The last few days have presented an overload of information and in the interest of keeping everyone informed, not overwhelmed, I’m delivering this update regarding the extended school closure and plan for the weeks ahead. The resources provided in this message come from a variety of sources, though primarily from Monroe County School District Leadership. Thank you for taking the time to read this message, and for using our online resources to stay informed.
All schools will remain closed through April 15, 2020. All state-mandated assessments have also been canceled.
Continuity of Instruction
Our school will follow the Florida Department of Education’s directive to keep school closed through April 15th. We will, however, support our students’ continuity of instruction by implementing a home-based initiative beginning March 30th. Until then, we have developmentally-appropriate, non-classroom-based resources to keep students engaged: http://maysandsmontessori.com/resources/may-sands-students/
Our Lead Guides will report to work on Monday (3/23) via virtual meeting to learn about the district’s continuity of instruction guidelines and begin planning for our own home-based instruction initiative. Look for a message from your child’s Lead Guide after our meeting on Monday. Specific guidance will follow from me toward the end of next week.
Home Internet Survey
All families who have not yet done so should use the following link to provide our district with information regarding internet access in your household: https://bit.ly/monroeicp your response will help the district understand the specific needs of our school.
Families with limited Internet access at home can access Comcast Internet Essentials program, which offers free internet access for 60 days: https://www.internetessentials.com/
Making Technology Available
Our school supports the district’s initiative to ensure every student has access to technology at home, and we will make arrangements for students to sign out a school chromebook for those who need them, during this extended school closure.
Your child will be required to pick up the device from our school office between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 March 24-26, and individual times for pick up will be released to parents after we’ve established the list according to need.
Books for Students
The national non-profit organization, Alice’s Kids, has launched an amazing new initiative to ensure every child has books to read at home.
To request an order of up to three titles per child, send an email to [email protected] with your list for each child and include your home address. Alice’s Library will use Amazon to place and fulfill orders and will cover the cost of books and shipping, too!
Charter Board Meeting postponed
Due to the restrictions on public gatherings, our regularly scheduled meeting will not take place this month. I anticipate our charter board will meet in April (4/15), as planned.
Montessori Family Support Gatherings
The Montessori Foundation is offering three separate opportunities for parents and caregivers to share resources and ideas. The online meeting events will be facilitated by leaders in the Montessori community.
Monday, March 23 at 9:00-10:00am EST*
Tuesday, March 24 at 2:30-3:30pm EST*
Wednesday, March 25 at 8:30-9:30pm EST*
Please use one of the sources below to log into the meeting, either by computer or phone: https://zoom.us/j/6632307856
Meeting ID: 663 230 7856
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 663 230 7856
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abES7Nw5Ys
Clinics for Students
The Keys AHEC Health Centers will plan to open for full-service medical care for students and current patients on Monday, March 23, 2020. Please contact the site provider prior to entering the clinic, and complete the form prior to your visit: https://fl02202360.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/FL02202360/Centricity/Domain/8/COVID-19%20Screening.pdf
Keys AHEC Health Center Locations and Telephone Numbers
Horace O’Bryant School 1105 Leon St.-Key West
Monday to Thursday: 8:00-3:00
305-296-5628 ex.t 65328
Key West High School2100 Flagler Ave-Key West
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00-3:00
305-293-1549 ext. 54357
Gerald Adams School5855 W. Jr. College Rd, Key West
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00-3:00
305-293-1609 ext. 51316
Sugarloaf School 255 Crane Blvd-Sugarloaf
Wednesday & Friday: 8:00-3:00
305-745-3282 ext. 50365
Violin Lessons
Ms. Irie offers private lessons for families who choose to continue their child’s violin practice. Parents can reach out to Irie directly for private lessons: [email protected].
