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The Ladybug Loop: Connecting Our Families V 24

Posted Date: 02/01/26 (05:15 PM)


Bugs: Spot the Clues

The Ladybug Loop: Connecting Our Families

February 1, 2026

Principal's Spotlight-Mrs. Tiffany Everson

Red Bug families,

We are so proud to celebrate Mrs. Tiffany Everson, our amazing School Counselor and one of this year’s SCPS District Semi-Finalists. It was a joy to honor her at the celebration last week because everything she does for our students and staff truly comes from the heart.

Mrs. Everson is compassionate, dedicated, and always puts students first. She supports our entire school community; students, teachers, staff, and families, while managing scheduling, SST, Truancy, and PBIS with what can only be described as grace and talent.

She doesn’t just recognize student needs; she responds to them. Her small groups for test anxiety led to every participating student improving their scores and moving up a level. She also provides individual and small‑group counseling focused on anxiety, peer relationships, grief, family transitions, and academic performance. Using ASCA‑aligned standards, she collaborates closely with teachers and families and ensures students who need support are invited and included.

Her advocacy is proactive, thoughtful, and rooted in what is best for children. Red Bug is stronger because of her work, her leadership, and her heart.
I am truly honored to work beside her.
Thank you, Mrs. Everson, for all you do for our students and our school.

School Counselor Week: February 2–6
Help us celebrate Mrs. Everson!
A simple note, card, or picture from your child is a wonderful way to show appreciation for all she does. Your kind words mean more than you know.

Please see the important information below and keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest happenings on campus.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or celebrations you’d like to share.

Kindly,

Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal ~ Red Bug Elementary
BUGS: Spot the Clues!
 

Moments Matter...Attendance Counts!

Every moment of the school day matters. When students arrive on time, they start their day with confidence and calm. Walking into the classroom at the beginning of the day gives them the chance to complete morning routines, settle in, and prepare for learning. They have time to sharpen their pencils, gather their materials, and connect with their teacher and classmates before the day begins.

Being present and on time ensures your child doesn’t miss important instruction. When they are in the classroom, they receive the full lesson rather than trying to “fill in the blanks” later. These moments, big and small, build the foundation for strong academic and social success.

Of course, we understand that illnesses and true emergencies happen. Life can be unpredictable. But we ask that families do their best to make punctuality and consistent attendance a core value. Prioritizing being present and on time shows your child that school matters and that their learning is important. This simple routine sets them up for success, both now and in the future.

If you are experiencing obstacles that make morning arrival difficult, please reach out. We are here to help and want to work with you to ensure every child has the opportunity to start their day ready to learn.

Together, we can make every moment count!
 

Lightning Bugs

Lightning Bugs Smiling
We’re so proud of our exceptional Lightning Bugs!

Our Lightning Bugs continue to shine brightly each and every day! We are so proud of these exceptional students and the leadership they show across our school. Whether they’re demonstrating responsibility, showing respect, growing as learners, staying safe, or being kind and hardworking, they model what it truly means to be a Red Bug leader.

Their positive energy lights up our campus, and their example inspires others to do the same. We couldn’t be prouder of their growth and the joy they bring to our school community.

Keep shining, Lightning Bugs!
❤️🐞🖤
BUGS: Spot the Clues! 
Lightning Bugs Silly
 

Literacy Week~HUGE Success!

READ, White, and Blue Literacy Week: A Huge Success!

Our READ, White, and Blue Literacy Week was an outstanding celebration of reading, community, and school spirit! From start to finish, our students and staff were fully engaged in activities that promoted a love of books and literacy across campus.

A special thank you to Mrs. Feroglia! Your creativity, organization, and passion for literacy made this week unforgettable. You planned an incredible experience for us, and because of your leadership, our school spent the entire week reading, connecting, and having fun. We are grateful for your vision and enthusiasm!

