Monroe County School District administrators, teachers and staff were honored at the annual Employee Recognition Banquet on Friday night, May 7th. Pictured are Coral Shores HS Principal Ron Martin and Superintendent Joseph Burke with Nancy Ellsworth, Teacher of the Year.

Staff at Gerald Adams Elementary School was recognized at the April 27th School Board Meeting for their life saving efforts. Thanks to their quick response, they have been credited with saving the life of a colleague.

Student and staff recognitions were also given at the meeting for outstanding accomplishments. Click on the Full Story button below for more pictures and information.

The Alternative Energy Center at Key West High School has received a new grant worth approximately $100,000. The grant is in conjunction with the Florida Solar Energy Center and will successfully install a solar array on the Key West High School campus. KWHS is one of 90 finalists chosen.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP) recently sponsored events for 8th graders, soon to be members of the classes of 2014. The 8TP (Eighth-Grade Transition Program) has shown to reduce school violence, fighting, and bullying, and is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation.

The Keys Council of Math and Science Educators (KCMSE) hosted its 3rd annual math and science bowl for students of the Upper Keys.  Thirteen 5th grade teams and four 6th grade teams participated. The winning 5th grade team (pictured above) and 6th grade team (below) are from Plantation Key School, The 5th grade team includes Ben, Audrey, and Emma, and is coached by  Mrs. Givens and Mrs. Roberts. The winning 6th grade team includes Emily, Emily, and Baylee, and is coached by Mrs.Putetti and Mrs. Murphy.

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The students of Glynn R. Archer Elementary celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by collecting discarded items to see what recycling and trash could be found. The items collected were taken to the GRA Science Lab and separated into recyclable, non-recyclable and compostable items. Students learned firsthand about the different types of recyclable and non-recyclable items, their coding, as well as what could be composted and what is trash and where it ends up. (original photo)

Key West High School's Academic Challenge Team qualified for the semi-final round of competition with a win on Thursday at Disney World. On Friday they came in first place in the semi-final round of their competition to qualify for the six school final round of the competition. The team placed 2nd Saturday in the state championship round, which is the best any Monroe County team has ever placed. Pictured L-R: Adam Diaz, Carson Neymos, Cale Hartle, Zack Harden, Dylan Higbie, Huan Nguyen, Coach Kerri McLean. (original photo)

The combined choirs of Glynn R. Archer and Sigsbee Elementary School performed at the Botanical Gardens, under the direction of Sharon Metcalf. The Sigsbee Choir will next perform at Sigsbee’s Youth Fest on Saturday, April 24th at 12:15 P.M. (original photo)

The VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program, a yearly event since 1947, asked students to present an essay on the topic, "Does America Still Have Heroes?"  On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10211 Key Largo, Post Vice Commander John Dick  presented awards to Nicholas Galjanic, Thomas Ryan, and Natalie Wright.

Past Commander of Post 154  Lee Smith, on behalf of the American Legion Marathon Memorial Post 154, presented Dennis Doll the American Legion Post 154 Teacher of the Year award.  Mr. Doll, a Veteran of the United States Army, has taught at Marathon High for over 30 years and is presently a teacher with the Alternative Education Program. He has coached numerous sports, both at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level.

The Experiment in International Living (EIL) still has up to 10 remaining openings for Monroe County high school sophomores and juniors for summer 2010 programs. These programs immerse students in the daily life of another culture and foster fun and meaningful connections across national, linguistic, and cultural borders. Program costs range from $4,300 to $7,600.

Congratulations to Deborah Grove, Key Largo School!  Deborah has been recognized as the Region 5 Elementary Reading Coach of the Year by Just Read, Florida! and the Florida Literacy Coaches Association!  This award is a compliment to her for the relentless progress that she has made, not only this year, but throughout her successful career, toward student literacy development both as a coach and as a teacher.  Her students love her and her peers admire her. Deborah embodies the true spirit of education. 

Plantation Key second grade students have worked very hard on writing nonfiction books, including  chapters, diagrams, author pages,  and the glossary.  Publishing parties are attended by parents, teachers and administrative staff.  Students from Mrs. Lall’s, Mrs. Milchman’s, and Mrs. Pais’s classes were very proud of their nonfiction books

Poinciana Recycling Rangers received the Mayor's Recycle Award at a recent City Commission meeting. The students were recognized for reducing waste at their school by starting a recycling program, adopting the area around their school, and working on other environmentally-friendly projects. Pictured are some of the Rangers, along with sponsors Vicki Sawyer, Sandy Crawford, Nancy Coward, Theresa Maguire and Principal Amber Bosco. (Original Photo)

Eight students from Coral Shores High School competed in the 20th Annual Florida High School mock trial competition in Orlando on March 25-27, 2010.  This popular academic competition provides students with a firsthand opportunity to explore the administration of justice using a fictional criminal case.

