Monroe County School District is focusing on bullying prevention, student inclusion and mental health awareness as students move into the second quarter of the school year.
Dr. Sue Woltanski, a Monroe County School District board member, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in our schools.
Unity Day, scheduled for Wednesday, encourages students to wear orange to show their support for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. The event is part of National Bullying Prevention Month and is hosted nationally by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
Woltanski said the message is about helping students understand the importance of including others rather than excluding them.
“I think it’s more about letting kids know that including others rather than excluding them is the thing to do,” Woltanski said.
She added that anti-bullying efforts extend beyond a single day, with schools emphasizing the importance of making every student feel welcome throughout the school year.
The district is also continuing its focus on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Woltanski highlighted an upcoming performance of Dear Evan Hansen, which has been presented in the Upper Keys and Key West and is scheduled to continue in Marathon.
The production explores themes of loneliness, connection and reaching out to others, complementing broader efforts to encourage students to seek support when they are struggling.
The district has also received statewide recognition for its suicide prevention efforts.
As the fall sports season approaches its conclusion, winter sports are beginning to get underway. Woltanski said the first girls weightlifting event was scheduled for Tuesday, marking the start of the transition between the two athletic seasons.
Football is expected to wrap up its regular-season schedule soon before moving into regional competition. Cross country and swimming are also continuing as athletes look toward state championships.
Woltanski noted that bowling is recognized as a Florida High School Athletic Association sport, but Monroe County schools do not participate because the county no longer has a bowling alley.
Meanwhile, the district is preparing for the holiday season, with concerts, band performances and stage productions among the activities students and families can anticipate.
Woltanski also reflected on the recent school board meeting, where John Dick was recognized for more than 20 years of service to the district. The meeting marked Dick’s final one as a board member.
Woltanski said Dick made a significant contribution to the school system, particularly through his work to improve teacher salaries.
“He was really the driving force behind moving our teacher salaries from being pretty average in the state to being at the top of the state,” she said.
She added that Dick had consistently supported the schools throughout his tenure.
“He’s just been always there for the schools,” Woltanski said.
The district is preparing for the arrival of Luis Gonzalez, who was expected to join the board on October 19.
October is also National Principals Month, and the district has been recognizing principals throughout its schools. Woltanski praised the district’s school leaders, noting that all of its high schools have principals who are alumni of the schools they lead.
“We have some really great principals,” she said, describing them as “the captain of the ship” when it comes to leading their schools.
Looking ahead, the school board’s next meeting was scheduled for November 17 at Marathon High School. Schools will be closed for Veterans Day on November 11.
Woltanski encouraged residents to attend local elementary school Veterans Day programs, saying the events do a good job of recognizing veterans among school staff and students’ families.
“The kids really appreciate the importance of that,” she said.
With Halloween approaching, Woltanski also encouraged families to enjoy the season safely, noting that schools and communities have costume activities, trunk-or-treat events and other celebrations planned throughout the coming weeks.
Her final message to the community was simple: “Just have a safe and happy Halloween.”