May 11, 2007

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E-Bytes Contents

Admissions: Drop-in Tours

Athletic News

Big Event

Blood Drive on Campus

eBay Project

E-Bytes Reminders

Early Childhood

Groundbreaking Ceremony

History Fair in Tallahassee

Lower Division

Message from Mr. Murphy

Middle Division

Nursing Opportunity

Parent Ambassadors

Poll: Summer

Poll Results: Mother's and Father's Days

Shorecrest Parent Assn.

SPA Spring Luncheon

Summer Programs

Three Cheers

Upcoming Events

Updating E-mail Addresses

Upper Division

Used Uniforms

Videos of Shorecrest Events

Upcoming Events

May 7-18

• Advanced Placement Exams

May 11 Friday

• Middle Division Dance for Seventh and Eighth Graders
  Student Activity Center 7-10 p.m.

May 14 Monday

• Track Awards
  Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.

May 15 Tuesday

• Blood Drive on Campus 7:30-2:00

May 16 Wednesday

May 17 Thursday

• SPA Volunteer Breakfast
  Student Activity Center 8:00 a.m. prior to the SPA meeting
• Shorecrest Parent Association Meeting
  Student Activity Center 8:15 a.m.
• Fifth Grade Drama Program
  - 1:00 p.m. for Students
  - 6:30 p.m. for Families
  Janet Root Theatre
• Spring Football Game
  Home vs. Cambridge 7:00

May 18 Friday

• Prom

May 20 Sunday

• Baccalaureate
  Janet Root Theatre 4:30 p.m.

May 21 Monday

• Athletic Awards
  Janet Root Theatre
  - Softball 7:00 p.m.
  - Baseball 8:00 p.m.

May 22 Tuesday

• Upper Division Awards Assembly
  Janet Root Theatre 9:00 a.m.
• Middle Division Awards Assembly
  Janet Root Theatre 1:00 p.m.

May 23 Wednesday

• Spirit Day

May 24 Thursday

• Fourth Grade Memories Ceremony
  Janet Root Theatre 8:30 a.m.

May 24-25 Thu-Fri

• Used Book Buy-Back with MBS Direct
  Media Center 7:30-4:00

May 25 Friday

• Senior Breakfast
  Mike Murphy's house 9:00 a.m.
• Fourth Quarter Ends
• Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal Grades EC-5

May 26 Saturday

• Senior Commencement Janet Root Theatre 4:30 p.m.

May 28 Monday

• Memorial Day Holiday

May 29-30 Tues-Wed

• Faculty Post Planning Days

SPA News

SPA Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and Meeting

The Shorecrest Parent Association Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Thursday, May 17 at 8:00 a.m. and will be followed by a short meeting where the following slate of officers is up for approval:

• President - Dr. Noel Tenenbaum
• Vice President / President Elect - Nicole McQueen
• Treasurer - Stacy Gloer
• Secretary - Dr. Charmaine Carter
• Ways and Means Chairman - Monique Roberts

Blood Drive on Campus

The last blood drive of the school year will be held on Tuesday, May 15, from 7:30 till 2:00. Parents, faculty and staff, and students age 17 and older are urged to donate.

Used Uniform Collection May 21-25

No need to store  your "too small" uniforms over the summer! 

Uniforms will be collected the last week of school for the Used Uniform Sale which will be held Monday, August 20, 2007. Only gently used Lands End clothing may be sold.

To Sell:

• Please place the gently used uniforms in the bins that will be located in the Lower Division breezeway adjacent to the Lower Division Office and in the Middle Division office the last week of school.
• If you would like to receive the proceeds from your donation, label each article of clothing with the size, boy or girl, and your name.  
• If you would like to donate the proceeds of the sale to the Shorecrest Parent Association, no label is required.  (Thanks to all those parents who are donating your proceeds to SPA. It is very much appreciated!)
• Pick up your proceeds from the sale and any unsold uniforms the first week of school. Any unsold items left behind will be donated to SPA.