The Keys Council for Math and Science Educators (KCMSE) held their 2nd Annual Math and Science Bowl Competition at Key West High School’s Media Center on Saturday March 20th. Each Lower Keys school had an opportunity to send 5th and 6th grade teams of 4 to compete in areas of math and science. The Sigsbee 5th Grade Math Bowl Team won first place and the Glynn R. Archer Team came in second place.  (click on photo to enlarge)

Dr. Paul Maurer, Ophthalmologist, and his staff graciously donated thorough vision exams for Monroe County students, providing needed vision information that will assist with student academic planning, accommodations, and technology needs. 

Monroe County students  will have a rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from eight Holocaust survivors. They will share their personal stories of courage, strength, and perseverance in the face of one of history’s worst genocides that resulted in the death of approximately six million Eastern European Jews during World War II. A schedule of the March 18th - 22nd visit has been drafted by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's office. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will introduce guests at Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West to open the presentation on Monday, March 22nd, beginning at 9:30 AM.

Plantation Key School is proud to announce the Blue and the Gold Squads competed at the Coral Springs Sizzler Competition and brought home the Most Spirited Award for the second time this year.  Coach Bernice Dionne and Assistant Coach Michelle Sorrell reported the Blue Squad finished 3rd place and the Gold Squad finished 2nd  place.  PKS has approximately 52 students participating is this sport.

Ben Black, a recent graduate from the Transition to Independence, Employment and Success Program (TIES), proudly displays his diploma. Michael Giardino, Naval Air Station Key West Executive Officer, and Jesus Jara, Monroe County School District's Chief Operating Officer, helped Ben celebrate his success. Ben was awarded his diploma by John Welsh, KWHS principal. The TIES program is a KWHS vocational training program for students ages 18-22, located on Sigbee Navy Base. NASKey West and Vocational Rehabilitation are partners for the Monroe County School District program.

The Sigsbee Odyssey of the Mind team competed on March 6th in the Regional Tournament at Coral Shores High School.  They took first place in the Elementary Division of the Nature Trail’er problem and will be taking their presentation on to the state Odyssey of the Mindy competition at the University of Central Florida on April 10th.

The Key West High School Alternative Energy Center has recently announced that they have received a grant from The State Farm Youth Advisory Board totaling $60,657.

The Keys Center Academy is producing their first annual year book and needs support with business advertisements. Thank you for the continued support of the students and the program. ( ad agreement)

Jamie Kessler has earned a 4.0 unweighted grade point average and a weighted grade point average of 4.7368 in the most rigorous college preparatory curriculum offered at Key West High. 

Monroe County School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Burke is pleased to announce the two finalists for the position of Director of Assessment and Accountability. The two finalists are Virginia Olson of Nye County, Nevada and Janet Meinke of Monroe County, Florida..

Each year, the National Women’s History Project selects a theme that highlights achievements by distinguished women in specific fields, from medicine and the environment to art and politics. The theme for 2010 is  “Writing Women Back into History". (More Information and Resources)

Hundreds of 5th graders descended on Fort Zachary Taylor for the annual “Civil War School Days” program that kicked off the annual weekend celebration featuring Civil War re-enactors and all things related to the Civil War. Fort Taylor has been designated as a “National Historic Landmark,” Transportation costs for the students to attend were handled through a partnership between the district and the Friends of Fort Taylor. (photos from event in PDF presentation)

Stanley Switlik fifth grade students (Amanda,  Dixie, and Hannah)  were recognized by Dr. Joseph Burke, Superintendent, at a recent School Board meeting. The students, all members of the Switlik Student Council, provided the leadership for the Haiti Relief effort. Large quantities of clothing, food, and other items were donated by Switlik students. Guidance counselor, Mary Lou Darzuk and fifth grade teacher Richard Mangel serve as Student Council advisors.

Now in its 8th year, the Educational Coalition for Monroe County (ECMC), a 501(c) 3 organization in collaboration with Monroe County School District and Florida Keys Community College, presents the Collegiate Arts Magnet Program (CAMP) & Careers 2010, a summer career academy in the Florida Keys. CAMP is a day program in the Middle Keys  available to 3rd grade - college age Monroe County students that offers professional instruction and performance opportunities. (2010 - general information) (Educational Coalition Website) (CAMP Archived Information ) (Photo by Alfi Johnson)

Rick Bender, youth tobacco prevention advocate and cancer survivor, delivered his presentation on the dangers of spit tobacco to students district-wide. He also spoke with nursing students and faculty at Florida Keys Community College. The Monroe County Health Department and SWAT chapters across the Florida Keys are sponsoring Bender’s tour.

