K-8 Seminole Happenings
Principal Wilkinson's Parent Newsletter: September 2026
A Message from the Principal
Dear K-8 FSUS Families,
Welcome to a brand-new school year at FSUS! I am so excited to welcome our students, teachers, and families back to campus for what is going to be an incredible year of growth, learning, and community.
Our campus is already buzzing with energy, creativity, and Nole spirit! From our youngest Seminoles making new friends to our older students stepping into leadership roles, we are ready to build community and confidence together. This year promises so many wonderful opportunities for scholarship, leadership, and service through our student government, National Junior Honor Society, and classroom initiatives.
Throughout the year, you can look forward to many favorite FSUS traditions and events:
School Spirit & Traditions: Homecoming Week, pep rallies, and campus-wide spirit days.
Academic Engagement: Literacy celebrations, Book Fairs, hands-on learning labs, and club activities.
Community Events: Family walk-to-school days, special guest visits, and seasonal celebrations.
Looking ahead to our first upcoming events to kick off the year:
Walking School Bus (sponsored by PTSA): Join us on September 24 for a fun, healthy start to the day!
Dads Take Your Child to School Day: September 24.
Be Bold, Go Gold: Wear gold on September 25 to show school spirit while supporting Pediatric Cancer Awareness.
Thank you to all of our teachers, staff, students, and families for your support and partnership as we begin this new journey together. I can’t wait to see all that this school year brings!
Go NOLES!
Suzanne Wilkinson
Walking School Bus + Dads Take Your Child to School Day! September 24!
· Open to all students K–12.
· Walking School Bus: Meet at 7 a.m. at Four Oaks Park and walk to school together—lots of smiles, conversations, and new friends guaranteed. In the past we have met near El Jalisco, but due to the heat we have moved the walk closer.
· Dads Take Your Child to School starts at 7:30 a.m., when the school gates open on the elementary side. We can’t wait to see you there for a morning filled with community, connection and school spirit!
Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Invite Students to Participate in Hispanic Heritage Month Art and Essay Contests
The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite students throughout the state to participate in the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. All Florida students – including public, charter, private, virtual and homeschool – may participate in contests based on this year’s theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 every year.
“I encourage every Florida student to enter this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month contests,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “Hispanic Floridians have helped build this state for generations. These contests let our students honor that record—not as a political talking point, but as part of the Florida story we already live.”
Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Student Art Contest
The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through grade three students in Florida. Each student should submit one original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies.
About the Student Essay Contest
The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all students in grades 4-12 at any Florida school. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual) and be able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one piece of artwork or essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words.
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Mail student contest forms and educator nomination forms to Volunteer Florida or submit them online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Volunteer Florida
Hispanic Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Monday, September 21, 2026.
For more information about the contests, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Resiliency Characteristic of the Month: Citizenship
At FSUS, we are committed to helping our Seminoles build the skills they need to persevere, grow, and overcome life's challenges. As part of our alignment with Resiliency Florida, we are highlighting a monthly resiliency word school-wide—bringing these concepts to life in our classrooms, during morning announcements, and throughout our K–5 character education lessons.
To support these efforts, our school counselors are targeting specific strategies and lessons each month that help students understand and apply these character traits in their daily lives.
September’s Spotlight: Citizenship
For the month of September, our focus is on Citizenship—which means helping my neighbor, community, and nation.
How Families Can Support at Home:
Talk About Community: Ask your child what it means to be a good community member at school, at home, and in their neighborhood.
Encourage Small Acts of Kindness: Highlight simple ways to help others, like cleaning up after themselves, helping a classmate, or taking care of shared spaces.
Practice Responsibility: Discuss how taking pride in our actions and supporting those around us makes our entire school community stronger.
We are so excited to watch our students shine as thoughtful, active, and caring citizens this September!
Melissa Wolfgang: Scott & Wallace Winning Classroom of the Month
Melissa Wolfgang is truly one of the finest educators you will ever encounter. She builds genuine connections with her students, sets high expectations, and inspires them to rise to those standards every day. Her 4th-grade classroom is a place where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn—and as a result, they thrive.
Deeply invested in our school community, Ms. Wolfgang treats Florida High like her own home. As a parent of Florida High Seminoles, her commitment runs both professionally and personally. She also partners with Florida State University to host preservice teachers, mentoring and coaching future educators with the exact same care and intentionality she gives her own students. Her impact reaches far beyond her classroom walls.
Ms. Wolfgang's instruction is a masterclass in teaching. She is consistently positive, calm, and unflappable, bringing energy and purpose to everything she does. Like the Energizer Bunny, she never quits—and because of that, her students don’t either. She models perseverance, joy, and dedication, creating a classroom culture where effort is celebrated and success is attainable for every learner.