If you have any questions, please contact Michele Sobota or Marcia Johnston via e-mail or phone.

The eBay Project

How many volunteers does it take to make the eBay Project a success?

You may have seen the recent flyer about the Shorecrest eBay Project. We are looking for commitments from several volunteers specific to the areas listed below. With the volunteers in place, the planning can begin. If this sounds exciting to you and you might be interested, please let us know today!

You need to give only a few hours of your time each month, and you can schedule a time that's convenient. You and a friend could take on a task as a team so there is always a back up in place. This really can be fun and rewarding and a great benefit to the school at the same time!

Task Descriptions

Receiver - Accept and price donated items delivered to campus at a designated location during morning drop-off times and secure items in storage. Receiver must be able to estimate saleable value and weight for shipping. (4-6 days/month; 1 hour/ day)

Photographer - Photograph items and upload to computer on campus twice per month after receipt of items, preferably on a regular schedule but at the discretion of the volunteer. (3-4 hours/month)

Lister - Construct, monitor and adjust eBay listings. Initial auction listings will be done on campus; however, monitoring and adjusting can be done from home. Extensive experience with eBay is desired, and this position will ideally have several volunteers in a team approach and with monthly rotations. (8-10 hours/month)

Arbitrator - Resolve any disputes that arise from the auction process, payments or returned items (minimal hours as needed).

Shipper - Package and ship items upon completion of each auction, which requires physically transporting sold items to the post office or UPS Store and arranging for shipment to customers. (4-6 hours/month as needed)

Promotions - Publicize the project to the Shorecrest community to solicit parents to donate items through E-Bytes, mailings, flyers and e-mails. Requires some creativity and vigor up-front in creating materials for the initial impact but should become a routine set of tasks after the first couple of months. (1-2 hours/month)

Bookkeeper - Maintain financial records and report to the business office. (4-6 hours/month).

Please contact SPS parent Tim Ebright at ebright@tampabay.rr.com or (813) 716-5230.

Nursing Opportunity

On occasion, there is a need for a substitute nurse in our clinic. We are looking for the following qualifications: an active nursing license from the state of Florida, comfort working with children, and patience! Marie Confident would be happy to spend time in the clinic with those who have potential interest.

Join Our Parent Ambassadors

Become a Parent Ambassador and be a part of what makes the Shorecrest experience so special! Parent Ambassadors provide our new families with a vital link to our school and help them connect with our Shorecrest community. As a Parent Ambassador, you would:

• Call and welcome new families to Shorecrest
• Provide an overview of school events and encourage them to attend
• Introduce new families to other Shorecrest families
• Attend the on-campus welcoming events with your Ambassador family

If you have any questions or need more information about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact the Admissions Office at 727-522-2111 ext 106 or admissions
@shorecrest.org

Interested?

You can sign up online for the Parent Ambassador Program.

Big Event

All You Need Is A Boat & A Cowboy... 2007 Poker Run

2007 NAUTICAL POKER RUN - Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Don't miss the hoedown of the year! Put your posse together or let us lasso one for you, as you spend the day riding the waters of St. Petersburg. The hoedown begins at Dan and Gina Tripp's beautiful Shore Acres home, where you will be briefed on the rules of the Poker Run and receive your assignments. Soon the search is on for the various destinations that hold the cards. At the end of the day, everyone lasso's up at the Tripp's for a catered dinner and to play the best poker hand they can muster. Don't miss it - it really is the best of the year!

Wanted: a few open spots available, $100 per person. Call Meg Milligan by Friday, May 11, 2007 at 727-735-2482 or e-mail megado@tampabay.rr.com for details.

