August 24, 2007
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E-Bytes Contents
Poll Results: Quotation that has changed your life
Summer Photos
New Faculty Photos and Background Info
Upcoming Events
Aug 24 Friday
- Varsity Football Kickoff Classic vs. Calvary Christian
at Disney 6:00 p.m. - Sixth Grade Parents Social at the home of Ken Slaby and Anne Barrins 7:30 p.m.
Aug 26 Sunday
-
Spirit Night
Crisp Gym 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Spirit Wear items will be available for purchase
Aug 28 Tuesday
- Early Childhood Back-to-School Night
Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Aug 29 Wednesday
- Green and Gold Spirit Day
- Big Event Volunteers Meeting with Mike Murphy in the conference room in the lobby of the Janet Root Theatre 8:15 a.m.
- MD Football Parent Meeting Immediately following practice, in the stands
- Senior College Night / Senior Parent Meeting
Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Aug 29-30 Wed-Thurs
- Freshman Retreat
Dayspring Conference Center in Bradenton
Aug 30 Thursday
- Lower Division Back-to-School Night
Janet Root Theatre 7:00
Sept 3 Monday
- School Closed -
Labor Day
Sept 4 Tuesday
- Middle Division Back-to-School Night
Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Sept 5 Wednesday
- Important Meeting for All Parents of Theatre Students
Black Box Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Sept 6 Thursday
- Upper Division Back-to-School Night
Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Sept 7 Friday
- Kindergarten Parents Social
Sept 8 Saturday
- Ninth Grade Parents Social
Sept 10 Monday
- Booster Club Meeting
Library 7:00 p.m.
Sept 14 Friday
- Blood Drive on Campus
8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. - First Grade Parents Social
Sept 18 Tuesday
- Picture Day for Early Childhood and Lower Division
Sept 19 Wednesday
- Lower Division Math Night
Janet Root Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Sept 20 Thursday
- Picture Day for Middle and Upper Divisions
- Varsity Football vs. Admiral Farragut
Haskell Field 7:30 p.m.
Calling All Book-a-neers!
Got a minute?
Love books?
Love children?
The Library can use your help. Even if you only have 30 minutes at a time to spare, we would love to see you.
Opportunities are waiting in the Library. You can help the children find their treasures in books or help keep those treasures in the right location. If you have any questions, call Mrs. Dottie Smay (Ext. 170)
There will be a volunteer training session in the Library on Monday, August 27 at 8:15-9:15. All are welcomed to attend.
College Center News
Senior Parent Meeting
There is a mandatory Senior Parent Meeting in the Janet Root Theatre at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29.
New Location
The College Center is in a new location on Pratt Blvd. J-1. Please feel free to visit us.
Articles of Interest
Do Your Homework on College Rankings
College Visits
Elon University - in the Theatre Conference Room |
8/29 |
Northeastern University |
9/5 |
Lehigh University |
9/11 |
Villanova University |
9/13 |
Boston College - in the Theatre Conference Room |
9/14 |
Sewanee: The University of the South |
9/17 |
Washington University |
9/17 |
Agnes Scott College |
9/25 |
Stetson University |
9/26 |
Lenior-Rhyne College |
9/27 |
Randolph College |
9/27 |
Southern Methodist University |
10/3 |
Vassar College |
10/12 |
Bay Area College Fair |
10/14 |
Birmingham Southern College |
10/16 |
Tulane University |
10/16 |
DePauw University |
10/17 |
Colgate University |
10/18 |
Drew University |
10/30 |
The Learning Center Test Prep News
TLC is offering on-campus test reviews for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT beginning this fall.
The first PSAT workshops for juniors will take place in the Library on the following Saturdays from 9:00 a.m until 11:30:
September 15 and 29 and October 6 and 13.
Upcoming Games and Meets
Complete Schedules
Directions to Games
Friday, August 24
- Varsity Swim and Dive
Home vs. St. Pete Catholic 6:00 - Varsity Football
Kickoff Classic vs. Calvary Christian at Disney 6:00
Monday, August 27
- Varsity Golf
East Lake Invitational at Wentworth Golf Club 1:00
Tuesday, August 28
- Varsity Golf
Home vs. Berkeley Prep 4:00 - JV Volleyball
at Canterbury 6:30
Wednesday, August 29
- Varsity Volleyball
Home vs. Canterbury 4:30 - Middle Division Volleyball (A)
Home vs. Canterbury 5:30
Thursday, August 30
- Varsity Golf
vs. Jesuit at Rogers Park 4:00
Friday, August 31
- Varsity Swim and Dive
at Tampa Prep 6:30 - Varsity Football
at Fort Meade 7:30
SPA News
Box Tops for Education Program
The Box Tops for Education program from General Mills is a new program that Shorecrest is participating in to raise money for the school. Students should bring in the box tops from General Mills food and drop them off in specially marked bins in each division.