Throughout the week, each day brought a new way to celebrate reading, and the excitement was captured in some of the photos below! Check out our Facebook page for additional photos.
Star Spangled Spirit
Spain Constitution
Mrs. Michalopolous' students
Reading Buddies
NASA Hero
Middleton's Class
Mrs. Spain
Mrs. Vanegas
 

Upcoming Events

February
  • 2 Clue into Classrooms ~ Helping Hands 5:30-7:00 PM in the MPR
  • 2-6 School Counselor's Week
  • 3 PBIS Model School Award at Board Meeting 5:30 PM
  • 3 PTA Board Meeting Virtual 6:30 PM
  • 4 All Pro Dad 6:00-6:45 PM, Campus Restaurant
  • 5 SAC Meeting 5:00 PM
  • 5 PTA Sponsored Art Night, 6:00 PM, must be preregistered (limited space)
  • 6 Class, Group, and & Club Pictures
  • 7 Odyssey of the Mind Competition
  • 9 Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off
  • 10 Steak and Shake PTA Spirit Night 5:00-7:00 PM
  • 13 Grade 4 St. Augustine Field Trip
  • 13 Grade 5 History Museum Field Trip
  • 13 RBT Cart
  • 16 Presidents Day-No School
  • 17-20 Kindness Week
  • 18 Doug the Bug Birthday Club
  • 19 Vision & Growth Development Screenings
  • 20 Grade 3 Environmental Center Field Trip
  • 20 Grade 4 & 5 Physics Bus on Campus
  • 21 Elementary Music Festival, Millennium MS 2:00 PM
  • 21 Cross Country Meet at Hagerty HS 8:00-11:00 AM
  • 26 Grade 4 & 5 Physics Bus on Campus
  • 27 Grade 4 & 5 Physics Bus on Campus
  • 27 School appropriate Pajama Dress-Up Day all school
  • 28 Cross Country Meet at Lyman Hight School 8:00-11:00 AM

March
  • 4 PTA Spirit Night Texas Roadhouse
  • 5 SAC Meeting 5:00 PM
  • 5 PTA Board Meeting 6:30 PM
  • 6 Clue into Classrooms, Helping Hands 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
  • 7 Math Festival Millenium MS 8:30 AM-2:30 (tentative time)
  • 7 Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • 12 Field Day
  • 12 End of Quarter 3
  • 13-22 Spring Break
  • 13 Teacher Workday
  • 23 School resumes
  • 25 Doug the Bug Birthday Club
  • 25 PTA sponsored Skate Night, Semoran Skateway 6:30-8:30 PM
  • 26 Dress-up like a Ladybug or wear spirit wear
  • 26 PTA sponsored BMX Bike Show
  • 30 BEST Writing grades 4 & 5
  • 30 Kindergarten Group 1 Butterfly Garden
  • 31 BEST Writing grades 4 & 5
  • 31 Kindergarten Group 2 Butterfly Garden
  • 31 Special Olympics
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

Valentine Friendship Grams

January 26th-February 11th

Friendship Games
 

Kid's Heart Challenge!

Save the Date~Kick Off February 9, 2026

Our school is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, and it’s time for you to sign up your student to become part of the Lifesavers League. Download the AHA Schools app for iPhone or Android, search for our school and sign up to receive your wristband! Then, start helping kids with special hearts by making or receiving your first donation, and you’ll start earning thank-you gifts. You’re on your way to completing Finn’s MissionClick Here to Sign Up!
 

Check Out the Red Bug Elementary and the Red Bug PTA Facebook Pages!

 
Bugs in the Wild!
Everson and Thacker
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies 2
Thomas' Class
Terrill Hero
Walton's Class
Triangle Classification
Facebook Link
 

Middle School Preview Nights

List of schools and nights

Red Bug Yearbook $25!

Yearbook
Red Bug Yearbook $25!
For $25 the 2025-2026 Red Bug Yearbook is something you don't want to miss. Packed with this year's memories.

Yearbooks are not guaranteed for student/parents that have not pre-ordered.

Personalization
No longer available.

5th Grade Recognition Ads
No longer available.

Order Online at:
Enter School ID: 1169829

*A 5% service fee will be added to online orders.

Yearbooks will arrive on campus in May 2026.

Thank you!
 

