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Citrus Springs Elementary

#BETTERTOGETHER

November 2026 Parent Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/06/26 (04:27 PM)

A mascot hawk wearing a cape stands on a mountain with the word 'SUCCESS' carved into it.

Citrus Springs Elementary School

Monthly news and updates

November 6, 2026
School logo
Image of the front of the school

Hawk families,

The holiday season has kicked off and there is no better way than to have started it with our families yesterday for our Thanksgiving luncheon. Thank you to all those that were able to come and join us. 
November is a wonderful time to reflect and remember all the things we have to be thankful for. As we move through this season of gratitude, I am especially thankful for our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families who make our school such a special place.
It is a joy to watch our students learn, grow, and soar each day. Your continued partnership, encouragement, and support play such an important role in their success, and we are grateful to have you as part of our Hawk family.
This is also a time for a reminder to make sure your child's jackets have his/her name on the label. We know as the mornings are cooler and then the day warms up, jackets are often left behind. 
Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your children every day. I wish you all a grateful November filled with special family moments!

~ Julie P Jones
Principal
 

Share Your Gratitude This Thanksgiving

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and caring staff at CSE. Each day, our teachers and support team go above and beyond to nurture our students and strengthen our school community.
We invite you to take a moment to share your appreciation by submitting a note of thanks through this link:
Your thoughtful messages will mean so much to our staff and help foster a spirit of gratitude throughout our school.
Please submit your message of gratitude by Thursday, November 12th. 
 

December Family Event

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, December 3rd. This evening will be full of fun as we learn about holidays around the world.
Santa will be stopping by for the evening, and our bookfair will also be open.
Additionally, fifth grade science fair projects will be on display.

5:00-5:30 Dinner served
5:30-6:30 Holidays around the world
6:30-7:00 Santa and bookfair will still be available

More information will follow soon.
 

Upcoming Events

Nov. 9 - 8:15 Lego Club, Boyd/Jatt/Harrison swim, 4:15 SAC, 5:15 PTO
Nov. 10 - Boyd/Jatt/Harrison swim, Glory Days fundraiser
Nov 11 - No School - Veterans Day
Nov. 12 - 8:15 Garden Club
Nov. 13 - 2nd quarter midterm
Nov. 16 - 8:15 Lego Club
Nov. 18 - 8:15 Art Club, 1:35 dismissal, mid-terms emailed
Nov. 19 - 8:15 Garden Club
Nov. 23-27 Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30 - 8:15 Lego Club
 
A promotional flyer for a Dining for Dollars fundraiser at Glory Days Grill supporting Citrus Springs Elementary on November 10th, 2026.
 

Change for Change

Our student government is starting a fundraiser to collect change to help make a change.
Money raised from this will be used to support our student PBIS store.
Kids can drop their change into their grade level jugs during arrival.
We can't wait to see which grade takes the win!
 

World Kindness Day

November 13th is World Kindness Day. We encourage everyone to promote kindness and engage in acts of kindness on this day, and every day.
Kids will be receiving a bracelet to remind them of the importance of being kind. 
 

Yearbooks on sale

Our 2026-27 yearbooks are on sale. Yearbooks will be sold online until April 2nd. All orders must be placed by then.
Orders can be placed at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/
Yearbook ID: 13774827

Fifth grade families only - if you would like to purchase an ad for your child, that order needs to be placed by December 18th. 
 

Hawk Leaders

This October, our school focused on the character trait of Trustworthiness. A trustworthy Hawk is honest, dependable, keeps their promises, and does the right thing—even when no one is watching. 

 Here are a few quick ways you can reinforce trustworthiness with your child at home:
Highlight the Good: When you catch your child being honest—especially when it's hard to admit a mistake—praise their truthfulness right away.
Talk About Promises: Discuss what it means to make a promise, and why keeping our word builds strong friendships and trust with family.
Model Integrity: Point out real-world or storybook examples of people being dependable and honest.

Congratulations to the following Hawk Leaders:

PreK
Athena Johnson
Kenzie Thompson
Warren Ortner
Eddie Dunaway

Kindergarten
Emelia Sara
Paislee Buckley
Echo Acha
Ryder Vonner
Malachi Murphy
Adonis Spiropoulos

First Grade
Cole Lewis
Denver McPeak
Kehlani Laninga
Jaxon Flemin
Adyn Hafeken
Dallas Tipton
Tatanka Bruns

Second Grade
Suelen Ochoa Sanchez
Athena Bunn
Lexie Stewart
Faith Garrett
Nathan Sokolovic
Izabella Watts

Third Grade
Lia Willett
Juliet Chang
Isleigh Davis
Alfred Amaya
Victoria Hopp
Weston Kunkle
Kenji Adorno
Anna Moran

Fourth Grade
Wyatt Thompson
Madison Wolfe
Jessalyn Kirk
Piper Massagee
Zion Wright Thompson
Rilynn Hew

Fifth Grade
Deacon Weaver
Matthew White
Toby Rouse
Juliana Timmons
Carter Patel
 
The logo for the School Advisory Council features an apple with the letters 'SAC'.

School Advisory Council & PTO

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 next meeting will be Monday, November 9 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!
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 November 9 following our SAC meeting. 
Want to learn more? Contact Mrs. Heather Biedenstein, PTO President or come to a meeting. (csepto@gmail.com)
 

Teachers Working Out of Field

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

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
 

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. 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:
 

School Support

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!
 

Visiting Campus?

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.
 

Hawk Pledge

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.
A sign displays the Hawk Pledge with a cartoon hawk illustration.
 

Non-Discrimination Information

· 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
 
Promotional graphic for the FortifyFL suspicious activity reporting app, showing the app interface on two smartphones alongside download links.
 

Contact information

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/
A cartoon hawk mascot with crossed arms, the word 'Hawks' above.