Performance by the Sixth and Seventh Grade - "Big Bad!"
Janet Root Theatre 1:00.m.
Performance by the Sixth and Seventh Grade - "Big Bad!"
Janet Root Theatre 6:30 p.m.

Dec 13 Wednesday

Spirit Day

Dec 18-20 Mon-Wed

Semester Exams Grades 7-12

Dec 20 Wednesday

Early Childhood Sing
Janet Root Theatre 8:30 a.m.
Lower Division Sing
Janet Root Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Second Quarter Ends -
Noon Dismissal Grades EC-5

Dec 21-Jan 3

Winter Break

Jan 2-3 Tues-Wed

School Closed
Professional Days

Jan 3 Wednesday

Senior Retreat Departs at 3:00 p.m. (return Jan. 5)

Jan 4 Thursday

School Resumes (EC-11)

Upcoming Games and Meets

Nov 17 Friday

Girls MD Basketball
at St. Paul's 4:00
Girls MD Soccer
at Keswick Christian 4:00
Boys MD Soccer
Home vs. St. Paul's 4:30
Girls Varsity Soccer
at Tampa Prep 5:30
Boys Varsity Soccer
at Tampa Prep 7:00

Nov 20 Monday

Girls Varsity Soccer
at St. Stephens 4:00
Girls MD Basketball
at Canterbury 4:30
Boys MD Basketball
at Canterbury 5:30
Girls JV Soccer
Home vs. St. Stephen's 5:30
Boys Varsity Basketball
at Canterbury 6:30
Boys Varsity Soccer
at Berkeley Prep 8:00

Nov 21 Tuesday

Girls MD Basketball
at St. Stephen's 4:00
Boys MD Basketball
Home vs. St. Stephen's 4:30
Boys JV Soccer
Home vs. Berkeley Prep 5:00
Girls Varsity Basketball
at St. Stephen's 5:30
Boys Varsity Basketball
Home vs. St. Stephen's 7:30

Nov 27 Monday

Girls JV Soccer
at Berean Academy 3:30
Girls MD Soccer
Home vs. Indian Rocks Christian 5:00
Boys MD Soccer
Home vs. Indian Rocks Christian 7:00

Nov 28 Tuesday

Girls Varsity Basketball
Home vs. Admiral Farragut 6:00
Boys Varsity Basketball
at Admiral Farragut 7:00
Boys Varsity Soccer
Home vs. Calvary Christian 8:00

Nov 29 Wednesday

Girls MD Soccer
Home vs. Berkeley Prep 4:30
Boys MD Basketball
Home vs. Out of Door Academy 4:30
Girls MD Basketball
Home vs. Out of Door Academy 5:30
Boys MD Soccer
Home vs. Berkeley Prep 5:45
Boys JV Soccer
Home vs. Tampa Prep 7:30

Nov 30 Thursday

Girls JV Soccer
at Lakeland Christian 4:00
Boys MD Soccer
Home vs. Canterbury 4:00
Girls Varsity Basketball
at Lakeside Christian 6:00
Girls MD Soccer
Home vs. Out of Door Academy 6:00
Girls Varsity Soccer
at Keswick Christian 7:00
Boys Varsity Soccer
Home vs. Tampa Catholic 8:00

Dec 1 Friday

Boys MD Soccer
at St. Paul's 4:00
Girls MD Basketball
at Admiral Farragut 4:30
Boys MD Basketball
at Admiral Farragut 5:30
Girls Varsity Basketball
Home vs. Tampa Prep 6:00
Girls Varsity Soccer
Home vs. Out of Door Academy 6:00
Boys Varsity Basketball
Home vs. Tampa Prep 7:30
Boys Varsity Soccer
Home vs. Out of Door Academy 8:00

Submit by December 1

Preschool and Kindergarten Applications

Shorecrest Parents, Alumni, and Faculty:

We are already looking ahead to the next school year! If you have a youngster not enrolled at Shorecrest currently, who will be ready for the Early Childhood Program or Kindergarten next fall, it is time to submit an application. We offer priority consideration to siblings, as well as to children of alumni and faculty. To request an application form, e-mail us at admissions@shorecrest.org or call the Admissions Office at 727-456-7511.

As we traditionally have more applications than available spaces, please submit your application by December 1, in order to receive priority consideration. We will begin awarding spaces in February, first to priority children, then to prospective families.

If you submitted an application some time ago, we will be calling you within the next two weeks to verify that you are interested in enrolling next fall. Call if you have questions. Thank you!

Crestviews

Parents of students in Early Childhood through fourth grade are reminded that they can save $5.00 off of the publication price if they pre-order their yearbook before the first of the year.

