Hornet Buzz- Week of 8/24/2026

Posted Date: 08/23/26 (05:00 PM)

Week of August 24, 2026

A cartoon bee in a black suit with a white 'H' emblem gives a thumbs-up on a stage with blue curtains.

From the Desk of Mrs. Alligood

Dear Hornet Families,

At Hernando Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our highest priority. One of the ways we prepare for the unexpected is through regular safety drills, including our ALICE drills.

ALICE is an approach to school safety. Rather than relying on a single response, ALICE provides options-based strategies that allow us to respond appropriately to an emergency situation.

Friday morning, we had our first ALICE drill of the year. Our drills are conducted with great care and are designed to be age and developmentally appropriate for our elementary aged students. Our goal is to help our students understand that preparedness is about being ready—not being afraid.

We encourage families to talk with their children about the importance of listening carefully to trusted adults, following directions during safety drills, and taking all school safety procedures seriously. Keeping these conversations simple and reassuring can help children understand that practicing safety is just like practicing any other important skill.

We are grateful for the continued partnership of our Hornet families as we work together to keep our school community safe.

With Hornet Pride,

Jerrica Alligood

Principal

Word of the Week

Prepared- being ready to do your best

Important Dates

8/24-8/28- PM1 Testing Continues

9/4- Picture Day

9/7- Labor Day- No School

9/8- PTO Meeting 5:15pm

9/11- Patriots Day- Wear Red, White, and Blue

Cafeteria Menu- Click Here!

Poster announcing 'Picture Day is on its Way!' with student portraits and background options.

Picture Day is on the way!

It's time to spotlight those beautiful smiles! Picture Day is Sept 4th.

Click the image to visit the SWI Photos Website to purchase photos online.

10% of the proceeds from picture day go to our staff appreciation fund.

Spotlight on Parent Pick-Up and Drop Off Safety

Thank you for your patience as we navigate the first week of all students on campus! We know that the parent drop off and pick up line as been very long the last few days. Overtime, the line will become much faster.

To help us ensure a safe and productive drop off line, we will no longer be letting multiple students in the line closest to the school out at one time. Instead, your child will exit when your car pulls up next to an adult only. While this may seem counter-productive, it will eliminate the congestion in that line.

Here are some other reminders:

Please follow the directions of the people directing traffic. We will have someone at both the intersection and directing you where to go as you enter the school. It's important to follow their directions.
Please pull forward and do not block the intersection. All lines lead to drop off or pick up.
Display your car tag clearly in your windshield or hanging from your rearview mirror throughout dismissal until your child is safely in your vehicle.
Remain in the pickup line, do not drive around other vehicles waiting for students, and follow the instructions of the person directing traffic.
Remain in your vehicle throughout arrival and dismissal. If you need to assist your child with buckling, please pull into a visitor parking space after leaving the pickup line.
Parents may not walk up to the front entrance to drop off or pick up students.
Thank you for helping us making our parent drop off and pick up safe for all!

Spotlight on Writing!

A child's drawing and writing assignment titled 'Samara' with a self-portrait.

A handwritten essay titled 'Persuasive Writing' argues that cats are the best pets.

A child's drawing depicts a stick figure next to a yellow stretcher, with a brown building labeled 'hospital'.

A handwritten note titled 'Persuasive Writing' lists favorite animals: dogs, bunnies, horses, and pigs.

HES PTO Spirit Wear is on sale!

Absestos Notification

Citrus County Schools maintains an Asbestos Management Program for its school facilities in accordance with AHERA requirements. Required asbestos inspections and periodic surveillance are performed as required. Information from these inspections, along with the management plan is available for review upon request.

A cartoon bee in a suit holds a sign that says 'CONTACT US' on a stage.

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

(352) 726-1833
www.hes.citrusschools.org
www.facebook.com/HernandoElementary