Anyone who visits her room is in awe of her instructional craftsmanship. She is a hands-on educator who sets clear, targeted learning goals and designs meaningful experiences that help every child grow. Most importantly, Ms. Wolfgang's is the kind of teacher every parent hopes their child will have—caring, dedicated, and deeply committed. Her students are truly blessed to learn from her every single day.
Melissa Wolfgang is exceptionally deserving of Classroom of the Month and is, without question, a teacher worthy of Teacher of the Universe!
Looking for Bus Drivers: Flexible hours, Join the Bus Driver Pool
Do you know a relative, retiree, or community member who loves working with students and wants to make a difference? We are currently looking for dedicated bus drivers to help bring the magic of learning off-campus for our students!
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for flexible hours, a meaningful way to connect with our school community, and a chance to join our amazing team.
Position Highlights:
Flexible Schedule: Pick your hours based on field trip and afterschool availability.
Great Experiences: Help make off-campus learning and trips memorable for our wonderful students.
CDL Assistance & Retention Bonus: We will cover license costs to help get qualified drivers on the road
How You Can Help: Please forward this email or share this opportunity with any family members, friends, or retired community members who might be interested in driving for FSUS.
If you know someone interested, the position is listed under Job 63080 on Jobs.fsu.edu. Feel free to send any questions my way.
Important Reminder: NeeDohs & Fidget Toys to Remain at Home
We love seeing our students connect, share, and bond over shared interests and fun collections! Lately, however, NeeDohs and similar squishy fidget items have become a significant distraction during class time.
Additionally, these items pose a cleanup hazard in our learning spaces. We have had several instances where NeeDohs have burst or exploded on desks and inside backpacks, leaving behind a sticky residue that is extremely difficult to remove and damages school property and personal belongings.
To ensure our classrooms remain focused, clean, and safe for everyone, we kindly ask that all students leave NeeDohs and similar squishy toys at home. Any NeeDohs brought to school will need to remain put away in backpacks during the school day.
Accommodations Note: For students who have a specific documented accommodation for fidget tools, these items are permitted solely for educational/sensory support purposes as designated by their plan, and not as recreational toys or collectibles.
We appreciate your partnership and support in talking with your child about keeping these items at home so we can maintain a productive learning environment.
Attendance Matters with Dean Danny Bailey
Every Day. Every Class. Every Minute Matters.
Regular attendance and arriving on time are vital to your child’s success at Florida State University Schools. Missing just two days a month adds up to 18 missed days—10% of the school year—which is defined as chronic absenteeism. Lost time in class directly impacts grades, test scores, and overall learning, while frequent tardiness disrupts class routines and key life skills like responsibility and time management.
Key Policies & Reporting
Reporting Absences: Submit absence requests via the FSUS Focus Parent Account or contact attendance at attendance@fsus.school / 850-245-3883. Parents have 3 school days to excuse an absence.
Pre-Arranged Absences: Must be submitted through Focus at least 5 days in advance and require administrative approval (not intended for family vacations).
Sign-In: All exterior gates lock at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must sign in at the front office.
Excessive Absences: Medical or official third-party documentation is required after 3 consecutive absences, 5 excused absences in a month, or 10 in a semester. Accumulated unexcused absences lead to detentions, Child Study Team interventions, and Attendance Contracts.
Drop-Off & Tardy Prevention Tips
Traffic builds up rapidly after 7:40 a.m. To ensure your child reaches class before the bell:
Drop-Off Target: Plan to drop off students in the loop by 7:45 a.m. (or by 7:50 a.m. if student drivers).
Night Before Preparation: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, set alarms, and establish early bedtimes.
Morning Routine: Leave early to account for traffic, and schedule non-urgent medical appointments outside school hours.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students on track, on time, and ready to learn every single day. For full details, view the Code of Student Conduct on the FSUS Website.
Research in Action with Dr. Megan Crombie
FSUS student researchers kicked off the school year with an exciting arrival: a portable Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)! This incredible opportunity was made possible through a partnership between FSUS and the FSU Department of Anthropology, with funding from the FSU Office of Research Large Equipment and Enhancement Program.
Our Advanced Placement (AP) Research students completed hands-on training to operate the high-tech instrument, but the learning doesn't stop there. Throughout the year, the portable SEM will visit our campus, allowing our AP Research students to lead hands-on science investigations for our K–8 students. There is no better way to spark curiosity than having our high schoolers mentor and teach our younger learners! We are ready to unlock the universe by sparking curiosity and exploring the microscopic world.
