Red Bug families,
This past week, we spent time with SCPS Instructional Leadership discussing the needs of Red Bug Elementary. As we visited classrooms and walked throughout our campus, we received many accolades and encouraging words about our Red Bug school family. The experience served as a wonderful reminder that every role on our campus matters and that it truly takes all of us working together to create an environment where students thrive in kindness and learning.
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Our Teachers and Paraprofessionals build meaningful relationships with students, learning about their interests, families, strengths, and challenges while using data to guide learning and growth.
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Our Instructional Coaches support teachers and students by celebrating successes, identifying effective strategies, and helping ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed.
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Our School Counselor supports the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students while also providing guidance, resources, and encouragement for our faculty, staff, and families.
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Our Front Office Team creates a welcoming environment for families and students while ensuring the smooth operation of our school each day.
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Our Duty Staff greet students throughout the day, help them start their mornings successfully, and ensure they arrive safely and on time to class.
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Our Specials Teachers inspire students to explore new interests, develop talents, and build confidence through unique learning experiences.
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Our Campus Restaurant Team nourishes students each day while building caring relationships and creating positive lunchtime experiences.
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Our Restaurant Duty Assistants provide encouragement, guidance, and kindness during lunch, helping every student feel seen and supported.
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Our Custodians help maintain a clean, safe, and beautiful learning environment while building positive connections with students throughout the school day.
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Our Administrative Team is grateful to work alongside this outstanding faculty and staff as we partner with families to help every student thrive through our focus on Waves of Kindness and Tides of Learning.
Together, we are creating a school where every child is known, valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's journey!
As always, please reach out with any questions, concerns, and/or celebrations!
Kindly,
Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal
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Lightning Bugs!
These amazing students were recognized for demonstrating BUGS Behavior and being leaders in our school community. We are so proud of their kindness, their dedication to learning, and the way they help their classmates and teachers each day. Way to go, Lightning Bugs!
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September
15 PTA Spirit Night, Chipotle Mexican Grill (Winter Springs) 5-9 PM
16 Doug the Birthday Club for September Birthday Bugs (see details in the newsletter)
16 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
18 Red Bug Spirit Day! Wear Red Bug Spirit Wear or Red and Black
21 SAC Meeting 7:00 AM Admin Conference room
22 Fall Pictures
23 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
23 Dividend/Volunteer Orientation 9:00-10:00 AM MPR
23 Curriculum Night & Student Led Conferences 5:00-7:00 PM
23 PTA Spirit Day, Jeremiah's Italian Ice (Winter Springs) 11:00 AM- Close
25 Red Bug Spirit Day-Team Sports Day
30 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
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FAST Progress Monitoring (PM) Assessments: Understanding Your Child's Growth
At Red Bug Elementary, we are committed to helping every student grow and succeed. Throughout the school year, students participate in Florida's FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) assessments. These assessments help teachers monitor student progress, identify strengths, and provide targeted support when needed.
You may hear your child's teacher refer to PM1, PM2, and PM3 throughout the year. These stand for Progress Monitoring 1, Progress Monitoring 2, and Progress Monitoring 3. Students participate in these assessments three times each year, allowing teachers and families to see academic growth over time rather than relying on a single test score.
FAST assessment results provide valuable information about your child's current performance and progress toward grade-level expectations. Teachers use this information to set meaningful, age-appropriate goals with students and help them develop strategies to reach those goals. As partners in your child's education, we encourage you to review your child's results and celebrate their growth throughout the year.
To help families better understand FAST assessments and score reports, we have included English and Spanish resources below. These brochures explain testing, achievement levels, score reports, and provide additional helpful links for families:
A Special Thank You to Ms. Phillips!
We would like to give a HUGE Red Bug shout-out to Ms. Phillips, our Assistant Principal and Testing Coordinator! Coordinating school-wide Progress Monitoring assessments three times each year is a tremendous undertaking. From organizing testing schedules and materials to ensuring a smooth testing experience for students and staff, Ms. Phillips works tirelessly behind the scenes to make our FAST testing days successful.
Her attention to detail, organization, and dedication help ensure that our students can showcase their learning in a supportive environment. We are incredibly grateful for all she does for our school community.
Thank you, Ms. Phillips, for all you do for Red Bug Elementary!
If you have questions about FAST assessments or your child's testing experience, please feel free to contact Ms. Phillips. Her contact information is listed at the end of this newsletter.
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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.
Students in VPK, and Developmental Classrooms may use the Bus Ramp (stickers will be provided for your car tag & teachers will provide specific information).
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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.
- Families of students in Developmental classrooms will be provided with specific information from your teachers.
🛑 Safety Requirements:
- You must have a 2026–2027 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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Walker and Biker Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Parents escorting students to and from campus will be expected to drop-off and pick up their front gate walkers/bikers at one of the following entrance/exits:
- School Fencing Gate adjacent to Campus Restaurant, past restaurant parking lot (at dismissal, parents are asked to wait in the grass behind the Campus Restaurant, next to the playground area to provide ample room for families gathering)
- Beginning of Covered Car Loop Ramp (bridge side)
- Crosswalk before building 4 (at arrival, parent may cross student, at dismissal, staff will cross students)
- At dismissal if you expect your walker/biker to wait until an adult has met them at the designated area, you must notify the student’s teacher.
From these drop-off locations, parents will be able to see students enter the gated area or building safely and the distance will also help keep the congestion minimal at the front of the school. Students will be supervised by Seminole County Public School employees from the above dropoff locations in the morning and escorted to the same dismissal locations in the afternoon.
Back gate walkers and bike riders will arrive and be dismissed through the single entrance at the back of school. Parents/guardians are not permitted to enter campus through the back gate.
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Seminole County Public Schools will utilize the My Ride K-12 App for the 2026-2027 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.
Families are encouraged to download the My Ride K12 app. Through this app, parents can find bus stop information as well as receive bus updates including late notices. Families may also call 407-320-7550 to find out their child’s bus stop information. Learn more about the My Ride K12 App HERE.
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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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Your Back-to-School Checklist for Campus Dining
Here is your guide to Breakfast and Lunch at your campus restaurant. Red Apple Dining is here to help you check off important items for the 2026–2027 school year!
✅ Meal Benefits Applications Are Open
Families needing financial assistance can complete an application online at SCPSMealApp.com. Applications are available in English, Spanish, and seven additional languages for your convenience. Watch this helpful video, available in English and Spanish, with step-by-step instructions on How to Apply. Remember, applications are confidential and secure, and a new application is required each year to determine eligibility.
📱 Manage Your Child’s Campus Dining Account
Create a free MySchoolBucks account or download the MySchoolBucks app to access features such as your child’s purchase history, set up automated payments and much more. There are no account or transaction fees in Red Apple Dining. Watch this quick, helpful video available in English and Spanish to learn how to easily set up and manage your child’s MySchoolBucks account.
🍎 View Our Menus Anytime
Viewing our delicious and nutritious menu items has never been easier. Bookmark the menus page to stay updated on our latest menu offerings. Get ready to enhance your dining experience! Download the MealViewer App for on-the-go convenience! After completing these steps, you’re prepared to have a successful year dining with us. We look forward to serving your family!
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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 begin 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 outside 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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Attention SCPS Families! Please remember to complete your Parent/Guardian Consent for School Health Services form and Student Clinic Card, which can be found in Skyward Family Access. You may click on the image to the right to access Skyward. The school health services consent form and student clinic card is automatically uploaded into each parent/guardian Skyward Family Access account and will display at the very top of the home page.
Please see the letter below for step-by-step directions.
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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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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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