Dec. 1, 2006

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E-Bytes Contents

Alumni News

Annual Fund

Arts Beat

Athletic News

Athletics: Upcoming Games

Big Event

Clinic Bytes: Medications Policy

E-Bytes Reminders

Early Childhood

Holiday Gift Drive

Lower Division

Middle Division

Motivating Students to Read

Nat'l Association of Independent Schools

Poll: Music of the Season

Poll Results: Volunteerism

Relay for Life

Shorecrest Business Partner

Song and Dance '06

Three Cheers

Upcoming Events

Updating E-mail Addresses

Upper Division

Yearbook Orders

Upcoming Events

Nov 27-Dec 8

• Holiday Gift Drive

Dec 2 Saturday

• SAT

Dec 4 Monday

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

Dec 5 Tuesday

• Winter Band Concert for Grades 3-8
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.
• Winter Band Concert for Families
  Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.

Dec 8 Friday

• Holiday Gift Drive Ends

Dec 12 Tuesday

• 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

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

Dec 4 Monday

• Girls Varsity Soccer
  Home vs. St. Stephen's 4:00
• Girls MD Soccer
  Home vs. Keswick 6:00
• Boys MD Soccer (B Team)
  Home vs. Keswick 7:30

Dec 5 Tuesday

• Boys JV Soccer
  at Lakeland Christian 4:00
• Girls MD Basketball
  Home vs. Keswick 4:30
• Boys MD Basketball
  Home vs. Keswick 5:30
• Girls JV Soccer
  Home vs. Tampa Prep 5:30
• Girls Varsity Soccer
  at Indian Rocks Christian 6:00
• Boys Varsity Soccer
  at Indian Rocks Christian 8:00

Dec 6 Wednesday

• Girls JV Soccer
  at St. Stephen's 4:00
• Boys MD Soccer (B Team)
  at Admiral Farragut 4:00
• Girls MD Basketball
  at Out of Door Academy 4:30
• Boys MD Basketball
  at Out of Door Academy 5:30

Dec 7 Thursday

• Girls MD Basketball
  Home vs. Grace Lutheran 5:00
• Boys JV Soccer
  Home vs. Admiral Farragut 5:00
• Girls Varsity Basketball
  at Keswick Christian 6:00
• Boys MD Basketball
  Home vs. Grace Lutheran 6:00
• Boys Varsity Soccer
  Home vs. Admiral Farragut 7:00
• Boys Varsity Basketball
  at Keswick 7:30

Dec 8 Friday

• Girls MD Soccer
  at Tampa Prep 4:00
• Boys Varsity Soccer
  at Tampa Catholic 6:00
• Girls Varsity Soccer
  Home vs. Keswick 7:00

The School-wide Holiday Gift Drive has Begun!

The Holiday Season is here and each year Shorecrest families have generously donated to families in need. By now you should have received a Family Wish List for each student. Approximately 18-20 Shorecrest students share a "family" in the Lower and Middle Divisions.

Each grade in the Upper Division shares a "family" and may also elect to participate in the Food Drive. The Middle Division is also collecting food for the food drive. We would like to encourage joint purchases for the larger wish list items and also encourage gift certificates such as Simon (can be used anywhere that accepts VISA), Target, Best Buy, etc. for pre-teen and teen gifts like clothing and unspecified CD's/DVD's.

This year we are collecting for 45 different "family" groupings. This translates to 181 children who are currently placed in foster care because of a variety of legal reasons. Thank you in advance for making this a brighter Holiday Season for the abused, neglected and underprivileged children and families in the Pinellas County Guardian ad Litem Program.

Please make sure you wrap and label each gift with the name of the child and the family number on your student wish list. If you are sending in multiple gifts with multiple Shorecrest students, please make sure the wrapped and labeled gifts are sent into the proper classroom/collection bin area ("Drop Off" area for Middle Division students) listed on the upper right hand side of your wish list(s).

Starting at 7:50 a.m. on December 8, all gifts will be transported to the gym and picked up by the Guardian ad Litem case workers at 10:00 a.m. Please have your gift(s) delivered to school by 7:50 a.m. Friday, December 8.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Van Law.