The students in the 21st Century after school program at Key Largo School recently experienced their own Olympics. All the classes read articles about the past and current Olympics and participated in interdisciplinary units included reading, math, and science activities.

Treasure Village Montessori offered an amazing opportunity to all Upper Keys students by inviting Scott Flansburg, the Human Calculator, to do appearances and specifically promote math, an area that needs attention in Monroe County. Pictured is Mr. Flansburg, with the Treasure Village Montessori Student Council.

The Plantation Key School ALPHA students participated in The Disney Y.E.S. Program recently. All 23 students spent the day at Animal Kingdom working with scientists doing hands-on activities, and learning about the environment and animals in the park.

Dakota Messier, a junior at Key West High, was selected to attend the 2010 Aerospace STEM Seminar at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this summer. Only 200 cadets of the approximately 80,000 cadets in NJROTC have the opportunity to participate at this year’s ERAU STEM Seminar. 

The H.O.B. Geography Club, which is a part of the school’s 21st Century after school program, would like to thank all the students, parents, and teachers who donated over 500 pounds of rice and over 40 pounds of beans for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. With the help of the  Daughters of the American Revolution, especially John and Emily Hardner, the rice was loaded aboard The Wolf, which is scheduled to sail from Key West Bight on February 9th to deliver aide to people living near small Haitian ports.

Parents: Please go on line to www.ESEsurvey.com  to complete a survey that provides the Florida Department of Education with information on how well schools are supporting parents’ involvement in their child’s education. The survey responses are confidential and provide parents with a unique opportunity to be heard. A paper copy of the survey may be obtained by calling 305-293-1418, extension 66309.

Three Monroe County students were privileged to participate in the Miami Super Bowl Hearing Mission, sponsored by the Jordan Sparks Foundation, on Tuesday, February 3rd. These hearing impaired students joined over 100 children from Dade County in receiving high-tech hearing aids,  medical assistance, supplies, and counseling,  worth over $25,000, and at no cost to the families.

 

Key West High School’s Academic Challenge team won the district championship on Tuesday, January 26 at Coral Shores High School. The Conchs, who have won the tournament  10 out of the past  15 years, advance to the state competition, representing Monroe County, at Disney World in April. Last year’s team placed 3rd in the state competition after placing 4th the year before. Coach Kerri McLean likes the winning momentum and heads into this year’s tournament with an equally strong team composed of seniors Carson Ney Moss, Zach Harden, and Cale Hartle; junior Huan Nguyen; and sophomores Adam Diaz and Dylan Higbie.

Guys and Dolls opens at Key West High School Auditorium on Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30 and runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 with one matinee on Sunday at 2:00.  Tickets are available at the door or at MacArthur Music and online at keystix.com.  Tickets start at $10 with discounted tickets for students, military, senior citizens and families.  Visit Keys Kids for more information.

Florida’s “Celebrate Literacy Week” included special guest readers who read to each class at Stanley Switlik School. Readers from the community included Marathon Mayor Ginger Snead who read to Mrs. Cadwell’s first grade class. Other celebrity readers who took part in the weeklong celebration of reading included local firefighters, Monroe County School Board members, and Sheriff Bob Peryam. This special focus on literacy was organized by Media Specialist Christine Paul.

Coral Shores High School has announced the winners of the school contest for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest.  On January 27, 2010, twenty-four Coral Shores students participated in the Poetry Out Loud school contest in the Performing Arts Center.  These twenty-four students were the winners of their classroom contests in 9th, 11th, and 12th grade. The student winners were: Luana Peixoto, first place; Mandy Camp, second place; and Emily Christian, third place.

The staff and students of Monroe County Schools are deeply saddened by the disaster that has occurred in Haiti.   Pictured are AVID students from HOB, who recently partnered with First State Bank in an effort to assist the earthquake victims. Relief efforts are being organized district-wide.

In honor of Literacy Week, the entire Pre-K through 8th Grade student body and Staff participated in a Vocabulary January 28th.  Pictured with their Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Pacheco, students display their creative thoughts with words.  Planning to attend College, two students display their vocabulary word "Adversaries" and always the proud alumni, Mrs. Pacheo, displays her thoughts too, "inequalities."

The Sunrise Rotarians donated dictionaries to all the third grade classrooms throughout Monroe County. Pictured is Gina Smith’s Third Grade classroom at Glynn Archer Elementary in Key West. (Click for larger photo)

Through a new Business Partnership with the Key Largo Branch of Centennial Bank, Students in Grades 4th-8th receiving "straight A's'" on their report card this quarter at Key Largo School received the opportunity to open a saving account and the Bank will place $25.00 in the account.  Parents of these children opening an account will have $75.00 placed in their account by the bank too.  Annette Martinson, Key Largo Principal, thanks Centennial Bank their commitment in supporting excellence in education.

