Join the Sugarloaf School PTO for their FINS UP 5K Run/Walk and 1 M Kids Fun Run!
When: Sat March 28, 2026
Where: Upper Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042 US Directions
Visit this website for more information and to sign up for the Run/Walk!


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

The event will begin at 3:45 PM and conclude at 4:45 PM.
Our 4th Grade students will proudly showcase their engaging Florida History Projects, sharing what they have learned about our state’s rich past. Our 5th Grade students will present their highly anticipated Wax Museum, bringing historical figures to life through research, writing, and performance. We are so excited for you to see the results of their dedication and effort!

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.

Career & Truck Day at Stanley Switlik Elementary!
We’re excited to celebrate the 50th Annual Career & Truck Day on Friday, March 6, 2026! This special day gives our students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers and learn firsthand from professionals right here in our community.
Interested in participating or volunteering? Please contact our Office Manager, Zoraida Roux, at 305-289-2490 ext. 59303.
Thank you for continuing to support Stanley Switlik Elementary and helping us make this milestone event memorable for our students!

From January 26–30, we will come together to celebrate 250 Chapters of Literacy, a week dedicated to fostering a love of reading and highlighting the importance of literacy for all students. Throughout the week, students and staff will participate in meaningful, fun, and engaging activities designed to inspire reading, build connections, and celebrate our shared literacy journey.
Please take a moment to review the daily themes and activities planned for each day and join us as we turn the pages together during this exciting celebration of literacy!

Parents:
Report cards are posted on focus! Please log on to see your students progress.
Please update your contact information on focus & ensure all phone numbers listed are accurate.
The following link will direct you to our school website where you can access FOCUS and find other useful information!
Parents:
Report cards are posted on focus! Please log on to see your students progress.
Please update your contact information on focus & ensure all phone numbers listed are accurate.
The following link will direct you to our school website where you can access FOCUS and find other useful information!
https://www.keysschools.com/o/sses

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break. As we settle back into our routine, we are now entering the F.A.S.T. Progress Monitoring Period. This important window helps us track student growth, celebrate progress, and identify areas where extra support may be needed.
Please review the upcoming assessment dates for each grade level listed below so your child is prepared and ready to do their best. Thank you for your continued support.

Readers, it’s time to show off your super skills!
Every reader who completes the challenge will have a chance to be recognized by Superintendent Tierney for their amazing reading achievements!
-Read 8–12 books each quarter and turn in your reading log to Mrs. Geaneas by April 10, 2026.
-Reading logs are in the media center — grab one and start your adventure today!
Let’s make Switlik proud and read our way to the top!

Your contributions help provide classroom materials, class trips, recess equipment, special activities, and so much more that enriches every student’s day.
Deadline: December 10th
Prizes for students who participate!
From Switlik Frisbees, to signature T-shirts, to cozy sweatshirts. The more funds collected, the more prizes students can earn!
We are grateful for our school community and your continued support in helping our students thrive. Let’s make this year’s Jog-A-Thon the best one yet!
See the flyer below for full details!

The PTO is looking for helping hands to make our upcoming events a success! We are in need of volunteers to assist at the Holiday Workshop from 12/8–12/12 and during the morning of the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, 12/13.
Your support makes all the difference!
Please use the link below to sign up through Sign Up Genius, or simply scan the QR code on the flyer.
Sign Up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C054AAAAE2EAAFACF8...
Thank you for your time and dedication!

Dress Code Reminder!
As we move forward in the school year, we want to ensure that all students are set up for comfort, safety, and success each day. Please take a moment to review our school’s dress code expectations so that everyone can arrive ready to learn!
Tops
T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses, dress shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts are all welcome.
Please make sure tops are school-appropriate and provide proper coverage.
Bottoms
Students may wear shorts, pants, sweatpants, skirts, skorts, and gym shorts.
Shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length for active school activities.
Shoes
Sneakers are strongly recommended and required for PE and Science for safety reasons.
Closed-toe shoes are preferred.
Sandals and Crocs must have a secure back strap.
General Guidelines
Clothing should be free of inappropriate images or language.
Students should dress comfortably for movement and daily activities.
Hats, hoods, or accessories that block the face should be removed inside the building unless approved for a special event.
More Information
Please see the flyer for school guidelines and the Student Handbook.
Thank you for your support in helping our students come prepared, confident, and ready to learn every day!


Gingerbread Character Challenge!

Come celebrate our love for reading as we “fall” into a night of learning and fun! Our 2nd and 3rd grade students will proudly showcase a special reading activity they’ve been working on in class.
Enjoy an evening filled with creativity—plus cookies and juice will be served!

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. "


Red Ribbon Week is Next Week!
Get ready to celebrate Red Ribbon Week — October 27th–31st! This special week reminds us how important it is to make healthy, safe, and positive choices every day.

We need your sweet creations for our annual Cake Walk at the Halloween Carnival! Cupcakes, cookies, cakes — we’ll take them all!
Donations can be dropped off in the front office starting Friday, October 24th after school.
Thank you for helping make this spooky-sweet tradition a success!

