Weekly News from MCS – May 13, 2026

Work/Pay Deadline – June 1

Each family commits to 10 hours of work/pay volunteer hours as well as 2 fundraising hours per school year.  These are to be fulfilled by June 1, and are the parent’s responsibility to record in the Work/Pay binder that lives in the office.  Unfulfilled work/pay hours are billed at $30/volunteer hour & $110/fundraising hour.  Avoid being billed for your unfulfilled hours by helping out with any of the following tasks, or reach out to let us know you’d like to fulfill some hours and we will find a way to help get them done!

• Strong bodies to help move a fridge upstairs
• Refreshment donations for Cultural Immersion Event Friday, May 15
• Attend Parent/Corporation Meeting at 6PM on ZOOM
• Leaf blowing front lawn at 1PM on Wednesday, May 27
• Set up/Clean up from Kindergarten graduation on May 27

 

Re-Enrollment Fees & Paperwork

Returning students will be receiving an invoice for a $50 re-enrollment fee this month, as well as a re-enrollment package for 2026/2027 via email.  In order to be offered re-enrollment your account balance must be paid in full.  If you do not receive a re-enrollment package and are expecting one, please reach out to the office.

 

Step Up Award IDs

Families receiving Step Up Funding for the 2026-2027 School Year (students ages 5 and above as of Sept 1, 2026, as well as students ages 3 and up who qualify with a Unique Ability):  Applications are live but due soon, according to their website.  Please prioritize submitting your application for Step Up Funding ASAP and once approved, send your Award ID to office@montessorikeywest.com.

 

Summer Camp Sign Ups

We offer Summer Camp for students ages 5 and under.  Montessori Key West Summer Camp is offered all weeks of the summer except the first and last (teacher work weeks.)  Camp is offered 8AM-3:30PM for $350/week.  Half day students may attend half day camp from 8AM-11:30AM for $175/week.  In response to your survey feedback this Summer we will offer Extended Day care until 5PM in both programs for $75/week.  Please see attached registration form. Returning students for 26/27 School Year will receive priority for Summer Camp weeks.  We have limited space, so please return and complete your sign ups ASAP (Toddler is full for most weeks, so new registrations will be added to the Waiting List.)  Weeks are not refundable nor transferable, so please only sign up for the weeks you will need.  A special thank you to our staff working over the summer to make year-round care available for our families who need it. Summer Camp 2026 Sign Up Flyer (5)

 

This Week @ MCS

Pictured:
1. Upper Elementary students enjoy a Learning Expedition at the Shipwreck Museum
2. Kindergarteners have begun visiting Lower Elementary each week to read with older friends and get acclimated to the classroom they will join in the Fall
3. A group of Primary boys show some love and friendship on the playground
4. A toddler friend waters the garden in the Pigeon Plum outdoor classroom

 

Upcoming Events (more info below)…

Friday, May 15:  Cultural Immersion/Art Auction @ 5:30PM, On Campus
Thursday, May 21: Third Parent/Corporation Meeting of the year @ 6PM on Zoom
Monday, May 25: NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 27:  Kindergarten Graduation @ 5:30PM, Front Lawn
Friday, May 29: Last Day of School

Friday, May 29: Kindergarten Breakfast @ 8AM (Kindergarten Parents Only)
Friday, May 29:  End of School Potluck @ 2:30PM, Front Lawn (No Aftercare)Cultural Immersion/Art Auction

Your children have been working hard on their Cultural Immersion projects, and we are excited to welcome all of the families to our Main Campus on Friday, May 15th at 5:30PM to tour the classrooms and view the work.  Afterwards, each classroom has prepared a piece of art for our live auction to raise money for materials.

Throughout the year we hold three Parent/Corporation Meetings (we are all members of the Corporation at Montessori Children’s School.)  The third of the three meetings this year will be Thursday, May 21st at 6PM, this one is via Zoom and easy to attend.  The meeting typically lasts 45 minutes, it’s ok if your kids are in the background.  Meeting attendance is worth 1 work/pay hour.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about high level plans for the school (including expansion of our campus, programs, board member elections, and other exciting happenings) as well as a chance to interact with other parents and our staff outside of school hours.

 

Kindergarten Graduation

All members of our community are invited to join our celebration of Graduating Kindergarteners as they end their chapter in the Primary program and prepare to move into the Lower Elementary community.  Please join us at 5:30PM on Wednesday, May 27th for a special ceremony followed by a dance party and cake.

Come celebrate the end of an amazing year with us!  The Front Lawn turns into a party at 2:30PM on Friday, May 29th – bring a picnic blanket and a dish to share.  DJ Jimmy Jamz will be providing the vibes as only he can.  No aftercare available on this day – all students are released at 2:30PM.

 

Weekly Miracle Makers
Oftentimes it feels like our school is powered by Miracles.  Miracles large and small happen each week to pull off all that we do here.  Those miracles appear in acts of love and kindness and service by parents, children, staff, alumni, community members, and more, and each week we highlight a special one here.

Thank you to the team of Parents who orchestrated a lovely Teacher Appreciation Week.  Micaela Elechko, Katie Hurwitz, Lauren Bouchard, and Maria Castillo coordinated and executed a lovely week of treats and surprises, and made our staff feel very loved.  Thank you to all of you who donated to the effort!  We feel the love!