Send checks in the amount of $55 for the 2007 edition of Crestviews, payable to Shorecrest, to Mr. Tony Napodano in the Upper Division.

Turkey Bowl

25th Annual Turkey Bowl and Alumni Family Picnic

Turkey Bowl

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

Please contact Kimberly Jones 727-456-7515 or kjones@shorecrest.org

Postcards Carry Messages of Thanks Overseas

Shorecrest students in Jr. K through eighth grade joined a Tampa Bay area-wide effort to send messages of thanks and good wishes to members of the U.S. military stationed overseas.

postcard

Some students drew pictures, and others wrote touching messages of thanks and encouragement on 304 postcards that will be distributed through the "Postcards from Home" campaign sponsored by a local radio station.

postcard

Shorecrest parent and volunteer Kerry Kriseman brought the idea to the school and helped organize the project. Several teachers embraced this service activity and provided guidance to their students to take part in this worthwhile effort.

"I was drawn to the program because I kept hearing about it on the radio, and I was moved by the thought that these brave men and women will be far from their families this holiday season," Mrs. Kriseman said. "I knew Shorecrest is committed to integrating service into the curriculum, and I thought this was a great way for our students to show appreciation to the members of our military who are serving overseas."

Thank you, Mrs. Kriseman, Shorecrest students and teachers for helping to bring a little holiday cheer to our service members who are far from home.

Relay for Life

2007 Northeast St. Petersburg Relay for Life welcomes new teams and welcomes back returning teams!

Relay for Life

Last May's Relay for Life at Shorecrest saw 35 teams participate. Some of those teams have already signed up and gotten a head start on fundraising for next year's event, to be held March 30-31. That's only 133 days away!

Thank you to the following 14 teams that have already registered:

Survivors and Friends - Judy Appelbaum
Austin's Mitzvah - Austin Fuss
Team Green Eyes - Valerie Diaz Leroy
Cool Cats - Denise Travers
Runner Girls - Suzi Kinter
Team Freedom - Christi DeGeare
Chargers Admin & Friends - Mike Murphy
Pilates Powerhouse & Yoga Center - Camille Raciopio
Chargers & Charge-Its - Su Stevens
Street Walkers - Teresa Long
Penguin Football - Jean Catanese
Squeegee Beckenheim - Kinsey McCall
FUMC St. Pete - Donna Hearn
Shorecrest Key Club - Thomas Ma

Shorecrest's Haskell Field can only handle 50 on-site teams, so if you're planning on your team being a part of the Relay, don't wait to register because camp-site assignments are made based on the order of registration. So signing up early will assure you a good spot on the infield.

For more information and to register, visit this American Cancer Society page or come to the next planning meeting on Dec. 12.

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:

Poetry in the Park (EC-grade 4)	Thursday, Oct. 19
Fall Arts Showcase	Saturday, Nov. 18
Winter Band Concert	Tuesday, Dec. 5
Sixth and Seventh Grade drama production	Tuesday, Dec. 12
Early Childhood Holiday Sing	Wednesday, Dec. 20
Third Grade Program	Friday, Jan. 26
Grandparents Day	Friday, Feb. 2
Second Grade Program	Friday, Feb. 9
Eighth Grade drama production	Wednesday, Feb. 28
Fourth Grade Program	Thursday, Mar. 8
First Grade Program	Friday, Mar. 30
UD Spring Musical	Thurs-Sat, April 26-28
Alpha Parent Day	Thursday, May 3
Kindergarten Program	Friday, May 11
Fifth Grade drama production	Thursday, May 17
Baccalaureate / Commencement	Sunday, May 20 / Saturday, May 26

Some responses to last week's poll:

For what are you thankful this year?

My daughters.
- Third and fourth grade mom

Harry Potter. Duh.

Mi familia and a ton of other stuff!
- Thankful blonde

The new Senate and House!
- Happy voter

I'm thankful for going to a good school with good education... and my family of course.
- Fifth grader

Being healthy and safe.
- Has great morals

I'm thankful that both my kids are finally in school all day!
- Mom regaining her sanity

My family and my friends. And how they are so nice to me. I am also thankful for my kitties.
- Sixth grader

God.

I'm thankful that we get a couple days off from school for Thanksgiving!
- Thankful freshman!

Definitely my family, my bff's, and especially this new kid in my grade!
- Boy lover!

