Nov. 3 , 2006

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E-Bytes Contents

Annual Fund

Arts Showcase

Athletic News

Blood Drive

Book Fair

Clinic Bytes

E-Bytes Reminders

Early Childhood

Fall Festival

Fall Luncheon

Health Workshop

Learning Center

Lower Division

Message from Mr. Murphy

Middle Division

Open Houses

Poll: Three Books

Poll Results: Your TV Show

Relay for Life

School Safety Update

Shorecrest Business Partner

Three Cheers

Turkey Bowl and Alumni Family Picnic

Upcoming Events

Updating E-mail Addresses

Upper Division

Upcoming Events

Nov 3 Friday

• First Trimester Ends
• Third Grade Parents Social at the home of Michele and Stephen Sobota
• Cross Country Regional Meet at Taylor Park
  Girls at 3:00, Boys at 3:45
• Varsity Football vs. Morehaven
  Away 7:30 p.m.

Nov 4 Saturday

• SAT
• Swim and Dive State Meet at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center 9:00 a.m.
• Eighth Grade Parents Social at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Mehul Shah

Nov 6 Monday

• Booster Club Meeting
  Student Activity Center 7:00 p.m.

Nov 7 Tuesday

• 2007 Relay for Life Meeting
  Janet Root Theatre Lobby 8:30 a.m.
• College Night for Juniors
  Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.

Nov 7-10 Tues-Fri

• Barnes & Noble Book Fair Student Activity Center

Nov 8 Wednesday

• "Harry the Dirty Dog" for EC-2
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.
• Book Fair Family Night
  Student Activity Center 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  Spirit Wear will be open 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Nov 9 Thursday

• Spirit Wear
  Student Activity Center 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
• Health Workshop: Cervical Cancer
  Shorecrest Library 7:00 p.m.

Nov 10 Friday

• "Paul Revere" for Grades 3-6
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

Nov 11 Saturday

• State Cross Country Meet at Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City -
  Girls at 8:30, Boys at 9:30

Nov 12 Sunday

• Admissions Open House EC-12
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

Nov 13 Monday

• Blood Drive on Campus
  Bloodmobile will park near Central Administration
  7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Admissions Open House EC-12
  Janet Root Theatre 9:00 a.m.

Nov 14 Tuesday

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

Nov 17 Friday

• Kuumba Dancers and Drummers for Grades 5-8
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

Nov 18 Saturday

• Fall Arts Showcase Janet Root Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Nov 20 Monday

• Barbecue for Eighth Grade and Upper Division

Nov 21 Tuesday

• Early Childhood Feast
  ECC 11:15 a.m.
• Kindergarten Feast
  Student Activity Center 11:30 a.m.

Nov 22-24 Wed-Fri

• School Closed
  Thanksgiving Holidays

Nov 27 Monday

• School Resumes

Nov 27-Dec 8

• Holiday Gift Drive

Nov 29 Wednesday

• Spirit Day

Nov 30 Thursday

• Shorecrest Parent Association Meeting
  Student Activity Center 8:15 a.m.

Tell a Friend!

Open Houses

• Sunday, November 12, 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 13, 9:00 a.m.
• Raymund Arts and Media Center

If you know someone interested in Shorecrest for their child, bring them to our Open Houses for prospective families on Sunday, November 12 or Monday, November 13. You can also give us their address, and we'll send them an invitation.

Any parents interested in helping us greet families or conduct campus tours, please call the Admissions Office at x106. We love our volunteers!

School Safety Update

Faculty, staff, trustees and students participated in a lock-down drill on Thursday. We were all pleased with the efficiency of the communication and operational plans. Some children had important questions but all in all the community viewed the exercise like the fire and high wind drills we practice.

Tony Pemble and Dave Sharlow are working with a firm to install new gates to the areas surrounding the Lower Division campus. Additional security cameras have been placed around campus and a new sign-in system has been implemented at all offices.

Parents are reminded to check in at an office whenever visiting or helping on campus. I trust we are all willing to experience some inconvenience in order to ensure the safety of our children.

Turkey Bowl

Volunteers needed for the 25th Annual Turkey Bowl and Alumni Family Picnic

Assistance is needed to set out refreshments/concessions and monitor the kids' inflatable play area during this annual Alumni family gathering. Bring your family while you volunteer and enjoy all the excitement as the Alumni take on the Varsity players in soccer, volleyball and football.