2026-2027 VPK Application Period

The on-time VPK application period for the 2026-2027 School Year at SCPS locations is January 10 to February 10. To be eligible for VPK, a child must be four-years of age by September 1, 2026. SCPS VPK offers a high-quality program designed to prepare students to enter Kindergarten ready to learn! Full-day and half-day programs are available. For more information visit, https://bit.ly/scpsvpk
VPK Application
 
 

RBT Cart Wish List

Have your Bugs been telling you about the Red Bug Tickets (RBTs) they have been earning for their BUGS behavior?
This is your opportunity to help us out!
You may donate prizes to the cart by purchasing items on our Amazon Wishlist Thank you in advance!

Help us stock our RBT cart. This year all students will get the opportunity to visit the RBT cart once a month! We need your help to stock it full of fun and exciting items for students.
Thank you for supporting our BUGS and their positive behavior!

Click on the Amazon Symbol for the link to our list!
 

All Pro Dad Meeting

February 4, 2026, New Time 6:00-6:45 PM

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
New Time: 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Place: Campus Restaurant

Visit our Red Bug All Pro Dad Homepage to RSVP.
or click the All Pro Dad image.

February Topic: Responsibility

Snacks & drinks will be provided.

Thank you!

 

Tomorrow's Titans Showcase

February 24th from 6-8 PM

Save the date and spread the word! All future 6th grade families considering Tuskawilla Middle School next year are encouraged to attend!
Future Titans
 

Save the Date: Orlando Magic

Inaugural SCPS District Night with Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic
 

Ongoing Reminders & Key Links

Items below are repeated from prior updates & are here for quick access to important information.

 

Dividend Application

The Dividends School Volunteer Program is a district-wide effort that encourages and promotes community involvement in the Seminole County Public Schools. You must be a registered Dividend to volunteer during school events or chaperone any field trip.


All Dividend volunteers are required to re-activate their applications each year. Apply to be a Dividend here: https://dvd.scps.k12.fl.us/
 

Car Line ~ Arrival

🌞 Morning Drop-Off
Times
  • Students eating breakfast may be dropped-off at 7:20 AM
  • Official drop-off begins at 7:30 AM when an adult is on the car line.
  • First bell: 7:50 AM
  • Tardy bell: 7:55 AM → After this time, you will need to park and walk your child to the front office to sign in (no staff outside to ensure safe entry).
Car Line Flow
  • Double lane starts inside the parking lot and merges to one lane at the cones. Use the every-other-car rule.
  • Pull all the way forward to maximize unloading.
  • Do not park and cross the car line on foot at any time. Parked cars will not be able to exit via the second lane until 7:55 AM.
  • Do not stop for pedestrians in the unloading zone—staff will manage crossings once traffic is stopped.
  • Students should exit once you reach the “Unloading Zone”. 
  • Make sure backpacks are zipped, breakfast finished, goodbyes said— and students are ready to exit immediately.
 

Car Line ~ Dismissal

🌞 Dismissal 

🏫How Pickup Works:
  • Students will wait in the cafeteria until called.
  • They will walk to the correct pole and wait for directions from an adult. 
  • All students will be loaded into their vehicles at the same time.
  • No cars will move until both lanes are fully loaded, and then one lane will be directed to exit at a time.

VPK, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade Dismissal:
  • Dismissal begins at 2:05 PM (or 1:05 PM on Wednesdays).
  • Only VPK, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade families may use BOTH car line lanes before 2:15 PM (or 1:15 PM on Wednesdays).
  • Both inside and outside lanes are reserved for these grades until that time.
  • If you're not picking up a VPK/K/1st student, you will be asked to return at 2:15 PM (1:15 PM Wed).

Second Grade to Fifth Grade School Dismissal:
  • Begins at 2:20 PM (or 1:20 PM on Wednesdays).
  • If you get in car line before 2:15 (1:15 on Wednesday) you will be asked to return to car line at 2:15, we will be using both the inside and outside lanes for VPK/K/1 dismissal 
  • If you have students in both younger and older grades, plan to arrive at the full dismissal time of 2:20 PM to pick up all children together.

🛑 Safety Requirements:
  • You must have a 2025–2026 Red Bug Hang Tag to pick up your student in the car line.
  • No tag? Please park and go to the main office with your driver’s license or security code to verify pickup authorization.

