SEM Newsletter: Week 1
2025-2026
Welcome to Week 1!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We can’t wait to see our students back on campus this Monday! Our teachers have been working tirelessly to create warm, welcoming, and engaging learning environments, and they’re eager to greet their new students. Parents are welcome to walk their child to class on Monday and Tuesday—please read the information below carefully for details on how this process will work and what to expect.
Mrs. VanderMolen, Principal
Mrs. Drazick, Assistant Principal
Principal- Mrs. VanderMolen
Mrs. VanderMolen is beginning her second year as principal of Seminole and her fifth year serving in the school’s administration.
Assistant Principal- Mrs. Drazick
Mrs. Drazick is entering her second year as Assistant Principal at Seminole.
Arrival Procedures for Student Drop Off
Morning drop off begins at 7:35 am. All student drop off must follow the traffic pattern by going past the school and using the roundabout and the easement on the side of the road to enter the school parking lot. Please do not block the parking lot entrance, exit, or drive way of the drop-off and student pickup area. When using the student drop-off area, please pull as far forward as possible to the sign marked, “Drop-Off Here” at the white line. Do not block traffic lanes. All students have the opportunity to get breakfast, as breakfast is free to all students.
Parents may escort their child to their classrooms for the first two days of school (8/11 and 8/12). Any parents who would like to escort their child will be admitted through the gates at 8:05 am. Please park in our overflow parking lot (the grass area in front of the school) and walk with your child to the front entrance. All parents will be required to leave campus at 8:15 am.
Any student dropped off after 8:10 am must be accompanied into the office by an adult to be signed in as tardy.
Dismissal Procedures for Student Pick Up
Dismissal will begin at 2:50 pm. All students must be picked up in a vehicle, there are no walk-ups to retrieve your child. A sign will be provided for your vehicles to assist with the traffic flow and safety purposes. All student pick up must follow the traffic pattern by going past the school and using the roundabout and the easement on the side of the road to enter the school parking lot. Please do not block the parking lot entrance, exit, or drive way of the drop-off and student pickup area. When using the student drop-off area, please pull as far forward as possible to the sign marked, “Drop-Off Here” at the white line. Do not block traffic lanes. You should expect delays the first few days. All students must be picked up by 3:15 pm. There is no supervision after 3:15 pm.
Student Check Out Procedures
State issued ID is required EACH TIME for all check-out purposes. Students can only be checked out if ther person is listed as an emergency contact in Skyward. Keep your contact information updated regularly. Check out/changes of transporation end at 2:00 pm.
Use the link below to find your bus stop and times. We recommend that parents arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than the listed time, as these are estimates and various factors could cause the bus to arrive earlier or later.
Did you know you can help our school earn money just by scanning your grocery receipts? It's quick, easy, and every Box Top adds up to support our students and classrooms!
📱 Download the Box Tops for Education app, select Seminole Elementary, and start scanning your receipts today. No clipping required!
✅ Check out the video linked below to learn more about how it works and how you can get started.
Let’s work together to make a difference — every little bit helps!
The Okeechobee County Schools Facebook page recently shared the Parental Rights Letter from the Commissioner of Education. Parents can use the link below to access and read the letter.
Be sure to visit our school website and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and a peek into the great things happening at our school.
Don’t forget to download the District App before school starts! The app keeps you informed about important news from the District, updates from Seminole, and even allows you to connect directly with your child’s teacher(s). It’s a great way to stay involved all year long!
Parents, please use the roundabout towards the back of the school when dropping off or picking up your student. This helps us avoid congestion and issues with traffic back up. Do not use the driveway before the roundabout to turn around. This creates a very dangerous situation for cars that are driving to the roundabout or turning into the school.
Also, please do not exit your vehicle during drop off or pick up times. We have staff that will assist the students exit or enter the vehicles as necessary. This limits pedestrian traffic in the road and near our opened gates.
Thank you!
Parents, check out our Parent and Family Engagement Plan! This plan outlines how we work to build strong, supportive partnerships between our families and school community.
Parent Family Engagement Plan English
Parent Family Engagement Plan Spanish (coming soon)
Below is a link to the District Policy on Bullying and Harassment. In order to be classified as bullying, the physical threat or emotion distress must be continuously inflicted towards the student. A one time occurrence of teasing would not fall under bullying.
SEM takes bullying seriously! If your child is being bullied, please have your child tell an adult at school or call the office to inform administration of the situation.
At Seminole, we are dedicated to our *Read Aloud A Lot* initiative. Each day, students spend time reading aloud in class to build fluency and confidence. For homework, all students are expected to read for 20 minutes each night. In grades K–2, students should practice the fluency passages provided by their teacher, while students in grades 3–5 should read books of their choice at home.
Stay Informed About Meals at Seminole! 🥞🍎
Access the Breakfast and Lunch Menus on our District Website by clicking here. These menus are packed with delicious and nutritious options to fuel our students for success!
Remember, breakfast and lunch are completely free for ALL Seminole students. Make sure your child takes advantage of these healthy meal offerings every day! 🥪✨
Parents, does your child need additional assistance?
Okeechobee County School District has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools! All students now have access to the Varsity Tutors learning resources like live classes, chat tutoring, and more. Some students may have been assigned tutoring by your school, ask your teacher or school office if this has been provided to you. All Okeechobee County School District families can sign up for paid supplemental private tutoring for their students at a discounted rate!
Click here to learn more information about what it is, how to login, and so much more!
August 18th-29th- STAR & FAST Testing Begins
August 28th- Back to School Dance (Grades 3-5) 3 to 5 pm
September 1st- No School for Labor Day
September 3rd- Picture Day
September 5th- Grandparents Day
September 10th- Progress Reports
September 12th- Early Release Day
September 12th- AVID Day! 🎓