If interested in helping out, please contact Kimberly Jones 727-456-7515 or kjones@shorecrest.org

Three Cheers for...

• Eighth grader Bitty R. and sixth grader Cissy R., who auditioned and secured places in the Pinellas All-County Middle School Band! Bitty is playing first chair oboe and Cissy is playing third chair French horn. Congratulations! Both girls are also actively involved in the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra program (formerly Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra).

• The fourth grade Beginning Band who put on their second mini concert for parents. The students began playing their instruments just this year and played wonderful versions of three songs, "Cardiff by the Sea," "Hot Cross Buns" and "Au Claire de la Lune" as well as a song that contained two-part harmony at the concert. Great job!

(more photos 1 and 2)

Library Volunteer?

Mrs. Smay asks -

Do you have an hour or more during the week? If so, the library can put your time to good use! Since our children love books and our circulation is very high, we need help shelving our books. We have flexible time slots, and you can even bring a friend or two. If interested, please contact Mrs. Smay at ext. 170.

Book Fair: November 7-10

It is almost time for Shorecrest's annual book fair! This year it will be a Shorecrest / Barnes & Noble book fair beginning on Tuesday, November 7 through Friday, November 10 in the Student Activity Center.

Family night will be held on Wednesday, November 8 and will be open until 8:00 p.m. Choose from bestsellers, children's books, toys, games, gift items, home and office products, Godiva chocolates, packaged Starbucks coffee, CDs, and DVDs.

Book fair hours:

• Tuesday, Nov. 7:
  7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov 8 (Family Night):
  7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov 9: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Friday, Nov 10:
  7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Teacher wish lists and gift certificates will also be available, and free gift-wrapping is being offered! A percentage of your purchases will benefit Shorecrest, so don't miss this great event! For more information, please contact Dottie Smay at ext. 170.

Also, Spirit Wear will be open on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 9 from 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Knowledge Saves Lives

Health Workshop

...for Mothers, Daughters, Guardians and Upper Division Students

The HPV Virus and Cervical Cancer workshop will be held on November 9 from 7-8 p.m. in the Shorecrest Library.

Shorecrest parent Dr. Katarzyna Bagheri will present this one hour workshop on sexually transmitted diseases, focusing on the HPV virus and ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is caused by a virus many people get in their teens and twenties. In 2000 approximately 9.2 million young adults, 15-24 years of age had a form of genital HPV. If you would like more information prior to attending the workshop, visit tell-someone.hpv.com or call Dr. Bagheri directly at 343-6606. This workshop will be open to the public.

Blood Drive

Our next Blood Drive is coming up!

It will be held Monday, November 13, from 7:30 to 2:30. You just have to be 16 years old and weigh 110 lbs. or more to donate. The permission forms are now available in the Upper Division office for any 16 and 17 year old students who want to donate.

All donors will receive a wellness checkup of blood pressure, temperature and iron count, including a cholesterol check, and a surprise gift.

Our local representative from Florida Blood Services will visit the campus at lunch on Nov. 8 to answer student questions about donating. Tell your friends, parents and neighbors to stop by and donate. Every pint of blood saves several lives!

Clinic Bytes: Lost & Found

The clinic lost and found bin is full of lunch bags that are not labeled. The nurse sorts through the lost and found bin about once a week. If she finds a name on an article of clothing, she'll notify the owner's teacher. Unfortunately, lots of clothing and lunch boxes are not labeled or the name is illegible, so the bin gets fuller by the end of each week.

The following items are currently in the clinic: lunch boxes, a Shorecrest sweater and sweatshirt, and a blue hat with the name "Ty." Please stop by to claim. Thank you.

Introducing Shorecrest's Videographer: Sunrise Productions

Shorecrest has hired Frank Gibson of Sunrise Productions to be our exclusive events videographer. Mr. Gibson will be filming many of our school's theatrical productions and special events and will be selling DVDs of these events for $20 per DVD and $3 for shipping and handling costs.

Forms to order a DVD will be sent home in backpacks prior to the events for Early Childhood and Lower Division or mailed in the semi-monthly mailings for Middle Division and Upper Division. Forms will also be available in Division offices.

We believe providing a videographer is a valuable service to parents so that they can simply enjoy their children's productions or events without having to worry about filming themselves! Because Shorecrest pays the cost for the videographer, we do need a certain level of parent commitment to order videos so that we can continue to provide this service.

The following events are scheduled to be videoed:

Some responses to last week's poll:

If you could star in your own TV show, what would it be be called?