Clinic Bytes

Medications Policy

Students in all divisions may come to the clinic in the Lower Division for medications (with parents' written permission) and treatment of minor emergencies. Arrangements can be made for older students who are able to take their own medications to leave them at the Middle or Upper Division office and take them there. Please contact the school nurse, Marie Confident, for details and a permission form. Teachers and staff normally are not expected to administer medications except on field trips.

School policy states that students may not carry medications at school for their own safety and the safety of other students. We do make every effort to accommodate the needs of students who need to have emergency medications available to them. If your child needs to carry an inhaler or epi-pen during school hours or for after-school sports, please contact the school nurse, Marie Confident, at ext 165 or stop by the clinic, located in the room facing the deck, behind classrooms C-7, C-8, and C-9 to talk. 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.

Read! Read! Read!

Motivating Your Students to Read More

Dorothy Smay attended a seminar presented by Jim Trelease, internationally recognized author and speaker, in Orlando, on November 16. It was fast-paced, entertaining, informative, and research-based. His tour also included one day stops in Detroit, Michigan; Raleigh, North Carolina; Dallas, Texas; and Appleton, Wisconsin, so it really was a privilege to be able to attend.

Jim Trelease wants all children to have a love of reading and believes teachers and parents can work to create lifetime readers. Jim knows books, but more importantly, he knows children and how their reading can be stimulated through the magic of books. He is one of the most sought-after speakers on reading and children's literature.

In addition, Jim is the author of three books: The New Read-Aloud Handbook, a detailed guide to more than 300 great read-aloud books; Hey! Listen to This, an anthology of favorite stories for kindergarten through fourth grade; and Read All About It!, an anthology aimed at preteens and teens. Jim's writings have appeared in the New York Times, Parents Magazine and The Reading Teacher.

Mrs. Smay has ordered all three of the above books for the Media Center and returned with a wonderful resource handbook filled with practical, workable ideas for motivating our students to READ, READ, READ!

All the Ways to Relay

"To Relay or Not to Relay" will be the talk of the campus as we head towards the next Relay for Life, March 30-31, 2007. There are so many different ways that you can be a part of this remarkable event:

1. Form a Team - We had 35 in 2006 and hope to have 50 in 2007.

2. Join a Team - To date, 15 teams have signed up, some new, some returning. Have you signed up?

3. Donate to a Team - If you're not sure about camping out on the football field overnight and walking on the track, make a pledge and support a participant.

4. Buy a Luminaria - Remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived with a Luminaria to light up the track.

5. Come and Enjoy the Event - Each team's camp site will have on-site fundraisers, which will range from face painting to movies, from neat things to buy to fun things to do, from lots of food and drink to great music and performances. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, support the Relay teams and help beat cancer.

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

Annual Fund Exceeds Expectations

"I've said it once and I'll say it again," says Robb Resler, Director of Advancement, "What an incredible year for the Annual Fund - what great benefit for our students!" In a matter of six weeks, 92% of our Shorecrest families made their commitment to the Annual Fund, and during this brief time more than 90% of the financial goal of $420,000 was raised. This is an unprecedented level of participation for any school and one that we are extremely proud of.

Thank you to all of you who said "YES" to the Annual Fund. Click for the complete donor roll of Annual Fund supporters. Six grade levels reached 100%, and 10 grade levels exceeded 90%. Click for the grade level participation.

On Thursday night, Advancement Grade Level Leaders and the volunteer teams were invited to a victory reception at the home of Mike and Robin Murphy. "We would not be celebrating this level of success without our parent volunteers," remarked Ken Slaby, Annual Fund Chair. A special thank you is due to our Advancement Grade Level Leaders: Alpha - Lisa Jacobson, JK - Ken Slaby, K - John Erik Savitsky, first grade - John and Nikki McQueen, second grade - Mark and Tiffany Lettelleir, third grade - Jerry and Martha Little, fourth grade - Mark and Kathy McKeage, fifth grade - Pam and Dave Murphy, sixth grade - Debbie Rosenthal, seventh grade - Karen Raymund Marder, eighth grade - Rick Ivas, ninth grade - Melinda Pletcher, tenth and eleventh grade - Robb Resler, and twelfth grade - Glenn Mosby.

