Dear Manta Ray Families and Board of Directors,

On Monday afternoon, December 11th, the state of Florida released school grades. I was just as shocked and upset about the news of our school receiving a "D" grade for the 2022-2023 school year as you may feel right now. I also apologize in advance if any of you heard the news of our "D" grade on the radio or other news media outlet before you heard it from me.

Once I learned of this news, the administrative staff immediately began to brainstorm a plan of action that will be put in place effective January upon our return to school from the holiday. We ask that parents are open and communicate with the school at every step we take together to improve the quality of academic achievement here at May Sands Montessori School. This situation is not one that I or the staff here at school take lightly. Today the instructional staff will meet and discuss our plan of action.

Here are the changes that you, as families, will see:

1. All students will begin bringing home developmentally appropriate homework dependent upon their grade level. These can include, but are not limited to:

• homework that is tied to Florida State Standards
• materials will be based on information that is to be reviewed, not new concepts
• IXL, an online program that covers all subjects and all grade levels beginning with our 1st graders and up. Information on accessing this program will come home soon.

2. Tutoring will be available after school in math and reading through the support from staff members, high school volunteers and parents.

3. Lead Guides will be bridging traditional methods with Montessori materials where appropriate and possible to better serve our ever growing student needs

4. Lead Guides will be in constant communication with parents through Transparent Classroom, FOCUS, email, student planners, and communication folders to ensure that students are held accountable for the work that they are responsible for each week in class. If students are not completing work in class, families will be notified and a plan will be put into place for that work to be completed.

Families should see an improvement in the academic achievement from students as this plan is put into place, but these interventions will only be effective if we implement them with fidelity. We are asking for your support to assist our children on the road to greater success! We can make this happen if we all work together.

I am grateful each day that I walk through the doors of this school knowing that I can lead the staff here to provide the best education for your family as well as my own. Let us band together and improve this school for our children.

If you are interested in the plan of action that will be implemented in detail, I encourage families to join us at the Board of Directors meeting next week. Please stay tuned to the Weekly Update for the specific date and time to join us.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.

Sincerely and in Montessori,

Sandy McCoy