Parents are invited to the following ESE Parent Advisory Council Meetings: Lower Keys- Tuesday, February 2,  Monroe County School District Board Room, 5:00-6:00 PM; Middle Keys – Wednesday, February 3, Stanley Switlik Media Center, 5:30-6:30 PM; and Upper Keys- Thursday, February 4, Key Largo School Media Center, 5:00-6:00 PM. For more information, contact Marty Jacquette at 293-1418, extension 66309.

Monroe County School District and United Teachers of Monroe (UTM) are convening on Friday, February 5th at 1:30 P.M. in the Administration Board Room to develop the District Calendar for 2010 -2011. The administration team will include one parent, who will be randomly selected from those parents wishing to participate.  Interested parents may contact Christie Martin, christie.martin@keysschools.com, or call (305)-293-1400, extension 53392. The deadline for submissions to participate will be Friday, January 29th. The parent selected will be announced next week.

The Just Read, Florida! Office in the Department of Education, in partnership with numerous other state organizations and agencies, is celebrating “Literacy Week, Florida!” this week. The goals are to promote literacy throughout the state by raising awareness of the programs and projects offered by the DOE and its partner agencies and organizations, and most of all, to promote the enjoyment of reading for children and adults of all ages.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the statewide Tornado Drill will be conducted by the National Weather Service Offices in Florida at 10:10 A.M.  This year the drill will include actual over-the-air test messages on the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Alert Radios.  In the event of an actual severe weather threat, the test will be moved to the same time on Friday, January 29. 

Who Mentored You..Thank Them..Pass It On..Mentor a Child

Thank your Mentor Day is January 21, 2010.

Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month (NMM) is marking its ninth year in 2010. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how individuals, government agencies, schools, and communities can work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people.

Maria Sastre, President and CEO of Florida's Take Stock In Children, will return to Key West to share the vision and leadership needed to address new challenges as the Take Stock Program continues to offer “Scholarships, Mentors, and Hope” to the underserved students. The forum is scheduled for 5:00 PM, January 19th, at the Woman's’ Club in Key West.

Coral Shores and Plantation Key staff and students were recently recognized at the December 15th School Board Meeting. Pictured above with Dr. Burke, Superintendent, are those who participated in the competitive program Mock Trial .

District counselors recently participated in an AVID workshop. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program designed to help underachieving middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. Pictured are the counselors who brought toys to donate to ‘Kids Come First’ for their holiday toy drive.

Keys Center Academy students recently traveled to a Stanley Switlik Elementary School to read Holiday Stories with kindergarten and first grade students.  This field trip was designed to give the Keys Center students a community service experience that was both positive and rewarding for all involved. All are anxious for the next reading opportunity!

Girl Scout Troop #30 and Plantation Key School held a fashion show to benefit the “Kids Come First” program, organized by Katie Young.  Outfits were purchased by parents, modeled by students, and donated for students in need of new clothing and toiletries in Monroe County.  What a great way to teach kids to help others!  If you are interested in donating to “Kids Come First” for the clothes closet program or for holiday giving, please call Sunny Booker, Safe and Healthy Schools, 305-293-1400 ext. 53319.

Experiment in International Living (EIL) is accepting Monroe’s sophomores and juniors for its summer 2010 programs.   Students will participate in EIL’s widely acclaimed cross cultural educational program that provides up to five weeks in the summer with host families in 27 different countries. The National Director of the EIL program, John Meislin, will be in the Keys to meet with interested parents and students next week. He will be available: Key West High School - Dec. 15th, Marathon High - Dec. 16th, and Coral Shores - Dec. 17th .

Members of the KWHS INTERACT and National Honor Society  recently volunteered at the Key West Airport to help 500 Pre-K students enjoy a trip to see Santa at the North Pole. Also pictured are school district organizers Catherine Angry and Amy Cunningham. (Larger Photo)

Stanley Switlik fifth graders recently spent the day at Sea Camp on Big Pine Key.  Students dug through algae to find brittle stars, worms, sea cucumbers, crabs and even shrimp, then practiced snorkeling in the swim area before going out on the boats in the afternoon.  They spent the afternoon snorkeling close to the mangroves looking at lobster, moon jellyfish, all different types of coral and sponges, snapper, and sea grasses.  Students learned about how pollution causes harm to the near shore environment, and why certain sponges cause rashes and also studied their structure.  Sea Camp donated this outstanding trip to 88 Switlik students, teachers, and chaperones.    (Larger Photo)

Take Stock in Children signing ceremonies took place in November, 2009. Each graduate received his or her four-year full-tuition college scholarship from the Monroe County Education Foundation’s Take Stock In Children Program. For more information on mentoring a student or donating to the scholarship fund, call Jim Hall at 305-293-1546.

