Red Bug families,
Happy last quarter of the school year! We hope you had a relaxing spring break. We're super excited about seeing our Bugs tomorrow morning!
We are extremely proud of the significant decrease in tardies we have seen since the end of January, and we want to keep that positive trend going! As you read this newsletter this evening, we encourage you to reflect on the habits your family has built over the past six weeks that have helped reduce tardies, early checkouts, and strengthen daily attendance.
We are incredibly thankful for the way you are modeling the importance of education for your children and partnering with us to ensure they arrive at school on time, ready to learn. Your efforts truly matter, and they are making a meaningful difference in the amount of valuable instructional time our students receive each day.
This progress represents a marked improvement compared to the last week of January.
Congratulations, your efforts are paying off!
As we enter Quarter 4, we are excited about all your child has learned this year and all that remains ahead. Please continue to support your child by:
- Encouraging nightly reading
- Ensuring they get enough rest
- Making sure they eat breakfast, whether at home or school.
Thank you for all you do to support student success. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, or celebrations, we love hearing from you!
Together, we are making a meaningful difference. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Kindly,
Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal ~ Red Bug Elementary
BUGS: Spot the Clues!
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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 teachers 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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March
- 23 School resumes
- 25 Doug the Bug Birthday Club
- 25 PTA sponsored Skate Night, Semoran Skateway 6:30-8:30 PM
- 27 Dress-up like a Ladybug or wear spirit wear
- 27 PTA sponsored BMX Bike Show
- 30-April 17 Stakeholder Surveys
- 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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Dear Parent/Guardian of 4th & 5th grade students,
Your student will take the computer-based Grade 4 and Grade 5 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Writing assessment on March 31 for 4th grade and April 2nd for 5th grade. The B.E.S.T. Writing assessment is administered in one 120-minute session, and students may work up to half of a typical school day. You will be provided with information about how to see your student’s results after testing is completed.
Please click on the link below to find a letter containing more information.
Please reach out to me should you have any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Ms. Lisa Phillips
Assistant Principal ~ Red Bug Elementary
lisa_phillips@scps.k12.fl.us
407-746-8303
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Just before the break, our Red Bug Hospitality Action Team brought some extra fun to our teachers and staff! They created an adorable bulletin board featuring baby pictures, giving our school family the opportunity to guess which current teacher or staff member was pictured.
You can only imagine the laughs, memories, and conversations sparked around that bulletin board! Our baby pictures were too cute, and the guessing game was a hit. Do you think you could have guessed the right person from their baby picture?
We are so grateful to work in a school where we can have fun, build connections, and enjoy meaningful moments together as a school family!
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Beginning March 30 and through April 17, students in grades 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to participate in the SCPS Voice Survey during the school day. The survey allows students to share their experiences and perspectives about their school so we can continue improving our schools and supporting student success.
During this same time, the SCPS Parent Survey will also be open, and we encourage you to participate and share your feedback. We value your voice.
Preview the Survey Questions
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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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PTA Support & Upcoming Board Voting
Our PTA supports Red Bug Elementary every day, and we are so thankful for all they do! Made up of an Executive Board, PTA Board, and members, our PTA provides ongoing support for students and staff.
In the near future, PTA members will vote on our new PTA Board. More details will be shared soon.
From new PE equipment and music guest speakers to volunteering for Field Day, Picture Days, and Health Screenings, our PTA plays an important role on our campus every single day. Thank you to our amazing PTA for your continued dedication to Red Bug!
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Just before Spring Break, our PTA, along with our generous community partner AdventHealth, provided fresh bread, muffins, vegetables, and fruit to many of our Red Bug families in need.
Thanks to their generosity, students were able to enjoy fresh and healthy food throughout Spring Break.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to Kristina, one of our amazing PTA moms, who works in our school Pantry on a weekly basis. Kristina consistently packs food backpacks for at least eight families every week, ensuring students have access to nutritious food at home. Before Spring Break, she also took the time to shop for groceries and pack boxes full of “yummy” food for families to enjoy together.
Thank you, Kristina and AdventHealth, for your kindness, time, and continued support of our Red Bug families. Your impact reaches far beyond our school walls.
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Our PTA recently awarded our third-grade teachers a $500 grant to purchase supplies for STEM bins!
These hands-on materials will help students explore, build, problem-solve, and think like engineers during STEM time in the classroom.
Opportunities like this are possible thanks to the generosity of our families and community.
Thank you for helping us invest in our Red Bug students!
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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 April and beyond!
Orders must be placed by the 5th day of your child’s birthday month.
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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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