Shorecrest Preparatory School Blog

Emotional Wellbeing During a Global Pandemic

Posted by Courtney Ellis & Kate Fierce on Mar 19, 2020 4:55:32 PM

A Letter to the Shorecrest Adult Community:

Our daily lives have changed in ways that might have been unimaginable even a week ago. We are all feeling a wide range of emotions as a result of the changes in our lives due to COVID-19: anxiety, sadness, anger, loss, loneliness, frustration, maybe even irritation. These emotions are, of course, very normal human reactions to such an extraordinary circumstance.
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Topics: Current Events, Social-Emotional Development, Core Values, Community, Parent Involvement, Empathy in Schools

The Power of “and": Time, Talent, and Resources

Posted by Stacy Alexander on Dec 4, 2019 7:57:05 AM

Each day, a student’s and family’s experience at an independent school is made possible by tuition AND a school’s annual fund. For that reason, creating a culture of philanthropy is essential to the growth and well-being of independent schools. The National Association of Independent Schools Guide for Independent School Families asks, “Why do independent schools ask for tuition "and" a tax-deductible gift?” 

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Topics: Private School, Education Best Practice, shorecrest, Indpendent Schools, Professional Development, Community, Parent Involvement, Volunteer, Education with Values

Communicating with Children: Voice Lessons for Parents [Book Review]

Posted by Dominique Craft on Oct 30, 2019 12:04:00 PM

Establishing collaboration between parents and teachers can only serve to benefit our students. At Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, FL, Dominique Craft, the Dean of Curriculum for the Lower School engages parents in a book club. This time the discussion centered on a book by award winning author Wendy Mogel, PhD, called Voice Lessons. Mrs. Craft has written a review of this book and taken notes on this month’s conversation.

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Topics: Student/Faculty Perspectives, Community, Elementary School, Parent Involvement, Education with Values

Homecoming Competition Builds Leaders and Community

Posted by Don Paige on Oct 17, 2019 4:15:00 PM

Often when we think of high-schoolers, we are reluctant to single one out over another, or lump several students into a group. After all, college admissions, class standings and athletic achievement can put enough pressure on our kids. But, sometimes, being part of a team, and working together to win a good natured competition is just the thing to bring a group of classmates together and build memories that will keep them coming home.

The Homecoming Spirit Week tradition at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, Florida is a frequent feature in the speeches of graduating seniors, spoken of as one of the best group experiences for their class, and something they hold dear.

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Topics: High School, teens, Social-Emotional Development, traditions, Core Values, Indpendent Schools, Community, Student and Faculty Perspectives, Education with Values

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. 

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