I am thankful that I have a family and that we are a happy unit.
- Mom

I am so thankful to have my friends. They complete me.
- Eighth

Coach Pope... because she is just so nice!
- Seventh grader

I'm thankful for the camaraderie that I share with my friends' parents.
- Ninth grader

Phytoplankton! Because phytoplankton has given us all life. Life is good. No, life is great! So thank you all phytoplankton for giving us life, oxygen, and providing us with food because they are the basis of the food chain. I heart phytoplankton!
- Phytoplankton lover

Living.
- Student

I'm thankful for my mommy, my daddy, and my teachers... they are so nice to me. I thank the world for my life.
- Eighth grader

I'm thankful that my beautiful wife and kids are healthy.
- Parent

My mommy, daddy, and volleyball!
- Volleyball person

My life - I love it and I wouldn't give it up for a thing. Oh yes, and of course Shorecrest and all of its amazingness.
- UD student, thankful descendant of a pilgrim.

I love my parents and my sister.
- Third

I am thankful for my daughter. She is a constant source of pride and joy to me. I am also thankful for the Shorecrest faculty for giving her a safe and caring learning environment - where she can ask questions and be allowed to voice her opinions without being discriminated against.
- Mom

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

These Alpha students are proudly pointing out their families' contribution to the class turkey. More Thanksgiving photos.

Early Childhood

Saying Thank You

Thanksgiving leads to conversations about people and things for which we are thankful. In Alpha, the children and their teachers decided to demonstrate their appreciation for the other people at school who help them by baking cookies for them.

being thankful

These special friendship cookies were delivered with smiles and a song. The cookies and the charming children delighted the surprised and appreciative recipients!

Please Be Careful

While car line is running fairly smoothly, we are still concerned about some safety issues. Please model safe driving practices for your children.

Drive extra slowly when going through the pick up and drop off lanes even when they appear empty in front of you; children and adults may dart out unexpectedly.
Many people are continuing to use their cell phones while driving through the lanes. Is this a practice you want your children to copy when they drive?
Put your car in park while loading and unloading and be sure children are buckled in, doors are closed and teachers are clear before shifting into gear.
Do not leave empty vehicles running anywhere on campus or leave young children unattended in vehicles.
People are continuing to park on Pratt and cross traffic lines during pick up. This is both inconsiderate and dangerous. We remind you to model honor, respect and consideration to teach these things to your children.
Middle and Upper Division students are asked to use the crosswalks for their safety and to model safety for the younger children.
All Lower Division students unloading on Pratt should wait for an adult to help them out.

Thank you for your help.

Betty Gootson

Wow, a Real Pilot!

A recent addition to the Junior Kindergarten Exploratorium, the airplane is a favorite place for socio-dramatic play.

cockpit

The under-the-loft area features a cockpit for pilot and co-pilot complete with headphones and gauges, a passenger section, and storage for luggage. The children had a special treat last Friday when Rick Eagan, who is a Junior Kindergarten parent and a pilot for Northwest Airlines, came to visit.

Northwest Airlines pilot

Captain Eagan talked to the students about flight safety and a pilot's job; he showed a brief section of a video about take off and landing. He also gave us some maps and charts to add to our play area and some cards for the children to keep. The children were especially impressed by his uniform! Many thanks and safe landings to Captain Eagan!

Teachers Keep Learning

Two of the Early Childhood teachers, one from Alpha and one from Junior Kindergarten, attended the annual conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in Atlanta last week.

During the four days they were there, Mrs. Samuel and Mrs. Lipan each attended many hours of seminars and workshops, spoke with leaders in the field of Early Childhood, browsed through the exhibits, and met a few of their favorite authors. They returned renewed, invigorated, and eager to implement and share their new knowledge with their students and colleagues.

Message from Mr. Murphy

Headmaster Mike Murphy I have always found the parents who send their children to independent schools to be remarkable in their willingness to be involved in activities that allow parents to support the children, teachers, and school community.

We have recently completed the Fall Festival, used uniform sale, grade level socials and fall athletic seasons. Members from SPA and the Boosters have dedicated hundreds of hours to enhance these important school activities. Picture Ladies and Gentlemen have started their important service. The Grade Level Leaders have been wonderful in their efforts to reach out to other parents to ensure the success of the Annual Fund Campaign. There are also 25 trustees who are spending countless hours to advance the strategic plan and the new campus master plan. These activities cannot happen without the involvement and big-hearted service of our parent volunteers.

The economic model that drives an independent school relies on volunteers to do work that would otherwise not happen or become extravagantly expensive. My parents were involved in my school much in the way that parents are involved at Shorecrest. Like many parents here, my parents realized that they had something to contribute to the school community. Like me, they would have cringed at the thought that their involvement was unnecessary just because they were paying tuition.

So, what is the point of this article? First, to say that volunteerism is important to the health of Shorecrest. Second, to extend a public statement of appreciation and thanksgiving to parents and volunteers who do so much for our school community.

