🌟 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!
Temporary Free & Reduced-Price Meal status from last school year expires September 23, 2026. If your child is currently receiving temporary benefits and you have not yet submitted a new application for the 2026–2027 school year, please complete an application as soon as possible to help avoid an interruption in meal benefits.
How to apply:
1️⃣ Visit our website: Click here.
2️⃣ Scroll down and click the “Free and Reduced Lunch Information” tab.
3️⃣ Find and click “Free and Reduced Meals – Apply here.”
4️⃣ Complete and submit your application for the 2026–2027 school year.
New Year, New Books!
Submit your New Worlds Reading application for the 2026-27 school year! Eligible families receive free books and activities throughout the school year starting in October. Learn more and apply at www.newworldsreading.com/en/enrollment
Let's Paint the District Purple & Turquoise! 💜🩵
Join Monroe County School District on September 10 for World Suicide Prevention Day. Gather your staff, team, or organization, wear purple and turquoise, and share a group photo showing your support for mental health and suicide prevention.
📸 Send photos to Daliana.Goins@KeysSchools.com
Don't forget - No School on Monday, September 7th!
MCSD Offers Adult Education classes. See the flyer for more information about how to sign up or visit the Adult Education section of our website.
PM1 Testing is here!
Students, show what you know and do your very best!
Parents and families can help set students up for success with a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and positive encouragement before school.
Check your school’s website and social media pages for testing calendars.
You’ve got this! We believe in you!
Students, show what you know and do your very best!
Parents and families can help set students up for success with a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and positive encouragement before school.
Check your school’s website and social media pages for testing calendars.
You’ve got this! We believe in you!
Click this link to read more about the Florida Department of Health Swimming Lesson Voucher program! Teaching your child to swim is an important way to keep your child safe.
