Citrus Springs Elementary School
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We are always looking for ways to ensure our students aren't just learning for today, but building the habits, mindsets, and skills they need for a bright future.
That is why I am thrilled to introduce AVID Elementary to our school community!
What is AVID Elementary?
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. While AVID has long been famous in middle and high schools for preparing students for college and careers, AVID Elementary brings those same foundational success strategies directly into our PreK–5 classrooms.
At the elementary level, AVID isn't a separate class —it is a way of teaching and learning that helps every child develop strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and confidence early on.
The Core Pillars: WICOR
Across all grade levels, our teachers will be weaving AVID’s WICOR learning strategies into daily instruction:
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W – Writing: Learning to write to learn, reflect, and express complex ideas.
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I – Inquiry: Asking high-level questions, curious exploration, and problem-solving.
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C – Collaboration: Working effectively in teams, listening to peers, and building consensus.
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O – Organization: time management, keeping materials tidy and together, and taking pride in organized work.
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R – Reading: Deep reading strategies to analyze and comprehend complex texts across all subjects.
What Will This Look Like for Your Child?
You will start noticing a few wonderful shifts in your child's daily routines:
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Organizational Tools: Consistent binder or folder systems, agenda planners, and structured assignment tracking so students learn responsibility early.
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Note-Taking Habits: Age-appropriate strategies (like focused note-taking and graphic organizers) to help students synthesize what they learn.
How You Can Partner With Us at Home
AVID is a partnership between school and home. You can support your child by:
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Checking their binder/planner/folder to celebrate their organization and stay updated on homework.
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Asking inquiry questions like, "How did you arrive at that answer?" or "What was the most challenging thing you learned today?"
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Encouraging a growth mindset by emphasizing that effort and determination—not just innate talent—lead to success.
We believe every single child possesses extraordinary potential. By embedding AVID Elementary into our school culture, we are giving our students the tools to unlock that potential today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
Below you will see our upcoming AVID dress up days, culminating with AVID day on September 18th. Each day will highlight one of the WICOR components.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Julie P Jones
Principal
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🎓 AVID WICOR SPIRIT WEEK
Dress for Success • Think Like a Scholar • Show Your AVID Pride!
Monday, September 14
✏️ Writing - Write Your Future
Dress like the future you want to be! 👩⚕️👨🚀👩🏫
Tuesday, September 15
Inquiry - Question Everything!
Wear question marks, detective outfits, or dress like a detective 🔎
Wednesday, September 16
🤝 Collaboration - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Wear your favorite team jersey, team colors
Thursday, September 17
📚 Organization - Organized & On Point
Dress in your most organized, polished, "ready for success" outfit
Friday, September 18
📖 Reading - Reading Takes You Places
Dress as a character from a book or wear something representing a place you'd love to visit
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Parent Drop Off
We are noticing a number of parents that are parking in the no-parking area in front of the school. That area is a no-parking area due to safety. We will be having parents that pull in that area join the parent drop off line. Thank you for helping to keep all our Hawks safe!
Parent Pick Up
Our front office will be closed for early pick up from 2:45 through dismissal (approximately 4:10). Parents who arrive after 2:45 will need to pick up their child through the parent pick up line. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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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.
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Did you know that regular school attendance is one of the biggest keys to your child's academic success?
When students come to school consistently, they build strong friendships, stay on track with their learning, and feel more confident in the classroom. On the other hand, chronic absenteeism—missing just two days a month, whether excused or unexcused—can quickly add up. It makes it much harder for children to master reading and math skills, and can make them feel left out socially.
The Early Impact: Missing just 10% of the school year (about 2 days every month) in kindergarten and 1st grade can make it significantly harder for children to learn to read by the end of 3rd grade.
A Growing Gap: Research shows that students who are chronically absent in elementary school are much less likely to read at grade level and face higher risks of falling behind academically in middle and high school.
Every single day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with peers. Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a top priority this year!
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Please send in non-perishable items with your child, or you can scan the QR code above to make a financial donation.
We appreciate your support of the Family Resource Center!
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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. (csepto@gmail.com)
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Mark your calendars for our very first PTO family event of the school year! The PTO is thrilled to host a Glow Dance Party on Friday, September 25th.
All students and their families are invited to join in on the fun. Please note that for safety, all children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the entire event—child drop-off is not permitted.
We can't wait to see you there!
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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 government 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.
Alexandria Acker - certified in elementary education K-6, out of field for ESOL
Alisha Damon - Currently certified in Social Science 6-12 and Middle Grades Social Science; teaching out of field for school social worker
Emily Byrd Harrison - holds a statement of eligibility from the DOE, teaching out of field in Elementary Education
Hannah Kaar - certified in elementary education K-6, out of field in exceptional student education
Jessica Kunkle - certified in PreK/Primary, out of compliance in ESOL
Mindy London - certified in exceptional student education, out of compliance in ESOL
Alexsia Love - certified in business education, out of field in elementary education K-6
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🌟 September Character Trait: Responsibility!
As we dive into a brand-new month, our school-wide focus for September is Responsibility. We are talking with students all about what it means to be a dependable, trustworthy individual!
At school, we are encouraging our students to practice responsibility by:
- Doing what is expected of them
- Making smart, safe choices
- Completing their assignments on time
- Always trying their absolute best!
How You Can Help at Home
You can easily support these great habits at home by giving your child age-appropriate tasks (like making their bed, feeding a pet, or helping clean up dinner) and celebrating their efforts when they follow through. Together, we are building habits that will last a lifetime!
🏆 Looking Ahead...
Be sure to check next month’s newsletter to see which students earned the Hawk Leader award for showing incredible responsibility throughout September!
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Monday, September 7 - No School, Labor Day
Friday, September 11 - wear red/white/blue, end of midterm
Week of September 14 - AVID dress up week
Wednesday, September 16 - Midterms available through Focus
Monday, September 21 - 4:15 SAC, 5:15 PTO
Wednesday, September 23 - 1:35 dismissal
Friday, September 25 - Picture day, PTO Glow Party 5:30-7:00
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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. Gain information and be part of the decision making process by joining advisory committees at the school and district level.
For further information, the Citrus County Schools’ Parent Involvement Plan is available at:
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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! |
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. |
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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· 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.
District Equity Contact:
Todd Goolsby, Coordinator of District Student Services
2575 S. Panther Pride Drive Lecanto, FL 34461
Email: goolsbyt@citrusschools.org
Telephone: (352) 527-0090
District Section 504 Contact:
Jacquelyn Dillersberger, ESE Specialist
1007 W. Main Street
Inverness, FL 34450
Email: dillersbergerj@citrusschools.org
Telephone: (352) 726-1931 Ext. 2304
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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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