Published On: January 31, 2018

This is a reminder that free school meals will end after lunch tomorrow, January 31, 2018.

On February 1st, school breakfast and lunch will resume at the paid rate:

2017-18 Breakfast and Lunch Prices
Grades K-5  Breakfast $1.75, Lunch $2.50
Grades 6-12  Breakfast $1.75, Lunch $2.85
All Grades Reduced Breakfast $.30, Reduced Lunch $.40

*Families who continue to be affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Irma can be supported in these ways:

  • Families that requested Disaster Food Stamps are automatically qualified to receive free meals through the remainder of this school year.
  • Families may now qualify for free meals through the rest of the school year, if:
  • they are living with relatives or friends, they are considered homeless and need to fill the residency form and automatically qualify
  • their household income has changed in a negative way

All families should fill out an application online, and those who have had a change in status should reapply: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/welcome

Conferences

Our second round of conferences begins February 7th, so be sure to reserve your time, below. Keep in mind that we have early release (noon dismissals) on the following dates: February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.  Extended day child care is available beginning at noon, and families should make use of the lower-cost prepaid option by meeting with Ms. Pam, today!

Seahorse Class: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844a4aa23a5fa7-parent

Osprey Class: http://signup.com/go/qHSkDra

Mahi Class: http://signup.com/go/tWPvtrm

Sea Star Class: SIGN UP HERE! CLICK ME!

Reef Gecko Class: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054CA9AC2AA2F58-february

Blue Tang Class: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4aaaae2ea0fe3-spring

 

FOCUS

Last week I shared a link for parents of students in our Upper Elementary and Early Secondary programs regarding an electronic way to monitor their student’s academic progress. If you haven’t yet created your parent profile, please follow this link: https://monroe.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth/.  Once you have created your account, you will use this link for future direct access to your student’s academic profile: https://monroe.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/.

 

Spell-a-Thon/Shape-a-Thon

Our student-led fundraiser begins this Friday!  Each student will receive a list of spelling words (shapes for Kindergarten) selected by their Classroom Guide and a sponsorship sheet, this Friday. Students will have two weeks to study their words (shapes) and get pledges before Spell-A-Thon/Shape-a-Thon test day (2/2-2/16).  Ask friends, neighbors and relatives (in town and out of town) if they will please pledge money based on a per-word/shape basis, or a flat amount for the whole test. Students will take a test given by their Classroom Guide at the end of the two-week study period (2/16). Each word spelled/shaped named correctly earns money for our school! Once the test is corrected, you can collect your pledge money (2/16). Please return your envelope with your pledge money to your teacher by 2/20. Our Upper Elementary students are creating an online fundraising profile to share with potential sponsors – please check your email for details. Students in our Lower Elementary and Early Secondary programs can create an online profile as well by following this link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI0MTA=

 

Romance & Belly Dance 

Share the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/328983807587680/

This family-friendly event will take place at the Studios of Key West on Sunday, February 4th from 2:00pm-4: 00 pm.  Our own Ms. Bria will host the show, Ms. Zurima, her mom Judith, and a collection of dancers from across the nation will perform traditional and modern styles of belly dance inspired by the theme of love.  Parent and chef Layla Barr will feature a selection of hors-d’oeuvres, and the Studios’ cash bar will be open for refreshments. Purchase your seat today: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjkwODQ=.

 

Pre-order Dinner Fundraiser

Pick up your dinner after the Belly Dance and Romance on your way home…

Mangia Mangia will donate a portion of proceeds from pre-order sales on Sunday, Feb. 4; families can pre-order to have dinner ready for pick-up between 4:30-5:00* by emailing Mrs. Heather at [email protected] your order & phone number. (pay when you pick it up).  Be sure to mention May Sands Montessori when making your purchase. www.mangia-mangia.com.

*Dine in begins at 5:00.

 

Great Gala: Save the Date

Our school’s signature fundraiser, The Great Gala, takes place Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 6:00 pm-11:00pm at the Lost Kitchen Supper Club on Stock Island. Tickets will be available beginning Friday and will be discounted until February 15th :   $50.00 for Early Birds,  $75.00 after February 15th.  Your ticket price includes a welcome cocktail, dinner, entertainment, and 1 raffle entry.  The committee is currently working to offer child care and limited transportation to/from the event, to encourage participation by our families – stay tuned for more information as it develops.

A part of our Great Gala event includes a raffle of three prizes: a ‘Stay-cation’, a ‘Dine around Key West’, and a ‘Spa package’.  Each student will be responsible for selling a pack of ten raffle tickets – more information will be shared at Wednesday’s Fundraising meeting – 8:30 under the Chickee!  Can’t come to the meeting? If you have a business (or know someone who does) and would like to donate an item or service, for our silent auction items, please contact our Chairperson: Jenn Stefanacci: [email protected]

Save the Date for these Fundraising events…

  • 2/2-2/16: Spell-a-Thon
  • 2/4: Romance & Belly Dance @ TSKW 2-4
  • 3/3: Rewards Shopping @ Fresh Produce 10-9
  • 3/3: Great Gala @ Lost Kitchen Supper Club 6-11

(Childcare available!)

  • 3/14: Wine Bingo @ Vino’s 7-8:30
  • 3/18: Irish Kevin’s 5K 9:00

Community Events

What: Commissioner Romero Community Meeting

When: Tuesday, February 20

Where: Marriott Beachside Hotel

Time: 6:00 PM

Agenda: Will be sent out approximately 1 week prior to the event

If you want a particular topic included, please let me know. Margaret Romero [email protected]

As with previous meetings, this one is targeted to last 1 hour.

You are welcome to share this note with others – all in the city are welcome.

You are encouraged to participate with your questions and suggestions.  Your involvement will help make our City better.

I hope you will be able to attend.

 

Free, Family friendly program!  2018 Rockin’ Refuge Rangers @ National Key Deer Refuge

The National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR) is initiating a series of free, kid-friendly, nature-oriented programs on Saturday mornings on Big Pine Key.  Our Refuge Ranger events are open to all children in grades K-8 who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.  The programs will run from 9:45 am-12pm and will have an indoor and outdoor (field trip) component.  We’ll meet at the NKDR Visitor Center in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza on Big Pine Key.  Pre-registration is required for these programs to ensure we have enough supplies for all kids.  For details, or to pre-register, contact Kristie or Penny at [email protected].

Upcoming events include:

Feb 3 – Refuges 101. –  Resiliency of Nature- The refuge got hit hard by Hurricane Irma.  We’ll learn about how Key deer and other wildlife and habitats were affected.  Field trip- Long Beach

Feb 10. – Tracks, scat & signs – Find out how scientists investigate secretive wildlife.  Field trip- Big Pine Key to make Plaster of Paris footprints and check wildlife camera traps.

Feb 17. – Carnivores, Herbivores & Omnivores- Who eats what?  Explore your local ecosystem.  Field trip- freshwater wetlands area on upper Big Pine Key.

Feb 24. –  Tremendous Trees – Why are trees important?  What are some that provide wildlife habitat?  Field trip- Photo Contest-bring your camera or cell phones.

Mar 3. –  Endangered Species – We are home to many plant and animal species that are on the brink of extinction; who are they and how can you help? –  Field trip to endangered butterfly habitat.

Mar 10. –  Wonderful Wetlands – Learn the differences and test salinities of freshwater, brackish and saltwater wetlands.  Find out what creatures live in each habitat.

March 17- Outdoor Fest-Family Friendly Wildlife Fair @ New Nature Center (10 am-2pm)

National Key Deer Refuge  Crocodile Lake NWR  Great White Heron NWR