The United Teachers of Monroe and the School Board of Monroe County reached a final contract settlement. The settlement includes a salary step, a bonus, a reduction of insurance premiums and additional contract language changes for various working conditions.  The parties will now move to the ratification stage where employees of the two bargaining units will vote to approve the agreements, followed by ratification by the School Board at the December 15th meeting. (Press Release)

Key Largo School students that the Florida Marlins Community Foundation for awarding the school a $1,000 grant to support the Playground Project. The Community Foundation’s Cornerstones for Kids program is dedicated to “build a brighter future through education, the arts, and baseball.” (Larger Photo)

Bah Humbug!  Don’t miss a cast of Keys Kids in Dickens’s classic holiday tale “A Christmas Carol”. Performances run from December 2nd through 6th at the Key West Auditorium. (poster with details)

Plantation Key Middle School held its annual Middle School Geography Bowl recently.  Over 130 students in grades 6-7-8 participated in this activity to celebrate Geography.

Middle School Geography teachers Kim Browning (top left) and Pam Brown (top right) sponsored the bowl.

Monroe County School District has selected the Outstanding School Volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education in our schools. Volunteers are selected based on the number of hours of service, years of service, unusual type of contribution, and/or characteristic of services rendered. The three winners are: Youth - Sasha Perez, Plantation Key School, Adult - Marsha Depoo, HOB, and Senior - Margaret Bodden, Key Largo School.

State Farm, Habitat for Humanity, Florida Learn and Serve, Monroe Youth Challenge Program, and Key West High School team up to change the lives of 18 students in a service learning project. This project is part of a newly-created program at Key West High School. It provides training for youth in the construction trade and helps Key West residents make home improvements through Habitat for Humanity. This program is designed to simultaneously improve the students’ academic achievements. 

Girl Scout Troop #30 and Plantation Key School plan to host “Kids Come First” a fashion show that benefits students in need in Monroe County with new clothing and toiletries. Here is how it works… 1. Purchase an Outfit 2. Model It 3. Donate it! Plan to bring and/or model your donation Tuesday, Dec. 8 in the Plantation Key School’s Cafetorium at  6 p.m.

Pictured are students in Ms. Janie Gard’s kindergarten class attired as Pilgrims and Native Americans, commemorating the first Thanksgiving 1621. Ms. Axford, Principal, joined in the festivities.

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Mrs. Dionne's first grade class from Plantation Key School recently culminated a unit with a celebration of the First Thanksgiving feast and the Indians.  Students made Native American pocket pouches, headdresses and beaded anklets that symbolized Respect, Cooperation and Thanks.

HOB recently held a Thanksgiving  Drive, collecting items to assemble baskets for Thanksgiving.

With the assistance from the Key West Rotary Club, they supplied food for 16 families in the area.

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Sugarloaf first graders presented a celebration of “The First Thanksgiving” this week. These talented students delighted the audience with their songs and set the tone for a season of gratitude. Music instructor Joe Dallas, with help from the first grade teachers, directed the program.

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Mike Hane, Coral Shores High School  teacher, received a grant from Project 10 (transition education network) to open a car wash as a school-based enterprise. A school-based enterprise is a set of entrepreneurial activities undertaken by students that provides an economic, social, and educational return to the student, school, and community.  Keys Custom Car Care is open on Fridays from 9:00-2:00. Students are learning all aspects of the carwash/detailing business. Pictured with Mr. Hane are two of his students who help manage the car wash business.

The students and faculty from Poinciana Elementary School in Key West proudly display the commemorative oar given to them by the Coast Guard Cutter Knight Island Port crew Nov. 13, 2009. Deputy Director of the Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate, Capt. Ekundayo Faux, presented the Commandant’s Partnership in Education, Best Unit Partnership Program Award to the Knight Island port crew last Thursday for their relentless dedication to mentor and offer academic preparation and assistance at Poinciana Elementary despite a rigorous operational patrol schedule.

Student Awareness Day, a symposium for up to 500 high school students annually, teaches the dangers of racism, hatred, and bigotry through videos, lectures, and round-table discussions with survivors of the Holocaust. (larger photo)

The school board unanimously re-elected Andy Griffiths (left) as chairman during the organizational meeting on Tuesday, November 17th.

John Dick (right) was selected as vice chairman.