Madi's Magnificent Life.
- Freshman

Harry Potter. It would take my journey through Hogwarts and magical challenges. This sounds so good, I'm surprised they haven't made a show about it already!

College Town - Four friends from a high school in the South all go to college in Boston/Cambridge, Mass., but to different schools there. The MIT kid gets into the way cool high-tech pranks, the Harvard kid meets old money types, and they're all jarred because they're no longer the smartest kids around, but have to work hard to keep up.
- Grad

The Young and the Rested!
- Mom

15,000 Dollars a Year.
- Freshman

How to Build a Tipi: The Story of a Lonely Inuet Indian.

I already have, and it's called the Tyra Banks Show.
- Weirdo

"The Coolest Person Ever" Duh! I'm kidding!
- Fifth grader

"St. Pete Beach"! Full of drama... omg omg.
- Starbucks !

I don't know... maybe Crazy Dayz or some sort of sitcom like Full House!
- Be a star!

How to Have Fun and Be Crazy! Duh - I think people need to lighten up and have fun in their life. If you don't have any fun, then what is there to tell your kids and grandkids? Have fun, be crazy, get a life!
- Hottie!

The Leagues of Lonnie.
- Person

It would be called "The Crazy Adventures of Yay Trey!"
- Trey

Maximus the Millionaire for Gov.
- Max

Brendi's Bunch.
- Brendi

My TV show would be called... I Know What You Don't... starring Know It All - Lights, camera - Action!

I would totally have a TV show called Sweet... It would kinda be like a spin off of Lost but instead of me and a bunch of people being stranded on a crazy mystery killer island, we would be stranded by a beautiful pristine lake with only supplies like a MasterCraft boat and wakeboards and wakeskates.... yea, that'd be pretty sweet.
- Crazed wakeboarder

Um, I already do - you mean you guys don't watch it?! Oh thanks a lot! Two words: The Office.
- A supa star that is waaaaaay too cool for you!

Lake Harvard - where all the children are WAAAY above average.
- State school grad

My World! Duh!
- Drama queen

Moaa and Squash. It would be about me and my best friend, we are Hawaiian, we are awesome.
- Fifth grader

The I-don't-get-paid-enough show.
- Introvert sloth

People never understand my strange hobbies - I want to make it clear to them that just because I wake up every morning to feed a dragon doesn't make ME a monster... that's why my inspirational program would be called, "True Life: I breed unicorns, elves, and other mysterious creatures of lore."
- Senior (with a beard)

I'd make a TV show that my friends and I could laugh at because its intention was to make people realize how ridiculous some fictitious characters can be, but instead it is accepted as a pop culture icon for a truly lost generation... I'd call it Laguna Beach.
- MTV hater

My show would be called "Watch Me Drink A Glass of Water." Each episode has little variation, but the script is strong and special effects are amazing.
Mind you, this is to be put on the most crazy, out of control network on TV... Lifetime.

I would call my show "Amped: How To Be Extreme in Western Utah" It's basically a program involving me doing extreme activities, such as shotgunning energy drinks - skating off ramps into pits of lava - because that is extreme!
- Mountain Dew drinker

I'd star in a reality series on VH1 (because what VH1 needs is at least 100 more reality series) called Kenny-G and ME! It would place myself in a small apartment with musical genius KennyG. Viewers would not only see our wacky antics but Kenny's softer side (usually hidden by his "tough-guy" personality and rugged looks). TUNE IN! Monday mornings at 4:00 a.m.!
- Senior

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

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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

Early Childhood students marched a short route, then sat on the curbs and watched the costumed Lower Division students parade by. (Picture Pages)

Lower Division

Honor Pledge

This week Mrs. Mulkey's kindergarten class earned their Honor Marble Party! The class has been working since school began on earning marbles each time a member of the class follows the Shorecrest Honor Pledge.

Mr. Murphy, Mr. Manella, Mrs. Jennings, and Mrs. Weinman all joined the class as they celebrated with tasty popsicles.

Students Follow the Velux 5 Oceans

The Velux 5 Oceans solo round the world sailing race, held every four years, will be followed for the fourth time by Shorecrest students. Students will follow eight international sailors over the next seven months on this amazing 30,000 nautical mile quest. This event is considered one of the toughest sporting challenges ever, achieved by fewer people than have been in space!