Each month we also highlight faculty and staff research projects, and we are kicking off the year with Ruth Bickel, our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. Mrs. Bickel is partnering with FSU to better understand why students enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, particularly in STEM-related fields. FSUS offers CTE courses in a variety of areas: culinary, nursing, emergency planning & preparedness, exercise science, game design, and commercial arts. We are looking for student and parent focus group participants to learn more about your experiences. Click this survey link for more information on how to participate: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5dKqDWk1UsMRNau
What’s Happening in the FSUS Library This September?
We’re off to a wonderful start in the FSUS Library, and we’re excited for all that September has in store! We’ll be celebrating International Dot Day on September 15 and welcoming award-winning author James Ponti that same day for a special visit with our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
We’re also looking forward to our Fall Book Fair, September 21–25! Elementary students will bring home Book Fair flyers soon. If your student has a gift card balance from last year’s Book Fair, keep an eye out for an email from Literati with details about their balance and how to use it this year.
Beginning Friday, September 4, overdue library notices will be emailed automatically on Friday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. While we don’t charge overdue fines, we do want to make sure books make their way back to the Library so other students can enjoy them, too! If your student has an overdue book, please encourage them to finish reading and return it when they can.
We’re looking forward to a fun and book-filled September! If you have any questions about the Library or our upcoming events, please reach out to Ms. Underhill, K–12 Librarian, at junderhill@fsu.edu.
Color Wednesdays in Kindergarten
Our youngest Seminoles are diving into the world of color! Every Wednesday, kindergarteners explore a new hue through hands-on art, games, and discovery to build early recognition and spark creative learning.
We’re calling on the entire FSUS community—students, teachers, and staff across all grades—to join the fun! Show your support by wearing the Color of the Week every Wednesday. It’s an easy, spirited way to celebrate our newest learners and turn our whole campus into a vibrant, colorful showcase. Check the schedule, grab your gear, and let’s make learning bright!
September 16: Orange
23: Yellow
30: Green
October 7: Blue
14: Purple
21: Pink
28: Black
November 4: Brown
Homework Tips for Elementary Families with Ms. Helms, Dean of Academics
Homework is most successful when it becomes a predictable part of your child’s routine. Here are a few simple ways to make homework time more productive and less stressful for everyone involved!
- Set a routine: Choose a consistent time and quiet place for homework each day.
- Let your child take the lead: Encourage your child to read directions, try problems, and solve challenges independently before stepping in to help.
- Be a coach, not the doer: Ask questions such as, “What do you think you should try next?” rather than providing the answer.
- Keep it positive: Praise effort, persistence, and progress, not just correct answers.
- Build in breaks: If your child is becoming frustrated or losing focus, a short movement break can help them reset.
- Make reading a priority: Encourage your child to read every day, whether it is a book, magazine, comic, or another age-appropriate text they enjoy.
- Know when to stop: If homework becomes unusually frustrating or takes much longer than expected, please reach out to your child’s teacher. This information helps teachers understand what your child may need to help them be successful.
- Celebrate independence: Over time, encourage your child to manage their materials, remember assignments, and check their own work.
Remember: Homework is meant for practice, not perfection! Your encouragement and support can help your child develop the confidence, responsibility, and perseverance they need to become an independent learner.
FSUS Student ID Badges (Grades 6–12)
Our students are doing a fantastic job adjusting to our new ID badge policy! Wearing ID badges visible from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. keeps our campus safe, connected, and running smoothly.
Why We Wear Them:
Safety First: Staff and security can instantly identify authorized Seminoles and keep our campus secure.
Easy Access: Badges double as student IDs for checking out library books, getting lunch, and entering school events.
Emergency Preparedness: Quick identification helps us keep track of every student during emergency drills or evacuations.
Help Your Student Build a Winning Daily Routine!
Creating a simple habit at home can make mornings stress-free! Here’s how you can help:
The Backpack Drop: Encourage your student to place their badge directly inside their backpack the moment they take it off at home.
Charge & Pack: Just like students always remember to plug in and charge their cell phones every night, help them pair that habit with packing their badge so it’s ready to go every morning!
Forgot or Lost a Badge? Here’s the Game Plan
Temporary Morning Check-In: If a student forgets their badge, they must head straight to the front office to pick up a daily temporary ID (and return it at dismissal).
Replacement Policy: Each student received two badges at the start of the year. If a student forgets or loses their badge 3 times in a semester, a $3 fee will be added to their account on the 4th occurrence and for any official replacement badges requested afterward.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Seminoles safe, prepared, and ready to learn every day!
Fresh Look in PE: Celebrating Our New Uniforms!
Our students are doing a fantastic job adapting to our new PE uniforms this year! It has been over a decade since we last updated our PE style, and we couldn’t be more excited about the fresh look.
A huge thank you to our Physical Education Department Chair, Coach Nick Brown, who personally designed these sharp new uniforms for our Seminoles!
