilities in Health Class, some sections had a guest speaker from the Deaf and Hearing Connection. Holliday Lisowski, the Development Coordinator of this organization talked to many of our ninth grade students about the large number of hearing impaired people in our area.

There are many services offered at Deaf and Hearing Connection that range from acting as interpreters at doctor's appointments, to handicapped equipment for better hearing, to low-cost housing. The students became more aware of the isolation and prejudice that is felt by these people. Ms. Lisowski also showed us some basic sign language and gave us each an alphabet to take home. There will be some volunteer opportunities available this summer. If interested, please see Coach Newton.

Middle Division

Martinique Exchange Program

Attention all host families! A second and final parent meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in Mrs. O'Horo's room to finalize plans and activities for our visiting students.

Several host families are still needed! If any family is interested in hosting a student from May 8-18 please contact Mrs. O'Horo as soon as possible at koho@shorecrest.org for more information.

Beware the Ides of March

When Julius Caesar was told to beware the Ides of March, he didn't listen. History was forever changed, and togas went out of style. This year the Ides of March actually fell on March 15, and the Middle Division Latin students marked the day with a performance of the death scene from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

The performance was held in the quad of the Razook Center. Mark Antony's famous eulogy was delivered by Petar Y., Matt I. as Julius Caesar succumbed to the betrayal, and the misguided senators were played by Sami B., Stephanie G., Jacob F., Jesse H., Hayden D., and Parth D. Later in the day, the Latin students celebrated with an Ides of March cake.

Last Coffee

Our final Parent Coffee will be held on the Breezeway on Wednesday, April 5 at 8:00 a.m. We will discuss upcoming events for the year. Parents of rising fifth graders are invited to join us. See you there!

American Pen Women Recognition

Seventh grader Mallory A. was invited to the Awards Luncheon of the American Pen Women. Founded in 1897, the National League of American Pen Women brings together women journalists, authors and illustrators for mutual benefits and the strength that comes of union. Mallory's writing was brought to the attention of the group by her English teacher, Mrs. Karen James. Mallory was recognized by the president, Barbara Jendrsik, who read a portion of Mallor's recent short story.

Professional Development News

Discovery School invited Tracie Belt, seventh grade Life Science teacher, to participate on a twelve person advisory board to work toward the development of a new Middle Division multimedia science project for the Discovery Channel. This board will meet twice a year at the Discovery School headquarters in Silver Springs, Maryland, continuing to work on ideas for content and assessment of the Discovery program.

Writing Test

Next week on both Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6, all Middle Division students in grades 5-8 will be working on their WrAP testing in their Language Arts/English classrooms. This testing is given over a two day span using two 50 minute writing blocks.

The first day of the WrAP is used to produce a rough draft from a topic prompt and the next day is used to complete and finalize the piece of writing. Students are encouraged to think about and discuss the topic at home and may bring in some new ideas for their papers as long as the ideas are only in their heads and not on any paper.

This type of writing produces a direct assessment as opposed to an indirect assessment of writing skills. Please try to have students here at school for their Language Arts/English classes on those two days.

Middle Division students wear American Cancer Relay for Life fish hats from the "Gone Fishing" team in memory of Garrett Staple's passing one year ago this month.

New Honor Pledge Introduced to Students

I agree to be personally and academically honest and to treat others with respect and courtesy.

The above Honor Pledge was presented this week to students throughout all divisions of Shorecrest.

The genesis of the statement began earlier in the year, when Mr. Murphy conducted a survey in the Upper Division that suggested that many students were aware of the existence of an Honor Code but weren't sure what it said precisely. At that point, the Upper Division decided to revisit and revise the Honor Code.

The main task was to reduce the Honor Code from its multi-paragraph form to a single statement that would capture the essential elements of the honorable behavior Shorecrest expects of its students. The Upper Division English classes discussed the "assignment" and proposed a series of statements to the faculty that, in turn, discussed and refined the statement. What emerged from this process was presented to the School's Administrative Team and received its endorsement.

The new pledge, "I agree to be personally and academically honest and to treat others with respect and courtesy," will be posted in all of the classrooms and serve as a touchstone for the values that we cherish most within our community.

Shorecrest has always embraced the concept of Honor as a central value in our community, and we realize that each division already stresses this ethic. We felt, however, that it was important that a single statement be developed, one that is clear enough to be taught to and understood by all of our students from Early Childhood through twelfth grade. With the new Honor Pledge, we have a uniform statement that has been endorsed by all divisions.