The Big Event may be over, but you still have a chance to sign up for some of the best parties of the year or sign up your child to hone a sport with a professional athlete. Events include:

• Baseball Clinic
• Boat Poker Run
• Charger Blvd.
• Texas Hold 'em - for Men & Women

Big Event Website

Time's Running Out

Shorecrest Summer Programs 2007

Time is running out to register for Summer Programs at Shorecrest. There are still many programs with openings available to choose from. Here are just a few highlights:

Early Childhood

Wee Chargers: Come and experience all that Shorecrest has to offer for the first time Charger. Students must be entering Alpha next fall.

Lower Division

Once Upon an "Art" Time... Art and Reading Camp! Students will become art detectives as they journey to new worlds and discover what medium or materials an illustrator has used. Students will READ STORIES and create original artwork inspired by their favorite authors. So join us for a week of fun and let your imagination be stretched and your creativity explode!
*Snacks and materials and READING will be provided daily.

Lower/Middle Division

Cooking Camp: Italian Club: Come explore the culture of Italy without ever having to leave the campus of Shorecrest. Students will learn all different aspects of Italian culture, from language to food, and everything in between.

Camp Knitty Gritty: This is a great opportunity for those who love to knit or those who want to learn how.

Camp China: Learn all about Chinese culture including dance, martial arts, language, theater and food. There is something for everyone in this program.

Middle Division

Mud to Music and/or Primitive Pottery

Ancient World Fun and/or Fun With Latin and Greek

Science Madness

History Fair Camp

Upper Division

All the academic offerings still have plenty of available space, and don't forget the SAT Prep courses.

Sports Camps

Neal Wolfrath's Shorecrest Soccer Camp: Come learn soccer skills from Pinellas County Coach of the Year, Neal Wolfrath.

Advanced Golf: This camp provides the opportunity for experienced golfers to brush up on their game.

Lacrosse and Street Hockey: Learn basic skills of these two sports while focusing on teamwork and cooperation.

Charger Volleyball Camp: Join Coach Jackson for this camp just in time to get ready for next fall's volleyball tryouts.

These are just a few of the many programs still available this summer. Please get your registration forms in soon. If you have any further questions, contact Amber Hutton, at 727-409-1668 or summerprograms
@shorecrest.org.

We look forward to your child spending the summer with us at Shorecrest!

Click here to download a pdf version of the brochure and registration form.

• Camp and Program Descriptions
• Schedules and Other Information

Date Change

The date of Coach Every's Advanced Golf Camp has been changed from June 25 thru the 29 to August 6 thru 10.

From the Admissions Office

Drop-in Tours every Wednesday 9-11 a.m. January through May

- Or call for a personalized campus tour any time.

Videography by Sunrise Productions

Completed Events

• Poetry in the Park (EC-grade 4)
  Thurs., Oct. 19
• Fall Arts Showcase
  Sat., Nov. 18
• Winter Band Concert
  Tues., Dec. 5
• "Big Bad": Sixth and Seventh Grade Drama Production
  Tues., Dec. 12
• Early Childhood Holiday Sing
  Wed., Dec. 20
• Third Grade Program
  Fri., Jan. 26
• Grandparents Day
  Fri., Feb. 2
• Second Grade Program
  Fri., Feb. 9
• Spring Musical, 42nd Street
  Thurs.-Sat., April 26-28

Upcoming Events

• Baccalaureate / Commencement
  Sun., May 20 / Sat., May 26

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

Kindergarteners presented A Rainbow Garden on Friday (more photos).

(more photos)

Message from the Headmaster

Two Words

You made lunch for the teachers and staff. You worked every Thursday to help teachers develop materials. You stuffed envelopes and sorted mail. You kept score at games. You volunteered at parties. You gave a child a ride home. You stayed late to tutor a child who needed support. You gave a child a second chance. You made a donation in honor of a teacher.

You donated your time to a special program. You served food at athletic events. You provided spirit items to our students. You had high expectations. You sacrificed to give your child a great education. You drove your child back to school to get a forgotten book. You wrote a note of appreciation to a parent. You complimented a child, a teacher, and a parent. You conducted a meeting. You listened to someone with a concern. You helped someone make sense of a misunderstanding.

