Shorecrest Preparatory School Blog

Core Values in Action - Holiday Gift Drive

Posted by Dr. Jean Spencer-Carnes on Dec 13, 2018 2:00:00 PM

Empathy among young people is a popular conversational theme these days. Indeed, educators across the country have noticed a need to teach basic moral values in the classroom. An article by teacher Paul Barnwell in “The Atlantic”, expounds the reasons for that trend, and gives examples of teachers taking lessons outside the classroom and into the community to give students valuable moral insight. Mr. Barnwell notes that while schools say high moral standards are embedded in a rigorous curriculum, it’s rare to see those values in action.

At Shorecrest Preparatory School, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the core values held by the school are actively modeled. The largest single demonstration of our community's commitment to Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Knowledge and Compassion happens every year at the holiday season. Students, faculty, administrators and parents join together to provide gifts to children in foster care. 

Read More

Topics: Education Best Practice, respect, traditions, Core Values, culture, Holidays, Service Learning, Community, Parent Involvement, Volunteer, Empathy in Schools, Education with Values

Helping out after Hurricane Michael

Posted by Diego Duran-Medina on Nov 28, 2018 11:00:00 AM

Just over a year ago our Shorecrest community was preparing for the worst, as Hurricane Irma barrelled toward St. Petersburg. The stress, worry and difficult choices of evacuating and keeping loved ones safe made for a harrowing couple of weeks. We were lucky. The hurricane passed us by, and the damage was far less than anticipated.

This year our state was not so lucky. Schools in the panhandle and Gulf were deeply affected, when Hurricane Michael made landfall in October. Calls for help went out across the state and country, and the Shorecrest Community decided to take action. Through contacts made by our headmaster, Mr. Michael Murphy, we focused on the needs of Holy Nativity Episcopal School in Panama City, Florida. 

Read More

Topics: Core Values, Service Learning, Student/Faculty Perspectives

Developing a Mindset: Design Thinking at School

Posted by Dominique Craft on Nov 8, 2018 10:55:00 AM

“What are they teaching kids these days?” It’s a question that perennially pops-up among parents. From “new math” to iPads in the classroom, school curricula are ever changing. But, the more things change the more they stay the same. The goal at the forefront of education is still to equip students with the skills to solve the problems they will face as working adults. One of the newest approaches to problem solving integrates social and emotional learning with basic science and social studies. A process called Design Thinking is taking hold with educators across the country.

Read More

Topics: Social-Emotional Development, Core Values, innovation in schools, design thinking, Student/Faculty Perspectives, Elementary School

"Why Shorecrest?"

Posted by Dr. Jean Spencer-Carnes on Oct 31, 2018 11:00:00 AM

From tuition to curriculum there are so many things to consider when choosing a school. Once you have decided where your children will get the best experience, you may find yourself trying to articulate precisely what drew you in.

  • Was it the studies and activities students were engaged in when you visited?
  • Was it the feeling the school gave you about what your child’s future might be?
  • Was it that the people connected to the school were impressive people?

Only the people who have experienced a school can tell you what it really did for them. Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, Florida, is proud of its students, alumni and parent community. Our Mission to create lifelong learners, who maintain standards of excellence and serve others is being achieved on a daily basis. Take a look at what our community has to say:

Read More

Topics: Insider, Private School, Inside Shorecrest, Parenting, relocating, pinellas, shorecrest, st petersburg, Community, Student and Faculty Perspectives

Parent Participation Drives the Family-School Partnership

Posted by Dr. Jean Spencer-Carnes on Oct 24, 2018 11:24:08 AM

Volunteer opportunities are often a way to be of service to others, to stretch our comfort zone and reach out to the wider community. It's important to remember that volunteering can start very close to home in the parent school partnership. Within your child's educational environment, there are daily opportunities to do a task small or large that makes students and schools stronger. Parent involvement in schools is widely recognized by educationally focused institutions like PBS. You can find a whole page dedicated to tips and ideas for parent involvement in schools at  www.pbs.org. The introduction to that page reads, "Parents are the cornerstone to helping kids get a good education."

Read More

Topics: Parenting, shorecrest, culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Community, Parent Involvement, Volunteer