Some people can give time, some can give special talents, some can give financial resources and some can give all three. The Shorecrest school community is strong because a high percentage of our parents are willing to be involved in a full range of volunteer and philanthropic activities. Your continued involvement and support for our children, our teachers and Shorecrest will always be appreciated.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve with so many dedicated teachers and parents. I am thankful to be the Headmaster at Shorecrest.

Cheers!
Mike Murphy

Everybody's a Renoir - Mrs. Kawalec's kindergarten students got involved on Picture Lady and Gentleman Day.

Lower Division

National Geography Awareness Week

All corners of the globe were represented at this week's flagpole ceremony. To kick off National Geography Awareness Week, the Lower Division children wore shirts featuring the name of a location outside of St. Petersburg.

Brazil, Egypt

Shorecrest's Mission Statement expresses the importance of developing in our students a sense of responsibility to our local and global communities. Geography Awareness Week is only one of many opportunities we take advantage of to help children recognize that geography is more than just locations on a map, but rather how we connect in a global world.

SmartBoard Training

Technology seems to present a never-ending challenge to learn something new. This week Patty Palancia, an educational representative from Smart Technologies Inc, visited Shorecrest sharing SmartBoard possibilities with over 25 Shorecrest teachers. Incorporating technology into daily teaching continues to be a priority at Shorecrest. Patty will return in the next couple of weeks to offer additional training.

Paul Revere Rode Onto the Stage

Paul Revere rode onto the stage last Friday, November 10, and into the imaginations of the third-sixth graders during Theatreworks USA's "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere." The play explored the exciting life of Paul Revere and culminated with his famous ride. The fourth graders were especially excited about the show, having memorized the Longfellow poem about Revere's ride for Poetry in the Park.

The children seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show, enthusiastically responding to the range of acting on the stage. The show combined outrageously funny scenes of King George and the dancing "Sons of Liberty" with romantic scenes between Paul and his wife, and then ended with Revere's dramatic and serious ride to warn "every Middlesex village and farm" to prepare for war. Our students did an admirable job of showing their interest and appreciation of the action on stage.

Planting in the Garden

Now that the garden space has been prepared, the students are most excited about beginning the planting process. Each grade level has chosen a different theme:

Kindergarten: vegetables
First grade: green and gold
Second grade: herbs
Third grade: health
Fourth grade: butterfly garden

garden

Second graders began planting their herbs this week and learned a lot from the Gulf Coast Nurseries. They are planting mint, basil, oregano, cilantro, and rosemary. Some of the students have begun some integrated activities, such as sequencing, to integrate what they are learning in the garden into the classroom.

Annual Florida Council of Independent Schools Conference

Kindergarten teachers Joanne Minke and Susan Kawalec presented a workshop on Making Memory Quilts to educators from across Florida.

kindergarten teachers at conference

The theme of the FCIS Conference in Jacksonville this year was "A Shared Vision." The conference is a wonderful opportunity for Shorecrest to share best practices with administrators and teachers from our sister independent schools.

Upper Division

Attention Upper Division Parents

It has come to our attention that not everyone received the Holiday Gift Drive letter that included the family wish list. The letters are being mailed again, so you should receive them shortly. If you have any questions, please call or e-mail Paula Van Law.

Chunk that Potato!

On Friday, Nov. 10, the students in Mr. Ma's geometry classes had their "Potato Chunkin'" shoot-off on the baseball field. The students designed and built a device that hurled a potato as far and as accurately as possible.

(more pictures)

This project required the students to apply the concepts they learned in geometry class (the best angle to launch the furthest) and projectile motion which they learned in physics class. This three-week-long project went through multiple stages such as design, peer-evaluation, testing, shoot-off and self-evaluation.

Little One

The students had fun working on the projects and learning both math and science concepts in a practical way.

Interact selects Brookwood Home for Holiday Donations

Members of the Interact Club are bringing in new toiletries and accessories that will be given to the Girls of Brookwood Florida. Bath and body supplies, makeup, perfume and anything that would make a teenage girl feel special are requested.

Interact

The club is also going to host an Annual Holiday Feast Luncheon on December 8 to raise money for gift cards.

Junior Exchange at Ribfest

Last weekend the Junior Exchange Club ran the roasted corn booth at Ribfest.

selling roasted corn

Student members were in charge of the booth for all three days of Ribfest and sold about 3,000 ears of corn. The profit will be used to benefit All Childrens Hospital. Kudos to all who volunteered.

Studio Art

students painting outdoors

Introduction to Studio Art students take advantage of cool November weather to work on landscapes.

painting landscape

Three Cheers for...