🚦 Traffic & Safety Reminders:
  • Follow the direction of school staff at all times.
  • Be alert and patient—dismissal requires coordination and teamwork.
Dismissal relies on two lanes, so stay in your lane and wait for the signal to move.
 

BUGS Behavior

Red Bug is proud to be a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) School! We expect all students to follow our BUGS Behavior so we can keep our school a happy and safe place for all students.
We appreciate family support as we link all behavior choices to our expectations across our campus!

Click on the BUGS Behavior picture to the right to access the Seminole County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct. These are the expectations that all students follow to keep our school safe.
Dress Code
 

Every Minute Counts

Did you know that children can suffer academically if they miss 10% of the school year? If a student misses 2 days a month, that is equivalent to 20 days a year (30 hours of math a year and 60 hours of reading/writing a year). Those days can add up before you know it. We know there will be days when your child will miss school, especially when they are sick. Let’s work together to make sure that students are at school on time every day!

Parents and families are essential partners in promoting good attendance because they have the bottom-line responsibility for making sure their children get to school every day. Just as parents should focus on how their children are performing academically, they have a responsibility to set expectations for good attendance and to monitor their children’s absences, so that missed days don’t add up to academic trouble.

Helpful Tips for Awesome Attendance:
•Build regular routines for bedtime and the morning
•Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school
•Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick. Use a thermometer to check for a fever. Remember that stomach aches and headaches may be signs of anxiety
•Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session
•Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home. At the end of the week, talk with your child about what you see
•Develop back up plans to get to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor, or another parent for help
•Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, health problems, or if you have no safe path to school.

Remember students may arrive on campus at 7:20 AM for breakfast and the first bell rings at 7:50 AM and the tardy bell rings at 7:55 AM.

 
 

Interactive Red Apple Dining Menu~Meal Viewer

Meal Viewer is available to Red Bug Elementary! It allows you to view more menu details, see pictures of meals, and access nutrition tools. This innovative platform is available on desktop, mobile, and via the app. Get ready to enhance your dining experience!

Want to apply for Meal Benefits, but not sure how to start?
Here’s a handy-dandy video guide that will show you where to go and how to begin your application! All SCPS families are encouraged to apply and may receive free / reduced-price meals in addition to other benefits for the 2025-2026 school year.

Nota: La aplicación se puede completar en español también.
his is an example of a sentence to begin a paragraph.
 

Transportation Information

Seminole County Public Schools will utilize the My Ride K-12 App for the 2025-2026 school year. This website and mobile app will allow families and students to look up bus route information (beginning on August 4) and receive real-time notifications and alerts. For more information, please visit: www.scps.us/buses by clicking on the bus image.
 

Inclement Weather Protocols

This is the time of year when we often have stormy weather in the afternoons, which can lead to delayed dismissals. While they may be inconvenient, please know that the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and all decisions made to delay dismissal are made in an effort to keep children and staff safe.
We wanted to share information about the safety protocols during inclement weather, so we have listed out the steps taken by schools during inclement weather.



Detect
Schools monitor weather conditions 15 minutes prior to dismissal to check for lightning or weather in the area.

Delay
Delayed dismissal protocols will be activated should there be severe weather warnings, lightning, or deteriorating conditions. During a delayed dismissal, students are in a safe, permanent, and supervised location. Families will be notified of delayed dismissal as soon as possible and will continue to communicate the status every 15-20 minutes during the delay until the weather has been deemed safe for dismissal.

Dismiss
Once the weather conditions have improved enough for safe dismissal, families will be notified.

It is important to note that prior to the conclusion of delayed dismissal protocols, students will only be released to an approved caretaker if:
  • The approved caretaker presents proper identification and signs the child out in the front office, and
  • The child is on campus in a location that will not require outdoor exposure prior to being delivered to the custody of the approved caretaker.

Should weather conditions deteriorate during dismissal, a weather delay will be activated, however, messaging for families may be delayed until all students and staff are safely indoors.

We would like to thank you for your consistent patience, support, and understanding as we care for your children and our staff during inclement weather while they are on our campus.
 