The box top committee volunteers will collect and count the items every two weeks and mail them in to General Mills, which will send Shorecrest a check twice a year for up to $20,000 (at 10 cents per box top). More information will be coming in September's mailing, but you can also read about the program at www.boxtops4education.com.
Three Cheers for...
• Matt Field '95 and son of Upper Division math teacher David Field.
A kicker, Matt made first team All American for a semi-pro football team, the Orlando Rage.
New Dining Service
Flik Independent Schools is proud to be the new dining service provider at Shorecrest.
For complete information on the program and cost of meal plans, click here.
Comments and suggestions regarding Flik, Shorecrest's new dining program, can be emailed to flik@shorecrest.org.
Shorecrest lunch program information and menus on the web.
Volunteering
With the start of the new school year, it's time to get the volunteer efforts organized. For all of you who have sent in your volunteer sheets, thank you. If you have not yet turned in a Volunteer Opportunities Form (Microsoft Word format) (PDF), there's still time. Please send it in today to the Admissions Office.
Should you have any questions, please call Lisa Wikholm at (727) 456-7511 or e-mail Lwikholm@shorecrest.org
Last week's poll results
Don't eat to live, live to eat.
- Tobayahi Kobayshi, 3-time hot dog eating champion
If it's going to be funny later, it might as well be funny now.
- My Mom
If the shoe fits, buy two pairs!
- Shopaholic Senior
That's called football savvy.
- Coach William Snowden
The sun shines within us, not on us!
It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
- Mark Twain
In the end we have to choose between what is right, and what is easy.
- Dumbledore, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars.
We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails!
Carpe diem. (Seize the day).
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
- Japanese proverb
Did you get the memo?
Are we all a dream within a dream?
- Edgar Allen Poe
Be yourself because the people who mind don't matter, and the people who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss
Just because you can - doesn't mean you should.
- Mom
Good things come in small packages.
You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.
-
William Blake
Be who you are, and nothing else really matters.
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
Headmaster Mike Murphy stops traffic as students return to school on opening Day, August 21. More photos.
Are you ready for some FUN?Please join us as we kick off the new school year at our annualFamily Spirit Night PicnicSUNDAY, August 26 5:00-7:00 p.m.
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Message from Mr. MurphyWho Wants A Big Event? Your Input is Needed!
I am trying to determine if parents would like to continue this tradition and have a Big Event in 2008 or whether they would prefer to try something new. I am also looking for volunteers who are interested in leading this effort. We need to fill this important leadership role soon in order to have a fundraising event this year. I am inviting all interested parents to join some of our SPA leaders, past Big Event chairs and me to discuss leadership, plans and support for this coming year. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 29 at 8:15 a.m. in the conference room in the Janet Root Theatre lobby. Parking will be available on the softball field. Everyone is welcome! I look forward to seeing you and hearing your suggestions. Cheers! |
Summercore at Shorecrest Wins ISM Creative Thinking in Management Award
"Our idea was to create an on-site Technology Training for Shorecrest teachers funded by external users. We employed Steve Bergen and Lynne Schalman to bring their Summercore Workshop, a weeklong marathon in 'hardware, software, and humanware,' to our campus during the summer. We celebrated the fifth anniversary of this relationship last year. The workshop is marketed to the public by Shorecrest. Numbers of paying attendees determine the number of Shorecrest participants." The benefits to Shorecrest include:
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During the past four years, four very spirited and ambitious parent volunteers have chaired the Big Event Committee at Shorecrest. Any one of us who has been even remotely involved realizes that our parent volunteers work hard to have a successful party and fundraiser for Shorecrest.
Shorecrest's Summercore program was submitted by Penny Jennings and Dawn Weinman and won a creative thinking management award from Independent School Management as a result. 
Fifth graders enjoy their new space on the Middle Division Breezeway.
Middle DivisionFifth Graders Start Their Middle Division CareersLast Friday, fifth graders participated in their first Locker Day! The halls were packed with books, supplies, parents and energized fifth graders fixing up their lockers for the first time in the Middle Division!
