Red Bug family,
Good afternoon!
Be sure to scan the headers throughout the newsletter for upcoming events and important reminders. New information is added each week, and important items are often repeated to make them easy to find when you need them.
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Running Club Registration is Open! All Red Bug students in grades K-5 are invited to participate. Get moving, build endurance, and take part in our Cross Country Meets throughout the season. https://forms.gle/Wreo3gcNqS7GpjcL6
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Math Adoption Community Invite-K-12 ELA and K-12 Math Public Preview Event: SCPS will host a Public Preview event on October 13, 2026, at the Educational Support Center from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This drop-in event provides an opportunity for staff, students, and community members to interact with publishers and explore the instructional materials programs that will be under consideration this year for District adoption in K-12 English Language Arts and K-12 Mathematics.
- Dividend Orientation This Week! Interested in volunteering at Red Bug? Join us for our Dividend Orientation and learn how you can support our students and staff. Please see the Dividend Orientation section below and RSVP if you plan to attend.
Thank you for staying connected and involved in our school community as we continue creating Waves of Kindness ~ Tides of Learning at Red Bug Elementary!
As always, please reach out with any questions, concerns, or celebrations. Have a wonderful week!
Respectfully,
Dr. Teresa Thacker
Principal
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Courteous Carline Reminders
For the safety of all students, families, and staff, please help us keep our arrival and dismissal procedures running smoothly:
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Stay in your designated carline lane throughout the entire dropoff process. Once your child has exited the vehicle, please remain in your lane and do not switch lanes. Lane changes create unsafe conditions and increase the risk of accidents.
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Please do not park and walk across the carline during morning arrival. Crossing through moving traffic is extremely dangerous. If you choose to park and walk your child to school, please use the sidewalk route and walk up the designated pathway.
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If you are parking during arrival, use the appropriate parking area and sidewalks. This helps keep traffic flowing safely and protects students and families from unnecessary risks.
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During afternoon dismissal, please do not pull into empty parking spaces and then expect to merge back into the carline. This practice delays the dismissal process for those who have been waiting patiently in line and creates additional traffic challenges.
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Please be courteous and patient with one another. Following established procedures helps ensure a safe, efficient, and respectful experience for everyone.
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If you arrive after the 7:55 AM tardy bell, please walk your child into the front office to sign-in and complete a tardy slip.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our Red Bug students safe!
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Lightning Bugs of the Week!
At Red Bug Elementary, our Lightning Bugs continue to shine brightly each day through their actions and character. We are proud of the many students who demonstrate kindness, support others, and work hard in everything they do.
Our Lightning Bugs show what it means to be respectful, responsible, and ready to grow every day. Whether they are helping a friend, making positive choices in the classroom, or persevering through challenges, they consistently model the values that make our school community special.
Thank you to our students for being role models and showing that small acts of kindness and dedication can make a big difference. Keep shining, Lightning Bugs!
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October
12 No School-Teacher Workday
13 Beginning of Quarter 2
13 PTA Fun Run Kick-Off
14 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
14 PTA Spirit Day Gator's Dockside (Winter Springs)
15 Dividend Orientation 9:00-10:00 AM
16 Red Bug Spirit Day-Pink Out! Wear Pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
21 Unity Day, Wear Orange
21 Doug the Bug Birthday Club 7:55 AM
21 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
23 Red Bug Spirit Day- Wear Spirit gear or Red and Black
26 "Shade Out Drugs", wear red and sunglasses
27 "Team Up and Power Up: Be Drug Free", wear Super Squad Day/Superhero
27 Vision and Growth Screening
28 First Responders Day, write a note to Deputy Mac or draw a picture for him
28 "From Head to Toe, I'm Drug Free", Crazy hair and socks
28 Fun Run
28 Early Release Wednesday 1:20 PM
29 "Be a Hero Against Drugs", Acts of Service Hero (police, firefighter, teacher, Military, doctor, nurse, etc.)
30 "I've Got Character, I Say No to Drugs" Book Character Day
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Please join us at the Dividend & Partners in Education Orientation on October 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM. This is your chance to hear about all the opportunities we have for you to serve our Red Bug Elementary community. Whether you support on campus, join our PTA or SAC, provide donations, make items for us at home, or sponsor a banner, this is your opportunity to learn and tell us a little bit about your services. If you are a Partner in Business, you may set up a table with information about your business. Please RSVP at the link below or click on the image so we know you will be spending a portion of your morning with us! We look forward to seeing you then!
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DON’T GHOST SCHOOL THIS OCTOBER!
October is a great time for spooky fun, but missing school is one thing that should never become a scary habit!
A few missed days can seem harmless, but when absences start adding up, they can lead to:
- Missing important instruction
- Falling behind on assignments
- Feeling disconnected from classmates and teachers
- More stress about catching up
- Difficulty staying on track academically
Sometimes, the hardest part becomes coming back after you've been gone.
We are in the middle of the 3-day weekend with schools closed on Monday, October 12, we encourage families to make attendance a priority before and after the break. Every school day provides valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.
The good news? You don't have to face attendance challenges alone.
If attendance is becoming a concern, reach out before it becomes a bigger issue. Your school's support team is here to help and problem-solve with you, not judge.
Contact your school's assigned School Social Worker or School Counselor for assistance and resources. Together, we can help identify barriers, create solutions, and ensure your student stays connected to learning.
Every Day Counts. Every Student Matters.
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A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our RBT Cart and volunteered their time to support our students! Our students loved shopping and discovering new treasures!
We’re getting ready for our next RBT Cart, and we would be so grateful for any donations to help restock it. If you’re able to contribute, it would be amazing! Thank you for helping make this such a special experience for our students! Click on the image or on the link below.
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Attention SSA families and future SSA families! Come check out the SSA International Cultural Expo on Tuesday, October 13th from 6-8 pm. We'll have food, fun, and information about cultures from around the world! You won't want to miss this fun-for-the-family event!
¡Atención familias y futuras familias de SSA!
Vengan a disfrutar de la Expo Cultural Internacional de SSA el martes 13 de octubre, de 6:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m. ¡Tendremos comida, diversión e información sobre culturas de todo el mundo!
¡No se querrán perder este evento tan divertido para toda la familia!
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CALL FOR SPONSORS!!!
The Red Bug Bug-A-Palooza Fun Run is just around the corner, and we are looking for a few good sponsors! Your business logo or name will be displayed on the back of a shirt worn by nearly 800 students year-round, providing continuous exposure for your business!
Premium Ad ($750)
• Large ad on the back of Bug-A-Palooza T-shirt (above or below the track)
• Company signage (provided by company) to display at the Fun Run
• Name announced at Fun Run and listed on other marketing material
• Sponsor logo placed on PTA website and 2 posts on PTA Facebook page
Regular Ad ($500)
• Medium ad on the back of Bug-A-Palooza T-shirt
• Name announced at Fun Run and listed on other marketing material
• Sponsor logo placed on PTA website and 1 post on PTA Facebook page
Name Ad ($250)
• Name on back of Bug-A-Palooza T-shirt
• Sponsor logo placed on PTA website
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Calling all Red Bug creators! PTA Reflections is back!
This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." Students can express their ideas, experiences, and creativity through:
- 🎨 Visual Arts
- 📸 Photography
- 📚 Literature
- 🎵 Music Composition
- 🎬 Film Production
- 💃 Dance Choreography
No artistic experience is needed. Reflections is about sharing your unique story and perspective!
✉ Questions? redbugreflections@gmail.com
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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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