It is important to keep up with how your student is doing in school. One of the best ways to do this is to log in to FOCUS on a regular basis to keep an eye on their progress as they move through the school year. If you don't have a FOCUS account yet, it is easy to sign up. To learn how, visit our FOCUS log in page to sign up or take a look at these easy to follow instructions in English, Spanish and Creole!
The Monroe County School Board will conduct its Organizational Meeting on Tuesday,
November 17, 2026, at 5:00 P.M., and will then reconvene for its Regular Business Meeting at
5:15 P.M. Both meetings will be held at Marathon Middle/High School, located at 350 Sombrero
Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050. A Public Hearing will be held for Policies and a Job
Description listed on the agenda.
Citizens who wish to address the Board on any agenda item prior to action must register to
speak during the Citizen Input segment of the meeting. To register, please call (305) 293-1400
ext. 53392 by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting. Upon arrival, speakers are required to
complete the Speaker's Form.
Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) should
call (305) 293-1400 ext. 53392 with their request at least five (5) business days prior to the
meeting and complete a speaker's card specifying the required accommodation.
The meeting will be broadcasted live at: https://monroek12.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1
If a person decides to appeal against any decision made by the Board with respect to any
matter considered at the meeting, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceedings is made.
Edward Tierney, Superintendent
November 10, 2026
November 17, 2026, at 5:00 P.M., and will then reconvene for its Regular Business Meeting at
5:15 P.M. Both meetings will be held at Marathon Middle/High School, located at 350 Sombrero
Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050. A Public Hearing will be held for Policies and a Job
Description listed on the agenda.
Citizens who wish to address the Board on any agenda item prior to action must register to
speak during the Citizen Input segment of the meeting. To register, please call (305) 293-1400
ext. 53392 by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting. Upon arrival, speakers are required to
complete the Speaker's Form.
Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) should
call (305) 293-1400 ext. 53392 with their request at least five (5) business days prior to the
meeting and complete a speaker's card specifying the required accommodation.
The meeting will be broadcasted live at: https://monroek12.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1
If a person decides to appeal against any decision made by the Board with respect to any
matter considered at the meeting, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceedings is made.
Edward Tierney, Superintendent
November 10, 2026
🎨📝 Calling All Student Artists and Writers!
November is Native American Heritage Month, and Monroe County School District encourages students to participate in Florida's 2026 Native American Heritage Month contests!
This year's theme, “Celebrating Florida's Native American Heritage,” invites students to explore and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans throughout Florida.
🌟 Opportunities to Participate:
🎨 Grades K–3: Student Art Contest
✍️ Grades 4–12: Student Essay Contest
🏆 Excellence in Education Award: Nominate an outstanding educator!
📅 Submission Deadline: November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
We encourage our talented MCSD students to showcase their creativity, share what they've learned, and celebrate Florida's Native American heritage!
🔗 Click here for contest details, guidelines, and submission information.
🌟 National Principals Month Spotlight: Tara Whitehead 🌟
Today, we proudly recognize Tara Whitehead, Principal of Horace O’Bryant School, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student success! 💙💛
With a leadership style rooted in involvement, positivity, and progress, Principal Whitehead leads with compassion, innovation, and a solution-focused mindset. Her commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment inspires students and staff to reach their full potential.
Through her dedication and forward-thinking approach, she continues to make a lasting impact not only at Horace O’Bryant School but across our district.
👏 Thank you, Principal Whitehead, for always putting students at the heart of every decision and for your unwavering commitment to excellence!
Today, we proudly recognize Tara Whitehead, Principal of Horace O’Bryant School, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student success! 💙💛
With a leadership style rooted in involvement, positivity, and progress, Principal Whitehead leads with compassion, innovation, and a solution-focused mindset. Her commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment inspires students and staff to reach their full potential.
Through her dedication and forward-thinking approach, she continues to make a lasting impact not only at Horace O’Bryant School but across our district.
👏 Thank you, Principal Whitehead, for always putting students at the heart of every decision and for your unwavering commitment to excellence!
💙 National Principals Month Spotlight: Christine Paul! 💙
Today, we're celebrating Christine Paul, Principal of Marathon Middle/High School!