While the event was chaotic at its peak, the Locker Day offered the fifth graders an opportunity to meet their advisors and become acquainted with their new surroundings.
On Tuesday, the fifth graders took the Middle Division by storm. They seemed to revel in walking from class to class and in meeting their new set of teachers. The very fact that they now had a "set" of teachers rather than one classroom teacher was a new reality and something they valued. The students followed their new schedules with the help of a caring and dedicated fifth grade team. In the end, the fifth graders survived their first day of life in the Middle Division (and we are certain that they all slept quite well that evening). Welcome, fifth graders, to the Middle Division!
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Barbara Hart Joins the MD Office The Harts have, in fact, lived in South Africa and Singapore, among other locales. Mrs. Hart will be assisting Ms. Wooldridge each morning in the Middle Division. When you call or come by the Middle Division, please give her a warm Shorecrest welcome! Welcome to MD Physical Education and Health Teacher
Middle Division HandbooksEach Middle Division student has been issued a Parent-Student Handbook for the 2007-08 school year. We ask you, as parents, to set aside some time to review with your child details found in the Handbook and to sign and return the signature page in the back of the Handbook by next Wednesday, August 29. The Handbook is your guide to many important areas of Middle Division life and is designed to assist Middle Division students and their families to be proactive in their decision-making as the year progresses. Middle Division Back-to-School Night - Sept. 4The Middle Division wishes to remind to you that the Middle Division Back-to-School Night is set for the day after Labor Day: Tuesday evening, Sept. 4. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. and, after an important meeting in the Janet Root Theatre, parents will follow their children's schedules, meet their teachers and advisors, and learn about curriculum and grading procedures in each subject area. New Library Procedures for Middle Division StudentsMiddle Division students who plan to go to the library after school may obtain a daily pass from Mrs. Dattilo during lunch in the Learning Lab and immediately after school until 3:20 in the Sher Center Breezeway. After that time, Mrs. Dattilo will be in the Razook Quad or in a study hall classroom for students to get a pass. Students need to show the pass to the person in charge at the library and sign in on a daily list. When they leave the library for the day, they should have the pass initialed and take it with them. If your MD child will be using the library after school, a letter/note/e-mail needs to be on file with us. Please send these to Mrs. Dattilo in the MD office or e-mail her at sdattilo@shorecrest.org. |
Mrs. Barbara Hart is the newest member of the Middle Division office team. Mrs. Hart has long had a home in Chicago, but she and her husband, Charlie Hart (our new Social Studies instructor in the Upper Division), recently lived in Amman, Jordan. 
Oops! It looks like we missed recognizing one new teacher last week! Welcome back to Jill Dean, who will be teaching Middle Division Physical Education and Health and coaching the Middle Division softball team. She graduated from Wheaton College in Chicago with a B.S. in Physical Education. Mrs. Dean also played basketball and softball in college. When she isn't teaching or coaching, Mrs. Dean loves spending time with her husband, Stephen, and their two daughters, Erin and Kelly. Lower Division
Celebrate Reading!
Dear Girls and Boys,
This year we will be doing many activities to celebrate reading. I know you all read wonderful books over the summer, and we want to hear about them.
Please remember to bring in your Summer Reading card by Monday, August 27. We will total all the books read and announce the grand total at the next flagpole gathering.
Thank you for sending the delightful pictures of you reading over the summer vacation. We will be posting some in E-Bytes and all will be included in a display in the Lower Division office.
This will be just the first note on reading matters!
Love,
Mrs. Jennings
Opening of School
The Lower Division was off to a festive start this year with the newly created "Meet and Greet your Teacher." Parents, students, and faculty alike remarked that this will become a popular tradition.
Old friendships were renewed and new ones formed as the students gathered in the classrooms and halls. Everyone felt more at ease beginning the first day of school, heralding a wonderful 2007-08 school year.
Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Jennings at morning arrival - you have to wear your shoes!
Back-To-School Night
We look forward to seeing all of our parents on Thursday, Aug 30 at 7:00 p.m. for the Lower Division Back-To-School Night. We will begin with a brief welcome and presentation in the Janet Root Theatre before spending time in the classrooms learning about curriculum from your child's teacher. The children love to find a note from you on their desks the next day!
