Parent Commitment

Montessori Children’s School of Key West has thrived since its inception in 1972 in a large part due to the commitment and dedication of our parent members. While workpay and fundraising hours are a required element for the families who enroll their children here, it is their spirit of community, volunteerism and enthusiasm above and beyond those requirements that drives our school’s excellence. We expect that level of passion. More than that, we depend on it.

This cooperative effort teaches our students the importance of giving back and being an essential part of the larger community. In turn, we believe we are preparing them to be our future leaders.

The basic requirements of Parent Commitment are as follows:

WORPAY PARTICIPATION
The work pay program is an integral part of the school. It allows parents to contribute time rather than money, keeping tuition and extended care rates as low as possible. All families are obligated to complete 20 volunteer hours during the school year in addition to attending 3 corporation meetings. Toddler families must work a total of 11 hours throughout the school year and attend the 3 corporation meetings annually. There are many forms of participation available. Committee work, campus beautification, donation of materials, school maintenance and board membership are just some of the possibilities.

FUNDRAISING PARTICIPATION
All parents must contribute time and work to various fundraising endeavors throughout the school year. Fundraising is essential at our school and is a part of the annual budget. Your participation in fundraising shows your commitment to the school and your child’s education. All families are required to contribute 5 hours of fundraising efforts. Our main fundraising event for the school consists of selling raffle tickets. In addition to the above required hours, each family is obligated to sell or pay for the required amount of tickets issued.

NON-PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTEER HOURS
It is highly recommended that you participate in the volunteer time required at MCS. In the case that you are unable or unwilling to complete the hours, you may pay for such hours. Non-participating Primary families may donate $500 per school year and attend the quarterly Corporation Meetings to fulfill this responsibility. Non-participating Toddler families may donate $300 per school year and attend the quarterly Corporation Meetings to fulfill this responsibility. Hours are documented on vouchers, available in the office. The volunteer hours are per family not per child. If your hours have not been completed you will be billed for those remaining incomplete hours at the end of the school year. Donations other than personal services are tax deductible.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION
A good way to complete your work pay hours is to join a committee and work with other parents. Some of the committees available are:

  • Fundraising: Implement large and small events and activities.
  • House & Grounds: Keep our campus and classrooms looking beautiful.
  • Hospitality: Organize refreshments for corporation meetings and special events.
  • Office support
  • Grant Writing
  • Public Relations: Work with Head to generate press releases, publicity, copy, and photography.
  • Work pay coordination: Schedule, allocate tasks, and record hours worked.
  • Classroom projects: Assist in the classroom as needed.
  • Materials or snacks purchased for the classroom or pizza Fridays.
  • Lunch time helper
  • Maintenance
  • Planning and Development: Work on future planning of your school.