A proud MHS graduate, Principal Paul has come full circle, returning to lead the very school that helped shape who she is today! With nearly 30 years in education, she is passionate about helping students grow, overcome challenges, and discover their full potential.
For Principal Paul, what makes MHS truly special is its strong sense of family, community, and Dolphin Pride! 💙
Her message to every student is a powerful reminder: "You matter, you belong, and you are capable of achieving more than you ever imagined."
👏 Join us in thanking Principal Paul for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students every day!
Once a Dolphin, always a Dolphin!
Today, we're celebrating Christine Paul, Principal of Marathon Middle/High School!
A proud MHS graduate, Principal Paul has come full circle, returning to lead the very school that helped shape who she is today! With nearly 30 years in education, she is passionate about helping students grow, overcome challenges, and discover their full potential.
For Principal Paul, what makes MHS truly special is its strong sense of family, community, and Dolphin Pride! 💙
Her message to every student is a powerful reminder: "You matter, you belong, and you are capable of achieving more than you ever imagined."
👏 Join us in thanking Principal Paul for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students every day!
Once a Dolphin, always a Dolphin!
🌟 National Principals Month Spotlight: Laura Lietaert – Coral Shores High School! 🌟
💙💛 This National Principals Month, Monroe County School District proudly celebrates Principal Laura Lietaert for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and commitment to student success!
From greeting students each morning at parent drop-off to cheering them on at academic and athletic events, Principal Lietaert leads with heart and makes every student feel valued and supported. 💙
Her strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners extend far beyond the classroom. Through her active involvement in local organizations and tireless advocacy, she continues to bring valuable resources and opportunities to Coral Shores High School.
👏 Thank you, Principal Lietaert, for always going above and beyond for your students, staff, and the entire Coral Shores community! Your passion, dedication, and Hurricane Pride make a lasting difference every day! 🌪️
💙💛 This National Principals Month, Monroe County School District proudly celebrates Principal Laura Lietaert for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and commitment to student success!
From greeting students each morning at parent drop-off to cheering them on at academic and athletic events, Principal Lietaert leads with heart and makes every student feel valued and supported. 💙
Her strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners extend far beyond the classroom. Through her active involvement in local organizations and tireless advocacy, she continues to bring valuable resources and opportunities to Coral Shores High School.
👏 Thank you, Principal Lietaert, for always going above and beyond for your students, staff, and the entire Coral Shores community! Your passion, dedication, and Hurricane Pride make a lasting difference every day! 🌪️
🌟 National Principals Month Spotlight: Trevor Tyler! 🌟
Today, we're proud to recognize Trevor Tyler, Principal of Sugarloaf School! 💙
With a passion for helping others reach their full potential, Principal Tyler leads with a strong commitment to building a school community where students, staff, and families feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
🏫 As Principal Tyler shares, Sugarloaf is "a small school with a big heart," where everyone works together to make a lasting difference.
His message to students is a powerful reminder: You matter, your voice matters, and you are capable of more than you may realize!
👏 Thank you, Principal Tyler, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping every student grow, lead, and thrive!
Today, we're proud to recognize Trevor Tyler, Principal of Sugarloaf School! 💙
With a passion for helping others reach their full potential, Principal Tyler leads with a strong commitment to building a school community where students, staff, and families feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
🏫 As Principal Tyler shares, Sugarloaf is "a small school with a big heart," where everyone works together to make a lasting difference.
His message to students is a powerful reminder: You matter, your voice matters, and you are capable of more than you may realize!
👏 Thank you, Principal Tyler, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping every student grow, lead, and thrive!
🌟 National Principals Month Spotlight: Melissa Alsobrooks! 🌟
Today, we're celebrating Melissa Alsobrooks, Principal of Gerald Adams Elementary School! 💙🏫
Principal Alsobrooks believes that the heart of Gerald Adams is its people. From dedicated teachers and staff to hardworking students, she takes pride in the strong sense of family and community that makes her school special.
Her greatest joy comes from seeing students and teachers grow, overcome challenges, and celebrate their successes.
💬 Her message to students: “I believe in you, even on the days when you may not believe in yourself. You are capable of great things!”
Thank you, Principal Alsobrooks, for your dedication, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student succeed!