Our actions communicate our values. Our hope is that the words and deeds of all members of our community will reflect a genuine commitment to this Honor Pledge.

Athletic News

Athletic Schedules

Charger Baseball Team Rated In The State Polls

The Shorecrest Varsity Baseball team's record so far this year is 13-4 and this week they are rated 7th in the state rankings in the 2A classification. Congratulations, Chargers, and keep up the good work!

All-County Soccer Teams Announced

Chrissy M. was named to the All-County Soccer second team. Congratulations, Chrissy, on this noteworthy accomplishment! Alex L., Tayllor S., and Kelly J. were also given Honorable Mention recognition.

Charger Baseball Team Finishes Second in Shorecrest Rally Tournament

Shorecrest hosted the Shorecrest Rally Tournament over Spring Break and finished the tournament in 2nd place. Their first game was on Wednesday, March 22, against a good Berkeley squad. They won the game 5-4 with a very good defensive game. Jeff R. got the win and Anthony K. pitched the last innings for the save. Anthony K. and Danny W. led the Charger hitting with two hits each.

On Thursday, March 23, the Chargers played McKeel Academy from Lakeland and lost 3-2. Robby T. pitched for the Chargers and allowed only 2 earned runs, 6 hits, and one base on balls. Anthony K. and Jeff R. each had a single and a double. In the final game of the tournament, Shorecrest lost to St. Pete Catholic 5-0. Nick M. got the only hit for the Chargers. The team played hard and with lots of enthusiasm but could not overcome the pitching of number 9-ranked 3A St. Pete Catholic.

Congratulations to Anthony K., Jeff R., and Clay B., who made the All Tournament team.

Varsity Baseball Regular Season Results

On Friday, March 10, the Chargers traveled to Bradenton to play district opponent St. Stephens and won 4-2. Leading hitter for the Chargers was Clay B. with 3 hits, including a double, an RBI, and a walk. Anthony K., Danny W., and Robby T. contributed two hits each. Anthony K. got the win with 10 strikeouts.

The Chargers faced Keswick on Monday, March 13, and won 6-4. Robby T. pitched 6 innings and picked up his 3rd win of the year. Dan M. got the save after retiring three hitters in a row. Top hitters for the Chargers were Dan M., Kyle W., Anthony K., Clay B., and Robby T.

On March 15 and 16, the Chargers took a road trip to Gainesville to play some tough competition in Fort White and Newberry. In the first game on Wednesday, March 15, the Chargers lost to the state-ranked Fort White team 7-3. Anthony K. pitched another great game, allowing 3 earned runs, striking out 11 batters, and not walking anyone. He also had two doubles and an RBI. Jeff R. had 2 hits, a walk, a home run, 3 RBI's, and a run scored. Pat M. also contributed with a triple. On Thursday, March 16, the Chargers played Newberry and won 8-1. Jeff R. pitched a strong 6 innings striking out 8 batters, allowing 4 hits, and walking only one. Dan M. did a good job on the mound in the seventh inning to finish the game. Clay B. led the hitting with 3 hits, followed by Pat M. and Robby T. who contributed two hits each.

The Chargers traveled to Tampa on Wednesday, March 29, to play Tampa Prep and won 9-4. Shorecrest rallied for six runs in the seventh inning, and Anthony K. went the distance. The Chargers have beaten the Terrapins two times this year to remain undefeated in Class 2A, District 11 play. Leading hitters for the Chargers were Anthony K., Jeff R., Danny W., and Nick .

JV Baseball Results

On Saturday, March 11, the Chargers traveled to Lakeland to play McKeel Academy and lost 5-2. Leading hitters for the Chargers were Chris K. and Brian K.

Middle Division Baseball Results

The Middle Division Baseball team suffered its first defeat on Friday, March 10, against St. Pete Christian by the score of 8-1. The Chargers were able to manage only two hits against tough St. Pete Christian pitching.

On Monday, March 13, the Chargers bounced back against Keswick Christian with a 10-hit barrage at home. Through three innings, the Chargers' offense could produce only a hit an inning. But a nine-run 5th propelled SPS to a 12-4 win, bettering their record to 4-1-1 going into the Spring Break. Nick N., Brian K., Tyler S., and Kevin K. held Keswick hitless.

