Red Bug families,
As we enter the final quarter of the school year, I continue to be inspired by the incredible growth, enthusiasm, and resilience our students show every single day. Over the past week, our students began taking their second iReady Diagnostic, and they will continue this important work throughout this week. The growth we’ve already seen is a powerful reflection of our students’ dedication and the unwavering commitment of our teachers. We could not be prouder!
Walking through classrooms, visiting stations, and chatting with students in the hallways, I see learners who are curious, confident, and willing to take on new challenges. Their joy and determination fuel everything we do at Red Bug.
This month, I want to shine a special light on the power of connection within our school community. Whether it’s the collaboration during PLCs, the thoughtful communication shared through ParentSquare, or the teamwork displayed during our morning routines and car line, Red Bug thrives because we work together, with purpose, kindness, and heart.
Our teachers continue to provide innovative, engaging instruction that sparks critical thinking and creativity. Our support staff, specialists, and paraprofessionals go above and beyond to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and safe. And you, our families, play an essential role in this partnership. Thank you for the encouragement you give your children, the time you invest in school events, and the trust you place in our team.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay connected, ask questions, and share feedback. When we return from break, we will begin administering our annual surveys. We look forward to hearing from all our stakeholders so we can continue to grow, learn, and improve together.
Please note that we will not have a newsletter next weekend. Our next edition will be shared on March 22nd.
I wish each of you a restful, enjoyable Spring Break. Take time to unplug, recharge, and enjoy moments with your family and friends. As always, please continue to reach out with any questions, concerns, or celebrations, our partnership is what makes Red Bug such a special place.
Kindly,
Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal ~ Red Bug Elementary
BUGS: Spot the Clues!
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We are proud of our families and all you are doing to prioritize your student’s education and the important habit of arriving at school on time!
Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the amount of valuable learning time our students receive each day. Thank you for your continued partnership!
This is a marked improvement compared to the last week of January.
Congratulations, Red Bug families, your efforts are paying off!
Updated Tardy Procedures (Effective March 23)
General Guidelines
- Students are considered tardy after 7:55 AM.
- If your student arrives after 7:55 AM, an adult must enter the front office to complete a tardy slip.
Carline
- If staff members are still present outside and your vehicle is in the carline, your student will not be counted tardy.
Walkers
- If a student arrives after the 7:55 AM bell, an adult must walk the student to the front office to check them in.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn!
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Our Lightning Bugs were shining bright this past week!
They showed outstanding growth on their iReady Diagnostic results and demonstrated true leadership in their classrooms and across campus. Their leadership, respectfulness, and willingness to help others were core factors in being selected.
Thank you, Lightning Bugs, for stepping up and serving as exemplary role models in our school!
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March
- 12 Field Day and Family Picnic
- 12 End of Quarter 3
- 13-22 Spring Break
- 13 Teacher Workday
- 23 School resumes
- 23-April 10 Stakeholder Surveys
- 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-April 10 BEST Writing grades 4 & 5
- 31 Kindergarten Group 2 Butterfly Garden
- 31 Special Olympics
April
- 1-10 BEST Writing grades 4 & 5
- 2 SAC 5:00 PM
- 2 PTA Board Meeting 6:30 PM
- 2 Jeremiah's Ice PTA Sponsored Spirit Day 12:00-10:00 PM
- 3 Grade 1 Field Trip Crayola Experience
- 4 Odyssey of the Mind State Competition
- 15 Doug the Bug Birthday Club
- 15 Kindergarten Signing Day and New Student Tours 8:30-10:00 AM
- 15 Jet's Pizza PTA Spirit Day
- 16 Spring Pictures
- 17 Kindergarten Zoo Field Trip
- 18 Campus Clean Up Sponsored by PTA
- 23 Spring Concert 6:00 PM
- 24 Rock Your School Dress Up Day-All School
- 29 STEM Night 6:00-7:30 PM
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Celebrating Our School Social Worker
This past week, we celebrated National School Social Worker's Week, and we would like to recognize and thank Ms. Nicole Corcione for her incredible work and dedication to our school community.
Ms. Corcione is on our campus twice a week, working closely with students through individual and small-group support. She also plays a vital role in partnering with families and connecting them to community organizations and resources that help meet a variety of needs.
We are truly grateful for her compassion, commitment, and advocacy for our students and families. Thank you, Ms. Corcione, for all you do to support our school community!
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On Thursday, our Runner’s Club celebrated a fun and successful season with breakfast and awards under the covered area! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing coaches, Coach Segrest, Coach Stoyle, Coach Bailey (Juke), and Coach Mirza, for your time, dedication, and commitment to our students.
Thank you as well to our runners, parents, and volunteers for your persistence, consistency, and support throughout the season. Your dedication makes this program a success, and you are all greatly appreciated!
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Our Red Bug Rulers Math Club proudly participated in the Elementary and Middle School Math Festival!
This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Math Agents Wanted,” challenged students to put their problem‑solving skills to the test through both individual and group competitions.
Our mathematicians had a blast sharpening their skills, collaborating with peers, and tackling exciting math challenges alongside students from other schools. It was an incredible experience filled with teamwork, critical thinking, and fun!
