Cheering for Shorecrest
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
November 03, 2017
We have a fabulous Cheerleading squad at Shorecrest. They are athletic, spirited, and great fun to watch. Their coach, Nancy Tanner, works them out in boot camp fashion. She instills pride, discipline, and camaraderie. Our Cheerleaders welcome the Little Sparks and other interested cheerleaders with open arms. They model an openness, expertise, and talent that I would like to see every member of our community follow.
Our Family Handbooks have a dedicated section on the importance of the Parent-School Partnership. The significance of relationships between families, teachers, coaches, directors, staff and administrators is highlighted in research. Our willingness and ability to work together has a positive impact on the success of our children and our school. The experiences I have had at Shorecrest, the other six schools where I have served, and the dozens of schools I have observed during accreditations, makes the importance of partnership and advocacy crystal clear.
Schools are very special places. For many children, families, faculty, and staff, school can be a safe haven from the stress that comes from living in a complex, and at times, uncivil society. More than ever before, I believe members of a school community like Shorecrest need to do everything possible to cheer, advocate, and support the members of our community and our school.
Admittedly, I regret that the independent school world, like American universities, hospitals and other businesses, are evaluated by external organizations using criteria for ranking that may not be central to the Mission. Being ranked #1 in Pinellas County, #2 in Tampa Bay, and #11 in the state is both motivational and challenging. We want to be #1. One of the ways we can accomplish this is for every member of our community, from the child in Alpha to our Alumni, to support, cheer, and advocate for each other and our school.
On any single day of any given week, one can move through our campus and find thousands of moments that are worthy of praise. For example, since last Thursday:
- The Varsity Volleyball Team, Varsity Divers, Swimmers, Girls Cross Country Team and an individual male runner, as well as the Golf Team have advanced to regional or state championship level competitions.
- The Upper School Theatre Department presented a wonderful performance of “The Lincoln Park Zoo,” highlighting the skills of 8 very talented actors and actresses.
- Dozens of parents organized and executed a fabulous Fall Festival for our youngest children and their families.
- The Kindergarten class planted a hydroponics garden.
- JK students investigated chemical reactions inside pumpkins, used light and computers to create jack ‘o lanterns, made spiders out of dough, and used yarn to design webs which were inspired by photos seen in books.
- Fourth and fifth grades partnered to lead our food drive. They collected and packed hundreds of meals for The Kind Mouse food bank.
- Seventh grade traveled to St. Augustine for field experiences that exposed the students to the contributions and interactions between Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans in colonial America.
- Eighth grade explored Washington, D.C.
- The Shorecrest Community is well over halfway to our goal for the Annual Fund.
- The Board approved our annual audit and celebrated the strength of our Business Office as well as our increasingly strong financial position.
- Most importantly, our teachers engaged students in learning experiences that prepared them for future success.
What is obvious to me is that the combined efforts of parents/guardians, faculty/staff, and students make life at Shorecrest very exciting. I realize that in the midst of our very busy and often stress-filled lives we can take for granted the great things that are happening to our children and community every day. It may be a simple but important thing, like having a staff member in a funny hat greet you in carline, or an even more important thing like seeing a child overcome a challenge. These special moments are worthy of praise.
I have written this before and I will write it again - I am fortunate to be in this community. I join with our Charger Cheerleaders and other advocates for Shorecrest and celebrate the good things that happen every day. I encourage everyone to join in. Our children will be the beneficiaries.
Cheers!