This year has also been a tremendous year for receiving employer matching gifts. If you have already made your Annual Fund gift, please check to see if your employer has a matching gift program. We are particularly appreciative of the technology grant received from the Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance. It's never too late to make your Annual Fund gift. Won't you please help push us over the top and make your Annual Fund gift today. If you are planning on making a stock gift for year-end, please let the Office of Advancement know of your intention prior to making the gift in order to accurately track the gift as coming from you. Click for more information on making gifts of stock.

Thank you once again to all of our Annual Fund Donors

AGLL Resource

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.

Some responses to last week's poll:

Is volunteerism a part of your life? If so, which organizations do you help out?

I help out a lot! I have helped out with talking to foster children.
- Fifth grader

Yes, I have a business that donates to charities, and I love to help others.
- Fourth grader

If there was a Harry Potter volunteer group, I'd totally join.
- Harry Potta 4eva

I am a volunteer at Menorah Manor in St. Petersburg.
- Sixth grader

My dad is in a Rotary Club and does a lot of stuff. But, every year I do the Christmas toy shop.
- Grrrr

Umm... of course I would, but what is volunteertism?
- Blonde in sixth

When I get older I want to do the SPCA.
- Person

Not yet, but I'm going to start with All Children's Hospital.
- Not old enough blonde

Volunteering is one of the best opportunities, and it especially looks good on college transcripts. The best kind of work is volunteering with little children, such as infants and toddlers, who are underprivileged.
- Freshman

Lots of volunteer work goes unnoticed because it isn't done through some institution or organization, but is nevertheless important. How about the many hours spent by some in prayer for our world? These prayers are offered in quiet sanctuary, and usually don't have a banner announcing when their work has been done and is effective. Nobody gets paid for this work, and it can certainly be considered volunteerism.
- Prayer rug enthusiast

Volunteering is in fact a part of my life. I enjoy helping causes that work with children, especially those with cancer because my cousin was one of them just one year ago.
- UD student

Buccaneers Student Advisory Board. I definitely recommend it to any future 10th, 11th, or 12th grader next year. So far I'm having the time of my life working along side the Buccaneers in the community.
- Sophomore

I help wherever my children are involved; at Shorecrest for several years as a room parent, with activities such as Used Uniform Sale, with the Webelos Den that meets at Shorecrest, and I'm an aide at our church St. Raphael fourth grade Sunday school class.
- Parent

I love helping out in the community. Currently my eighth grade oceanography class has been planting and taking care of Spartina. Spartina is another name for sea grass. Spartina is currently endangered and they provide food for many animals such as manatees. Supporting our project is the Tampa Bay Watch Program and our wonderful teacher Ms. D'Ambrosio. To learn more ask an eighth grader. Thank you!
- Student

ASPCA and YWCA.
- Freshman

The Suncoast Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Almost all volunteer.
- Parent

I like to coach little league.
- Alumni (c/o 2005)

I love volunteering. It makes me happy. I volunteer at the hospital to help the little kids have fun.
- Eighth grader

SPCA and the Humane Society. Animals deserve a second chance too.
- Eighth grader, animal at heart

I help a lot. I help with workshops. I always go to workshops to help with toys for Christmas. I stuffed bags with stuff. It was so much fun.
- Eighth grade

I help in many organizations and I love Shorecrest for letting me extend my knowledge through the many years I have been attending. I have been here since I was in Alpha! I love Shorecrest and I will be here for ever and ever and ever... I wish they had a college and then I would work here and send my kids here! Shorecrest rox.
- Senior

I am a Big Sister. Big Brothers/Big Sisters is always looking for more 'Bigs.' They now have over 250 'Littles' just in Pinellas County waiting to be matched up. Did you know that as a Big, the minimum commitment is only 1 hour per month? This can prove to be the best hour per month for both the Big and Little. Please consider this organization if you are looking to volunteer.
- Eighth grade mom

Yes. We do the Holiday Gift Drive every year.
- People

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!

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It was indeed a "Visual and Performing Arts Showcase Spectacular."

Upper Division students entertain at the Eighth Grade Barbecue. (more pictures)

Three Cheers for...

• Two Shorecrest second graders and a Jr. Kindergartner who participated in the annual Thanksgiving "Turkey Trot" race to support local food banks and children's charities.

Courtney C. and Hannah B. from Mrs. Kirby's second grade class, along with Hannah's younger brother Joseph B. from Mrs. Carson's JK class, got up extra early on Thanksgiving morning to compete in the one-mile Gobbler Race. Happily all finished with a hearty appetite and a great feeling about giving to those in need.