Kids’ Theatre, which is part of the Educational Coalition of Monroe County, just finished a successful run of Disney’s hit musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr.  This production was directed by Plantation Key teacher, Michele Zofchak. Enjoying the last performance were Superintendent, Dr. Burke and his wife, Judy; director, Michele Zofchak, and  School Board members Debra Walker and Duncan Mathewson.  The Beast and Belle were played by CSHS seniors, Javier Soltero and Luana Peixoto. (enlarged Photo)

Josh Clearman, lead teacher at the Key West High School Alternative Education Center, has announced that HWAT (Horizontal Wind Axis Turbine) has been installed, thanks to funding from Florida Green Alliance. The project required tremendous team effort between the School District, community support and Wind Energy Consulting.

Sugarloaf Middle School students who made the Honor Roll or had perfect attendance for the first marking period enjoyed an ice cream social on Tuesday afternoon. Students got to choose from among several varieties of ice cream treats and then spent time socializing with friends and listening to music.

Billy the Marlin and the Community Affairs Department recently visited Key Largo School.  Angela Smith, Alex Morin, and Juan Garciga read to all Kindergarten through 5th grade students.  They also spoke about their careers with the Marlins and how important a good education was to achieving their goal of working for a Major League Team. 

Take Stock In Children will enroll 60 additional Monroe County students this month, increasing the total now in its program to 282.

Take Stock is celebrating its 10th year anniversary in Monroe County schools and continues to offer qualifying students an opportunity to earn a  four year college scholarship as they participate in our unique mentoring program.  This once in a lifetime opportunity begins in seventh grade and continues through the college years.

Mrs. Jodi Martin, better known as Captain Martin when on Military leave for the Army Reserves,  has a real lesson to teach her first graders.  These young students have built a “Remembrance Wall” to honor those who have honorably served and are currently serving in the Armed Services.

Pictured is Captain Jodi Martin and Principal Strickland, with her First Grade Class.

Monroe County School District Offices and Schools are closed Wednesday, November 11th, in honor of Veteran's Day.

“Mysteries in the Middle” was a reading strategies workshop that recently took place tonight at Key Largo School. The program was set in a mystery format as parents and students were taught reading strategies to solve the mystery of the missing school mascot, an aardvark, The program was made possible by cast members: Tina Cash, Cinda Bonanno, Debbie Grove, Melanie Tabbert, Susan Bazin, Mark Leffler, Sandra Prew. Patti Holeman, Michele Hasselbach, Michelle Wieland, Jose Zepeda, Darren Pais, Elena Delgado, Lisa Giles , Ann Dunn, Andrea Fresco, Charmaine Noe, and Ginny Amaya. The entire event was complete success!!

The four-year partnership between the Community Blood Centers of South Florida (CBCSF) and the Take Stock In Children program (TSIC) of Monroe was enhanced with the presentation of a check in the amount of $13,540. to support the Take Stock In Children scholarship fund.

Miss Maggie’s and Miss Mauriah’s Headstart classrooms, with the help of Miss Madok’s Challenge classes, recently took an exciting look at Where The Wild Things Are, written by Maurice Sendak.

They began the week with a reader’s theatre presentation of the book, complete with hand created scenery. They concluded by creating elaborate masks and enjoying a Wild Things Rumpus and feast.

Cave art, communication tools, wooly mammoth tales and foods from long ago highlighted the recent “Gathering of the Clans” celebration at Plantation Key School on October 29th, 2009. 

Key Largo School recently participated in the 6th Annual "Wear Your Cap to School Day."  Students donated at least $1 for the opportunity to wear their cap to school.  All of the money raised was donated to Caps for Kids.  Caps for Kids is a non-profit organization that provides autographed baseball caps to children who are undergoing treatment for cancer.  Key Largo School children raised over $500 to help other children in need. (Click for Larger Photo)

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys President, Bruce Ferraro,  along with Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Burke, and Marathon High School Principal, Harry Russell, recently signed a contract for the 2nd partnership on a HABITECH Project. This joint venture was an incredible success last year, as students, teachers and the community worked with Habitat to construct the home at MHS and assist in transporting the home to its final destination. 

Kids’ Theatre, in collaboration with Monroe County School District and the Educational Coalition for Monroe County, will continue to present the production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast,

Big Pine Academy kicked off Red Ribbon Week with guest speakers Lieutenant Gene Thompson and Deputy SRO Sonya Morgan, from the Monroe County Sherif'f''s Department. The students learned about drug prevention and the importance of Halloween Safety.  (larger photo)

Red Ribbon Week banners, pencils, balloons, ribbons, and stickers are being provided courtesy of the Monroe County Health Department’s wellness program. MYCP (Monroe Youth Challenge Program) also donated gel bracelets and ribbons to the schools.  Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, will be celebrated in Monroe County schools October 19-23 and October 26-30.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) has announced that the ProStart Culinary program at Key West High School has been awarded a $750 grant. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Dion Oil Company in Monroe County, several schools have been awarded a $750.00 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grant. The Alliance Program is designed to provide Exxon retailers, such as Dion’s Quik Marts, with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through educational grants to neighborhood schools.