• The Shorecrest community for supporting the Florida Blood Services blood drive on campus on Monday, Nov. 13.

giving blood

One donor received a plaque for having given two gallons of blood (that's 16 visits to the bloodmobile), and several other donors have given more than three gallons. Math teacher David Field has donated over seven gallons over the years.

Middle Division

Internet Safety Talk for Parents and Middle Division Students

Officer Dubord, an agent of the FBI who is also a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department officer and an original member of the FBI task force, "Innocent Images," will be speaking with seventh and eighth grade students on Thursday, November 30, on the subject of Internet safety.

There will also a session on Internet safety for Middle Division parents that evening (Nov. 30) from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Janet Root Theatre. These sessions have been planned as a response to parents who have noted the need for an informational session in the area of Internet safe use for both students and parents. We look forward to an important and informative set of talks.

Eighth Grade Barbecue

On Monday, November 20, the eighth grade has been invited to join the Upper Division in their annual pre-Thanksgiving barbecue. It will be a fun time, filled with good food and music from Upper Division bands. Eighth grade students are allowed a dress down day for the event.

Tessellations

Tessellations were made during Art Wheel in conjuntion with pattern studies done within the math curriculum. They studied about the artist M.C. Escher, who was the master of tessellations. The students' tessellations were translational tessellations that slide across the page.

tessellations

Japanese landscapes made in Art Wheel class enhanced the students understanding of the Japanese culture. They used sumi-e ink to paint the beautiful landscapes. They are on display in the Student Activity Center along with other landscapes from across the school campus.

sumi-e art

Class Shirts

This week in advisory, Middle Division students have been working on class shirt designs. Each homebase will propose a class shirt idea and the whole grade will vote on the choices. Student Council will tally the votes and then help students order the shirts. Look for our Middle Division class shirts on an upcoming Friday!

Field Trips

Next week, the Middle Division has students departing on two special trips. The fifth grade will be going to the MOSI IMAX Theater to see the film Mystic India. The Patel Foundation is sponsoring this trip, so it is free to our students. Mrs. Scoby is thrilled that the movie coincides with the study of the sub-continent in Geography.

The eighth grade will be going to Tampa Bay Watch near Ft. Desoto park as part of their Oceanography class. While there, the students will study water conditions, currents, and the plant life around the bay.

Study and Learning Center

The Middle Division Study and Learning Center will be using a modified operation schedule for the week of midterm exams. The after-school study hall will be open on Monday, Dec. 18, from 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. There will be no after-school study hall the following two days, Tuesday, Dec. 19 and Wednesday, Dec. 20.

We are getting this information out early so that parents/students who use the study hall on a regular basis are able to make other plans for those two afternoons. Please contact either Jean Carnes or Sue Dattilo if you have any questions.

Open Houses

Thanks from the Admissions Team!

Last Sunday and Monday were lively on the Shorecrest campus, as prospective families attended our fall Open Houses. Mike Murphy spoke to the group about the advantages of a Shorecrest education; seniors Kaitlin B., Jamie C., Sonya N., and Josh G. spoke about their personal experiences and respect for Shorecrest, and students from Lower, Middle and Upper divisions took the visitors on campus tours. Families also had an opportunity to meet with the division heads and ask questions.

(large photo | another photo)

The Admissions team is grateful to the following students for acting as tour guides and ambassadors for the school. All our guests were impressed by how articulate and knowledgeable they were, and we were extremely proud of them. They are terrific representatives!

Twelfth graders: Jillian G., Josh G., Ben S., Eby O., Sonya N., Kim L.
Eleventh graders: Donna C., Lauren F., Blake F., Candice G., Michael R., Peyton S., Crishana W.
Tenth graders: Cortney C., Samantha S., Matt W.
Ninth graders: Rachel B., Jillian K.
Eighth graders: Lindsay H., Peyton L., Brent R., Mary R., Maeve S.
Fourth graders: Katerina A., Trent B., Libby F., Kylie H., Tatum L., Sarah M., Molly R., Paul R., Ana Gabriela R., Elizabeth S., Jordan S., Stephen S., Nadine S., Jackson W.

The following parents also helped us greet prospective families and accompany some of the tours: Robin Murphy, Ann Piccard, Jeff Coleman, Patricia Ford, Adrienne Weiss, Stacy Gloer, Janene Silver, Melody Brown, Lynn Covert, Celeste Stroud, Sydney Legakis, Christi Mills, and Christi DeGeare.

They provided a parent prospective for our visitors and made them feel very welcome. We appreciate their time, and we thank them for their enthusiasm for Shorecrest!

