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Bushnell Elementary

A great place to grow!

The Bushnell Branch - August - Back to School Edition

Posted Date: 8/01/25 (3:00 PM)

Bushnell Elementary

The Bushnell Branch

August Newsletter - Back to School Edition

Welcome to the 25-26 School Year
 

2025 - 2026 School Year

Jaimie Kinney, Principal
Cindy Simmons, Assistant Principal
Katherine Palazzo, Assistant Principal
Jason McCormick, School Counselor

218 W. Flannery Ave
Bushnell, FL 33513
352-793-3501
 
BES Back to school info
 
Skyward Forms
In order to ensure routing in time for the first day of school, please complete your annual Skyward enrollment forms by Friday, August 8th. Forms must be completed for ALL students before the first day of school regardless of transportation needs. Those families who complete the forms by August 8th will be entered to win a $50 gift card. Please contact the school if you have any questions, we look forward to the start of a great school year!
 
Back to School Meet the Teacher Info
 
School Supply List
 

Schoolwide Expectations

At BES, we have high expectations for our students. We believe our students should always do their best each day in every way.

Be Respectful
Student uses good manners.
Student obeys class rules.
Student takes care of
property.
Student is kind to others.

Be Responsible
Student completes class work and home work.
Student is prepared for class.
Student is organized.
Student keeps parents informed.

Be an Active Learner
Student pays attention.
Student has materials ready.
Student is engaged and focused.
Student is self-motivated.
 
Bushnell PTO Meeting
 

Leader in Me

Dear Families,
Beginning in the 2025 school year, Sumter County Schools is excited to introduce Stephen Covey’s, The Leader in Me curriculum as a foundational part of our student leadership and character development program. This program focuses on The 7 Habits, which will be integrated into daily routines, classroom activities, and school-wide initiatives to help students grow into confident, responsible, and compassionate leaders.
The 7 Habits—ranging from being proactive to synergizing and sharpening the saw—are more than just classroom tools. They are life skills that empower students to take ownership of their learning, set meaningful goals, collaborate effectively, and care for their overall well-being. By practicing these habits, students will develop leadership qualities that extend far beyond the school day and into their homes, communities, and future endeavors.
We believe that by nurturing these habits early, we are helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong success. We look forward to collaborating with you as we guide our students to become leaders of their own lives.


The 7 Habits
Habit 1: Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
Habit 6: Synergize
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone. I am humble.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.
Leader in Me
 

Smart Watches and Cell Phones

As per our Student Handbook:
"Students who choose to carry a personal cell phone on campus must turn the phone completely off and placed in their backpacks daily. Smartwatches with cellular capabilities may not be used. Failure to follow these rules will result in disciplinary action."

On campus we have seen a recent increase in students wearing smart watches with cellular capabilities. Please note that these devices follow the same policy for cell phones; they must be off and placed in student backpacks.
 

Attendance Matters

Attendance handout
 

FAST Information for Parents and Families

Please use this link to access different information regarding FAST PM testing. This includes the test layout and also sample question items.

 

Resiliency Training for Volunteers

Volunteers are able to take a new "Resiliency Training", which consists of a 4-hour online training and a 4-hour practicum. Volunteers can receive a stipend once they have completed the training. This is a great training for volunteers who regularly assist in the classroom. The training is based around the resiliency standards and 11 resiliency characteristics. Approved volunteers can sign up using this link: https://www.buildresiliency.org/resiliency-coaches

More information regarding resiliency can be found at https://www.buildresiliency.org/.
Resilience
 
PTO Membership Fee
 
PTO Events
 
Ready, Set, Grow
 

Sumter County Schools Non-Discrimination Statement

Sumter County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, or marital status in its educational programs, services, or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to:

Helen Christian
Senior Director, Curriculum and Instructional Services
Title IX Coordinator
Phone Number: 352-793-2315 X 50204

Dana Williams
Senior Director of Human Resources, Civil Rights Protection
Phone Number: 352-793-2315 X 50205

Joel Camp
Assistant Superintendent
Phone Number: 352-793-2315 X 50260

Meggen Mannino
504 Coordinator
Phone Number: 352-793-2315 X 50201

Located at: The Sumter County School Board
2680 W CR 476
Bushnell, FL 33513
 
Fortify FL
Bushnell Elementary is a Title 1 School. The school and district-wide Title I plans are available on the district website at www.sumter.k12.fl.us