Daniel, Zergio, Albert, Julien, and William assist Bruce Fowler and Dawn Alvarez as they ship off the first 1,500 CAPRI SUN Juice pouches collected from the community. This pre-vocational skills project will help reduce landfills and assist in the “upcycle” of new products. The school will receive $.02 for each pouch turned in. (click on photo to enlarge)

International Day of Peace was recognized as youth from Monroe County high schools engaged in a global call to action from Nobel Peace Laureates and PeaceJam. Almost 300 students, recognized as leaders at their schools, gathered at Marathon High School for a day of service and learning, thanks to Monroe Youth Challenge Program.

Three Title I schools recently received Interactive White Board systems to enhance instruction and engage students in unique ways. Gerald Adams, Glynn Archer, and Stanley Switlik, the three Title I schools with the highest percent of low income students and the oldest buildings, were chosen to receive these enhanced technology-based tools to increase learning opportunities for students and to update the available technology. (photo gallery)

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness common to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, was recently detected in Old Town Key West. The Monroe County Health Department encourages residents of Old Town Key West, in particular, to step up mosquito control efforts to help contain dengue.
 

The Key Largo School Faculty, along with Middle School Students, recently presented “Families Building Better Readers”.  A construction theme was used to present a fun filled workshop to thirty-five families.  The families received a toolkit that teaches parents how to guide their children’s reading practice at home.  The children also enjoyed a parallel workshop filled with educational activities. (Click to Enlarge Picture)

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Burke, was welcomed to the Upper Keys community recently with a sponsored “Meet and Greet” hosted by the Centennial Bank. Dr. Burke is pictured with Key Largo School teachers Mrs. Wendi Sullivan and Ms. Laura Lietaert.  Centennial Bank will be sponsoring “Meet and Greets” throughout the Keys over the next few weeks.

(Click to Enlarge Picture)

Key West High introduced the Construction Technologies Program recently at a recognition breakfast. This program is funded through State Farm / Habitat for Humanity – Lower Keys, and Florida Learn and Serve. A check was presented from State Farm Representative Jose Soto. Also in attendance was Superintendent Dr. Burke and Mayor Morgan McPherson. (original photo)

Bob Eadie, Monroe County Health Department administrator, received a seasonal flu shot from Talley Anne Reeb, School Nurse Supervisor,  during a clinic held on September 12th in the Key West High School cafeteria. Monroe County Health Department staff administered more than 500 shots to the general public during the four-hour clinic.  This clinic was held in preparation for the H1N1 vaccination clinics scheduled to begin mid-October at all county schools. Please take precautions to reduce the spread of the flu virus. Staff and parents are encouraged to read updated district information.

Employees of the Monroe County School District's Administration Building marked the observance of Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17th. Dr. Joseph Burke, Superintendent, led the employees in a recitation of the preamble to the Constitution at 9:00 A.M. This is the 222nd anniversary of the signing of document.

20 adults from across the county are needed to support the PeaceJam Curriculum event at MHS on Monday, September 21st. Plan for a day of fun facilitating the students' experience of discovering "What is peace?" "What is the global call to action?" "Can I make a difference?" Student Facilitators will host the small groups and volunteers are needed to help make sure everyone is safe and included in the activities.The event is sponsored by the Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP).

The Dairy Council of Florida, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education (Promotion) , Office of Food and Nutrition Management is committed to helping kids stay healthy by educating them about the importance of eating breakfast and being physically active. “Ready, Set, Go…Eat a School Breakfast!” is the theme of Florida's third annual School Breakfast Week occurring September 14-18, 2009. (Breakfast Menu, in celebration of the week)

Pictured: School Board Chairman Andy Griffiths, School Board members John Dick and Steve Pribramsky, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, School Board members Dr. Duncan Mathewson and Dr. Debra Walker, and Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Burke. (photo credit: Scott Cavanah)

Governor Crist had an opportunity to visit the Monroe County School District Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, at Marathon High School. The Governor then met privately with Dr. Burke. Governor Crist had earlier taken part in a local turtle release. click for original photo

On Tuesday, September 8th, President Obama delivered a national address to students across the country to talk to them about the importance of education. He spoke to a group of students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA.