Fourth Graders Visit Eighth Grade Oceanography Class

Because the eighth grade spends a year studying oceanography, the fourth graders tapped into that extensive knowledge during their study of water this month. On Monday, Nov. 13, during their science resource time, the fourth graders walked up to the Middle Division to visit Ms. D'Ambrosio's class. There they impressed the eighth graders with their knowledge of the water cycle, where water goes after it rains, how waves are formed, and what causes the tides.

oceanography class

The eighth graders taught the fourth graders the water cycle dance, after which one class asked their teacher why she had not taught them about saturation as part of the water cycle. (These fourth graders want all their education immediately!) The eighth graders then led the fourth graders out to experience the fieldwork that the Oceanography class does by monitoring their Spartina seagrass nursery behind the football field.

Each eighth grader was paired up with a fourth grade buddy. The fourth graders learned how to use a hydrometer to test the salinity and record the pH of the water in the nursery. They also made observations and recorded the health of the grass. Everyone was impressed with the job the eighth graders are doing with the seagrass and what excellent teachers and role models they are. It was a great experience all around!

Shorecrest Students and Parents Help at Food Bank

As a part of the Middle Division Hunger Awareness Project, led by seventh graders under the guidance of teacher David Hodgson, a number of students enthusiastically volunteered to help St. Petersburg Free Clinic's Food Bank over the last two weeks.

Fifth graders: Syd B., Max F., Megan G., Nancy Gracen K., Jordan M., Traci P., Kenny S., Alex W.
Sixth graders: Zack F., Ilsa L., Elana P., members of Girl Scout troop 50
Seventh graders: Annie C., Alex D., Colin G., Natalie K., Doug L., Isabella M., Rachel P.
Eighth graders: Brian K., Mary R.

These students and accompanying adults helped assemble Thanksgiving food packages that will be distributed to local families in need on Nov. 20-21 by the Free Clinic. Some of the boxes they filled were the same banana boxes that were beautifully decorated by Cindy Williams' fifth grade art students a few weeks ago.

Mrs. Williams filled in one shift and brought along her daughter Jana C. and grandson and fourth grader Avery C. to help.

Parents Anne Barrins, Wendy Drexler, Mary Fahy, Patricia Ford, Jane Harper, Suzi Kinter, Laurel Klein, Katy Kline, Suzanne Lanza, Vicki Parker, Ann Piccard, Robin Post, and Nancy Walker helped by providing rides, carpools and lots of helping hands at the food bank.

(Front row L to R) Traci P., Syd B., Helen K., Natalie K. (Back row L to R) Jordan M., Ilsa L., Jane H., Elana P., Robin P., Wendy D., Alex D.

For some, this was a shared family activity as younger and older siblings joined in, including Doug L.'s younger brother AJ, and Ilsa L.'s younger brother Philip, who helped out along with other Shorecrest students, kindergartners Anne Laurence K. and Jack K., fourth grader Paul R., tenth grader Helen K., and eleventh grader Liz R.

Members of the sixth grade Girl Scout Troop 50 accompanied by parent volunteer Patty McMaster and seventh grader Isabella M. and her mom, Lana, are scheduled to fill the final Shorecrest shift at the food bank today.

Last week, Dr. Hugh Schoolman and his wife, Franci, volunteered for a shift, and he was thrilled by the generous response to this project from the Shorecrest community.

Thank you to everyone who helped at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic's food bank. The Hunger Awareness Project continues through Dec. 7 with the Food Drive that will benefit the Guardian Ad Litem program.

Shorecrest Business Partners

Bay Medical Center is a proud supporter of Shorecrest's excellence in education.

7001 Central Avenue - St. Petersburg
727-343-6606

Wallace Welch & Willingham, Inc. is a proud supporter of Shorecrest’s excellence in education and wishes every success in the Capital Campaign

Wallace Welch Willingham

www.w3ins.com

Letter from Penny Jennings, Head of Lower Division

Learning and the Brain

Penny Jennings Having just returned from the Learning and the Brain Conference, I feel compelled to share how research in neuroscience can positively affect education and affirm and inform the work we do here at Shorecrest. Brain research should be the foundation upon which teaching practices are built and curriculum/instruction strategies are developed. Indeed, lifelong learning affects health and the brain across our lifespan. The brain matures at age 32; however, it continues to change throughout our lives, adapting to the challenges we place upon it.

Neural plasticity is a term used to describe the human brain as a highly dynamic, constantly reorganizing, and malleable system. It enables environmental input to modify and "grow" the human brain (1/3 genetics, 2/3 lifestyle). Environments for our children must be stimulating, challenging, and nurturing. Brain development in children is tremendous, and early experiences help to prepare the brain for new learning on more complex levels with advancing age. Learning changes the brain; it rewires itself with each new stimulation.

