MONROE COUNTY PARKS & BEACHES INVITES STUDENTS TO SHOWCASE CREATIVITY IN “OUR PARKS—OUR FUTURE” ART CONTEST
MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Parks & Beaches is calling on young artists across the Florida Keys to dive into their creativity and take part in the “Our Parks—Our Future” Art Contest in celebration of July Parks & Beaches Recreation Month. This year’s theme, “Under the Sea & Beyond the Shore,” highlights the importance of protecting and appreciating the county’s unique environment.
Open to all Monroe County students in grades Kindergarten–12th grade, the contest encourages students to create original artwork or design a mascot inspired by marine life, coastal habitats, and the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
Winning entries will receive community recognition, with first-place artwork displayed at select Monroe County parks and the winning mascot featured on Monroe County Parks & Beaches social media platforms.
The entry deadline is May 22, 2026.
Students, parents, and guardians can request an application and review full contest rules by contacting ParksandBeachesFun@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or calling 305-453-8726. The application and rules are also available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/artcontest.
Notice of Public Meeting: School Board
The Monroe County School Board will convene its Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 05, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. A Public Hearing for a Policies are included on the agenda. The meeting will be held at Marathon Middle/High, located at 350 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050.
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 broadcast live at: https://monroe-k12.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
April 28, 2026
Quarter 4 Progress Reports are now available in the Focus Portal.
Click here to access the Focus Portal
Families and Florida Keys community, help us celebrate our SUNsational team during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week May 4 to 8, 2026.
We are so grateful for the incredible educators and staff who make a difference every day. If you would like to show your appreciation, donations of any kind are welcome! These can include anything from raffle items to sponsoring a meal.
If you ’d like to contribute or have questions, please contact: Catherine Lozano - catherine.lozano@keysschools.com (305)853-3222 ext. 56303 Thank you for helping us shine a light on our amazing Coral Shores team! To send a donation directly please use this link CSHS Staff Appreciation | Monroe County SD
America turns 250 and Florida students can help tell the story! K-12 students are invited to submit original art or essays celebrating Florida’s contributions to our nation’s history.
For contest rules and submission guidelines, visit: america250floridacontest.com
Progress Reports are now available in the Focus Portal.
Click here to access the Focus Portal
Click here for more information about how to use / register for Focus, where all student grade and progress information is available.
Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Invite Students and Educators to Participate in the 2026 Black History Month Contests. Six winners will be awarded a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by Florida Prepaid College Plans. All K-12 #FloridaStudents are encouraged to participate.
Read the full announcement by clicking this link.
Progress Reports are now available in the Focus Portal.
Click here to access the Focus Portal
Click here for more information about how to use / register for Focus, where all student grade and progress information is available.
Click here to see how to access student's grades and progress reports on Focus
Progress Reports are now available in the Focus Portal.
Click here to access the Focus Portal
Click here for more information about how to use / register for Focus, where all student grade and progress information is available.
Click here to see how to access student's grades and progress reports on Focus
Let’s go, Canes! Check out the Winter Sports Schedules, and get ready to share your Cane Pride all season long! Schedules can be found on our Athletics webpage here:
In an open letter to Florida Parents, the Florida Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas announced increased scores for students as shown in progress monitoring for this school year. In the letter, he says in part:
"When I became Commissioner of Education in July 2025, I set two priorities for Florida’s schools: student safety and academic achievement. I am pleased to share that progress monitoring results for the 2025-2026 school year continue to show students succeeding thanks to Florida’s first-in-the-nation progress monitoring assessments."
The entire letter can be seen by clicking the image, or by clicking this link.
He also shared resources parents can use to help their students succeed:
"In addition, the Florida Department of Education is proud to provide parent resources for student success in Mathematics and English Language Arts to help families support learning at home. Each guide outlines key concepts and skills taught by grade level, defines important terms, and offers practical activities and questions to encourage learning beyond the classroom – all aligned to the B.E.S.T. Standards. "
Celebrating our Food Services Workers and Transportation Department
During National School Lunch Week and National Bus Safety Week, we proudly celebrate the dedicated professionals who nourish and transport our students with care and positivity. From the smiling faces in our cafeterias to the steady hands behind the wheel, these everyday heroes create safe, welcoming environments that help our students thrive. Their commitment strengthens our schools and reflects the heart of what makes our district great.
