Citrus Springs Elementary School
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What a great first week of school! Thank you for trusting us to educate your child(ren). We value our partnership and look forward to a successful year of working together.
On Monday, August 17th, all of our students will be at CSE. This past week has been step by step week for PreK and kindergarteners. We appreciate your continued patience as we work to get all of our students dismissed safely each day.
Please take a few minutes to review our newsletter. Parent newsletters will be sent through ParentSquare, posted on Facebook and on our website at the beginning of each month.
Julie P Jones
Principal
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CSE continues to be the place to be, and our enrollment shows it! We currently have about 850 students enrolled. This large number of course impacts our parent pick up and drop off lines - with more than 200 cars dropping off each morning and picking up each afternoon.
Keeping safety as the priority, please review the information below to help us be as efficient as possible.
Please also 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.
Parent Drop Off
8:45 - we will start unloading students from cars in the parent pick up line, students will stand inside the school building from 8:45-8:50
8:50-9:20 - we will continue to welcome students and they will be able to head straight to class or breakfast, during this time the front parking lot will be locked -everyone will need to go through the parent drop off line
Please pull down as far as possible when dropping your child off so we can get as many cars on the line as possible. Also, please encourage your child to be ready to get out as soon as we open the door -with the large number of student drop offs, we want to welcome kids and move as efficiently as possible.
9:17 - parent drop off loop will be locked
Anyone who arrives after this time will need to come park in the main parking lot and walk your child across (they cannot cross the crosswalk without their adult). Students who enter the school building after 9:20 will need to be signed in to the office by an adult and will be marked tardy.
If your child eats breakfast at school, we strongly encourage you to drop off your child on the early side of the drop off time. Students that are arriving just before 9:20 and going to breakfast are likely missing instruction, as our instructional day begins at 9:20.
Parent Pick Up
Our front parking lot will be locked from 3:05-4:10ish.
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 remain in your car at all times.
If your child is not yet out, a staff member will direct you to pull to the end and staff member will bring your child to you.
If your child needs assistance in buckling in, please pull down to the end of the pickup lane/grass area and assist them there so we can continue to have students placed in cars.
In the event of severe weather or lightning, we will evaluate the situation and release students as appropriate.
Please do not park on the grass area near the marquee between the times of 8:45-9:15 and 3:15-4:15.
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Change in Transportation
If you are changing your child's transportation - please send in a note with your child - including your child's full name, teacher name, the date of the change and what the change is.
We strongly discourage emails for transportation changes - if a staff member is out or doesn't see their email during the day, your message will not be seen.
We will not accept changes in dismissal after 2:00 to ensure we have time for teachers and staff to be notified.
At 3:00, the front office will be transitioning to prepare for dismissal. Due to safety, all students that are being picked up through the office will need to be signed out by 3:00.
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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. |
Please review the Dress Code from our district-wide Student Code of Conduct. We noticed an increase of students wearing pajama pants last year and want to set the expectations from the beginning. Please make sure your child follows the dress code when coming to school.
STUDENT DRESS CODE FOR CITRUS COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Citrus County School Board recognizes that clothing fashions change and that fads come and go, but distinctions still need to be made as to what is acceptable attire for educational purposes. Some clothing which might be appropriate in other settings would be completely inappropriate and disruptive for the learning atmosphere in a school setting.
The principal or designee is responsible for interpreting and clarifying the student dress code upon student or parent/guardian request. The principal or designee is the final authority for interpreting and applying the student dress code related to special events and activities conducted at the school.
Students will dress in attire which does not distract from the learning process or the educational environment. The Citrus County School guidelines specify the following:
- Clothing should not be sexually suggestive, and it should cover and conceal body parts, e.g. chest, midriff, back, legs (to mid-thigh or longer), shoulders (2" wide shoulder straps minimum).
- Clothing should cover all undergarments.
- Shorts, skirts, or pants should be worn at natural waistline.
- Attire should not illustrate, enhance, or depict tobacco/alcohol/drugs, nor have offensive, racial, gang-related, sexual or violent messages, or images.
- Attire should contribute to the health and safety of all students and staff. Jewelry, shoes, accessories, hair color and hair styles must be free of conditions that could be considered hazardous or disruptive.
- Accessories such as, but not limited to, spiked necklaces, spiked wristbands, spiked earrings, and wallet chains are not permissible.
- Blankets and/or sleepwear (i.e. pajamas, house slippers) are not allowed. Pants/shorts with a zipper or closed/sewn fly are permitted.
- Any accessory which attaches to your body or clothing causing disruption, distraction, or a safety hazard is not permissible, as determined by the principal or designee.
HEAD COVERS
Hats and head covers should not be worn in designated school areas at any time, except for recognized religious purposes. Sweatshirt hoodies and other head covers that block all or part of the face are considered a violation of the dress code and to school safety.
FOOTWEAR
Footwear should contribute to the health and safety of all students and staff. Roller shoes and house slippers are not permitted. Tennis shoes/sneakers may be required for physical activity.
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CLOTHING
The following administrative guidelines must be followed by all students when wearing shorts, skirts, pants, and dresses:
- The length of shorts, skirts, and dresses must be mid-thigh or longer (please refer to the diagram provided on page 47).
- Clothing that is too tight, too baggy, causes disruption, distraction, or a safety hazard will not be permitted. Tight-fitting clothing is not permitted unless covered by other approved clothing.
- Tears/holes in shorts/pants must be below the mid-thigh unless patches or leggings are worn underneath the shorts/pants. Skin must not be seen above the mid-thigh.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of each student to come to school in the appropriate dress, have respect for self and others, and understand the role that appropriate dress and respect for self and others has in an orderly learning environment. Therefore, students, while attending school during the regular school day, are prohibited from wearing clothes that expose underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment.
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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 21 at 4:15.
💡 Want to Get Involved?
If you're interested in joining SAC or just want to learn more, please contact Mrs. Damewood, damewoodk@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 21 following our SAC meeting.
Want to learn more? Contact Mrs. Heather Biedenstein, PTO President or come to a meeting.
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Thank you for supporting our school through fundraisers. The money raised from these events goes directly back to benefit our entire school community. Funds may be used for school improvements, classroom resources, student activities, and staff appreciation. Your participation helps us create a better learning environment for all students — we truly appreciate your support! |
Parents of students requiring prescription and over the counter medication during the school day, must follow the following procedures: An Authorization for Medication Form must be filled out and signed by BOTH the parent/guardian of the student AND a physician. Medication must be brought to school by an adult in the original container. Examples of over-the-counter medication include, but are not limited to:
Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, cough drops, etc. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide a safe and healthy environment.
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Partnering with the Citrus County School District, the YMCA operates onsite before and after school childcare program in all 11 Elementary Schools. The YMCA School Age Program provides childcare for children in Prek (must be potty trained) through fifth grade.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Fees:
· All Inclusive Plan - $75 per week, from 8/10/26 - 5/28/27 (Includes All In-
Service Days and All Holiday Breaks)
· Annual Registration Fee - $25 per individual/$40 per family
*Financial Assistance is available to those who qualify. Financial assistance may also be available to qualifying families through the Early Learning Coalition's School Readiness Program.
For more information on the YMCA Before and After Care program please call the Y's Administrative Office at (352) 500-9622 or visit
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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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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following:
- 352-344-4079
- damewoodk@citrusschools.org (Principal Secretary)
- https://cse.citrusschools.org/
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