This may seem obvious, but recent developments in neuroscience confirm that learning impacts the brain in different ways. We can talk about 40,000 neurons being created every minute, and we can talk about the growing of dendrites and synapses, making connections and how new pathways are created. However, it is when we put the research into practice that we see the power of integrating neuroscience with education. While all learning is brain based, all teaching is not.

On a cellular and social level, learning is about connections. We need an emotional connection for learning to happen. Our brains respond emotionally before cognitively. Our new Honor Pledge helps to create a positive climate for learning, and a positive emotional climate is the most powerful predictor of student motivation. We know that differing mind sets that educators possess about themselves and their students play a significant role in determining their expectations, teaching practices, and relationships with others. We need charismatic adults from whom students can gather strength and who will reach out to them. Learning is optimal under meaningful conditions for the student.

Research offers strategies for improving memory. How can we leverage this research to help our children make meaningful connections while maintaining a balanced level of stress? We must consider the fact that the developing brain is most receptive to learning different skills at different times. It is our responsibility to carefully select the experiences that will best facilitate a healthy learning process. Experiences actually change the architecture and chemistry of the brain. John Locke said "Reading furnishes the mind only in the materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours." The foundation we build during development matters for a lifetime.

If you are interested in additional information, explore this site at New Horizons for Learning .

Annual Fund Parent Participation Over the Top!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Shorecrest parents, you really showed your true colors this year (Green and Gold) with your outstanding response to the Annual Fund. Last year we achieved a record 81%. As of midnight Wednesday, the Victory Date for the Annual Fund Campaign, our parents generated a

Participation of 92.3%

Very few schools in the country can boast a participation of such magnitude.

Additionally, all grades exceeded historical participation levels for Shorecrest, with six grade levels reaching 100%. This has never occurred in the history of our school!

Those grades that reached 100% participation include: Alpha, Junior Kindergarten, first grade, fifth grade, sixth grade and ninth grade. Four more grades reached 96-97% participation - Kindergarten, third grade, fourth grade and seventh grade. Click for complete grade level participation.

Behind our grade level successes were the dedicated efforts of the Advancement grade level leaders and their volunteer teams. More than 50 volunteers worked this year on the grade level teams. The results of their efforts will enrich every Shorecrest student's experience this year.

(more photos)

Congratulations are also in order for our second winner of the $1,000 tuition reduction drawing, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Jouffroy. The first winner of the $1,000 tuition drawing was Alpha parents Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Marston.

Thank you again to all of our Shorecrest families, Advancement Grade Level Leaders and volunteers.

No Charge

Delicious Refreshments after the Performance

Song and Dance

Athletic News

Complete Athletic Schedules

Upcoming Games and Meets
(through Friday, Dec. 1)

Varsity Sailing Team Goes to Nationals

Congratulations to Jamie C. and Acadia W. on their 15th place finish at the Great Oaks National Championship Regatta, which was held on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Thirty high school teams attended from all around the U.S. including Hawaii.

sailing team

The two-day championship got off to a windy start with 20 mph winds and waves up to six feet. In spite of these weather conditions, the Shorecrest team got a top ten finish in the first race of the day. However, five other teams flipped and damaged their boats in the rough seas, causing the race committee to fly a postponement flag for the rest of the day. The second day's start was also cold and windy; the waves were calmer, but choppy seas remained. A total of nine races were run over a six-hour period, and Shorecrest posted 2nd, 3rd, and 6th place finishes in their best races of the day.

The Shorecrest team is small but hopes to grow. If you would like to learn more about joining the team, contact Jamie C. in the Upper Division. Middle Division students who are rising eighth graders may also join the team, and the only requirement is taking the "Learn to Sail" program at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center over the summer.

Charger Cross Country Teams Compete at State

Last Saturday, Nov. 11, the Chargers Cross Country teams left Shorecrest at 5:30 a.m. to compete in the State finals at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. Both the boys and the girls teams took 9th place in the Class A race.

Out of 332 runners, the Shorecrest boys finished in the following places:

Stephen S. - 31st place
Jordan S. - 41st place
Wyatt K. - 66th place
Joey M.- 96th place
Alex F. - 98th place
Sean S. - 121st place
Ian B. - 143rd place

Out of 257 runners, the Shorecrest girls finished in the following places:

Sarah E. - 24th place
Pavandeep B. - 25th place
Lindsey E. - 37th place
Casey E. - 85th place
Samantha S. - 86th place
Carley S. - 92nd place
Erin M. - 97th place

Congratulations to both the boys and girls teams and their coaches on a very successful season. The future looks bright again next year for Charger Cross Country!

