Back to school news for Middle Keys parents

Back to school news for Middle Keys parents - A pencil on a table - Công Ty Cổ Phần 365

• ‘Open house’ dates set for high school, elementary

The open house for Marathon Middle High School is set for Monday, Aug. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. Students will receive a copy of their schedule, and also sign up for parking spaces and locker rentals. Parking spaces are available for $20 and students must present license, registration and insurance with preference given to upper classmen. 

Stanley Switlik Elementary school’s open house is set for Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. Kids and parents will be able to visit homerooms and meet the teacher.

In addition, students can attend a health fair hosted by Community Health of South Florida on Saturday, Aug. 10 to receive a school physical or sports physical, ranging from $35 to $50. In Marathon, the health fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CHI office located at 2855 Overseas Highway. In Tavernier, the health fair runs from 8:309 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the 91200 Overseas Highway location, in the Winn-Dixie plaza.

• Elementary school $20 fee covers all school supplies

Back to school shopping just got a whole lot easier for the parents of students at Stanley Switlik Elementary school. A $20 flat fee covers everything for the entire school year. Kids will only need to supply their own lunch boxes and backpacks.

“This means parents don’t have to go shopping on the mainland. The materials are high quality, and everyone gets the same thing. By ordering in bulk, we can keep costs down,” said Principal Brett Unke. 

Parents can pay by visiting the school’s Facebook page (search “@SSEdolphins”) and clicking through to schoolpay.com or visiting the school’s website at www.keysschools.com/sse. Cash and checks will also be accepted at school.

Unke said students are urged to use the buses, especially on the morning of the first day. Parking is very limited due to the school’s ongoing construction. Visit the facebook page for the bus routes, which will be released soon. 

• Support athletics with field-side banner

Marathon High School is offering local businesses and families a chance to place a banner at the Marathon High School Athletic Complex. The banners will be hung adjacent to the football, soccer and track. They can also be moved to the other side of campus during the softball and baseball season if requested. The banners must be vinyl, with eyelets at all four corners for easy hanging, and must be tasteful and respectful of the school and community. The cost is $300 per year and checks made out to Marathon AThletics. Banners must be delivered to MHS Athletic Director Lance Martin by Friday, Aug. 9, prior to the opening of the new athletic complex. For more information, call 954-993-3244 or email lance.martin@keysschools.com.

• Group collecting to buy new sneakers for students

Nothing says “back to school” like a new set of sneakers. Unfortunately, this is out of reach for some local families. The Educational Coalition for Monroe County is planning to buy 50 pairs of sneakers and jackets (without hoods) for Marathon Middle and High School students. Amazon gift cards or monetary donations are sought. Checks can be made out to ECMC and mailed to 900 84th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050. Gift cards can be mailed to the same place. 

“I shop sales and find the best prices I can,” said ECMC’s Christina Belotti. “A pair of shoes averages about $75, so a $150 donation would purchase shoes for two teenagers.”

In addition, locals who are doing their own shopping can also purchase the shoes for donation. ECMC said the Adidas, Converse and Nike brands are the most popular, in sizes 8 to 11 for both men and women. For more information, call 305-731-0771 or email Christina.belotti@yahoo.com. All donations are tax deductible.

• Professionals team up to offer free hair cuts

Sea Level Spa and the Village Barber Shop are hosting a “Cut-a-thon) on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With advance registration, studnets can get a free fhaircut, plus food and drinks will be provided by Food for Thought Café and Marketplace. The Sea Level Spa is located in Gulfside Village. To register, or for more information, call 305-916-0919. 

• BPW offers adult scholarships

The Marathon chapter of the Business and Professional Women club is accepting applications from adults who wish to further their education. Funds may be used for certifications, training classes or classes and required materials for higher educational degrees. Applicants must be out of school for one year prior to application, as scholarships are designed to benefit returning students. Individuals currently attending full-time are not eligible, with the exception of previous BPW adult scholarship recipients. Applicants must have established residence for at least one year in the Middle Keys — from Big Torch to Long Key — and must demonstrate financial need. To request an application, please call Bonnie Sanderson at 305-393-2691 or email bonniesanderson22@gmail.com.