As we move into February, our teachers continue to focus on standards-based instruction to ensure every student is learning the essential skills for their grade level. Using recent progress-monitoring data (FAST and iReady), teachers are closely tracking how students are doing and adjusting lessons to meet their needs. This data helps us identify areas where students may need extra support, as well as opportunities to extend learning for those ready for a challenge. Our goal is to provide targeted, meaningful instruction so every child can continue to grow with confidence.
Your involvement at home is just a vital. Below are a few ways that you can help support your child's learning at home:
Read together daily and talk about the story using “who, what, where, why” questions
Practice basic math facts through games, cooking, or everyday routines
Encourage your child to explain their thinking when solving problems
Review teacher feedback, notes, or progress reports together
Set goals with your child - not just a report card grade, but steps along the way
Maintain a consistent homework and reading routine
Celebrate effort and growth, not just correct answers
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning!
~ Julie P Jones
Principal
School Safety
We are asking for your support in speaking with your child(ren) about the importance of using words responsibly and never threatening harm toward others. Recently, the school has seen an increase in situations where students, when frustrated or upset, have made statements threatening violence as a response to conflict.
Even when said in anger or without intent, threats of harm are taken very seriously and can lead to significant consequences. More importantly, they signal that a student may be struggling to manage emotions or problem-solve in healthy ways.
Teaching students how to cope with frustration, express concerns appropriately, and seek help is a shared responsibility between schools and families. While our staff works daily to guide and support students, these lessons are most effective when reinforced at home.
We encourage families to:
Talk openly with your child about handling anger and stress safely
Reinforce that threats—whether spoken, written, or posted online—are never acceptable
Remind kids to reach out to a trusted adult when they feel overwhelmed
By working together, we can help students develop the skills they need to navigate challenges appropriately and ensure our schools remain safe, respectful learning environments for everyone.
Our school Read-A-Thon began on Monday January 26, 2026 and is sure to be a fun and exciting event.
We understand that your time is valuable. We also know that providing the best education for your child is important. That's why we are encouraging everyone to activate their student's Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.
Watch a short video to see how to signup your reader:
This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers! Thank you,
Citrus Springs Elementary PTO
Stuff the Staff Lounge
Let’s spread the love this Valentine’s Day by helping us Stuff the Lounge for our amazing teachers and staff! 💖
We’re inviting families to send in drinks and snacks to help stock the staff lounge and show your appreciation for all our staff does every day. Sweet treats, savory snacks, and drinks are welcome!
We ask that donations are dropped off to the front office by Friday, February 6th.
Thank you for helping us make our staff feel loved, supported, and celebrated. Your generosity truly makes a difference!
Staff Appreciation Week
Staff Appreciation Week is May 4-8, 2026, and it will be here before we know it. We would like to express our gratitude for the hardworking staff members who contribute so much to our students. In an effort to make this week memorable and enjoyable for our staff, we are seeking sponsors for breakfast or lunch. If you are interested in contributing to this meaningful week, please feel free to email Mrs. Damewood, principal secretary, damewoodk@citrusschools.org
Important dates:
February
February 4th - Spring Picture Day, 5th grade Book, Line and Thinker fieldtrip
February 5th - 5th grade Book, Line and Thinker fieldtrip
February 6th - 4th & 5th gr Class winners for 4-H speeches presenting in media center, 2nd gr Gem Mining 11:45-3:00
February 9th - 4:15 SAC (media center)
February 11th - 4th gr child safety lessons
February 12th - Regional Science Fair (select 5th graders)
February 16th - No school - Presidents Day
February 17th - Downing and Dowd YMCA swimming
February 18th - Downing and Dowd YMCA swimming, 4th gr child safety lessons
February 19th - Downing and Dowd YMCA swimming
February 20th - Downing and Dowd YMCA swimming
February 23rd - Hersh and Serrano YMCA swimming
February 24th - Hersh and Serrano YMCA swimming
February 25th - Hersh and Serrano YMCA swimming
February 26th - Hersh and Serrano YMCA swimming
Advance Planning:
March 16th - Title I Parent Night - Miracle of Science and Bookfair 5:30-6:30
Week of March 23rd - Spring Break
April 1st - 4th grade state writing assessment
April 2nd - 5th grade state writing assessment
Each Friday, we encourage our school community to show their spirit - wear school spirit shirts or school colors. We can't wait to see that CSE pride!
Hawk Leaders
Congratulations to our Hawk Leaders of the Month!
This month, we are excited to celebrate our Hawk Leaders for demonstrating the character trait of fairness.
