ECMC & Marathon's Champions for Change Announce:
COMMUNITY TOWN HALL PARENT PREVENTION EVENTS
Law Day Poster and Essay Contest
Each year on May 1, the United States observes Law Day to celebrate our legal system and the fundamental freedoms we enjoy as Americans. In recognition of this occasion, the 16th Judicial Circuit and the Monroe County Bar Association invite students from Monroe County, Florida—including those in public, private, and home schools—to participate in this year’s Law Day Contest.
We encourage you to share the attached contest information with your educators and students. It is important for our community’s youth to understand our legal system and reflect on how the rule of law ensures that all Americans can pursue their dreams. This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” highlights the principle that no person is above the law and that equal justice protects the freedoms we cherish.
Click the links below to find the rules and registration forms for the two Law Day contests:
• A classroom poster/banner contest for students in kindergarten through 5th grade
• An essay contest for students in grades 6 through 12
The guidelines and forms will also be available at Law Day 2026 – Court Administration 16th Circuit of Florida. Banner paper will be provided upon request, or students may use their own paper as long as it meets the requirements. Posters/banners must be no larger than 4 feet long by 2 feet wide and no smaller than 2 feet by 3 feet (poster board size), and they must hang vertically.
The entry deadline for all contests is Friday, April 3, 2026. Winners will be announced on April 17, 2026, and will receive their prizes shortly thereafter, courtesy of the Monroe County Bar Association.
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
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.
See flyer for details!
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. "
TRAP
Check out their hard work in Marathon's Center for Performing Arts November 6th - 8th at 7 p.m. and November 9th at 2 p.m.
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.
Do you need some help in math? Mu Alpha Theta has got you covered! Click HERE for details on how you can get the help you need during school for free!
Do you have gently used household items you'd like to get rid of? Please consider donating items for the PBIS Holiday Bazaar! The proceeds benefit student incentives, rewards and fun programs.
Nominate a Marathon Middle High School teacher for Teacher of the Year or Inclusion Teacher of the Year. Click HERE for the form.