The broadcast began at noon on C-Span (Comcast Channel 14) and the district's channel (Comcast Channel 78). The speech text is available on WhiteHouse.gov and the address can be accessed at C-Span.org.

Please take precautions to reduce the spread of the flu virus. Staff and parents are encouraged to read the linked information. We are working closely with the Monroe County Health Department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning schools and our students.

College Colors Day is an annual celebration promoting the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great and  strives to advocate higher education through increased public awareness. Pictured is Assistant Principal Darren Pais with Gator Fan.

(College Day 2009 Video
in Windows Media Player Format)

It's that time of year again -- the time when all schools hold their first open house or back-to-school night. These events give parents and teachers an opportunity to establish a personal connection and parents can learn more about important communication tools for continued updates throughout the school year. Teachers will be sharing important information about school procedures and the curriculum. The public is also invited to visit facilities and classrooms.
(Link to Open House Schedule)

Registration is now open for the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. The Challenge Elementary school students participate in physical activity by focusing on activities that can be completed during or after the school day. Participating schools have the opportunity to win sports/fitness equipment or a visit from a Florida professional, college, or Olympic athlete. Schools will also have the opportunity to receive the designation of being a Governor’s Fitness Champion School, and participating students from winning schools will receive a Governor’s Fitness Challenge T-shirt, certificate and sticker signifying their participation.

Stanley Switlik Elementary has hosted the first Parent to Kid Night for this school year.. This event was started to encourage family involvement in reading.

The event has been so popular, that It has turned into a monthly activity for families to explore the resources in the media center. The next Parent to Kid Night will be in October and will be advertised on the school's website.

Plantation Key School received a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of children’s clothes, fishing equipment, and toys for all ages. These items will be used to support a new state‐wide program called Positive Behavior Support, also known as PBS. This program rewards and reinforces positives rather than focusing on the negatives.

Ed Smith, Video Productions Teacher at Key West High School, has announced that several of his students have had winning entries, including Best of Festival, at the 2009 International Student Media Festival.  The 5 winning videos will be featured at the American Education Technology Conference in October. 

Plantation Key School students and staff are thankful for all the school supplies that have been donated to ensure that students are ready to start the new school year. Prior to the opening of school, Mariner’s Hospital and Publix held a big school supply drive among others such as The First Baptist Church at MM 100 to partner with the Upper Keys Schools to help families during these tough economic times.

Treasure Village Montessori has received national accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. This organization accredits public and private schools throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

Students, parents and staff were entered a brand new entry way at Stanley Switlik on the first day of school. John, Bill and Dave Keller, owners of Paver Dave, took on the project the week before school began.  Their donation of time, labor and materials has transformed the main entrance to Stanley Switlik School.  Switlik faculty and friends donated the beautiful mosaic brick dolphin, also installed by the Paver Dave crew. Just to finish off the complete make-over Gonzales landscaping donated and installed a green island ficus hedge and sod.

Pictured: (front row) Brett Unke, Assistant Principal, John Keller Paver Dave, Barbara Wright, Principal (back row) Paver Dave Crew.
(Original Photo)

Dr. and Mrs. Burke visited with students at the Keys Center, the district's dropout prevention program, located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College,
 
The Keys Center has 4 locations throughout the Florida Keys serving at-risk youth: the main center located on the campus of FKCC and three Outreach Centers on the campuses of HOB (serving boys), and Marathon and Coral Shores high schools serving both boys and girls. For more information on the Keys Center Academy programs contact the main office in Key West at 293-1400 x 51373.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)  federal legislation requires that school districts provide parents with an annual school status report prior to the beginning of each school year. Acting Superintendent of Monroe County Schools, Mike Henriquez, has announced that School Public Accountability Reports (SPAR) have been published for the 2008-2009 School Year.

Each year schools in Monroe County continue the school improvement process by developing a strategic School Improvement Plan, addressing Florida’s System of School Improvement and Accountability goals, with special emphasis on Goal Area 3, which addresses student performance. A letter from Acting Superintendent Henriquez, along with District-Wide and School-Level Reports, can be found at: www.keysschools.com/SPAR/

Mr. Puto was recognized at the August 11th Meeting for his  38 consecutive years of service and support with Project Graduation at MHS Project Graduation provides for a safe environment for the graduates keeping them entertained and protected in a substance-free lock-in, which means that once students arrive they are required to stay all night. It is a proven fact that prom night and graduation night are the most deadly for teens. Mike was a founding member of Project Graduation and has since been the driving force getting community volunteers and generous support for this program. 

Mike Henriquez, Acting Superintendent of Schools, has announced that school grades have been posted by the Department of Education. Monroe County School District is an A District for the fourth year in a row. School Grades announced: 10 A's, 2 B's and 1 C.