Head of School Letter: Preparation for Students, Participation for Families

Today is the last day of ERB week, when Shorecrest students in grades 3 through 8 participate in four mornings of standardized testing. The Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP5) is written by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), a nonprofit educational organization that oversees the development, administration and scoring of standardized assessments. This test is commonly referred to as “The ERBs” and is an assessment tool for high achieving students used by more than 1,600 schools, mostly independent schools, including Shorecrest, and some public schools. 

I have previously written an Ebytes article which goes in depth about what the ERB covers, describes what Shorecrest does to prepare students for the test, and explains how we utilize the information resulting from the ERBs. This year for the first time, 7th and 8th grade students took the ERB on a digital platform, similar to the experience of all 9th graders, who took a digital PSAT earlier this month. These new practices prepare our students for more upcoming digital standardized tests, an aspect which is now a part of the college application process.

Today also marks the end of our final Giving Week supporting the Shorecrest Fund. Participation in our annual giving program serves as an expression of appreciation for the School and the work that takes place on campus each day on behalf of our students. The unrestricted, current use of dollars given through the Shorecrest Fund support our students, teachers, and programs. The Shorecrest Fund expands learning opportunities within the classroom and beyond 1st Street, and provides for the components that enhance programs and activities in our community – whether that is bringing in experts and professional speakers for faculty, parents, and students; implementing new technology in the classroom; or adding resources to launch a new area of study. Our giving community shows long-standing support for the Shorecrest Fund with active participation each year. 

If you’d like to show your support today and celebrate the Shorecrest community during this final week of giving, you can do so by making a donation reflective of your student’s class year (i.e., 2024 = $2024 or $202.4 or $20.24) or in honor of a faculty member who has positively impacted your child’s Shorecrest experience. Whatever the amount, your participation is appreciated; your gift has the power to positively affect the Shorecrest experience for everyone in our community. 

All the best, 

Nancy

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