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Losing a ToothEveryone knows the excitement surrounding the first loose tooth. Keaton P. actually had double excitement as she lost her first tooth on opening day and got to wear the famous tooth vest home. |
Locks of Love
Sidney B. grew her
hair out all year so she could donate it to Locks of Love.
Volunteers needed for Picture Lady and Gentleman Day
There are a few openings available to teach art appreciation to Lower Division students. Art experience is not required. The presentations are 30-45 minutes each month, six times per year. This is a great opportunity to have fun and meet many children and teachers, as well as to create memories for students that will last a lifetime.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please e-mail Brian Nestor at briannestor169@aol.com or call 727-1684.
Early Childhood
Really wide photo of Alpha students
Great Beginnings
The Early Childhood Center opened the 2007-2008 school year with lots of smiles everywhere. There were hardly any tears, except in a few moms' eyes as they drove away!
The teachers were amazed at how easily the first few days went and how quickly the children grasped the routines. The children really are enjoying exploring every nook and using a wide variety of materials. If these first days are any indication, this is going to be a super year!
Don't Miss Back-to-School Night - Tuesday, August 28
At least one parent of every Early Childhood student should attend the EC Back-to-School Night on Tuesday, August 28. A short presentation in the Janet Root Theatre at 7:00 p.m. will be followed by a visit to the classroom for the teacher to explain the curriculum, children's schedules, and other important facets of our program. There will be opportunities to sign up for volunteering in the classroom, to help at parties, and to ask general questions.
Luscious Lunches
Our new lunch service is a hit with the Early Childhood students and teachers! The people from Flik are very accommodating. They are working closely with us to simplify the process and serve lunches that are healthy and appealing for our young students.
Judging by this happy face, so far, they're doing a great job!
Cousins Will P. and Caden R. are in the Alpha class this year.
Moms brought new Alpha students to orientation.
Used Uniform Sale is a Big Success!
The Used Uniform sale held on Monday, August 20 was a wonderful success, making over $2,400 for the Shorecrest Parent Association! Families who participated in the event made over $2,700 collectively.
Thanks to everyone who donated their clothing, the volunteers who spent hours putting the sale together and helping out the day of the event, and the shoppers who took home some great bargains! Individuals may collect their proceeds from the sale from Debi Bender, who is located in the Central Administration building.
Athletic News
Upcoming Games and Meets
Swimming Team Holds Green & Gold Practice Meet
The Swim and Dive teams had the beginning of the year Green & Gold Meet on Saturday, August 19. Team times were excellent, and the team captains ran the meet superbly. Their first meet of the year will be against St. Pete Catholic at North Shore Pool today, Friday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. The team is training very hard for the competitive season ahead. Good Luck Chargers!
Varsity Football Team Prepares for Disney Kickoff Classic
The Chargers will be playing Calvary Christian at the Wide World of Sports in the preseason Kickoff Classic on Friday, August 24, at 6:00 p.m. The team and cheerleaders will stay at the All Star Sports Resort Friday evening after the game and will visit Disney World together on Saturday. The team has prepared for the season with summer weight room workouts and twice daily practices before school began. They have worked hard and are ready for some competition. Good Luck, Chargers!
Middle Division Football
Middle Division football is well underway. Practice began on August 13, and over 30 boys in sixth through eighth grade are working out hard and surviving the hot summer heat! We are pleased to have Coach Jody Staples '84 heading up the MD football coaching staff again. Coach Staples is an alumni of Shorecrest and played football here under Coach Hayford. Assisting Coach Staples are Coach Bill Snowden, Coach Arvin Townsel, and Coach Nathan Hallet '95. Our coaching staff is awesome, and we are pleased to have them all.
Their first game is set for Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6:00 p.m. It will be the traditional Green and Gold Game, and we hope you will come out and see our boys in action. This year has all the makings of a great season for the MD football team, and they always need and appreciate parent and fan support.
The MD football schedule is posted on the Shorecrest home page under athletics. Directions to each game are also posted. Team information will be posted and updated when needed, so be sure to refer back to the MD football home page on a regular basis. All our games this year are at 6:00 p.m. with the exception of the Saturday away game on Sept 15. We have a great schedule and a promising season ahead of us!
A MD football parent meeting is set for Wednesday, August 29 immediately following practice in the stands. Please plan to attend. Important information will be given out and fees collected for optional study hall/snacks on game days, player fees, etc.
Go Chargers and see you at the Green and Gold game!