Personal Electronic Device Use

Red Bug families,
Please read this important information! Thank you!
We want to make you aware that state law dictates how and when students can use cell phones and other wireless communications devices during the school day. This legislation is intended to support focused learning in the classroom and applies to all Florida public schools.
Here’s what families need to know:
Pursuant to Florida Statute 1006.07, a student may possess a wireless communications device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function; however, they must follow the guidelines for use during the school day as outlined for each grade level below:
-Elementary and middle school students may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device (cell phone, tablet, ear buds, smart watch, smart glasses, etc.) at any time during the school day. The school day is defined as the school’s posted student hours.
-This law does provide exceptions for accommodations related to medical or educational needs of individual students.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we follow this statewide requirement. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly.

 

Please Label Your Items!

As we continue through the school year, we ask that you please remember to label your child's items! Jackets, sweatshirts, lunchboxes, and water bottles are common things we find around campus without names! We do have a Lost and Found in the Campus Restaurant, but it is helpful to help get them to the correct person when they are labeled! All items left in the Lost and Found do get donated at the end of each semester.
 

ParentSquare

Communication from Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) all in one place! Downloaded the app today!
Find out more information in the links below.

 

SCPS Health Services and Clinic Card Information

Please review the attached letter about Health Services Consent and updating your clinic card in Skyward for the 2025-26 school year.



You now have the ability to easily access and complete these important documents online, streamlining the process and ensuring that all necessary information is up to date. By integrating these services into the Skyward Family Access Parent Portal, we aim to enhance communication and collaboration between parents, schools, and healthcare providers.

 

Medicine at School

If your child will need to take medication at school, please help us be prepared by bringing the medicine to school in the box/bottle with the prescription label. This must be brought in by the parent/legal guardian in person.
 

Daily Moment of Silence

In compliance with Chapter 1003.45, Florida Statutes, the District will observe a one-minute moment of silence each school day this year. This moment of silence will occur during first period or at the beginning of the day.

In accordance with the Statute, the District will not make suggestions as to the nature of any reflection that a student may engage in during the moment of silence. Students may not interfere with another students’ participation. Families are encouraged to discuss the moment of silence with their child(ren) and to make suggestions as to the best use of this time.

Please contact Administration with any questions about the moment of silence. We thank you for being our partner in education.

 

Name Deviation Consent

Seminole County Public Schools respects that families have the right to make educational decisions for their child. In addition, as required by Rule 6A- 1.0955(8)(m), F.A.C., Education Records, the district is required to use a student's legal name in school, or a parent approved nickname. Parents/legal guardians have the opportunity to view the district’s Student Discipline & Code of Conduct, provide name deviation consent, and acknowledge the online applications that the district utilizes throughout the school year. These documents are now available online for completion for the 2025-2026 school year.

PLEASE NOTE: Without the signed name deviation consent form from parent/guardian, staff are required to use only the legal name of the student as listed in Skyward.


 

School Sponsored Activities Authorization Form

Pursuant to Rule 6A-10.089 (5), F.A.C., Seminole County Public Schools requires parental authorization prior to students participating in school sponsored events and activities. Each student participating in the event or activity listed below must have this form completed and submitted prior to participating.

Please complete this form once for each of your students.
Description of the Events or Activities: Various Red Bug school sponsored and PTA sponsored activities including but not limited to: Book Fair, Field Day & Family Picnic, Picture Day, Teach-in, Egg Drop (5th), Turkey Parade (K), Veterans' Day Breakfast, Grandparents' Lunch, STEM Night, PTA Fun Run, PTA Events/Shows, Grade Level Activities/Celebrations, fundraisers and school performances.
Date(s) and Time(s): Events will be held on various dates and times during the 2025-2026 school year. All event dates and times will be published ahead of the event in the Principal's Newsletter and/or the Red Bug website.
Location: Red Bug Elementary
Sponsors/Guests: Sponsors, guests, speakers and performers will be approved by SCPS and/or the Principal.
Student Supervision: Student supervision will be provided by school personnel commensurate to the attendance at the event.

 

Contact Us






Principal
Dr. Teresa Thacker
407-746-8300

Assistant Principal
Ms. Lisa Phillips
407-746-8303

School Administration Manager (SAM)
Mr. Richard Burkett
407-746-8350

Red Bug Elementary School
407.746.8350
4000 Red Bug Lake Road
Casselberry, FL 32707