Girls Varsity Basketball Results

The Chargers traveled to Out of Door Academy on Wednesday, Nov. 15, and lost a close game 46-39. Leading the Chargers were Jasmine C. with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Sandy L. with 8 points and 5 rebounds, and Natalie S. with 5 points and 6 rebounds. Becky D. and Rachel S. each scored 4 points. Coach White was pleased with their first outing.

Girls Varsity Soccer Results

The girls Varsity Soccer team traveled to Sarasota to play Out of Door Academy in their first game of the season on Thursday, Nov. 9, and won 9-1. Goals were scored by Taylor T. (2), Rachel W. (2), Jennifer C. (2), Natalie H., Eby O., and a player from ODA even scored for the Chargers.

On Friday, Nov. 10, the Chargers hosted Indian Rocks Christian and lost 3-0. Coach Wolfrath commented "The girls started out slow but played better in the second half."

The Chargers traveled across town to Northside Christian on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and won 8-1. Jennifer C. led the scoring with three goals. Brooke D., Eby O., Taylor T., Natalie H., and Erin M. all scored for the Chargers.

Girls JV Soccer Results

The JV Girls Soccer team defeated Tampa Prep on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 9, by the score of 5-2. Goals were scored by Kelsey C. (2), Natalie N., Tori D. and Tanja G. A well-balanced game was played by all, and the coaches hope that the victory is a sign of things to come this season.

On Tuesday evening, Nov. 14, the girls faced Lakeland Christian and went down early 3-0 in the first half. They came out in the second half determined to make it a closer game with Shannon M. tallying an early goal, cutting Lakeland's lead to 3-1. The Chargers continued to pressure the Lakeland defense and keeper but were unable to convert on several scoring opportunities. Lakeland finished off the scoring late by converting a breakaway. The Chargers left the field feeling good about the way they had played and looking forward to their game the next evening against Clearwater Central Catholic.

The Chargers played Clearwater Central Catholic on Wednesday, Nov. 15, and the Chargers put a team on the field that consisted of eighth and ninth graders from both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. The level of play was very exciting to watch as both teams played a tough physical game. Although CCC came away with a 4-1 victory, the Chargers had several quality scoring opportunities. This close game was a huge step for the Charger girls' soccer program. It was a pleasure to see girls from both the Varsity and the JV working well together.

Girls Middle Division Soccer Results

The Girls Middle Division Soccer team traveled to Berkeley Prep on Thursday, Nov. 9, and lost 4-1. Rachel P. had a great game in goal and the whole team had a chance to play. Coach Thompson was pleased with the team and their effort right to the end of the game.

Boys Varsity Soccer

On Friday night, Nov. 10, the Chargers defeated Indian Rocks Christian 6-0. Goals were scored by Ben S. (2), Anthony H., Quinn E., Chris P., and Josh B.

The Chargers faced Evangelical Christian on Saturday morning, Nov. 11, at home and lost 3-1 with the Chargers' only goal scored by Anthony H.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the Chargers traveled to Northside Christian and won by the score of 6-0. The offense was led by Ben S., Quinn E., Philip V., Danny W., Stephen S., and Josh B. who each scored a goal.

Boys JV Soccer Results

On Wednesday evening, Nov. 15, the Chargers hosted Clearwater Central Catholic on Haskell Field and won 3-0. Colin D. scored in the first half, his second goal of the year, and Joey M. and Hunter T. scored in the second half. Evan J. and Phil T. anchored the defense, which didn't allow a dangerous shot on goal. Jordan C. posted the shutout in goal.

Boys Middle Division Soccer Results

On Thursday, Nov. 9, the Boys Middle Division team lost a very close game to Berkeley Prep 2-1. The team played well. David S. scored and Reese W. assisted the goal. Ian J-S. played an excellent game at stopper.

The Middle Division boys hosted Admiral Farragut on Monday, Nov. 13, and won 8-0. David S. led the scoring with 3 goals. Rheese W. and Jack M. both scored 2 goals, and Jerome J. added another goal in the Chargers' effort.

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

Latin and Art at the Ringling Museum

The Latin IA and Latin I classes continued a Shorecrest tradition this year. The students traveled with Mrs. Grau, Mrs. Gaglio, and the arts classes to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The students toured the entire museum and enjoyed the sculpture in the courtyard. Special attention was given to the works of art inspired by classical mythology and to the building itself patterned after an Italian villa.

Ringling Museum

Prior to the trip, the students read and studied stories of Greek and Roman mythology and learned the characteristics of the Baroque art that was a favorite of John and Mabel Ringling. Dr. Hugh Schoolman, the new Middle Division Head, accompanied the students and enjoyed his first trip to the Ringling. Thank you for your help, Dr. Schoolman!