You were patient. You let someone move ahead in car line. You followed all of the rules. You smiled. You raised money for the school. You supported parent leaders. You came to the different activities. You shared the title of a great book. You made a child laugh. You attended to a sick friend. You helped make a child safe. You opened a car door. You celebrated successes. You included a new person in an activity. You tried to make us better.

Two words: thank you.

Cheers!

Early Childhood

Fourth Grade Friends

Mrs. Samuel's Alpha class has a special relationship with Mrs. Burton's fourth grade class. They have gotten together several times during the year to share books and read with each other.

Their final collaborative activity is creating an animal alphabet book together. Each Alpha student is partnering with one of the older students to draw a page together.

Close Encounters

The Alpha classes visited the Aquarium at the St. Petersburg Pier and had the opportunity to get close to some unusual forms of sea life. They were able to feel sea stars and sea urchins and learn about many other creatures of the sea.

As always, one of the trip's highlights was feeding fish to the pelicans on the pier!

A Different Aquarium

The children in Junior Kindergarten came back extremely excited from their trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This aquarium is not only a local attraction for visitors but also is a rescue and rehabilitative facility.

The children saw Winter, the dolphin for whom a prosthetic tail is being designed. They also watched the feeding of other rescued dolphins, and they were able to touch stingrays and watch sea turtles that had been rescued. One favorite was the five-month-old otter cub!

There's Nothing Like the Real Thing

Last week, the JK students had another opportunity to get up close and personal with sea life. Mrs. Moyle brought in three kinds of fish and some fiddler crabs, shrimp, and squid for the children to examine. The children used chopsticks, tweezers and slimy fingers to lift, look underneath and look inside these interesting creatures. They also used magnifying glasses to get a really close look.

Upper Division

Study-palooza

All freshmen are invited to attend a study-palooza with Mr. Heller in H4 on May 19 and 20 between 10:00 and 2:00 to prepare for the Social Studies exam.

Prom Tickets

You can purchase your tickets in the office from Mrs. McKay. They are $65 each. Your magical prom night is May 18 from 8:00 p.m. until midnight at the Vinoy Snell Isle site. Don't miss this fabulous evening!

Ninth Graders Take the ERBs

Over Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, the Class of 2010 took the Educational Research Bureau's CTP IV, a battery of tests designed to assess various skills relating to overall academic success: reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing mechanics, writing concepts, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and mathematics.

After two days and ten tests, it's safe to say that the ninth graders were very glad to be finished! It will be a couple of months before the tests are scored and the results returned to us, so watch your summer mail for word that your copies of the test results are available.

AP Exams

May 7 marked the beginning of a two-week period of Advanced Placement testing. Students have been preparing since September for these important AP exams. 109 Shorecrest students are taking a total of 267 exams in 19 subjects.

Subjects range from English literature to calculus to U.S. history to chemistry to microeconomics. Once completed, the exams will be scored in June, and all students will receive their results in July.

Help for Guatemalans

In June, a group of doctors and nurses from the St. Pete area will fly to Guatemala to provide much needed medical care to the needy people of this impoverished country. The Upper Division Spanish Club, in conjunction with the entire school community, has put together personal care kits for these patients in Guatemala.

The kits will be delivered by this dedicated group of healthcare workers. The kits include a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, a comb, a small plastic cup and a clothespin. The clothespin will be used to keep the kits off of the dirt floors in the children's schools and homes.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this annual project. Special thanks to students Kristen M. and Pav B. for chairing this project.

Hockey Tournament Has a Champion Team!

The Interact Club hosted an indoor hockey tournament for the Upper Division this spring to raise funds for Relay for Life. The Tournament went on for over four weeks, and some great games took place!

The spectators lined the bleachers and cheered for their friends while they ate lunch. Coach Newton was the referee and managed to stay unbruised as the ball was flying everywhere!

