Citrus Springs Elementary School
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As we close out our fourth week of school, I want to thank everyone for your part in helping to make the start of our 2025-26 school year great! Our theme this year- Wings of Wisdom, Watch us Soar - relies on all of our wisdom coming together to help our kids soar. Our kids are coming to school ready to learn, teachers are planning and delivering engaging lessons based on standards, and families are supporting learning at home through homework and reading with their child. With this combination, our kids will soar!
I encourage you, if you haven't already, to register for ParentSquare - you can download the app, or go directly to their website ( parentsquare.com). This is our main method of communication from teachers, the school and Citrus County School District. If you need help, please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or myself. Midterm reports will be emailed out from Skyward on September 12th. Please take a few minutes to review your child's progress so far this year. Ask them questions such as, "What is going well for you right now?, Where do you think you can put forth more effort to reach your goals/potential?" Having conversations not just at grade report time, but every day with your child helps to show how important his/her education is, and helps you get a glimpse in to the day.
Julie P Jones
Principal
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The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of parents, teachers, school staff, and community members who work together to support our school’s goals and help improve student achievement. The council provides input on important decisions such as the school improvement plan, budget priorities, and programs that benefit all students.
👥 Who Can Join?
We welcome all parents and guardians to participate! Being part of SAC is a great way to:
- Stay informed about what’s happening at school
- Share your ideas and feedback
- Be a voice for all students and families
- Help plan and support school initiatives
🗓️ When Does SAC Meet?
SAC meets quarterly, and meetings are open to everyone — you don’t have to be a member to attend. Meeting dates and times will be shared in upcoming newsletters.
Our first meeting will be Monday, September 15 at 4:15.
💡 Want to Get Involved?
If you're interested in joining SAC or just want to learn more, please contact Mrs. Calvert, calvertr@citrusschools.org. We’d love to have your voice at the table!
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What is the PTO?
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a group of parents, teachers, and staff who work together to support our school through events, fundraising, and volunteer efforts.
🎉 What Does the PTO Do?
- Organizes fun family events
- Supports teachers and classrooms
- Raises money for school needs
- Builds a strong school community
👨👩👧👦 Get Involved!
All parents are welcome! Whether you can help at events or behind the scenes, there’s a place for you.
PTO's next meeting will be on September 15 following our SAC meeting.
Want to learn more? Contact Mrs. Heather Biedenstein, PTO President or come to a meeting.
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My name is “Coach” Frank Vilardi and I have been a PE Teacher at CSES for the last 34 years! I am also the head basketball coach at Lecanto High School. I am a graduate of Lecanto High School and The University of Central Florida. I have been married for 33 years and have 2 sons, Thomas and Peyton, who are both former Hawks! I enjoy playing golf and Pickleball in my spare time. During the month of September, we will be introducing racket skills with an emphasis on the game of Pickleball as well as our football unit where we will focus on throwing, catching, and kicking. |
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My name is Sheri Vilardi and this will be my 33rd year at CSES. I have taught 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, Title 1, and am beginning my 5th year as one of the PE coaches. I am a graduate of Lecanto High School and The University of Central Florida. I have been married for over 33 years and am a mom of two amazing boys. My oldest is married and a PE teacher at CSMS, and my youngest is an assistant manager with Enterprise in West Palm Beach. I enjoy taking walks and keeping fit, cruising, and I am an avid reader. During the month of September, we will be introducing racket skills with an emphasis on the game of Pickleball as well as our football unit where we will focus on throwing, catching, and kicking. We look forward to another great year at CSES! |
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My name is Kevin Ryan and I have been working as the PE paraprofessional for going on 6 years now. I am just recently newlywed and have a newborn baby boy named Tatum James (baby TJ for short). I also have an almost 10 year old named Liam who lives to play basketball. I coach basketball at Lecanto High School and I am also a personal skills trainer for basketball. |
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Hi CSE families! I am Ms. Jatt, the K-5 art teacher. It has been an awesome start so far, we have been able to learn about the 7 Art Elements and the Principles of Design. Students will practice safe use of materials, learn how to care for our art room, and create many creative pieces of art. In the upcoming weeks, kids will create their portfolio in which they will store their artwork for the year. It is a fantastic way for them to reflect on their impressive work at the end of the year. I cannot wait to see our Hawks create, collaborate, and celebrate their ideas this year! |
