Headmaster Letter: Planning Ahead

Welcome Back. I expect this to be a special year for our Shorecrest School Community! I would like to know, though, what are your children planning to do next summer?

Since early July, I have been meeting with members of the Class of 2019, our current senior class. During our meetings, I learn about the incredible jobs, internships, shadow experiences, courses and other activities they have engaged in this summer. Some have demonstrated incredible initiative. Some have learned what they want to study or pursue as an initial career. Others have learned that they do not want to do what they had previously thought might be a good idea. Many have learned lessons about customer service. Many have taken lessons from school and have had those lessons magnified by courses, internships and jobs. Some have developed a greater sense of responsibility and independence. Some have strengthened their spiritual beliefs. Others have strengthened bonds with family and friends. Many have provided service to individuals and organizations all over Tampa Bay and the world. It seems to me that these seniors made the summer days, weeks and months matter. (Pictured: Olivia Olson '19 was a St. Petersburg Student Ambassador to Takamatsu, Japan, this summer.)

My sample group is comprised of very talented and motivated 16-, 17- and 18-year-old aspiring leaders. I am confident in saying that this has not been the first productive summer of their lives. They and their families have plans and expectations for a very productive school year and they are going to use vacation time in equally positive ways.

Our American education system is often faulted because our long summer breaks lead to a decline in academic readiness for children who do not use some of the vacation time to maintain and build skills they learned during the school year. I do not expect school to provide for every educational experience that can thrust a student into a meaningful and successful adult life. We offer a great deal, but lessons learned waiting tables, being a camp counselor, working as an intern, selling a product, starting a new service organization and/or living with people from around the world can be life-changing experiences. Many of our current seniors did exactly those activities and many more that have opened their eyes to future possibilities.

Many of our student-athletes spent hundreds of hours conditioning, training, playing and attending showcases to ensure they will be their best during senior year and in many cases at colleges. Similarly, a large number of our theatre and artistic students attended programs that allowed them to do what they enjoy while developing their skills and talents.

Yes, I think they all benefited from the pure “down time” they were able to experience. Many spoke of needing time to have solitude. Clearly, we do not need people returning from summer break burnt out. Yet, it is never too early to start planning for the future and there is never a better time than now to make a commitment to making positive and constructive use of vacation time. I encourage all students and families to be on the lookout for jobs, internships, and other enrichment activities that will be available next summer for our children.

Cheers!

Mike