• Sisters Kira (grade 8) and Emily (grade 7) L. who decided to make bead bracelets and donate the money they made to an orphanage in Russia. So far they have made over $1000, which their parents will take over to Russia and personally deliver next year!

They chose the orphanage because their brothers were adopted from there three years ago. Thank you, Kira and Emily, for selflessly making a difference in other children's lives.

Middle Division

Internet Safety a Priority

On Thursday, November 30, two FBI agents offered informative and important presentations to seventh and eighth grade students and Shorecrest parents. The afternoon session was directed toward reminding our older Shorecrest Middle Division students of ways to ensure that they are making safe decisions on the Internet... and how easy it is not to do so. The session proved to be provocative and illustrative, challenging students to consider Internet use from a different perspective. They also learned how it is nearly impossible to remain anonymous when chatting on line.

The evening session offered parents an opportunity to reflect upon the new realities that the Internet poses for parents of young adolescents. The FBI agents teamed with parents in sharing strategies to keep children as safe as possible while using the Internet. Thanks to Ashley Lippincott, Shorecrest guidance counselor, for setting up these important meetings. These meetings are part of our ongoing efforts to educate members of our Shorecrest community about the Internet and its safe use.

Tower of Terror!

The sixth graders in Mr. Cruise's Physical Science class were given an interesting challenge: build a paper tower as tall as possible that will resist being blown over by a fan from one arm's length away. The students were only given one piece of paper (46 cm by 75 cm), 25 cm of scotch tape, scissors, and a ruler for measuring.

Without any instruction, students worked individually to design and build a tower for the wind test. Most towers failed the initial wind test on the first day. But this provided for some observations and valuable discussions. Students discussed the basic engineering principles that allowed for more success, discussed how to minimize surface area for better wind resistance, and how to create stronger supportive structures by manipulating the paper in different ways. The students watched a movie clip on engineering skyscrapers and then it was back to the drawing board.

The second designs were done in teams of two and were much improved. The tallest tower that would not blow over with the fan on high was built by Zack F. and Billy C. It stood 73 cm high. This challenge was competitive, fun, exciting, and a very powerful learning experience.

Many scientific processes and concepts were addressed in the activity as students worked through the scientific method to solve a problem, formed a hypothesis in their mind, implemented their ideas, tested their product, made many observations, and revised their technical design plan. It will be a lesson for future sixth graders to look forward to.

Study by Jeopardy

Students in Mrs. Brill's English 8 classes prepared for their To Kill a Mockingbird test by playing a Jeopardy review game using the Mimio. The Mimio turns a whiteboard into a SmartBoard so that students can interact with it.

Students were divided into two teams and then members from each team picked questions worth different dollar amounts. The team with the most "money" at the end won the game and an extra point on the test.

Early Childhood

Giving Thanks

The food at the Early Childhood feasts may not resemble traditional Thanksgiving dinners, but it certainly reflected the culinary palettes of the children who employed the democratic voting process in deciding what to eat!

The children were actively involved in every aspect of the meal including planning the menu, shopping for the ingredients, preparing the food, and, of course, eating it! High on the list of the things for which we are all thankful are the parent partners in the Early Childhood Center.

Though the weather forced them to eat inside, everything went seamlessly thanks to all the talented teachers and tremendously supportive parents who helped through the entire morning.

What Can You Do With a Box?

Mrs. Moyle's JK class has been exploring that question. Each child chose one box from a supply of various shapes, sizes and styles. They examined and gave great thought to what they wanted to create from their boxes.

Once they decided on their project, they dictated how they would do it, along with what materials they would need, to the teacher who wrote it in the child's plan book. As they implement their plans, the teacher continues to help them record the progress of the process.

The boxes are turning into creations that range from fancy flowerpots to conservative banks and butterflies with wings that flap! When everyone is finished, these creations along with their documentation and a class book with photos illustrating the project will be displayed for everyone to admire.

A Shorecrest RV!

The EC children are enjoying the latest addition to their playground. Many thanks to the Happle family who donated it to us!

Lower Division

Velux 5 Oceans Race

Following the Velux 5 Oceans race is about teaching students to think geographically and globally while considering the human condition. For the first six weeks, the focus of the race had been on geography and the art of sailing. However, since returning from Thanksgiving break, students are seeing first-hand the life skills demonstrated by sailors as they struggle to survive the grueling Southern Ocean.