The four teams that made it to the finals were the B. W. Bombers, Purple Frilly Unicorns, T-Zone and the 3 H's. With a tie, overtime and then a shoot out, team T-Zone lost to the Champions, the Purple Frilly Unicorns. Members on that team include Toms B., Will S., Brian M., Matt S., Evan J. and goalie Stephen M.

Coach Newton really appreciated the organizational help of Michael H., Hayden L. and "MC" Jordan C. Movie tickets will be given to the winners, and Interact donated the benefits, a check for $300, to Relay for Life.

Arts and Humanities Awards

At the Upper Division assembly Monday morning, faculty presented awards to students for their accomplishments in fine arts, performing arts, and humanities.

Shorecrest Shines at State History Fair

Last week, sixteen Middle Division students and seven Upper Division students went with Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Heller to Tallahassee to compete in the Florida State History Fair at Tallahassee Community College.

The national competition begins at the county level, and then the state contest determines which individuals and their projects will represent Florida at the national competition at the University of Maryland in June.

Mr. Heller and Upper Division students

This year's theme for the competition was "Triumph and Tragedy in History," and students had to research and analyze a topic in history and then create either an exhibit, documentary, performance or author a historical paper.

Mr. Hodgson with Middle Division participants

The following students won awards and placed at the state competition. Individuals who placed either first or second are invited to compete at nationals. Good luck to our two students advancing to Nationals: Brett D. and Gabe N.!

Junior Individual Exhibit

• First Place - Brett D. for "Triumph and Tragedy: A Deadly Interview"

Junior Group Exhibit

• Third Place - Laurel M. and Joelle J. for "All Aboard! The Perilous Path to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad"

Junior Individual Performance

• Native American Heritage Award - Rebecca K. for "Making Tracks: The Triumph and Tragedy of the First Transcontinental Railroad"

Senior Historical Paper

• Second Place - Gabe N. for "The Gracchi Brothers"

Senior Group Performance

• Fourth Place - Crawford H., Rachel B., Tatiana B., Hallie A. and Owen L. for "Emperor Claudius"

Some responses to last week's poll:

At Shorecrest, we know that our parent community is one of the best. In honor of the upcoming Mother's and Father's days, why are your parents special?

They are so special because they gave birth to the most perfect and genius kid in the world... me... well, my mom gave birth.
- Cool guy

My parents are special because they helped me learn to ride my bicycle.
- First grader

They feed me good food.
- Hungry guy

My parents are special because they do all the work while the kids sit around and do nothing. On these special days we should do the work for the parents and let them be kids again. Happy Mother and Father's Day!
- Lets do the work

Because they care for me, feed me, keep a roof over my head, and most importantly, send me to Shorecrest!
- Charger

I love them.
- Fifth grade tennis lover

Well, there is a billion reason why there are special!
- Fifth grade

They just are. No one dares talk badly to me 'cause I'll tell my parents to get them in t-r-o-u-b-l-e-!
- Tattle tale

I am not answering your question... I'm just thanking you for remembering parents!
- Parent

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living,
your baby I'll be.
I love my mom! Happy Mothers Day!
- Yeeahh

They are my best friends...
- Student

Athletic News

Complete Athletic Schedules

Spring Football Classic at Home on Thursday

The Chargers will host The Cambridge School from Tampa in the Spring Football Classic on Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. on Haskell Field.

Admission will be $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students. Charger Cards will not be accepted. Come out and preview the 2007 Charger Football team!

2007-2008 Varsity Cheerleaders Announced

Cheerleading tryouts were last Monday, May 7, and both Football and Basketball Cheerleaders were chosen. The new Football Cheerleaders will be cheering for the Spring Game on Thursday night, May 17. Here are the 2007-2008 Varsity Cheerleading Teams:

Football Cheer Team:

• Summerly B.
• Amanda E.
• Rachel W.
• Danielle T.
• Emily M.
• Brittany V.
• Brittany T.
• Bekka G.
• Donna C.
• Peyton S.
• Heather M.
• Allie W.
• Carleigh D.
• Chelsea S.