A special thank you to Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Wilder, Dr. Brevoort, and Mr. Gonzalez for volunteering their time and helping our students successfully complete their mission. We appreciate your support and dedication!
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On Friday, our students voted for their favorite Sunshine State books!
Thank you to Mrs. Herod, Mrs. Feroglia, Coach Stoyle, and Coach Mirza for organizing this fun event. Students loved voting and earning their “I Voted” stickers! Our students will learn on Monday which books won the top votes at Red Bug Elementary!
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We’re excited to offer an upcoming opportunity for you to share your thoughts and make your voice heard. The surveys will be open from March 23rd- April 10th. Watch for updates in our newsletter and on our website soon! |
Interested in Facilitating a Session at STEM Night?
Parents, community members, and friends of Red Bug Elementary School,
Make plans now to join us for “The Great STEM Investigation”, Red Bug’s STEM Night on
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
We are seeking community leaders, STEM professionals, and businesses to host a demonstration table and share engaging, hands‑on learning experiences with our students. Whether your background is rooted in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, we invite you to inspire young minds through your work, education, or personal STEM experiences.
If you are interested in facilitating a session at STEM Night, please click on the link and complete the Red Bug STEM Night Interest Form.
Deadline to submit: April 1, 2026.
This allows us time to review and approve all topics.
You will not regret being part of this exciting evening of discovery, our students can’t wait to learn from you!
Please contact:
Dr. Thacker 407‑746‑8300
Richard Burkett 407‑746‑8302
2026 STEM Night – Seminole County Public Schools Guidelines (Please Read)
By participating as a speaker, you agree to the following SCPS expectations:
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Screening: Speakers are not required to be registered Dividends but must clear the Raptor Visitor screening upon arrival.
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No Distribution: Brochures, promotional items, or materials may not be distributed to students.
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Advertising: Items containing advertising require prior approval from Seminole County Public Schools.
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No Solicitation: Collecting student names, addresses, or phone numbers for business promotion is prohibited.
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Smoking/Vaping: Not permitted anywhere on campus.
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No Religious Viewpoints: Presentations must not include religious messaging.
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No Political Advocacy: Advocating for a political viewpoint is not allowed.
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Dress Code: Appropriate, professional dress is required.
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Supervision: A teacher or school employee will remain present during all presentations.
- Role of Speaker:
- Presentations must be educational and explanatory.
- Content may not denigrate any culture, race, gender, national origin, or religion.
- Information shared must be factual and accurate.
- Language and behavior must be appropriate at all times.
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School Authority: School officials may interrupt or stop a presentation if guidelines are violated.
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This year’s theme, “I Belong!”, inspired amazing creativity from our students!
Three students participated in the celebration at Lyman High School this week.
Maggie (Primary/K) and Matthew (Intermediate/3rd) represented us in Visual Arts.
Wyatt’s Intermediate Photography piece, Every Piece Matters, advanced to Florida PTA, way to go!
Congratulations to all who participated! We are so proud of you!
Ethan E. - Accessible Artist, Visual Arts
Jazzlyn R. - Intermediate, Visual Arts
Julius R. - Intermediate, Visual Arts
Luke E. - Intermediate, Literature - Intermediate, Photography - Intermediate, Visual Arts
Maggie F. - Primary, Visual Arts
Matthew G. - Intermediate, Visual Arts
Sonia W. - Intermediate, Film Production
Steven E. - Intermediate, Photography
Sylvia W. - Primary, Visual Arts
Wyatt F. - Intermediate, Photography
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Happy Birthday to the February members of Doug the Bug’s Birthday Club!
We celebrated with fun, music, and some special goodies for our birthday friends!
It’s always a joy to make our Red Bug birthdays extra memorable!
Want your child to join the celebration?
Sign up today for March and beyond!
Orders must be placed by the 5th day of your child’s birthday month.
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Field Day & Family Picnic on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Field Day Times:
Grades 3, 4 & 5 from 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Grades PreK, Kdg, 1 & 2 from 10:00 AM-11:15 AM
Picnic Time
All Grades: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
For the safety and security of everyone, all visitors must go through RAPTOR to attend field day and family picnic. To help speed up the process, please RSVP by filling out this form.
To pre-register you through Raptor, you must provide the following information as it appears on your Driver's License/ID: First & Last Name and Birth Date.
Adults who do not RSVP with all information listed will have to go through the front office on the day of the event and entry to the festivities may be significantly delayed.
Please RSVP by Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm. This RSVP will close on March 9, 2026.
Complete a separate form for each Parent/Guardian attending.
Please, only 2 adult visitors per family.
Children under 5 are welcome, but no school-age (elementary, middle or high school) children that are not enrolled in Red Bug may attend.
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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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Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is happening now! For more information, please visit https://www.scps.us/enroll
or click on the picture above.
We will have our Kindergarten Signing Day and New Student Tour on April 15, 2026, at 8:30 AM. Our new students will be able to have a free full waffle and chicken tender meal in the Campus Restaurant. Parents may eat as well for $3.00 per adult. More information to come!
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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.
his is an example of a sentence to begin a paragraph.
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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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