Today, we're celebrating Melissa Alsobrooks, Principal of Gerald Adams Elementary School! 💙🏫
Principal Alsobrooks believes that the heart of Gerald Adams is its people. From dedicated teachers and staff to hardworking students, she takes pride in the strong sense of family and community that makes her school special.
Her greatest joy comes from seeing students and teachers grow, overcome challenges, and celebrate their successes.
💬 Her message to students: “I believe in you, even on the days when you may not believe in yourself. You are capable of great things!”
Thank you, Principal Alsobrooks, for your dedication, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student succeed!
Grades 6–12 English Language Arts Adoption Finalists
The Monroe County School District's Grades 6–12 English Language Arts Instructional Materials Adoption Committee is pleased to announce a key milestone in this year’s selection process. After reviewing teacher-ranking results, state standards-alignment information, AVID-alignment evidence, and preliminary cost and value information, the committee reached consensus to advance two finalists for continued evaluation. The selection of these finalists completes the initial review phase and allows the committee to conduct a more focused, in-depth evaluation before developing a final recommendation.
Finalist Presentations
The two selected programs, Savvas myPerspectives and McGraw Hill StudySync, will be presented to the Instructional Materials Adoption Committee in person:
Date and Time: Monday, November 16, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Marathon Training Center, adjacent to the Marathon Library
The finalist presentations will provide an in-depth look at each program and allow committee members to evaluate the materials using the district rubric. Each finalist will receive equal presentation and question-and-answer time. Additional information regarding the presentation schedule and public review opportunities will be shared with stakeholders.
A Note of Thanks
The Monroe County School District extends its sincere gratitude to all publishers that participated in the process for Grades 6–12 English Language Arts instructional materials. We appreciate the time, effort, and commitment invested in providing materials for review. We also thank the teachers, committee members, parents, and community representatives who contributed feedback and participated in the selection process. Their involvement supports the district’s commitment to selecting high-quality instructional resources for students and educators.
For more information, please contact Dr, Sarah Adams at sarah.adams@keysschools.com.
Open enrollment is October 26–November 13, 2026. All MCSD employees must complete the enrollment process, even if making no changes. Don’t miss the deadline!
🌟💚🧡 National Principals Month Spotlight: Heidi Roberts! 🧡💚🌟
Today, we're celebrating Heidi Roberts, Principal of Poinciana Elementary School! 🐾
At the heart of Poinciana is a strong Pelican Family built on love, laughter, teamwork, and a shared commitment to student success. Principal Roberts believes every child is capable of incredible things and works alongside her dedicated staff and supportive families to create a school where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
💬 "Most of all, I hope every child knows they are surrounded by a Pelican Family that loves them, believes in them, and will always be there to encourage them every step of the way."
👏 Thank you, Principal Roberts, for your compassionate leadership, high expectations, and unwavering dedication to your students, staff, and families. Your Pelican Pride shines through in everything you do!
💚🧡 Happy National Principals Month!
Every student deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, and supported. 💙
At Monroe County School District, creating positive learning environments means focusing on both physical safety and emotional well-being. Because when students feel secure and supported, they're empowered to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.
At Monroe County School District, creating positive learning environments means focusing on both physical safety and emotional well-being. Because when students feel secure and supported, they're empowered to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.
🎉 National Principals Month | Principal Spotlight 🎉
❤️🐚 Today, we're celebrating Rebecca Palomino, Principal of Key West High School!
For Principal Palomino, Conch Pride is more than just school spirit—it's what brings students, staff, and the entire community together! As a proud KWHS alumna, she finds great joy in helping students discover their potential, celebrate their accomplishments, and prepare for bright futures.
Her message to every student is simple but powerful: You are important, you matter, and you are capable of achieving anything! 🌟
👏 Thank you, Principal Palomino, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of Conchs!
❤️🐚 Once a Conch, Always a Conch!
❤️🐚 Today, we're celebrating Rebecca Palomino, Principal of Key West High School!
For Principal Palomino, Conch Pride is more than just school spirit—it's what brings students, staff, and the entire community together! As a proud KWHS alumna, she finds great joy in helping students discover their potential, celebrate their accomplishments, and prepare for bright futures.
Her message to every student is simple but powerful: You are important, you matter, and you are capable of achieving anything! 🌟
👏 Thank you, Principal Palomino, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of Conchs!
❤️🐚 Once a Conch, Always a Conch!
