Hornet Buzz- Week of 8/31/2026

Posted Date: 08/30/26 (05:00 PM)

Week of August 31, 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,

It’s hard to believe we have already reached the end of our third week of school! These first few weeks have been filled with learning, new friendships, laughter, and lots of opportunities for our Hornets to grow. Our students are becoming more comfortable with their routines, our classrooms are buzzing with learning, and we are beginning to see the wonderful school community we envisioned come to life.

As we settle into the school year, we are placing a special emphasis on something that is at the heart of our HES community: the Hornet Pledge. Each day, we ask our students to Have Respect, Be Responsible, Remember Kindness, and Obey Safety Rules. These four expectations help us create a school where everyone feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Our goal is not simply to correct behavior when expectations aren't met, but to teach and celebrate the behaviors that help our entire school succeed.

As a family, you can help by talking with your child about the Hornet Pledge and asking them what each part looks and sounds like at school. Ask them, “How did you show the Hornet Pledge today?” You might be surprised by the wonderful examples they share! Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to build a school culture where kindness, responsibility, respect, and safety are something every Hornet can be proud of.

With Hornet Pride,

Jerrica Alligood

Principal

Word of the Week

Organized- putting items in order so they are easy to find

Important Dates

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

9/17- Constitution 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.

No Toys at School

Reminder: toys are not permitted at school or on the bus. This includes needohs and other fidgets. When toys are brought to school, they get broken, they distract us from learning, and they cause disruptions between students. We ask you to please leave toys at home where they can be enjoyed in a positive manner.

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 Reading!

Two smiling boys stand in a hallway, each holding a book.

A teacher reads a colorful book to a group of young children sitting on the floor.

HES PTO Spirit Wear is on sale!

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