Published On: December 20, 2016

This Thursday, Dec. 22nd we will have a special flag raising ceremony in which students from every program level will share a short holiday music performance – please come and join us!  Ms Rachel has been working with our students for this performance, but you can help, too! Together with your child, visit our Student Portal page for links to help your child practice their program level songs: http://maysandsmontessori.com/resources/student-portal/.

Winter Break from School

May Sands school will close for winter break beginning after early dismissal on Thursday (12/22), and we will welcome students back to school on Tuesday, 10 January.  Child care will not be available Thursday 12/22, or Monday 1/09. Extended Day Care will resume Tuesday, January 10th.

May all families have a safe and relaxing holiday season, and from everyone at the May Sands School: thank you for your continued commitment to our program!

School Start Time Survey

If you haven’t yet done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Monroe County School District’s survey. The deadline for completion is this Thursday.

Parent survey: http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/School-Start-Times-Survey

Student survey (Gr 6-12): http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/MCSD-Start-Times-Student-Survey

Extended Day Program

There have been some fun changes to Aftercare Club! For example, we begin our time with a simple craft. We’ve made popsicle stick rafts, tie-dye flowers, paper poinsettias and more! We are looking for some recycled items for next semester’s activities. If you are able, please collect the following over the holiday break and bring to Ms. Rachel.

  • Shoe boxes and tops
  • Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
  • Altoids boxes (large)
  • Any arts and crafts supplies you no longer need

Every day, we have a different activity to participate in:

  • Monday/Wednesday: Chorus & Music Games
  • Tuesday: Capoeria or BlueGreen/Gardening Club (Alternating days)
  • Thursday: Zumba! with Ms. Zurima
  • Friday: Fun Friday Group Games

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Rachel: [email protected]

Soldier Ride 2017 – Wounded Warrior Project

This year there are 30 wounded warriors participating in the group bicycle event that will take place on 7 January, 2017, and our school has been asked to help cheer for them as they bike along the parade route. While we will still be on holiday from school, this is a family-friendly, limited time commitment event worth supporting.  We are asking families to choose a spot along the red-lined path (below) to cheer for the soldiers between 10:30 and 12:00 on Saturday, 7 January.  We have small American flags in the office for anyone wishing to participate in this event.  All you have to do once you’re in place is post a photo from your location to our Facebook page, or send the photo to me at: [email protected].

Parent Board Member Seats: January Elections

We will have four open parent member seats coming available on our Charter Board, and elections for those seats will take place next month at our All-School meeting (18 January @ 6:00).  Members will have four months of service before becoming full-voting members in May, so there is plenty of time to become familiar with the processes and platforms.  Interested parents need to submit a completed application to our school office by 10 January. This is a link to the application: Parent Board Member Application

Great Gala – Bal Masque

Get ready to eat, drink, be merry and kick off the new year in style at our Great Gala! This year’s theme is a traditional Venetian masquerade ball – Bal Masque, and the event will take place from 6:00 – 11:00 at the Key West Theater (Eaton Street) on Friday, 20 January, 2017.  Tickets are $50/person which includes a welcome drink and plenty of delicious food from Chef Layla Barr! Cash bar…Casino tables…Raffle…Silent & Live auction, (generous donation from local business goods AND art from our very own May Sands students). The committee is still seeking sponsorship as well as donations for silent/live auction items.  Fundraising has never been more fun! https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTMwNTA.

*Today the committee will distribute raffle tickets for each student to sell over the winter break. Each student is responsible for selling ten (10) tickets, for a suggested donation of $10/ticket. Students who opt to sell more than their share will be given an extra service hour credit per ten (10) sold.

2016 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year

There is still time to submit your nomination for our beloved crossing guard, Mrs. Martha Fitch, who is affiliated with  the City of Key West Parking division.  She deserves recognition at the state level for her dedication and commitment to the position! Applications are due December 31, 2016 Three (3) outstanding guards will be chosen from across the state from three (3) different agencies.  To nominate, please follow this link:  https://www2.dot.state.fl.us/CrossingGuard/goty.aspx.  Winners will be honored on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, the first Friday in February, February 3, 2017.

Contract of Commitment

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed their family’s progress toward fulfilling their commitment as a member of our charter school family.  In addition to attending at least two parent conferences and All-School meetings, families are responsible for completing at least 25 hours of service, annually, to support the school.  All families are required to fulfill their commitment by 28 April.

Supply funds

This year we made school supply purchases for consumable materials appropriate for each student’s program level. If you have not yet paid for your student’s fees, please take a moment to do so with Ms. Pam in our office.  Payment for school supplies can also be made by placing an envelope marked with your student’s name and the amount included in the gray lockbox in our front office. Checks should be made payable to May Sands Montessori School.

  • Primary (Kindergarten) – $20/student
  • Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) – $35/student
  • Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) – $45/student
  • Early Secondary (grades 7 & 8) – $55/student