218 W. Flannery Ave

Bushnell, FL 33513

352-793-3501

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

Student uses good manners.

Student obeys class rules.

Student takes care of

property.

Student is kind to others.

Student completes class work and home work.

Student is prepared for class.

Student is organized.

Student keeps parents informed.

Student pays attention.

Student has materials ready.

Student is engaged and focused.

Student is self-motivated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Below is a copy of our district's Volunteer Handbook. Please review the general information for our district. To be eligible to chaperone on a field trip at BES, you must be an approved volunteer and also have 3 hours of volunteer hours (annually) with the school to be considered. More information regarding being a volunteer at BES will be available at our Title I Open House on September 11th.

When parents take time to review state learning standards at home, it helps reinforce what students are and will be learning in the classroom. Below are sample ELA standards for each grade level that students are expected to master by the end of the school year and things you can do to support learning at home.

Standard: ELA.K.C.1.2 – Participate in conversations with others.

Focus: Speaking and listening

Students Should Be Able To: Take turns, listen actively, and respond appropriately in conversations.

How Parents Can Help:

Standard: ELA.1.R.1.1 – Identify and explain the main idea and relevant details in a text.

Focus: Reading comprehension

Students Should Be Able To: Find the main idea and support it with details.

How Parents Can Help:

Standard: ELA.2.R.3.1 – Identify and explain similes, idioms, and alliteration in text.

Focus: Figurative language

Students Should Be Able To: Recognize and understand creative language used in stories and poems.

How Parents Can Help:

Standard: ELA.3.R.2.1 – Explain how text features contribute to meaning and identify the text structures of chronology, comparison, and cause/effect.

Focus: Informational text analysis

Students Should Be Able To: Use headings, charts, and diagrams to understand nonfiction texts.

How Parents Can Help:

Standard: ELA.4.C.1.4 – Write expository texts about a topic, using two or more sources.

Focus: Research and writing

Students Should Be Able To: Gather information and write clearly about a topic.

How Parents Can Help:

Standard: ELA.5.R.1.3 – Analyze how characters’ actions contribute to the sequence of events.

Focus: Literary analysis

Students Should Be Able To: Understand how character choices affect the plot.

How Parents Can Help:

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.

A large number of students at BES are enrolled through the use of an out of zone conditional waiver (granted through controlled open enrollment). For these students, their enrollment may be rescinded due to the following attendance requirement:

-The student has 6 or more unexcused absences. This will include full day absences, tardies, and check-outs.

It is essential for all students to arrive on time to school and limit absences. If you have any questions/concerns regarding attendance, please contact Katherine Palazzo at 352-793-3501 ext. 63211.

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

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