The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Lower Keys Advisory Council has awarded $3,000 to help fund the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at Sugarloaf School. The program serves over 500 students from age four through eighth grade, living from Big Coppitt to Big Pine Key.

“Since we began enforcing these expectations, we have seen an outstanding increase in positive behavioral referrals and a significant decrease in discipline referrals,” said Monroe County Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford. She said the program was developed locally by working with teachers, students, parents and school staff.

The Community Foundation grant will fund incentives like ice cream socials and small rewards for students who demonstrate that they are safe, responsible, respectful, ready to learn and empowered.

The grant was made possible by donors to the Community Foundation’s Lower Keys Future Fund. Contributions to the Lower Keys Future Fund are currently being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation and grants are available for critical needs on an ongoing basis. Learn more at cffk.org/lowerkeys.

Photo Above– Keeping Things Cool! The Community Foundation’s Lower Keys Advisory Council members left to right: Bill Becker, Rita Troxel, Steve Miller, Heidi Morris, Kevin Walden and Susan Eanes (not pictured are Josephine Gueverra, Nancy Noblitt and Lainie Plotnik). Council members visited 15 new trees funded by another $3,000 grant made in 2022 from the Lower Keys Future Fund. The Community Foundation grant was used to purchase nine native shade trees on the Sugarloaf Field and six native palm trees along Crane Blvd.