Basketball Cheer Team:

• Summerly B.
• Amanda E.
• Danielle T.
• Emily M.
• Bekka G.
• Donna C.
• Peyton S.
• Heather M.
• Carleigh D.
• Chelsea S.

Tennis Awards Presented

The Varsity and JV Tennis teams had their End of the Year Dinner and Awards night at Harvey's this past week. The following athletes received special awards:

Girls Varsity Tennis

• Most Valuable - Morgan B.
• Most Improved - Danielle D.
• Coaches Award - Stephanie W.
• State Farm Sportsmanship Award - Lauren F.

Boys Varsity Tennis

• Most Valuable - Matt S.
• Most Improved - Andrew R.
• Coaches Award - Frank R.
• State Farm Sportsmanship Award - Tommy M.

Girls JV Tennis

• Most Valuable - Kathryn K.
• Most Improved - Sami B.
• Coaches Award - Madi K.

Boys JV Tennis

• Most Valuable - Thomas K.
• Most Improved - Jacob W.
• Coaches Award - Brendan E.

Spring Awards Nights

• Varsity & JV Track & Field Awards
  Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Janet Root Theatre.
• Varsity & Middle Division Softball Awards
  Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
• Varsity & Middle Division Baseball Awards
  Monday, May 21 at 8 p.m.

Booster Club Looking for a Volunteer Coordinator

The 2007-08 Booster Club Board was installed at the May 7 Booster meeting. Bryan Jerome will continue as President, and David Silver will remain in the Vice President position. Mike Kinter will once again be Treasurer, and Amy McClenathan will join the Executive Board as Secretary as well as organize Spirit Night.

Deb Shenkman and Kim Settle will co-chair Concession, and Leyla Tremaine will head up Membership. Susie Davis will be SpiritWear Chairperson, and Pervinder Birk will be Team Parent Coordinator. The Volunteer Coordinator position remains open, so if you are interested, please contact Bryan Jerome.

Turn in All Uniforms

Please check your closets, drawers, and car trunks for any Shorecrest sports teams uniforms. Turn them in at the Athletic Office as soon as possible.

Sun Haven Photography

Order your athletic candid photos from Sun Haven Photography and type in Shorecrest for Event Name.

Northeast Photography

Order your athletic team and individual pictures from Northeast Photography.

Go to: Collages.net

• Username for all Baseball teams: baseball07
• Username for all Softball teams: softball07
• Username for all Tennis teams: tennis07
• Username for all Track teams: track07
• Password for all sports: 7348

Videos of Athletic Events

Every Boys Varsity Football game is available, each with highlights included.

The 2006 Football Season in Review, a DVD package of the entire football season, game by game highlights that also includes a free bonus DVD of bloopers, great tackles and awesome runbacks, plus special videos that includes Family Night and Homecoming, etc. is also available for order at $25.

Game videos available for $20 each:

• Varsity Football
• Varsity Girls & Boys Basketball
• Varsity Girls & Boys Soccer
• Varsity Volleyball
• Varsity Baseball

Video productions are available by ordering directly from www.Stefio.TV or by calling 528-3180.

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.

Three Cheers for...

• Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Minke, who is the recipient of the "Best Mannered Teacher" awarded by the Pinellas Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions, a nationwide etiquette and social dance training program involving thousands of students. Middle Division teachers Kathy Kelly and Linda Jones were also recognized by the cotillion group for sharing good manners.

Teachers were selected based on their positive characteristics, show of courtesy and respect for students, and ability to be a positive role model. Mrs. Minke was nominated by a student who wrote an essay about her.

• Seniors Kaitlin B. and Nick M., who received Rotary Youth Awards at a luncheon held on Friday, May 4.