How Families Can Help Keep the Streak Going:
Wear the Full Uniform: We love seeing our students dressed in their official PE gear and ready to stay active.
Don't Forget the Kicks: Please ensure your student wears or packs their tennis shoes every single day for PE class so they can safely participate in all games and activities.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students looking great, staying safe, and moving every day! 🏆 active Seminoles = healthy Seminoles!
Need an extra set? Every student received their first PE uniform free, and additional sets are available for purchase. We have ordered another shipment so stay tuned for upcoming dates.
New Middle School Procedures
NEW: FSUS Student ID Badges (Grades 6–12)
- Stay Connected & Safe: Badges serve as official ID for campus services and activities during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.).
- Wear It Proudly: Badges must be visibly worn at all times while on campus between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Received at Start of Year: Each student receives two official ID badges during the first week along with a lanyard.
- Forgot Your Badge? Students who forget their badge must check in at the front office for a daily temporary ID to be returned at the end of the day.
- Replacements: If a student forgets or loses their badge three times in a semester, a $3 fee will be applied to their FOCUS account on the 4th occurrence and for any requested permanent replacement badges.
NEW: Middle School Personal Device Policy
Middle School is now a personal device-free zone during the school day to promote maximum focus and engagement!
- During Class (Out of Sight, Out of Mind): To support an active learning environment, personal devices—including cell phones, laptops, smartwatches, Meta glasses and earbuds—must be powered off and kept in backpacks during class time (not in pockets or on person).
- Before & After School: Students may use personal devices before 7:30 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. dismissal. No cell phone use is permitted between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Need to Reach Your Student? Parents, please contact the main office if you need to relay an urgent message to your child during the school day.
- NEW: Bring Your Own Device: Students may bring their own laptop but it should stay in their backpack and only used before or after school. All students will be using Chromebooks in classrooms.
- Note: In accordance with Florida House Bill 1105, cell phone use for students is restricted during regular school hours.
Middle School Club Rush
Get ready for Club Rush! On September 17th, our 6th graders and new middle school students will have the chance to explore all the incredible extracurriculars FSUS has to offer.
Join us in the courtyard at 11:00 AM to check out interactive booths spanning academic teams, arts, athletics, and special interest groups. Club Rush is the perfect opportunity for students to discover new passions, chat with club leaders, and find their place in our vibrant school community. We can’t wait to see how our Seminoles get involved and shine this year!
A Day in the Life at FSUS
Every day is driven by energy, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Our FSUS classrooms are vibrant learning spaces where students tackle challenging academics, engage in interactive science labs, and collaborate on creative projects. We were even treated to a special visit from Commissioner Henry Mack, who got to see our incredible students and programs in action.
Our passionate educators set high standards while fostering problem-solving skills and a lifelong love of learning. Across campus, our staff regularly goes the extra mile—whether through teamwork or providing everyday comfort. We are proud to cultivate an environment filled with growth, collaboration, and joy, making FSUS an exceptional place for every student to thrive.
Do you need to pay Activity Fee or purchase a locker?
K-8 Dismissal Procedures
Elementary Walkers & Bike riders: Students who are walking home or riding their bikes are permitted to walk to the back gate with Special Area teacher, Ms. Curtin. It is expected that these students promptly exit the campus and head home, rather than lingering outside the gate.
K-8 Car riders: All students who are car riders should go to the front car loop to wait for their ride. Elementary students can only be picked up at the back gate if they are accompanied by a secondary student. The secondary student must present a car tag to pick up the elementary student from the front car loop before both students proceed to the back gate.
We appreciate your assistance in helping us keep all students safe. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Jaye Corbett, jcorbett@fsu.edu.
FortifyFL Parent Training Video: Important Safety Reminder
We encourage all parents to review the FortifyFL training video with their students to ensure they understand the importance of using this tool responsibly. FortifyFL allows students to report suspicious activity and concerns safely and anonymously, helping to keep our school community secure. Please take a few moments to watch the video together and reiterate the importance of making only valid reports, as false claims can disrupt the safety efforts and resources dedicated to protecting our school.
Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone at FSUS.
Supportive Resources
We have many supportive resources available for our students. Please review the information below and reach out as needed:
Resource Contact / Link
Bullying / Anonymous Reporting Report Online
Counseling Services 🔗 Learn More
ESE Information 📧 Monica Broome – mbroome@fsu.edu
504 Information 📧 Amber Helms – awhelms@fsu.edu or Jessica Scott jscott@fsu.edu
Free & Reduced Lunch 💳 Cafeteria Payment Info – set up through PayPams
Title I Coordinator 🎯 Christopher Small – clsmall@fsu.edu
Title IX Deputy Coord. (Harassment) 📧 Monica Broome – mbroome@fsu.edu