Students in fourth grade, along with the rest of the Lower Division, will follow the sailors in "real-time" as the adventure unfolds before them. They will use the Internet and e-mail as learning tools, integrating geography, history, science, math, and writing. The unpredictability of the event provides endless learning opportunities as students experience the race day to day through the sailors' eyes. This week fourth graders plotted their sailor's position on a map, created sailor profiles in their journals, and worked cooperatively to measure how long the boats in the race are (60 feet).

Second and third grade students learned about the race through a PowerPoint presentation and video footage. They then created labeled maps showing the race route. Each of these classes has been assigned an individual sailor to follow through May. At our flagpole gathering, a map on wheels was rolled out to introduce the race to the entire Lower Division. Look for updates in future E-bytes. You can check out the race yourself at www.velux5oceans.com.

Halloween and Fall Festival

Thank you, Shorecrest community, for making October 31 so special for our children. From the spooky tradition of the Charger Halloween Parade to the fabulous Fall Festival, the children had the time of their lives. Over and over again, I heard, "This is the best Fall Festival ever"!

Special thanks to our incredible co-chairs Karen Quilty and Jessi Acosta, and also to our grade level representatives for making this great tradition happen again this year. From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggety beasties…And things that go bump in the night . . .

Reading Buddies

The reading buddy program in the Lower Division is a very popular and successful aspect of our Language Arts curriculum. In the spirit of cooperation, respect, responsibility, and friendship, reading buddies in Mrs. Minke's kindergarten and Mrs. Savitsky's second grade participated in a reading-based Halloween celebration.

(another photo)

All of the children were presented with activity passports allowing everyone to pass from one center to another. The children were paired buddy to buddy with second graders acting as role models in carrying out the various projects. After an interactive reading of "The Thirteen Days of Halloween," a book was recreated involving each child in the process. A Halloween alphabet book was written and illustrated by everyone.

Among the many learning center choices were a computer story project, a sequencing activity, and an opportunity to explore and create symmetry. Pumpkin pillows were stitched, and pictures were painted and labeled. A reading corner was available with numerous holiday stories in colorful books. Finally, milk and self-decorated cookies were enjoyed. It was "spooktacular!"

Citizen of the Month

Congratulations to our October citizens of the month for the 2006-07 school year:

• First Grade - Elizabeth H.
• Second Grade - Isabel M.
• Third Grade - Santo B.
• Fourth Grade - Lina M.

These students exemplify the life skills we teach and practice here at Shorecrest. Thank you, parents, for instilling these wonderful values in your children. You would be pleased to know that they are modeling what you taught them. Thank you for being partners with us in this most important endeavor.

Creative Carving

Mr. Leavengood, a Shorecrest parent, theater teacher, and talented pumpkin carver, visited Mrs. Counts' second grade class to show the students how to create expression and specialty pumpkins.

(another photo)

The students enjoyed toasted pumpkin seeds and drew on their own pumpkins after getting a lesson from Mr. Leavengood. Thank you for sharing.

The Learning Center

Did you know that students in grades 5-12 can "drop" into the Learning Lab for some extra help for those upcoming tests during the week? The Learning Lab facility is located in the Middle Division and is open to students throughout the day. The Learning Center (TLC) offers students in grades 9-12 opportunities to use their study halls for assistance. On-campus tutors can be arranged to work with students during study hall and after school.

TLC offers an after-school Student Learning Center to grades 5-8 for homework completion and study time with NHS students from the Upper Division. The hours are Monday through Thursday until 5:30 and Friday until 5:00. The Learning Center has been designed as a support program for Shorecrest students. For further information, please contact Jean Carnes at 456-7528.

Fall Luncheon

Many thanks to the members of the Board of Trustees who served lunch to the faculty and staff on Nov. 2.

Relay for Life

Come to the Meeting

If you'd like to be a part of the 2007 Relay for Life, stop by the next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the Janet Root Theatre lobby. You can join Team Green Eyes or any of the other teams that have already signed up. Or you can form your own team and use your creativity in raising money for cancer research. Find information online at this link.

Early Childhood

It Was a "Boo"-tiful Day!

The weather was great and the children were happy; what more could we ask for our Annual Halloween Parade and Fall Festival? The children looked adorable and handled both the excitement and the crowd extraordinarily well. Both events were well attended and lots of fun for all.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Karen Quilty and Jessi Acosta for chairing the Fall Festival. It was a huge undertaking and they did an amazing job! Also, hats off to the EC parent representatives who, with the great cooperation of the Early Childhood parents, successfully met the challenge of filling their volunteer spots.