The awards are presented to one senior boy and one senior girl from each of the high schools in St. Petersburg. Students are selected on the basis of scholarship, character and service. Congratulations!

• Kindergartner Taylor M., who ran the one mile at the Go Red for Women/Minnie Marathon in Orlando in 10 minutes last weekend. This is Taylor's second one mile race as she ran the Harvey's Festival of States 1 Mile run last month. Taylor's goal is to run a 5K race!

• Michelle M., a first grader in Mrs. Owen's class, who had a picture chosen for the Expressions page of the St. Pete Times which was published this past Monday.

• Fifth grader Alice L., who played the parts of Little-Bit and Liz-Bette in the play "Anne Frank and Me" directed and co-produced by Shorecrest parent Diana L.

(larger photo)

The newspaper reviews of the play were outstanding, and both Alice and Diana were praised. We are proud of you!

Middle Division

Denise Mercier Day

Denise Mercier will be retiring after 22 years as a teacher at Shorecrest. In her honor, next Tuesday, May 15, will be Denise Mercier Day! There will be a special Middle Division assembly in the Janet Root Theater at 7:50 a.m.

Past students and parents of students (current and past) who had children in Ms. Mercier's English class are invited to attend this special morning assembly. At lunch on this day, we are set to have a student jazz group perform in the Razook Quad for Ms. Mercier. Students from the high school are invited to join her during lunch as well.

Ms. Mercier has truly left her mark on Shorecrest as a teacher of writing, literature, and life. Her legacy will continue within our students as they continue on in high school, college, and beyond. We will miss Ms. Mercier, and we hope that many of you will plan to join us during Ms. Mercier Day!

Duke TIP Honorees

Duke University runs the Talent Identification Program for seventh grade students based on ERB scores from the sixth grade year.

This fall, over 50 of our seventh graders qualified for the Duke TIP program, which involves taking the SAT college entrance exam. The students' scores have come in, and over ten of our seventh graders have qualified as program honorees, meaning they scored at least in the top 20% in the state of Florida.

These students will be eligible for summer programs and enrichment opportunities. Congratulations to them and all of the students who participated in this prestigious program.

¡Viva México!

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In honor of this holiday, seventh and eighth grade Spanish students were able to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal on May 7. The meal was catered by Estela's Mexican Restaurant.

There was an overabundance of delicious tacos, quesadillas, rice, and beans. Muchas gracias to the Middle Division administration for allowing extra time for lunch and muchas gracias to Estela's for preparing a wonderful lunch!

Another annual activity in honor of Cinco de Mayo is the art contest. On May 7, seventh and eighth grade students in Señora Jarvis' classes drew pictures about the holiday. Each work of art was carefully judged by Señora Grau (World Language Department Chair) and Señora Williams (Middle Division Art Department teacher). Artwork was judged on attention to detail and inclusion of historical facts. The winners are:

• First place: Sidney H.
• Second place: Hayden G.
• Third place: Peyton L.

Felicidades to all of the winners and muchas gracias to the expert judges.

Electrification

Need an electrician? Call any sixth grader! The sixth grade students just completed a unit studying electricity in science class. The students worked in groups of two to build a model house with working lights and switches.

This project began with a shoe box and some old holiday lights. First, the students measured their shoe boxes and used graph paper to draw a blueprint of their houses to scale. Next, they cut up cardboard to add the walls, doors, and windows. The students added circuit diagrams to the blueprints to plan the wiring of the house. They included a series circuit and a parallel circuit.

The students used their blueprint to estimate how much wire was needed for each circuit, and then they constructed the circuits. Copper fasteners and paper clips were used to build working switches. The students were accountable for the accuracy of the blueprints matching the house, and for the working circuits.

This project involved critical thinking, problem solving, math integration, and cooperative learning. They were so proud and amazed as they turned their switches on to light up the rooms. Matt B. excitedly said, "This project was electrifying!"