🌟🐬 National Principals Month Spotlight: Melanie Martinez! 🐬🌟
Today, we're celebrating Stanley Switlik School Principal Melanie Martinez, whose passion for education and dedication to her school community help create a place where kindness, learning, and belonging thrive! 💙
Principal Martinez finds her greatest joy in watching students and staff grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Her message to every student is simple but powerful: "You matter. You are valued, capable, and loved."
👏 Thank you, Principal Martinez, for your leadership, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student dream big and reach their full potential!
Today, we're celebrating Stanley Switlik School Principal Melanie Martinez, whose passion for education and dedication to her school community help create a place where kindness, learning, and belonging thrive! 💙
Principal Martinez finds her greatest joy in watching students and staff grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Her message to every student is simple but powerful: "You matter. You are valued, capable, and loved."
👏 Thank you, Principal Martinez, for your leadership, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student dream big and reach their full potential!
This month, we’re recognizing Mrs. Maida Court as she begins her first year as Principal of Plantation Key School.
While the title may be new, Mrs. Court is certainly no stranger to PKS. After serving as our Assistant Principal for the past nine years, she stepped into the role of Principal this year with 19 years of experience in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University.
Outside of school, Mrs. Court loves spending time with her big family and cheering on her Florida State Seminoles!
As a longtime member of the Panther family, we’re happy to celebrate this next chapter and recognize her during National Principals Month.
Happy National Principals Month, Mrs. Court!
While the title may be new, Mrs. Court is certainly no stranger to PKS. After serving as our Assistant Principal for the past nine years, she stepped into the role of Principal this year with 19 years of experience in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University.
Outside of school, Mrs. Court loves spending time with her big family and cheering on her Florida State Seminoles!
As a longtime member of the Panther family, we’re happy to celebrate this next chapter and recognize her during National Principals Month.
Happy National Principals Month, Mrs. Court!
October is National Principals Month, and we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate our amazing principal, Mr. Tyler! 🦈💙
Thank you, Mr. Tyler, for all you do for our students, staff, and the entire SLS family. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment make a difference every single day!
We appreciate you more than you know! 💙🦈
Thank you, Mr. Tyler, for all you do for our students, staff, and the entire SLS family. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment make a difference every single day!
We appreciate you more than you know! 💙🦈
LEARN IT. DO IT. CERTIFY IT.
Career & Technical Education gives students the opportunity to turn classroom learning into real-world skills.
Through CTE pathways, Monroe County students can explore careers, gain hands-on experience and work toward industry certifications—all before graduating from high school.
That's what it means to design a Future-Ready Graduate. 🚀
Career & Technical Education gives students the opportunity to turn classroom learning into real-world skills.
Through CTE pathways, Monroe County students can explore careers, gain hands-on experience and work toward industry certifications—all before graduating from high school.
That's what it means to design a Future-Ready Graduate. 🚀
Looking for ways to serve your community for the Student Service
Challenge?
Your volunteer hours could include:
Building hurricane preparedness kits
Supporting local food pantries
Participating in environmental cleanups
Assisting with senior or family community events
Helping with school-based projects
Every act of service makes a difference.
Ready to get involved? See your school counselor for more details about the Student Service Challenge and how to participate.
Challenge?
Your volunteer hours could include:
Building hurricane preparedness kits
Supporting local food pantries
Participating in environmental cleanups
Assisting with senior or family community events
Helping with school-based projects
Every act of service makes a difference.
Ready to get involved? See your school counselor for more details about the Student Service Challenge and how to participate.
THE LAUNCHPAD: Designing Tomorrow’s Graduate
College-ready. Career-certified. Future-focused.
In Monroe County Schools, students have opportunities to accelerate their futures through Career & Technical Education (CTE), AP, AICE, and Dual Enrollment.
These aren't just classes—they're pathways that allow students to discover their interests, challenge themselves academically, earn valuable credentials and begin preparing for life beyond graduation.
The future doesn't start after high school. It starts here.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! ✨🌎🌸
From September 15 through October 15, Monroe County School District proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
Throughout our schools, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our classrooms and strengthen our community. 💙📚
Join us as we recognize the achievements, stories, and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latino Americans—past, present, and future!
¡Celebremos juntos! | Let’s celebrate together!