Head of School: New Beginnings & Routine Rhythms 

As a lifelong educator, I find comfort in the routine rhythms of an academic year - first days, project shares, performances, exams, graduation - those milestones are markers through which we measure time and progress. I am also energized by the freshness of each new school year and all of the possibilities that lie ahead for our students. This year feels particularly exciting; there is a lot that is new at Shorecrest! 

First and foremost we welcome our new students, families, faculty and staff at Shorecrest. We are so pleased you chose to join our school community. I say it (and mean it!) every year - it's a great time to be at Shorecrest! 

Another thing that is new this year is the expansion of the CAE, now called the Center for Academic Excellence & Student Well-Being. The addition to the program's name signifies our commitment to the whole child and being responsive to the changing needs of today's students. Our school counselors are now a part of the CAE, and we have a total of three full-time counselors and other resources to support students' social and emotional wellness as well as their academic success. 

Through the Teachers Fund, which was created last fall and funded at the Shorecrest Gala, our teachers across all grade levels have engaged in some career-highlight professional development over the spring and summer. The new ideas, approaches, and projects will impact our students at all levels. 

Driving around campus, our new Centennial Stadium project at Haskell Field & Track is nearly complete. We cannot wait to celebrate its ribbon cutting and enjoy athletic events and community gatherings on the new turf field. Also new in athletics, you may have seen our girls Flag Football team practicing on campus, or read about our first interscholastic Lacrosse team coming this spring. There is no shortage of athletic events on campus this fall, and I hope you'll join me in cheering on our Chargers! 

You will also notice new tech systems and communications, including this newsletter, Shorecrest News - taking the place of the former Ebytes, a new website, and the Shorecrest Parent App (coming very soon!) all intended to help streamline the information and stories we have to share with our community. 

Even with all that is new, the core of Shorecrest remains unchanged. We are grounded in our Mission, committed to educating students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement, and a commitment to the development of social responsibility. 

As I shared with our Upper School students at convocation this week, most of all at Shorecrest this year we want each and every student to understand that they are an integral part of something larger than themselves, that they are connected both to each other and to the whole Shorecrest community. 

While we understand that not everyone will share the same opinions or beliefs—we want Shorecrest to be a place where every individual is respected and feels safe to be themselves. 

The world can be challenging enough, and Shorecrest should be a refuge. This is what being part of the Shorecrest community is all about: coming every day to a place where each student knows that they are never alone, that you do not have to face the challenges of school or life by yourself. 

Here, on this campus, every student should feel confident that you have people who know you, and peers and adults who support, care about, and believe in you, and who want you to succeed. 

As much excitement as all the newness brings, what is at the heart of Shorecrest is constant. We are a community of people working to make Shorecrest a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive. May it be a wonderful year of new beginnings and routine rhythms! 

All the best, 
Nancy