Varsity Golf Tryouts Finished & Team Announced
The Varsity golf team has been chosen after six days of tryouts. The top three scores for each golfer make up the team of eight. Top scorers were Michael H., Mark S., Geoffrey R., Skip P., Alex G., Nick Q., Matt R., and Charlie D. They will be competing in the East Lake Invitational at the Wentworth Golf Club in Tarpon Springs on Monday, Aug. 27. Good Luck to all the golfers!
Cross Country Team Begins Training
Cross Country began practices on Aug. 13 and continues to prepare for the season ahead. With over 29 girls and 19 boys on the team this year, it looks to be very competitive. Coach Raab and Coach Pope are excited about the season ahead.
Varsity Volleyball Team Chosen
The Varsity Volleyball team has been practicing since Aug. 6, and Coach Jackson has chosen the 2007 team. Seniors are Kim N., Rachel S., Ali F., Erica S., and Taylor B. Juniors include Brooke O., Samantha L., Helen K., Kate C., and Natalie S.
Becky D. and Tori D. are the sophomores, and Jenn C. is the only freshman. Shorecrest is hosting the District Tournament this year, and we have high hopes of bringing home a District Championship!
Upper Division
Eleventh Grade Parent Social - Date Change
The Grade 11 Parent Social has been changed to Saturday, November 3. It will be held at the Nunnellys' home. Details to follow.
Convocation
The Upper Division held its annual Opening Convocation on Wednesday, August 22 to mark the formal beginning of the new academic year and highlight the "arrival" of the Class of 2008 as Seniors.
Mr. Murphy spoke to the student body about what can be accomplished when ordinary people become inspired and motivated to do extraordinary things. He spoke of the example of Greg Mortenson. A mountain climber, Mr. Mortenson got lost while attempting an ascent of K2. Alone and near death, he was found by two Pakistani men and was nursed back to health in their village. While there, he realized that the village had no school, and he resolved to build a school out of gratitude.
One thing led to another, and Mr. Mortenson has now built over 50 schools in poor villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan - despite threats on his life and a variety of obstacles. Mr. Murphy also referenced Dr. Paul Farmer, a boy from a poor family in Florida, who founded Partners In Health which is working to combat tuberculosis and AIDS in underdeveloped areas of the world. Dr. Farmer began his work in Haiti in part because he had worked alongside migrant farm workers from Haiti as a teenager in Florida.
Shifting gears somewhat, Mr. Murphy identified Harry Potter as "probably the most famous teen hero in the world" noting that what makes the fictitious Harry inspirational is his choice of love, loyalty, and courage as cardinal values to embrace. He concluded his remarks with reference to the example of Mother Teresa and one of her poems entitled "Anyway."
Following Mr. Murphy, Blake F., President of the Class of 2008, welcomed students back and drew a certain parallel between the situation in which the Class of 2008 finds itself and the construction of Landy Hall: both are works under construction, both have "blueprints" to guide the work though there may be unforeseen challenges along the way, and both will be finished by summer of 2008.
After brief remarks from Mr. Beaton and Mr. Manella, members of the Class of 2008 were called on stage individually and invited to add their names to a book which records their presence at Shorecrest. The Senior Signing is repeated each year so that, over time, Shorecrest will have a symbolic record of the members of each graduating class.
The Signing Ceremony itself is designed to mirror the Commencement Exercises in May, when the Class of 2008 will once again cross the Janet Root Theatre stage to receive their diplomas.
Students left the Convocation remembering Mr. Murphy's encouragement that they "do great things (and) be good to each other."
Upper Division Professional Development Workshop
On Friday, August 17, in preparation for our study of The Kite Runner, the UD faculty spent four hours in a workshop on various aspects of Islam. 
The workshop was conducted by Mrs. Susan Douglass of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding which is housed in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.
A teacher and a Muslim, Mrs. Douglass has collaborated on many different projects relating to Islam including "Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain" which aired on WEDU on Wednesday, August 22. Mrs. Douglass addressed basic beliefs and practices of Islam, the geography of Islam, and various "hot button" issues regarding Islam including the status of women, the application of Sharia law, the basis for the division of Islam into Sunni and Shia branches, and the concept of jihad.
The faculty took good advantage of her presentation to ask many questions about Islam, particularly in reference to contemporary relations between Islam and the West which are so much in the news at this time. It was a thought-provoking learning experience which we hope will allow the faculty to help answer questions from students, which will arise from our discussion of Hosseini's novel over the course of the semester.