A Successful Parent Chat

Discussion topics at the November Parent Chat included morning and bedtime routines and schedules and also the frustration of parents when they want their children to respond to their directions as readily they do for their teachers! Some parents were happy to report that they've made progress with the situations they talked about last month. It was great to hear that some of the suggestions had really helped!

Next month's Parent Chat will be on Monday, December 4 from 8:15-9:15. Parents are welcome to bring their younger children if they do not have child care.

Believe Your Eyes

Yes, those are vegetables and fruits that the Alpha students are enjoying in the picture! For some reason, these healthy foods seem more delicious when you pick them out yourself.

Snack during exploring last Friday featured the produce the children picked out and purchased during their recent field trip. Some of the children were so happy eating this healthy snack that they had to be encouraged to move on to the other activities!

Whose Shadow Is That?

Whenever it is offered, the shadow dancing room is always a favorite choice during exploring. It provides an opportunity for creative movement as well as chances to experiment with light and shadow.

The week before Halloween, the Junior Kindergartners thought it was especially fun to dance to the spooky music!

Upcoming Field Trips

The destination for November is Publix at Gateway Crossing. There the children will have a behind-the-scenes tour and also shop for the items needed to make their Thanksgiving feast. The trip dates are as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 13 - Mrs. Moyle's class and Mrs. Carson's class
• Tuesday, Nov. 14 - Ms. Uebel's class and Mrs. Samuel's class
• Thursday, Nov. 16 - Mrs. Lipan's class

Don't Miss the Book Fair!

While older children are allowed to bring money and shop independently during the school day, our young Alpha and Junior Kindergarten students are not quite ready for that experience. Parents are invited to pick up their children from the classroom anytime during the day to visit the book fair with them and return them when they finish shopping.

If you are unable to come during the day, we hope that you will be able to visit the book fair with your child during the extended shopping hours on Wednesday evening, Nov. 8, when the Book Fair stays open until 8:00 p.m.

Upper Division

Festival of Light

To the sound of sitar music and the sweet scent of incense, the Diversity Club celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light on Thursday, October 26. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and is celebrated over a five day period, generally toward the end of October or early November.

The festival is a celebration of life, a time to strengthen relationships with family and friends. It is marked by its extensive use of candles, lamps, and fireworks, creating light which symbolically represents the triumph of goodness over evil.

Shorecrest's Diversity Club celebrated with an Indian-themed luncheon, made possible through the generosity of one of our parents, Dr. Rashmi Nanda. The menu included pakoras (stuffed dumplings), tandoori chicken, chicken curry masala, a variety of vegetarian dishes, pulao (rice with nuts and raisins), and kheer (Indian rice pudding).

Once the meal was served, we were treated to a spectacular demonstration of Indian dancing by Sonya Nanda and two close friends. The girls, all seniors, choreographed their own performances of two different types of Indian dancing: a sacred dance dedicated to Lord Shiva and a more contemporary dance. About 100 of our Upper Division community enjoyed the luncheon, and everyone enjoyed the dancing!

More Dance

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, Padmini Durr performed classical Indian dances in the Janet Root Theatre for Shorecrest Upper Division students and guests. A native of Mumbai (Bombay), Ms. Durr is the founder of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Welcome Club International (WCI), a women's organization aimed at fostering "friendship through understanding, understanding through friendship."

Ms. Durr has performed before national and international audiences. She is also an Indian dance consultant and was instrumental in assisting American Stage's presentation of "A Perfect Ganesh" some years ago. Her performance included commentary about the symbolic movements and gestures of Indian dance, and she invited students onto the stage to learn some basic moves.

Teddy Bears

The Junior Exchange Club spent October stuffing teddy bears. Sojourn Bear, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that sews the bears and donates them to children with cancer in hospitals all around the world.

Each bear will have a tag with its name (chosen by the student who worked on it) and will say "stuffed by Shorecrest Junior Exchange Club." The Club donates the stuffing as well as the labor. Pictured are two of our "beary" best stuffers, Peter C. and Jillian G.

Día de los muertos

El Círculo Hispánico sold candy bags in the Upper Division this past week to celebrate Día de los muertos and to continue to raise funds for our adopted Hispanic child from The Children's Dream Fund. Each year the Upper Division Spanish Club sells candy bags with a card attached. Students and teachers buy the candy bags and fill out the cards with a personal message.