Alex Thomson (UK), the youngest sailor of the fleet, suffered structural damage to his keel. He awoke to find his boat capsized and his dream of winning this prestigious race come to an end. Mike Golding (UK) was enjoying some of the fastest winds of the fleet and was closing in on the leader when he answered the call to come to Alex's aid. Mike rescued Alex and hours later the abandoned boat Hugo Boss sank.

All was well until Mike's mast broke in two places, sending him on a detour to Cape Town, South Africa instead of a Leg One finish in Fremantle, Australia. This week, if you ask students to summarize what has happened, they will use words like courage, bravery, strength, perseverance, teamwork, positive attitude, and friendship.

While the race for Alex Thomson is definitely over, Mike Golding has yet to decide whether or not he will be able to continue due to time and financial constraints. Fourth graders sent words of encouragement to Mike, hoping that their well wishes will help him make the decision to stay in the race. You can view their messages at Mike's Forum.

Fourth Grade Visits the United States Geological Survey

With or without good weather, the fourth grade always has a wonderful time at the USGS Open House. Each fall, the United States Geological Survey opens their doors to school groups and the public so that others can share in their research, resources, and excitement about the earth.

This year, the weather couldn't have been more wonderful, and the scientists outdid themselves in their displays and explanations. The fourth graders were able to learn about tsunamis, coral reefs, and wastewater from scientists active in conducting research on such topics.

Are you surprised that there was so much water focus? The fourth graders were too until they remembered that 70% of the earth is covered by water, and as a peninsula on a peninsula, St. Petersburg would be a natural place to headquarter so much aquatic geological research.

By far, the favorite stop during the visit was the alligator display. Fourth graders loved having the chance to see close up and touch a small specimen. The class finished their morning excursion delighted and curious to learn more and with several students deciding that they too wanted to be geologists some day.

Citizen of the Month

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

• First Grade - Melanie F.
• Second Grade - Shannon H.
• Third Grade - Matt D.
• Fourth Grade - Libby F.

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.

En Francais

Mrs. O'Horo's seventh grade students played the role of teacher this week when they taught Ms. Diaz Leroy and her second grade music students three songs in French. Many of the second graders knew Frére Jacques and caught on to Les Jours de la Semaine quickly.

(larger photo)

Everyone's favorite song was Huit Chocolats, where the students learned to count in French and how to say, "Moi j'aime le chocolat!" - I love chocolate!

Lunch in Spanish

Every Wednesday some students in first and second grade gather in Señora León-Cone's room for lunch. The goal is to speak only in Spanish while discussing important events such as recent movies, sports events, travel and what they are having for lunch that day.

The students also sample Hispanic food. Latino music always plays in the background and most lunches end with a game of limbo. The students who attend the lunch have a Spanish-speaking family member or caregiver at home.

The Big Event

Seeking an Entertainment Underwriter

The Big Event Office is currently seeking an Entertainment Underwriter for the 2007 annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser. If interested, please contact the Big Event office:

• E-mail, big.event@shorecrest.org
• Chair, Karen Crowley (580-8082), kcrowley@shorecrest.org
• Chair, Karen Lucas (580-8042), klucas@shorecrest.org

In addition, you can visit our online auction site and see our Corporate Sponsorship Menu by going to www.shorecrestbigevent.com. Sign in and click on the Corporate Underwriting Opportunities link underneath the Shorecrest logo.

Class Basket Items

The Big Event Office is currently seeking families to underwrite or donate Class Basket Items for the 2007 Annual Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser. If interested, please contact the Big Event Office or the Class Basket Chair, Elizabeth Cobin, dcobin@tampabay.rr.com.

• Big Event Office, big.event@shorecrest.org
• Chair, Karen Crowley (580-8082), kcrowley@shorecrest.org
• Chair, Karen Lucas (580-8042), klucas@shorecrest.org

Electronics items needed:

• Playstation, Gamecube, Xbox or similiar equipment
• Gameboy DS or Gameboy Advance SP
• iTune gift cards
• iPod

Sports Equipment items needed:

• Kayak
• Karoake Machine
• Golf Time - gift certificate
• Child or Teen Golf Equipment
• Child or Teen Tennis Racquets

Misc. items needed:

• New Small Appliances for the Off to College Basket (ie. toaster/toaster oven, microwave, etc.)
• Aquarium set-up

Funds raised through the Big Event 2007: "Denim & Diamonds" will impact Shorecrest Preparatory School's students in many ways. These areas of impact include the Capital Campaign, Endowment and Annual Fund. Thank you for making a difference for every Shorecrest student!