Varsity Softball Results

On Thursday, March 9, the Varsity Softball team hosted a tough St. Stephens team and lost 12-1. Sandy L. went 1 for 3 and scored on Janine S.'s single. Jackie R. pitched a complete game and struck out five batters.

On Monday, March 13, the Chargers played a great game against Keswick, but lost 11-10. Shelby H. went 2 for 5 on the game, with 3 RBI's and one run scored. Brooke O. also added one hit and 2 RBI's.

The Chargers lost to Berkeley 12-3 on Tuesday, March 14. Brooke O., Hayley J., and Sandy L. each had two hits on the game, while Nicole P. added one hit.

Middle Division Softball Results

On Monday, March 13, the Chargers played Keswick and lost 21-11. Katie H. went 3 for 4 at the bat and scored three runs. Becky D. and Stephanie G. each scored two runs, and both girls pitched for the Chargers. Stephanie had seven strike outs and Becky had one strike out. Ali K. had a terrific game with a home run, a triple, and she scored 3 runs. She also had six putouts at first base. Jennifer V. also contributed with one base hit.

The Chargers played St. Pete Christian on Tuesday, March 14, and lost 19-7. Jenna V. had the only hit for the Chargers.

Varsity Tennis Results

On Friday, March 10, the Chargers traveled to Southwest Rec Center in Largo to play Keswick. The Varsity Boys and Girls tennis teams beat Keswick in Friday’s match as well as the make-up rained out match. Alex S., Sam S., Mark N., Lauren F., Courtney H., Jillian G., Kate C., Stephanie W., Matt S., Phillip V., and Judson S. were all winners for the Chargers!

The Chargers traveled to Tampa to play Berkeley Prep on Monday, March 13. The boys team lost 3-4 and the girls team lost 1-6. Winners for the Chargers were Alex S., Matt S., Drew S., Lauren F. and Stephanie W.

On Tuesday, March 14, the Chargers played Northside Christian at Bardmoor. The boys team won 8-0 and the girls team won 5-2. Brett A., Michael K., Alex S., Matt S., Sam S., Mark N., Blake F., Andrei S., Morgan B., Lauren F., Courtney H., and Kate C. were all winners for the Chargers.

On Wednesday, March 29, the Chargers boys and girls tennis teams had resounding victories against Canterbury, winning every match. Congratulations to Brett A., Michael K., Alex S., Matt S., Drew S., Sam S., Nick S., Judson S., Morgan B., Lauren F., Courtney H., Kate C., Stephanie W., Jillian G. and Danielle.

JV Tennis Results

On Monday, March 13, the JV tennis team once again met a tough Berkeley Prep team. The boys won 4-3 with great individual efforts by Alex N., Nick V., Matt K. and Henrik B. The girls lost a heartbreaker 3-4 with wins coming from Danielle D., Madi K. and Kathryn K.

On Tuesday, March 14, both the girls and boys won 7-0 against Indian Rocks Christian. The boys are 5-0 and the girls are 4-1.

Varsity Track Results

On Saturday, March 11, the Chargers competed in the Berkeley Invitational. The girls team placed 2nd, and the boys team placed 9th against 14 teams. Individual results were:

• Boys 400M - Ian B. - 2nd place with a time of 52.15
• Boys 300M Hurdles - JJ R. - 1st place with a time of 44.45
• Boys 1600M Relay - Ian B., TJ Smith, JJ R., Alex F. -3rd place with a time of 3:50.52
• Boys 3200M Relay - Joey M., Jordan S., Alex F., Sean S. - 5th place with a time of 9:31.57
• Boys Pole Vault - Patrick M. - 2nd place with a jump of 11'0"
• Girls 100M - Nia B. - 3rd place with a time of 13.3
• Girls 100M - Chrissy M. - 4th place with a time of 13.73
• Girls 200M - Nia B. - 3rd place with a time of 27.78
• Girls 400M - Samantha S. - 1st place with a time of 59.48
• Girls 800M - Pavandeep B. - 1st place with a time of 2:29.63
• Girls 1600M - Sarah E. - 4th place with a time of 5:49.54
• Girls 3200M - Sarah E. - 1st place with a time of 12:52.29
• Girls 3200M - Lindsey E. - 3rd place with a time of 13:19.77
• Girls 3200M - Kelly M. - 5th place with a time of 13:43.68
• Girls 400M Relay - Nia B., Taylor T., Taylor K., Chrissy M. - 4th place with a time of 55.73
• Girls 1600M Relay - Samantha S., Casey E., Taylor T., Pavandeep B. - 1st place with a time of 4:20
• Girls 3200M Relay - Pavandeep B., Samantha S., Lindsey E., Sarah E. - 1st place with a time of 10:30
• Girls High Jump - Nia B. - 1st place with a jump of 4'10"
• Girls Pole Vault - Erin M. - 3rd place with a jump of 8'0"
• Girls Long Jump - Pavandeep B. - 4th place with a jump of 14'5"
• Girls Triple Jump - Samantha S. - 1st place with a jump of 33'10"
• Girls Discus - Chantal J. - 5th place with a throw of 80'5"