The candy bags are then distributed during Advisory on October 31. The committee of students sold over 600 bags this year, making it our best year ever! The committee chairpeople: Ian B., Jamie C., Jackie K. and Kaitlin B. are to be commended for their excellent organization and implementation of the sale. With the large number of candy bags sold, this was a huge feat! Thanks go to everyone who helped make this project a success by purchasing the candy bags.

Cake Walk

To wrap up celebrating Red Ribbon Week, SADD held a cake walk to raise money to support the message of staying away from drugs.

Students and faculty were invited to dance around the chairs and try to win a cake.

College Visits This Week

Nov 6 Monday

• Virginia Tech 9:30 a.m.

Nov 8 Wednesday

• St. John's College 12:30 p.m.

Shorecrest Business Partner

Message from the Headmaster

What Do You Want for Your Children?

During the past few weeks I have been writing articles advocating for independent education and specifically for Shorecrest. This week I have decided to take on the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room: cost. Do the benefits provided by a school like Shorecrest justify the cost of attending our school when there are obviously less expensive options? What is the value of a Shorecrest education?

One questions begs the next. What do you want for your children?

You might want your child to be exposed to a widely diverse international community. You might wish for your child to interact with children from various economic backgrounds. Some parents want their children to be challenged in the basics and taught the value of hard work. Other parents want their children to learn how to compete for a position or role.

At Shorecrest children come from families representing 62 different national origins. Seventeen percent of the students are on financial aid. The curriculum is grounded in the basics and no one would doubt that our students work hard. The size and culture of our school encourages students to be in situations where they regularly compete for positions on teams, clubs and for theatrical roles.

I mention these Shorecrest elements because many people forget that they exist. Could it be that a common commitment to academic and co-curricular excellence causes us to blend more than if we did not share common goals and expectations? I think so.

There are universal reasons why parents choose to send their children to independent schools. Recent and long-term reputations matter in school choice just like they do for other products. When a school consistently places students with talented teachers who are committed to those students as well as to their field of study, parents are attracted. When a school consistently has students scoring well on national tests, performing well in interscholastic competition and receiving accolades for achievements in the arts and other activities, good students want to be a part of those successful programs.

Schools that are known for embracing and teaching high ethical standards, for developing character and for addressing problems swiftly but with sensitivity are attractive. Parents want school environments that are safe. Students want school environments that provide them opportunities to excel. Everyone wants a school that will prepare the student to be successful in the future. People will pay for schools that enhance a child's chance to attend and succeed at a well-respected university.

People are willing to pay $4300 for four weeks of summer camp. Others might pay up to $2500 for two weeks at an outdoor leadership program. Add travel, clothing and the other ancillary costs and these programs begin to approach private college tuitions. The cost of most independent schools pales when compared to the cost of exclusive summer programs.

The price tag for a school becomes relative to the region in which it is located, but the services and expectations of the parents and students are very similar. Families can pay up to $25,000 to send a child to a reputable elementary school in some regions of the country. So why do we pay? Many of the reasons are stated above.

In the end we, as parents, make decisions about the things we value. We believe a quality education will benefit our children. Some parents will go to great trouble to find financial aid, borrow money or work extra jobs just to give their children opportunities that will lead to future success. Independent school students have the highest rate of any school group to graduate from college within five years after graduating from high school. Independent school students pursue professional graduate programs at a higher rate than any of the competitive school groups.

We know that specific, objective results matter to many people. The standardized testing for students in grades 3-9 show that the achievement gap between our students and the students from other schools widens as children progress through the grades. In the past three years, more Shorecrest students than ever before have taken an increased number of Advanced Placement exams. There is success in having more students participate in the rigorous AP curriculum. There is also pride in seeing the percentage of students who score in the high achievement ranges of the AP exams continue to exceed national and independent school averages.

I am reminded that statistics about school achievement can influence people to enroll in an independent school. All the factors listed above matter in varying degrees to the parents and students who support Shorecrest and other independent schools.

But in the final analysis, most parents and students want all of the factors, and they want to be happy. We want our children to feel a sense of authentic self-worth. We want them to wake up each morning looking forward to the events of the coming day. We want them to enjoy the present and look forward to the future. When independent schools like Shorecrest meet that expectation, everyone wins.

Cheers!

