Key Elementary School

10/06/2025

06/15/2025

A Fond Farewell and Happy Retirement to Mrs. Monica Tienda
It is with both joy and a touch of sadness that we say farewell to one of Oak Park’s finest—Mrs. Monica Tienda—as she embarks on a well-earned retirement after over 26 years of dedicated service to the Oak Park School District.
While she has been a treasured part of the district for more than two decades, Mrs. Tienda has also been a beloved and irreplaceable member of our Key Elementary family. Her time here has left a lasting imprint on our school community and in the hearts of students, families, and colleagues alike.
Mrs. Tienda has been so much more than a 4th grade teacher—she has been a spark of energy, creativity, and compassion in our classrooms and hallways. With her artistic flair, engaging lessons, and an unwavering passion for children, she brought learning to life for every student fortunate enough to pass through her classroom.
Her classroom was always a space filled with color, movement, imagination, and love. She had a remarkable gift for meeting students where they were and inspiring them to rise higher, dream bigger, and believe in themselves. Her impact extends far beyond academics—she nurtured hearts as well as minds.
Mrs. Tienda, thank you for the countless lives you've touched, the creativity you brought to your teaching, and the love you've poured into both Oak Park Schools and especially Key Elementary. You leave behind a legacy of excellence, joy, and wholehearted dedication.
While we will deeply miss your presence at Key, we celebrate this new chapter in your life with excitement and gratitude. May your retirement be filled with as much laughter, love, and adventure as you brought to your students every day.
Congratulations and happy retirement, Mrs. Tienda! You will always be a part of the Key Elementary and Oak Park family!!!

05/18/2025

Key’s Art Show was a great success! Awesome job Ms. Monville and our creative Key Falcons!

05/14/2025

🎉 Key Students of the Month Recognized! 🎉

At this week's board meeting, we had the privilege of honoring our outstanding Key Falcons for displaying the core values of KEY Pride: Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. 🌟

We are incredibly proud of these students for embodying these principles and setting a shining example for others. Keep soaring high, Falcons! 🦅💙

05/13/2025

🎉 Key Falcons, You Did It Again! 🎉

Over the past two Fridays, our Key Falcons had an absolute BLAST celebrating with their parents!

💃🏽🕺🏽 At the Key Derby (Father-Daughter Dance), dads and daughters lit up the night with style, smiles, and sweet moves on the dance floor.

🌟 Then came the VIP Key Gala (Mother-Son Dance)—a night full of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Huge shoutout to our amazing Key Dance Committee for making both events so special, and a BIG thank you to all of our Key Families for your continued love and support. 💖

We had the BEST time—can’t wait for next year! 🙌🏽

04/28/2025

🎀👒 You're Invited to the Key Derby - Father/Daughter Dance! 👒🎀

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, music, dancing, and sweet memories at our Key Derby - Father/Daughter Dance this Friday, May 2nd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Oak Park Preparatory Academy! 💃🏽🕺🏾

👔✨ Whether it’s Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or another special father figure, we welcome all to share this special night with their Key Princesses!

🍽️ Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets are $20 per pair
👧🏽 $5 for each additional registered student
🚪 No tickets will be sold at the door!

Break out your derby hats and bow ties — we can't wait to see you there! 💐🐎

04/28/2025

🌳 Celebrating Arbor Day at Key! 🌱

This past Friday, Mrs. Flowers and Ms. Kornelis' class had the opportunity to take part in a special Arbor Day celebration! Students met the Mayor of Oak Park and learned about the importance of trees and taking care of our environment. Each student received their very own sapling to plant at home, along with fun Arbor Day-themed coloring pages.

To top it all off, they helped plant a tree on our school grounds — a hands-on experience that made the day both meaningful and memorable. What a wonderful way to celebrate nature and community!

04/28/2025

🐾🎉 Wild Fun at Key Elementary! 🎉🐾

This past Friday, our students had an unforgettable experience thanks to a visit from the Exotic Zoo! 🐢🦘🐎

From pony rides to petting a kangaroo, binturong (aka “bamboo”), and even a giant tortoise, the day was full of excitement, learning, and laughter. 🐴✨

Huge THANK YOU to the Exotic Zoo team for bringing the adventure to our campus — our students (and staff!) loved every minute! 💚📸

04/24/2025

Yesterday at Key Elementary School..
🌟 Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟
At Key Elementary, we are so incredibly grateful for the heart and hustle of our amazing Administrative Assistants — Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Lawren!

Their love, dedication, and unwavering support are truly immeasurable. Whether they’re greeting students with a smile, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, or offering a kind word just when it’s needed most — they are the heart of our front office and a vital part of our school family. 💙

Please join us in showing appreciation for these two phenomenal women who go above and beyond for our staff, students, and families every single day. Thank you, Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Lawren — Key Elementary wouldn’t be the same without you! 🙌🏽✨

04/11/2025

Happy National Assistant Principal Week!

Today we’re showing some major love to two of our incredible leaders here at Key Elementary!

Mr. Fondren, our amazing Assistant Principal, is truly a blessing to our school. He always goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and entire school community. His dedication, support, and positivity make a huge impact every single day!

We’re also celebrating our awesome Dean, Mr. Carter—Key Elementary is so lucky to have both of you leading with heart and purpose. Thank you for everything you do to make our school the best it can be!

Drop a comment below to show them some appreciation!

04/10/2025

🏀🦅 What an amazing start to the season! 🦅🏀
Tonight was our first basketball game of the year, and the Key Falcons came out strong! Both our 3rd & 4th Grade team and our 5th Grade team played their hearts out and brought home WINS! 💪🔥

Our Key Falcon Cheerleaders were absolutely beautiful and boisterous, keeping the energy high and the crowd hyped all night long! 📣💙

A huge THANK YOU to all of our dedicated coaches, and to the amazing Key parents, teachers, and school community who showed up to support. Your spirit makes all the difference!

Let’s carry this energy through the season —
KEY FALCONS…100%! 💯🦅💙