* All items must be new or like-new condition. Your donation becomes the property of Shorecrest Preparatory School and is to be offered for sale at our auction, the proceeds of which go to the Shorecrest Preparatory School, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.

Pat Bassett Speaks to Bay Area Heads and Trustees

Just before Thanksgiving, Shorecrest co-hosted with St. Mary's Episcopal School of Tampa, a lecture on Strategic Indicators presented by Pat Bassett, the President of the National Association of Independent Schools. Over 100 local trustees and administrators heard Mr. Bassett describe the changing educational and economic environments facing independent schools in Florida.

Shorecrest Headmaster Mike Murphy, NAIS President Pat Bassett, and St. Mary's Episcopal Day School Headmaster Scott Laird

Mr. Bassett highlighted the importance of the common values that independent school families share. He asked trustees and administrators to hold firmly to programs that encourage character development, as well as to those that lead to academic excellence. Mr. Bassett stressed the importance of tuition controls and the increasing need for schools to build endowments in order to ensure financial health.

Athletic News

Complete Athletic Schedules

This Week's Games and Meets

Girls Varsity Soccer

The Chargers traveled to Clearwater to play Calvary Christian on Thursday, Nov. 16, and won 8-0. Natalie H. and Erin M. led the offense for the Chargers. Natalie scored four goals, and Erin added another three goals to the effort. Taylor T. finished out the scoring with one goal. Edie B. was outstanding in goal with a shutout.

On Friday night, Nov. 17, the Chargers faced rival Tampa Prep and played a great game. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Carley S. scored the Chargers' only goal, and Edie B. had a great game in goal especially in the second half.

The Chargers traveled to Bradenton to play St. Stephen's on Monday, Nov. 20, and lost 3-1. The Chargers only goal was scored by Brooke D.

Girls JV Soccer

The girls JV Soccer team hosted a very strong St. Stephen's team last Monday, Nov. 20, and despite a valiant effort, came away with a 3-0 loss. The girls played hard with a lot of heart until the very end. Midfielders Kelsey C., Natalie N., Lindsay H., and Madi K. all played very strong and helped to keep the Chargers in the game.

On Monday, Nov. 27, the girls JV Soccer team traveled to Tampa to face Berean Academy and came home with a 7-1 victory. The girls played an all-around outstanding game, with excellent goal keeping from Rachel B. and Madi K. Goals were scored by Shannon M., Brittany Tanner, Natalie N. (who added 2), and Nicole P. who scored 3 goals for a hat trick. The girls left the field feeling very confident and excited about their next opponent, Lakeland Christian on Thursday.

Girls Middle Division Soccer

The Chargers played St. Mary's at home on Thursday, Nov. 16, and lost 8-0. It was a tough game, but the team gave it their all!

On Friday, Nov. 17, the Chargers traveled to Keswick and won a close game 2-1. Savannah J.-S. and Sophia G. each scored a goal. Rachel P. played great in goal and made a save at the end to preserve the win. Hannah W. and Kristen B. played a great game on defense.

The Chargers played Indian Rocks Christian at home on Monday, Nov. 27, and tied 2-2. Sophia G. scored both goals. Rachel P. kept the team in the game with a couple of good saves at the end. Caitlin S. had a great game on offense, and Alex C. did a great job on defense. The Chargers dominated with many opportunities, but couldn't capitalize for the win.

The Chargers hosted Berkeley Prep on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and tied 1-1. Sophia G. had three shots on goal and scored the only goal for the Chargers. Rachel P. preserved the tie with a great save.

Boys Varsity Soccer

On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Chargers hosted Canterbury and won 1-0. Anthony H. scored the only goal.

The Chargers traveled to Tampa Prep on Friday, Nov. 17, and lost 5-1. Ben S. scored the Chargers' only goal.

On Monday, Nov. 20, the Chargers traveled to Berkeley Prep and lost a close game 2-1. The Chargers' goal was scored by Anthony H.