Annual Fund

Alpha - First Class to Reach 100% Participation

Congratulations to the Alpha grade level for reaching 100% participation! Lisa Jacobs and her team of Advancement parent volunteers did an awesome job to encourage these families to participate. As a result, one Alpha family will be drawn to receive a $1,000 tuition reduction for next year. To our knowledge this is the first time in the history of Shorecrest that any grade level has reached 100% participation!

Final Drawing for $1,000 Tuition Reduction!

Currently three grade levels need "8" or fewer gifts to reach 100%. Who will be the next grade level to reach 100%? Click to see complete Grade Level Participation. This final drawing for a $1,000 tuition reduction will be on November 16, the day after the Victory Date for reaching the Annual Fund goal. All families who have students in any grade level that reached 100% participation by November 15 will be eligible for that final drawing. Make your Annual Fund gift now

"With just 12 days left to reach the Annual Fund goal, now more than ever we need everyone to participate," says Ken Slaby, Annual Fund Chair! Current parent participation stands at 71%, and we have reached 78% of our Annual Fund goal. Click to view complete Annual Fund Donor Roll.

Thank you to every one of our families who have made their Annual Fund commitment. It's going to be a great year for our students!

Click for Rules and Regulations

AGLL Resource

Athletic News

Complete Athletic Schedules

Swimmers Advance to State from Regionals

The Chargers did a fantastic job at Regionals last weekend on Oct. 28 in Ft. Myers! Eleven athletes qualified for the state meet! Overall the Shorecrest boys placed 5th in the Regionals, and the girls placed 6th.

The following swimmers and divers have qualified for the State Meet in these events:

• Jacqueline S. - 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Free Relay
• Josh G. - 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free
• Rachel S. - 200 Medley Relay, 100 Back, 200 Free Relay

• Henry S. - 200 Medley Relay, 100 Breast
• Sandy L. - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay
• Hope A. -200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay
• Ben S. - 200 Medley Relay
• Joe A. - 200 Medley Relay
• Hannah S. - Diving
• Jack S. - Diving
• Rachel T. - Diving

The team departed Friday morning for the big event (large photo). The State Swimming Meet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Center. Good luck, swimmers, divers, and coaches!

Boys Cross Country Team Brings Home District Runnerup Trophy

The Boys Varsity Cross Country team was the District Runnerup and received a trophy for their efforts! The girls team placed third, and both teams qualified for the Regional meet on Friday, Nov. 3 at Taylor Park. The girls will run at 3:00 p.m. followed by the boys at 3:45.

The following boys contributed to the District Runnerup accomplishment:

• Stephen S. - 6th place
• Jordan S. - 13th place
• Wyatt K. - 24th place
• Alex F. - 28th place
• Ian B. - 29th place
• Sean S. - 30th place
• Joey M. - 49th place

Individual girls results were:

• Sarah E. - 4th place
• Lindsey E. - 5th place
• Pavandeep B. - 7th place
• Casey E. - 24th place
• Samantha S. - 29th place

Good luck at Regionals on Friday at Taylor Park!

Varsity Football Results

The Chargers faced crosstown rival Northside Christian on Friday, Oct. 27, and lost 34-0. The Chargers were led by Clay B. on offense who had 21 carries for 108 yards. Clay also had two pass receptions for 45 yards.

Photo courtesy of Sun Haven Photography

On defense the Chargers were led by Daniel W. with 8 solos, Nick M. had 6 solos and a fumble recovery, and Clay B. had another 6 solos. The Chargers travel to Moore Haven on Friday night to face the Terriers in their last game of the season.

Middle Division Football Results

The Shorecrest Middle Division Chargers Football team won yet another game on Oct. 26, beating Keswick on the road 19-14. The Chargers struck first when Henrik B. blocked a Keswick punt and Jamie Q. recovered the ball for a 42-yard special teams touchdown. Jamie Q. also scored on a 6-yard fumble recovery and on a quarterback sneak.

The Chargers played outstanding football on offense, defense and special teams while shutting down a very good Keswick team. Congratulations to the Middle Division Chargers on another dominating performance and another great season!

Sun Haven Photography

Go to Backprint.com and enter Shorecrest in the Event Name search field.