Fairness means treating others with kindness and respect, following rules, and making sure everyone has a chance to be included. Our Hawk Leaders shows fairness each day by listening to others, sharing, taking turns, and standing up for what is right.
By practicing fairness, these Hawks help create a positive and welcoming classroom where everyone feels valued. We are proud of the thoughtful choices they make and the example they set for their classmates.
Congratulations to our January Hawk Leaders! Thank you for helping make CSE a fair and caring place to learn.
Way to go, Hawks!
Pre-Kindergarten
WaylonRadabaugh
Nova Brunson
Blakelynn Yeager
Kindergarten
Lucian Spina
Asher Turner
Evelyn Dan
Aston McDonald
Harper McMillan
1st Grade
Dakota Gibbs
Isabella Minor
Chance Henry
Rilynn Anderson
Chloe Blanco
K'aden Williams
2nd Grade
Joslyn Bell
Brinley Moss
Abigail Lozito
Wyatt Bachota
Matthew Valenza
Madelyn Carlysle
3rd Grade
Taylor Honsted
Daisy Arroyo
Anime Osteen
Irie Moody
Joshua Smith-Johnson
Jameson Black
4th Grade
Layton Pelham
Mason Plemens
5th Grade
Rexford Ingerick
Jayce Yedkois
Nadia Leonard
Jonathon Revels
Victoria Velazquez
Carina Vasquez
Giana Johnson
Reminders
Early check out - For safety reasons, children can only be checked out by their legal parents or guardians. Emergency contacts are not permitted to pick up a child unless a written note is provided or in the case of CSE calling them for an emergency.
Attendance - We appreciate notes being sent in when your child is absent. Please make sure that the note includes your child's first AND last name. With a school of more than 900 Hawks, we want to make sure we have accurate attendance for everyone.
Toys - we have noticed an increase in the amount of toys being brought to school. Please make sure that your child keeps their toys at home. This helps to ensure that the toys don't get lost/taken/broken.
Yearbooks
Our 2025-2026 yearbooks are now on sale. If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please go to Lifetouch's website:
Yearbooks need to be ordered by March 31, 2026 and are $28 each.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
Our School Advisory Council (SAC) meets quarterly on Mondays at 4:15. All parents, students, staff and community members are welcome, and encouraged, to attend. You do not need to be a voting member to participate.
Our next meetings are
Monday, February 9 at 4:15
Monday, April 13 at 4:15
SAC plays an important role in shaping the direction of our school, and your voice can make a real difference. We strongly encourage you to join us and be part of this collaborative team!
Visiting Campus?
Please be sure to bring your ID any time you come on campus. This is needed for Navigate 360 (our system we use for visitors).
🍎 Adopt-a-Class Program
The "Adopt-a-Class" program is a wonderful opportunity for businesses, individuals, and community organizations to directly support our students and teachers. By "adopting a classroom," partners help ensure our students have additional resources to support their learning.
What is it? It's a partnership where a sponsor provides financial support to a specific classroom, grade level, or school program (like Art, Music, or PE).
What does the donation cover? The funds are used directly by the teacher to purchase additional materials to expand on current lessons.
Why is it important? Teachers often spend their own money on supplies to meet classroom needs. The Adopt-a-Class program helps lighten this financial burden and enhances the educational opportunities for all students in that classroom.
If you are a parent who owns a business, know of a community group, or simply wish to make an individual contribution, you can help us by reaching out! Donations are tax deductible.
Title I News
Research continues to confirm that parents are a vital part of the educational process and of the educational experiences of their children. When school personnel and families work together, relationships are developed that support learning and children are provided an enhanced opportunity for success in school and throughout life. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s education. We encourage parents to be involved as much as possible. Volunteering, mentoring, and attending parent conferences are all parent involvement activities. Gain information and be part of the decision making process by joining advisory committees at the school and district level.
· No person shall, on the basis of race (including anti-Semitism), color, religion, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex, age, disability, marital status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or genetic information, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by Citrus County School Board (CCSB), except as provided by law.
· CCSB shall comply with all state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination and are designed to protect the civil rights of applicants, employees, and/or students, or other people protected by applicable law.
· CCSB prohibits discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment, and in access to educational programs and activities, and prohibits harassment of any individual or group based on race (including anti-Semitism), color, religion, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex, age, disability, marital status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or genetic information.
· Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. CCSB may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.
· CCSB will comply with all Federal requirements regarding discrimination and harassment including, but not limited to, 34C.F.R. Part 108.
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.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following:
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