Red Bug families,
This past week, our PTA sponsored a wonderful Family Paint Night led by our fabulous Art Teacher, Mrs. Lo‑McDermott! She facilitated a truly special, device‑free evening where families could relax, connect, and enjoy time together without interruptions.
To prepare for this fantastic event, Mrs. Lo‑McDermott put in countless hours, recording the instructional video used by our Red Bug painters and even practicing the painting at home with her own children. Her dedication shines through everything she does!
For the past five years, Mrs. Lo‑McDermott has given her heart and talent to the Red Bug community. Not only does she see every student every five days and sponsors two Art Clubs each year, but she has also earned multiple grants to enrich our art experiences with high‑quality supplies and innovative materials. She constantly finds ways to honor students’ interests while introducing them to new art forms and mediums.
Beyond her excellence as an educator, Mrs. Lo‑McDermott brings a wonderfully warm smile and a personality to match. She is a joyful presence in our hallways and classrooms, and she supports not only our students and families but also her colleagues. She is a cherished member of our Red Bug staff family, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her.
When asked about her work here at Red Bug, Mrs. Lo‑McDermott shared:
“Something I enjoy about teaching art is being able to see how students’ skills develop year after year. This school year is my first full cycle where I’ve had most of the 5th graders since they were in kindergarten!”
We are thankful for the diverse, imaginative, and meaningful art our students create under her amazing leadership.
In addition to spotlighting Mrs. Lo‑McDermott, please be sure to read the important information included in this week’s newsletter. We have much to celebrate and many upcoming events to share with you.
As always, please reach out with any concerns, questions, or celebrations.
Enjoy the week of warmer temperatures!
Kindly,
Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal ~ Red Bug Elementary
BUGS: Spot the Clues!
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At Red Bug, we are committed to helping every student grow, learn, and thrive each day. One of the most important ways families can support their child’s success is by ensuring they are present, on time, and ready to learn each morning. Consistent attendance builds strong routines, keeps students engaged in learning, and helps them stay connected with their classmates and teachers. Thank you for partnering with us to make each school day count!
Please continue to focus on having your student in attendance each day, on time, and staying for the entire school day. Each minute truly matters to us!
If your child eats breakfast in our Campus Restaurant, they may arrive as early as 7:20 AM to enjoy breakfast.
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7:50 AM – First bell rings; students may enter classrooms.
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7:55 AM – Tardy bell rings.
Beginning after Spring Break at the start of Quarter 4, if your child arrives at school after 7:55 AM, you will need to walk your child into the building and sign them in at the front desk. To help make this transition smooth, we encourage families to begin practicing timely arrival now so that it will not be necessary for you to come inside.
We appreciate your support and partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us by email or phone. Our contact information can be found at the end of the newsletter.
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Our Lightning Bugs are shining BRIGHT all across campus!
From leadership in the classroom to kindness in the hallways, our students show what it truly means to display BUGS Behavior!
We couldn’t be prouder of the way they learn, lead, and lift each other up every day!
Keep shining, Lightning Bugs!
BUGS: Spot the Clues!
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Red Bug families and children had a fantastic time discussing responsibility at our first evening All Pro Dad meeting on February 4th.
Thank you, families for showing up for our Bugs!
The next meeting will be on March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Campus Restaurant!
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Exciting News, Red Bug Family!
This past week Red Bug was officially awarded the Silver Level Model PBIS School for 2024–2025!
We are incredibly proud of our PBIS program and all the hard work that goes into building a positive, supportive school environment. This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff! Your commitment makes all the difference.
Our BUGS Behavior truly pays off!
Way to go, Red Bug!
Thank you, Mr. Burkett and Deputy Mac, for representing for our school!
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On Friday we celebrated our amazing Crossing Guards!
Thank you for keeping our Red Bug students safe each and every day. Your dedication, friendly smiles, and constant vigilance make a world of difference for our school community.
We appreciate you today and every day!
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February
- 9 Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off
- 9-13 Kindness Week
- 9 Kindness BINGO Kick-Off
- 10 Progress Reports Posted to Skyward
- 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
- 18 Doug the Bug Birthday Club
- 18 Wendy's PTA Spirit Night 5:00-9:00 PM (Winter Park)
- 19 Vision & Growth Development Screenings
- 20 Grade 2 Sea World 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
- 25 VPK Parent Night 5:00-7:30 PM
- 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
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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!
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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 Mission! Click Here to Sign Up!
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We closed out last month with a celebration of the January members of Doug the Bug's Birthday Club!
February birthdays are up next! Don't let your February birthday Bug miss the fun! Sign up today! Click on the picture or the link below.
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Case File: PTA Sponsored Family Paint Night~ The Case of the Colorful Clues
Our PTA-sponsored Family Paint Night was an absolute smash hit!
Thank you to our amazing PTA for providing the paints, canvases, blow-dryers, and all the clues needed for an evening of creative fun!
Even on a super chilly night, families showed up ready to solve the mystery of how to have a relaxing, screen-free evening and they cracked the case! Families reported that it was wonderful to spend uninterrupted time painting, chatting, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Several even noted they’re ready to “invest in evidence” (aka more paint!) so they can continue the fun at home.
Seeing our families connecting, laughing, and creating together was truly a highlight. Thank you again to Mrs. Lo‑McDermott for facilitating such a fantastic free event.
Another mystery solved at Red Bug and fun was detected everywhere!
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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!
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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
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Saving for college just got easier! Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment is now live, and new tools make planning simple and affordable.
Here’s what’s new:
· A redesigned website to help you build a personalized plan in minutes
· Flexible Prepaid Plan options — pay for one year at a time or choose what fits your budget
· Low monthly payments starting at just $29
The sooner you start, the more you save. Lock in today’s college costs and take the first step toward your child’s future with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45xJS0j.
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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/
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🌞 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.
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🌞 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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.
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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.
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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. |
Communication from Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) all in one place! Downloaded the app today!
Find out more information in the links below.
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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.
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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. |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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