• Shorecrest vs. Fort Meade August 25
• Shorecrest vs. Admiral Farragut Sept. 15
• Shorecrest Swim Meet Sept. 27
• Shorecrest Cross Country at City Meet Oct. 12
• Shorecrest Homecoming 2006
• Shorecrest Golf vs. Berkeley Oct. 5

Northeast Photography

Go to: Collages.net

• Username for Varsity Football: football06
• Username of Middle Division Football: jvfootball06
• Username for Varsity Volleyball: vvball
• Username for JV Volleyball: jvvball06
• Username for Middle Division Volleyball: mdvball
• Username for Swimming and Diving: swim06
• Username for Varsity Golf: vgolf06
• Username for Middle Division Golf: mdgolf06
• Username for Cross Country : crosscountry06
• Username for Cheerleading: cheer06

Password for all sports: 7348

Athletic Videos

Go to www.stefio.tv:

• Spring Classic - Shorecrest vs. Trinity Christian
• Shorecrest vs. Trinity Prep
• Shorecrest vs. Fort Meade
• Shorecrest vs. St. Edward's
• Shorecrest vs Keswick Christian
• Shorecrest vs Admiral Farragut
• Shorecrest vs Mt. Dora Bible School
• Shorecrest vs Indian Rocks Christian
• Shorecrest Homecoming Halftime
• The remaining Varsity Football game, some JV games, the Senior Walk, and varsity season highlights will be made available when completed.

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

Middle Division

Sixth Graders Receive Special Recognition at Florida Holocaust Museum

Congratulations to Middle Division art teacher Cindy Williams and her sixth grade students who painted a panel for the Florida Holocaust Museum's "Pieces of PEACE" exhibit. Fifty-one sixth graders were involved in coming up with the idea for the artwork and painting the puzzle pieces, and nine were recognized for their contributions to the project. Each student created an individual piece of art based on his/her study of Keith Haring's work and style. Later students identified which elements of the individual pieces would be thematically intertwined to become one artwork.

(larger photo)

Felipe C., Sarah F., Savannah J-S, JJ J., Kaiya K., Bak M., Sam M., Shannon M. and Molly W.. were invited to the museum on Thursday, Nov. 2 to help with the final installation of the panel they created. They were photographed by the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Express magazine as they worked together to get all of the puzzle pieces into place, and the students were interviewed about their experience with this project.

The museum staff was especially impressed that the artwork was a cross-curricular effort among art, history and language arts, where each student wrote about their experience. In fact, they were so pleased with Shorecrest's panel, that the museum is using the artwork created by the sixth graders in their advertisements about the exhibit and will feature the work on their Web site and upcoming newsletters. The puzzle panels will be on exhibit at the museum from now through December.

¡Qué deliciosa!

Since the chapter two culture reading highlights the differences between a Mexican tortilla and a Spanish tortilla, students in Spanish level two had the opportunity to try a Spanish tortilla. A Spanish tortilla is made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, while a Mexican tortilla is made with corn flour or wheat flour. Meat, chicken, beans, and cheese are commonly put inside a Mexican tortilla. Muchas gracias to Publix for providing the delicious Spanish tortillas.

On Halloween We...

Students in grades 5-8 enjoyed decorating pumpkins on October 31.

October 31 was "Clashing Clothes day" in Middle Divison as demonstrated by these students!

Middle Division Hunger Awareness Project

As we approach the season of sharing and giving, seventh grade is leading an effort by the entire Middle Division to learn more about hunger, both locally and globally, and help those that are affected in our own community

Food Drive

Seventh graders are asking all Middle Division students to bring any non-perishable food (canned meats such as tuna, ham, or chicken, beef stew, chili, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, canned soup, pasta, rice, dry milk mix, etc.) on Monday, Nov. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 7. There will be bins located in the hallways for collection. The food, along with the food collected by the Upper Division students on Dec. 8, will be donated to the Guardian Ad Litem Program, which is also the beneficiary of the school-wide holiday gift drive.

For more information, please contact Paula Van Law at (727) 742-5760 or pvanlaw@tampabay.rr.com.

Art for a Good Cause

Fifth graders painted and decorated 100 cardboard banana boxes for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic's Food Bank that will be used for delivering holiday food packages to local families in need. (larger photo)

Volunteers Needed

Calling all Middle Division students & parents to help at the Food Bank!

Monday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov. 17
3:30-4:30 p.m. daily, Mon -Fri.

We'd like to fill each shift with 8 students and 2 parents every day. You will help fill the decorated cardboard banana boxes at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic's Food Bank (863 Third Ave. N. St. Pete). The Food Bank will deliver these food packages to local families in need on Nov. 20-21 to help them with Thanksgiving meals.

To sign up for a shift, please contact Su Stevens at (727) 456-7510 or sstevens@shorecrest.org.