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Dear Head Start & VPK Team Members,

Time flies when you are having fun! As you may know, I have chosen the new year, 2025, to retire from Monroe County School District. I am proud to be the product of Monroe County School District, where I began my career at Reynolds School in Kindergarten and graduated from Key West High School. I was hired by Dr Henriquez in 1989, then Mrs. Phyllis Allen hired me in 1990 to teach at Gerald Adams Elementary school. MCSD has enabled me to have a career that is both charitable and workful. Meaning, I have loved serving and working for children and families every day!

It has been an incredible journey, and I feel deeply privileged to have worked in the school district for 35.5 years alongside such talented administrators, teachers, and staff! A special thank you to Mrs. Theresa Axford, Superintendent for being a mentor and a friend. To think I began my career as a Data Entry Clerk in 1989, worked as a teacher for 13 years, as an administrator for many years, and finished as a Director of Head Start & VPK!

In addition, I cannot say thank you enough to my Head Start &VPK Team, which I have had the privilege to work in early learning for 12.5 years with you! As an early learning program, I am proud of all we have accomplished together. Your hard work, collaboration, and support have made my time here incredibly fulfilling.

I will truly miss the daily interactions, the camaraderie, and the shared goals we’ve worked towards. However, I am excited to begin this next chapter in my life, and I know that our Pre-K program is in the capable hands of our incoming new Director, Mrs. Jennifer Walker. The leadership/management team and staff are dedicated employees and I have full confidence that you will continue to achieve great things.

I have worked closely with our incoming director, district administration and staff to ensure a smooth transition. I will continue to offer my support in any way that might be helpful.

Thank you once again for everything. I will always cherish the memories and relationships I’ve built here. Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in your roles.

Last, but not least, I want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday filled with health and happiness! Cheers to 2025! Feel free to drop me a line some time.

Warm regards,
Marla Russell

Piggybacking on Marla's sentiments, it has truly been a privilege to work alongside her for over ten years. I am extremely excited to begin this journey as the incoming Director. I am also thrilled to announce that Ms. Tania Mendez will be taking on the role of Education/Professional Development Manager. Tania worked previously as a valued member of our program and the Monroe County School District, serving as both a teacher and a mentor. She also brings extensive experience as a coach, supporting teachers in implementing successful strategies in the classroom.

Our students have been celebrating the holidays with the Music Making Unit of Study! Classes have listened to music from other cultures, visited the band programs at their respective sites, and had visiting musicians.

Lower keys students and children from private providers attended the North Pole Field trip hosted by the Silverliners. The children had a wonderful time participating in holiday activities and games, a read aloud, and SNOW! Police were there with horses, firefighters showed off the fire truck, and Farmer Jeanne had animals from the MCSO Animal Farm. But the best part was Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Dear Head Start Team,

As the holiday season approaches and we prepare to enter a new year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication to our mission. Through your efforts in PFCE (Parent, Family, and Community Engagement) and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance), you have not only supported the needs of our children but also empowered families to become active partners in their child’s education and development.

The holidays are a time to reflect on our shared accomplishments and the incredible impact we’ve had together. Every conversation with a family, every effort to connect a child with vital resources, and every step to ensure equitable access to our program makes a difference.

As we look toward the new year, let’s carry forward the same passion and purpose that have made this school year a success so far. Together, we will continue to create opportunities, strengthen relationships, and provide the foundation for brighter futures for our children and families.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with happiness and inspiration. Thank you for your hard work and the heart you bring to this program every day.

Respectfully, Ellen Masters, ERSEA/PFCE Manager & School Social Worker

"Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." - Eleanor Brown

We are so close to completing the first half of the school year!! I wanted to say thank you to our Head Start/VPK team for all the wonderful things you do for our kiddos on a daily basis. We have had so many great activities throughout the school year so far! Our students learned about fire safety, healthy eating habits with nutrition activities, and most recent going to the North Pole (lower keys kiddos), where amongst all the holiday fun we learned about good dental health and importance of brushing teeth! In the upcoming months we have dental health month in February and Nutrition month in March!

During winter break, please take the time to care for yourself, rest, relax, and enjoy time with your family!

Thank you for being such an amazing pre-k team, I enjoy working with you all! I look forward to 2025!!! 😍Ashley Ravelo, Health & Safety Manager/R.N.

District wide, across all grades, we have seen an large increase in challenging behaviors as well as students that are qualifying for ESE services. I know this can cause added stress in the teaching environment not only for your students but also for you. Remember to take time for yourself outside of work to decompress and have a plan should you need a breather during the work day. Tag-team with your para, ask your Family Advocate or manager to step in, play instrumental music or incorporate yoga and breathing into your schedule. This helps your classroom environment recognize and handle stress as a School Family.

Enjoy your break and smile a lot! Bring all that holiday love and joy back when you return in January 🙂

Sincerely, Nicki Gelabert - Mental Health & Disabilities Manager/Pre-K Counselor