JV Track Results

The JV Track team had their last meet of the season at Keswick on Tuesday, March 14.

Individual results were:

• Girls 55M Low Hurdles - Jen C. - 1st place
• Girls Shot Put - Lexie G. - 6th place
• Girls Shot Put - Chantal J. - 3rd place
• Girls Discus - Chantal J. - 1st place
• Girls Discus - Lexie G. - 3rd place
• Girls 1600M - Shannon M. - 4th place
• Girls 200M - Jen C. - 1st place
• Girls 100M - Lexie G. - 1st place
• Boys 110M Hurdles - Jules J. - 1st place
• Boys 400M - Philip T. - 1st place
• Boys 1600M - Ryan D. - 4th place
• Boys 100M - Ahmed D. - 2nd place
• Boys Discus - Parth D. - 3rd place

Mark Your Calendar For Tennis Pictures

Tennis Pictures will be taken on Monday, April 3 at 3:30 at the Racquet Club. The Varsity and JV teams should remember to bring their uniforms.

Order Your Sports Pictures Now

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

• Boys Varsity Baseball
• Username: boysvbaseball

• Boys Middle Division Baseball
• Username: boysmdbaseball

• Girls Varsity Softball
• Username: girlsvsoftball

• Girls MD Softball
• Username: girlsmdsoftball

• Varsity Track
• Username: vtrack

• JV Track
• Username: track06

Password for all pictures: 7348

Request for Athletic Photos

Just a reminder that E-Bytes is always looking for great 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. Thanks in advance!

Three Cheers for...

• Fourth grader Connor P. and his team for winning the U10 Boys Region C Finals (teams from Brooksville to Sarasota area) in March 2006 with a tournament record of 8-0.

The U10 Boys Team won their regular season division with a record of 12-0-1. They won second place at the 2006 Dunedin Sterling New Year's Tournament. The overall record of the team is 27-5. Connor plays for the St. Pete Raiders at Puryear Park.

• Members of Shorecrest Junior Girl Scout Troop 50, who participated in "Cookies from Home," a program where cookies were sold to be sent to our troops overseas in cooperation with MacDill AFB. Troop 50 sold 19 cases of cookies for our troops! Way to go, girls! Cookies are still available for those who missed the sale.

Some members of fifth grade Junior Girl Scout Troop 50 who took time during Spring Break to return to the SPCA and finish the stepping stones they made for beautification of the adoption area.

We're Voting for Books

Teachers, parents, and students in grades 3-6 who read 3 or more of this year's Sunshine State Young Reader's Books were voting for their favorites in the library this week.

The votes will be counted and sent to the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee, where a winning author will receive an award for the most votes. Mrs. Smay was so proud of everyone who participated. The results will be published in May.

Ski Trip

Seventh graders Brent R., Gerrett R. and John S. traveled to Solitude, Utah over spring break to go skiing. While there they met up with classmates Jen C., Lindsay H. and Annie I. along with Lindsay's sister, third grader Kylie H.

Interact Hockey Tournament Is Under Way

Seventeen teams are signed up and ready to hit the ice (gym floor) for a very exciting hockey competition! With the help of a number of Interact members, especially Tayllor S., a month-long competition is happening! Each day at lunch, two games of ten minutes each are played in the gym with lots of cheering spectators in the bleachers.

The Middle Division was invited to join in this intensely competitive display of hockey skills. Team 'Super Duper' has two wins and 'St. Pete. Scream' and 'Food' each have one win. Enthusiasm is running high and lunchtime has taken on a new focus. Interact is still looking for any donations that could be given out as prizes. This tournament is being run to raise money for the Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society and for Interact.

Shorecrest Business Partners

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