Weekly News from MCS: May 20, 2026

Why Cultural Immersion Day is So Special

One of our favorite days of the year is the Cultural Immersion Day, visiting and sharing work throughout the programs of our community.  From Toddler to Upper Elementary, students travel around the classrooms and share in the joy of the work that has been accomplished over the year.  Something very special is exchanged between children of all ages on this day – it is not unusual to observe two children of different ages and different programs easily embrace each other in a kind and thoughtful discussion.  They are fast friends because they are here, and that is the way we treat each other here. It is enough to renew your faith in humanity.

Thanks to all who joined us for the Cultural Immersion & Art Auction event in the evening, and special thanks to those who purchased art pieces and supported the classroom budgets.  Should you want to make a donation to a classroom, the link is still active to do so:  All Items – Spring 2026 Art Auction – Montessori Key West | GalaBid

Re-Enrollment Fees & Paperwork

Returning students have been invoiced a $50 re-enrollment fee, and will be receiving a re-enrollment package for 2026/2027 via email.  In order to be offered re-enrollment your 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.

Work/Pay Deadline – June 1

Each family commits to 10 hours of work/pay volunteer hours as well as 2 fundraising hours each 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 some hours and we will find a way to help get them done!

• 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
• Set up/Clean up End of Year Potluck Friday, May 29

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

Our last Corporation Meeting of the school year is this Thursday, May 21st @ 6pm via ZOOM. We encourage you to join to learn more about what is happening at school and the year ahead. Remember you earn 1 work/pay hour for your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there. Agenda and information attached.

ZOOM Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86257164942?pwd=wopbDvIULikNNL1p4Y0Xj5wA76XCoR.1

Kindergarten Graduation

All are invited to join in a ceremony celebrating our graduating Kindergarteners next Wednesday, May 27th at 5:30pm on the front lawn.  Cake and refreshments provided.End of School Potluck

Please plan to join us on the last day of school at 2:30PM for a Party & Potluck on the Front Lawn.  Music by DJ Jimmy Jamz!  Bring a picnic blanket and a dish to share.  There is NO AFTERCARE this day – all students will be dismissed 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.

This week’s Miracle Makers are Billy & Jen Litmer, parents of Anila & Darwin, and owners of Honest Eco who hosted our Upper Elementary program on a beautiful boat excursion on Monday.  The students in grades 4-6 got to explore the waters around Key West and even got some snorkeling in.  We are so grateful for the ability to take our kids on these types of adventures as part of their learning journey here at Montessori Key West.  Thank you Litmers!

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