The Chargers hosted Calvary Christian on Tuesday, Nov. 28, and lost a close game 2-1.

Boys JV Soccer

The Chargers faced Berkeley Prep at home on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and lost 2-0. The score after the first twenty minutes was even, but Berkeley had the better of play for the next 40 minutes, when they scored both of their goals. We came alive in the final 20 minutes and had some chances, but couldn't score. The defense generally played well. Evan J. and Phil T. again led the way in the back.

(larger photo)

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Chargers hosted Tampa Prep and lost 4-2. The Chargers rallied twice from one-goal deficits on goals by Colin D. (his third of the year) and Rob P. (his first). The eventual winning goal was a controversial goal and the fourth came with us pushing up trying to get the equalizer.

Boys Middle Division Soccer

The Middle Division Boys Soccer team hosted St. Paul's on Friday, Nov. 17, and lost 3-2. The Chargers tied the game but lost in the last five minutes.

On Monday, Nov. 27, the team played Indian Rocks Christian at home and won 2-1. Goals were scored by Max W. and Kyle B.

The Chargers played Berkeley Prep on Wednesday, Nov. 29, and won a close game 2-1. Max W. and Rheese W. each scored a goal. Ahmed D. played great in goal and had several big saves to preserve the win with time running out.

Boys Varsity Basketball

On Monday, Nov. 20, the Chargers traveled to Canterbury and lost a close game by the score of 53-50. Josh W. was high scorer with 22 points.

The Chargers played their first home game on Tuesday, Nov. 21, against St. Stephen's and lost 32-30. The top scorer was Carter S. with 14 points.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Chargers traveled to Admiral Farragut and lost 59-21.

Boys Middle Division Basketball

The Chargers' first game of the season was against Canterbury on Monday, Nov. 20, and the Chargers won 45-28. Brent R. handled the full court press, dealt out 8 assists, and had two key steals. Most of the passes were to Luke B., who connected on five 3-pointers and ended up with 23 points on the night. The twin towers, Luke and Nick N., shut down Canterbury inside in the second half to secure the win.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the Chargers hosted St. Stephens from Bradenton and won in a close game 32-28. Jake B. played at point almost the entire game and did an admirable job of controlling the ball and playing good defense. The N.'s were able to get inside for a few easy buckets, getting 11 key points between them. Ravi P. was huge on the boards when they counted, getting 10 rebounds. Luke B. was the leading scorer again with 13 points. The "gamer" of this night was Matt R. Matt not only had 5 rebounds and made some key defensive stops, but with the team clinging to a 2-point lead with less than a minute left, Matt calmly made two free throws.

Last Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Chargers played Out of Door Academy at home and won 46-17. Shorecrest jumped to an 11-2 early lead, and the score was 19-4 by the end of the first quarter. From there on, everyone on the roster saw action. Luke N. was the leading scorer with 13 points, and Luke B. added 10. Zak S. had 4 points and 6 steals, and Matt R. had 6 points and 5 steals. The entire roster played at least a quarter of the game, including Joey S., Jack M., Dan A., Shawn S., Miles B. and John S. The team is off to a 3-0 start, and the coaches are pleased with the boys' efforts!

Girls Varsity Basketball

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the Chargers traveled to Bradenton to play St. Stephen's. The Lady Chargers played a very inspired second half, holding St. Stephen's to only 14 second-half points. However, the big first-half deficit was too much to overcome. The Chargers were led in scoring by Sandy L. with 8 points. Freshmen Rachel S. and Becky D. played very well.

The Chargers notched their first win of the season defeating Admiral Farragut 44-34 on Tuesday, Nov. 28. It was a total team effort as all 13 Chargers saw action. Three Chargers scored in double figures. Sandy L. and Natalie S. each had 11 points, and Savannah H. scored 10. Down by 6 points at halftime, the Chargers' full court press defense forced numerous second-half turnovers as the Chargers outscored the Yellow Jackets 18-10 in the third quarter and never looked back.

Girls Middle Division Basketball

On Friday, Nov. 17, the Chargers traveled to St. Paul's in Clearwater and lost 38-9. Sarah O. was high scorer with 6 points.

The Girls Middle Division Basketball team played Canterbury on Monday, Nov. 20, and lost a close game 11-10. Rachel T. and Jackie R. each scored 4 points.