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My name is Kristy Fries. I have been with CSE for 10 years, I am married, have 2 boys, both in high school, one who graduates this year. This is my 2nd year as the music teacher. I hope to build a love for music with our students by sharing my own enthusiasm, creating a positive and fun learning environment, and connecting music to their interests. I believe in the power of hands-on experience, providing students with instruments to actively engage and grow. Musically Yours! |
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Hi! I’m Ms. Elliott, the media specialist here at CSE. This is my 11th year here and I can’t think of another place I’d want to be! I have a 10 year old daughter and 2 cats who I love to spend time with. I also love coffee, cold weather, and reading! Throughout September I will be hosting book tastings and read-a-longs for various grade levels. We will also be talking about the different SSYRA books for the year and encouraging everyone to join in on the fun and read them! The library is such a special and important place and I’m so excited to help make it feel that way for all of our students! It’s going to be a wonderful year full of new and exciting possibilities! |
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Citrus Springs Elementary is proud that all our teachers and administrators who work with our students are certified by the State of Florida or other governing board. We appreciate the following teachers who have volunteered to teach a subject outside of their primary certification and are currently taking classes or exams to obtain certification in the area they are teaching out-of-field.
Alisa Damon - Currently certified in Social Science 6-12 and Middle Grades Social Science; teaching out of field for school social worker
Rohma Jatt - Currently certified in Elementary Education; teaching out of field in Art
Madison Kaufman - Currently certified in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Social Studies, Middle Grades Science, and Biology; teaching out of field in ESOL.
Lisa Kearse - Currently certified in ESE and PE; teaching out of field in Elementary Education
Mindy London - Currently certified in Elementary Education and ESE, out of field in ESOL
David Smyth - Currently certified in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Math, and Gifted; out of field in ESOL
Alexandra Acker - holds of statement of eligibility from the DOE; teaching out of field in Elementary Education
Carolina Dowd - holds of statement of eligibility from the DOE; teaching out of field in Elementary Education
Maureen Page - holds of statement of eligibility from the DOE; teaching out of field in PreK-3
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September 8 - Arts in Education Week
September 11 - Patriot Day - wear red/white/blue
September 12 - Midterms emailed
September 15 - SAC 4:15, PTO following
September 17 - Constitution Day
Future Planning -
October 2 - Title I Parent Night
November 5 - Picture Retakes
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For the month of September, we are focusing on Responsibility- a character trait that helps students grow into dependable, trustworthy individuals. At school, we are encouraging students to show responsibility by doing what is expected, making smart choices, completing assignments, and doing the best you can do. You can support this at home by giving your child age-appropriate tasks and celebrating their efforts to follow through. Together, we’re helping to build habits that last a lifetime!
Look in next month's newsletter for our students who earned Hawk Leaders for responsibility.
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Our Hawk Pledge represents what we want our students doing each day to help them continue to grow as a learner and be a positive part of our school community.
Please take a few minutes to discuss this pledge with your child and what it means so we can all support learning and citizenship.
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All visitors must present a valid and current ID card of Driver’s License to check in at the front office before entering campus during the hours of 8:15-4:15.
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Parent Drop Off/Pick Up
Thank you families for having your car tag visible through the entire pick up line. This helps our callers, as well as those that are loading the kids in to their cars.
Please do not park on the grass area near the marquee between the times of 8:45-9:15 and 3:15-4:15.
Bus
Our buses are getting close to running on time for arrival and pick up. We appreciate your understanding as the routes get adjusted and drivers learn the kids/route. Please keep in mind that prior to pick up CSE kids (both am and pm), our buses are transporting middle and high school kids to their schools.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following:
- 352-344-4079
- calvertr@citrusschools.org (Principal Secretary)
- https://cse.citrusschools.org/
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