Students, teachers and administrators at Plantation Key School entered through the doors to a new state-of-the-art facility at MM 90, bayside, in Tavernier last January. With it came new technology and 21st century learning tools as well facilities such as a gym, which the old facility didn’t have.
Guiding the school into a new era is Principal Lisa Taylor, who notes that it’s been a great start to the first full school year in the new building.
“We are so excited to be in our new building,” she said. “It is our happy place for learning.”
The Upper Keys Weekly recently checked in with Taylor to see how things have gone so far and to learn more about the principal.
First name? Lisa Do you have a nickname? Lisa Taylor. My oldest nephew, Nick, called me “Tu Tu “when he first talked, and it stuck.
What are some fun and exciting things happening at PKS? We are all enjoying every day in the new building. We have exciting programs this year to inspire students to be the best they can be! Readers are Leaders and Superstar Math are inspirational programs that provide each student with a personal goal. Students really enjoy the special classroom areas like Science on a Sphere, Keys Café, Think Tank, Artistry, Performance Center and the Motion Lab. Think Tank focuses on marine life and water quality. Physical Science, Life Science, Environmental Science and Robotics are offered in our Stem Science classes. Cross curricular classroom transformations that provide motivating, blended learning with engaging activities are students’ favorite days. I think the students will tell everyone the most fun and exciting event was opening the playgrounds, ball fields and courts!! Evening events like Hispanic Heritage Night, volleyball games, Halloween Bingo, Middle School dances, and student performances focused on American Founders Month. The most exciting news is there is so much more to come!!
How’s phase two of construction at the school going? The construction is almost complete!! We will be excited to host a grand open ribbon cutting soon!
What do you enjoy most about being principal? THE KIDS! And what is challenging about it? The biggest professional challenge has been the construction project. The whole process has been very interesting. I have learned SO much!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and who would you go with? I haven’t been Colorado or Wyoming. Europe is on my list, but not sure about the 8 hour plane ride……. I love traveling with my whole family because it is always an adventure!
What’s the first thing you do in the morning before school? Open my curtains and look out into the trees in my yard. I love to see the birds and butterflies fluttering about the branches while I enjoy a cup of coffee.
What’s something people don’t know about you? I love making things! Crafting is one of my favorite activities.
Where’s your favorite spot in the Keys? Anywhere near the water with family and friends.
Got a good story to share from this school year so far? I think the best story is the day we opened the playground. The K-5 students all came out to a mini ribbon cutting ceremony on the playground. We all circled around the perimeter, counted “1,2, 3!” and the teachers cut little ribbons tied to the playground equipment. The loud, excited cheering was deafening. Their energy was contagious! This celebration reconfirmed our commitment to provide kids the time to play. Every day I look out onto the playground and smile because I know the kids are loving every minute out there! The time to play is as important as the time in the classroom.
When you have downtime, what do you like to do? I love to invite friends and family over our house and relax. A good book is on the top on my list, too. I love to shop! I jokingly tell my friends “I love the smell of retail.”
If you had the chance to take anyone to dinner, who would it be? So many people come to mind: authors, composers, inventors! My ancestors would be interesting, too. I think it would have to be a dinner party with a really, really big table!
What are you most proud of? I am so blessed to have two families. I am very proud of my personal family and my work family. Both make me so proud of their integrity, hard work and accomplishments!
Your go-to drink after a long day? A little bit of everything! Mostly water because I am too busy all day to remember to drink water! Red wine tastes good, too!
Finish these sentences…
My favorite movie/TV show is… “The Sound of Music.”
If I had a superhero power, it would be… to take the hate out of people.
The students at PKS are… PAWsome!
My teachers at PKS love… to make a difference for students and families!
Being principal at PKS is the… best job on the planet!