The Chargers played St. Stephen's in Bradenton on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and lost 20-17. High scorers were Lindsey E. with 6 points and Sarah E. with 3 points.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Chargers played Out-of-Door Academy at home and lost 34-13. Sophia F. was high scorer with 4 points.

Charger Cheerleaders Chosen To All Star Squad

Blair D. and Jackie K. were chosen to represent Shorecrest at the Pinellas County All Star Football game next Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Clearwater High School at 7:00 p.m. They will be cheering with the South squad and supporting our own players Clay B. and Nick M. Good Luck to Blair, Jackie, Clay, and Nick!

Winter Sports Pictures Scheduled

• Girls Varsity Soccer - Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 3:15
• Boys Varsity Soccer - Thursday, Dec. 7 at 3:10
• Girls JV Soccer - Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 4:15
• Girls Middle Division Soccer - Monday, Dec. 11 at 2:45
• Boys JV Soccer - Thursday, Dec. 7 at 3:30
• Girls Varsity Basketball - Thursday, Dec. 7 at 4:15
• Boys Varsity Basketball - Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1:15
• Boys Middle Division Soccer - Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 3:30
• Boys Middle Division Basketball - Already taken
• Girls Middle Division Basketball - Already taken

Ordering Athletic Photos

Order your athletic team and individual pictures from Northeast Photography.

Go to: Collages.net

• Username for all Basketball teams: basketball06
• Username for all Soccer teams:soccer06
• Password for all sports: 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

Sharing, Caring and Giving at Thanksgiving

Several members from the Shorecrest community - students, parents and administrators - took part in a project that provided a little care and a meal to the area's homeless just before Thanksgiving.

In conjunction with We Feed the Hungry Inc. and Carlton Fields, P.A.'s Thanksgiving feeding, Interact Club's Andy N., Michael R. and Michael W., along with seventh grader Madison H., handed out 140 care packages at Mirror Lake on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Earlier in the week, other students and teachers contributed to the Thanksgiving care packages, consisting of food items provided through the generosity of Carlton Fields.

• Mrs. Gootson and Mrs. Jennings asked their students and teachers to decorate the paper bags.
• Middle Division students Madison H., Anastasia C., and Teagan C. decorated the bags, and helped in the "assembly line" along with Max F. and Zack F.
• Middle Division parents Patricia Ford and Laurie Hayes helped organize the assembly line and kept it moving.
• Varsity basketball players Josh W., Alex F., Ryan G., Carter S. and Michael R. ran the assembly line. Senior Eby O., along with Josh W., also helped decorate some of the bags.

• Shorecrest parents and Carlton Fields attorneys Lee Rightmyer and Ben Hayes teamed up with Mr. Murphy to transport the bags from school to Mirror Lake.

Every division played a part in making this project a success and helped bring a little care and comfort to a part of our community that's sometimes forgotten.

Arts Beat

Winter Band Concert

The Winter Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 5. There will be a 1:00 p.m. performance for grades 3 and 4 and a 7:00 p.m. performance for friends and family. All band students will perform for both concerts, and a reception will be held in the Student Activity Center after the evening show. Everyone is invited!

Japanese Style

Shorecrest students Alice and Charlotte L. took part in a celebration of anime and Japanese culture at the November Art After Dark at the Tampa Museum of Art. The students interacted with a record-setting crowd of 600 art lovers by demonstrating the use of Japanese toys.

photo by Diana Leavengood

Alumni News

This past weekend, the class of 1986 hosted their 20 year class reunion. The weekend of reunion festivities was kicked off with a lot of ten-pin fun at Splitsville at Tampa's new Channelside.

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On Saturday, the '86 grads and their families shook their tail feathers at the 25th Annual Turkey Bowl and Alumni Family Picnic where they watched the young alums of 2001-2004 claim the Turkey Bowl from the Varsity Football team.

The 20-year reunion came to an end Saturday evening with dinner at Pelagia in the Renaissance Hotel at International Mall. With an attendance of more than half of the original class size and alums coming from as far as Seattle, Panama, Detroit and Washington, D.C., it was a huge success!

A special thanks goes out to the Reunion Chair, Jenny (Epstein) Alexander '86 for doing a wonderful job planning her reunion!

Shorecrest Business Partner