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Rock Crusher Elementary

Home of the Gophers

December Gopher Gazette

Posted Date: 12/01/25 (09:00 AM)


Gopher Gazette

Monthly news and updates

December 1, 2025
A December 2025 calendar with holiday-themed decorations and upcoming events.

Principal's News

Dear Families,

As the holiday season approaches, the Rock Crusher Elementary family sends our warmest wishes to you! December is a special time filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation for the bright year ahead.
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming festive events:
  • Santa in Wonderland – Thursday, December 4th, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • Holiday Chorus Concert – Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 PM
These celebrations are wonderful opportunities to come together as a community and honor the hard work and achievements of our students and staff.

Throughout December, students will continue engaging in meaningful learning experiences while completing mid-year assessments. These assessments help us monitor progress and tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Your support at home—through nightly reading, homework completion, and consistent attendance—remains essential to their success.

Please note: Rock Crusher Elementary will be closed December 22nd–January 6th for winter break. Students return on Tuesday, January 7th, ready to begin an exciting new year.

May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments. Thank you for partnering with us to make Rock Crusher a place where every child learns and grows.

Warmest wishes,
Amanda Haynes
Principal              
 

Counselor's Corner

Happy Winter! The holiday season can bring excitement, but also a unique set of stressors for children and families. Please know that my door is always open if you need support. 

In November, we focused on Honesty, Good Citizenship, and the importance of being kind to others.
We'll continue building on empathy and kindness through classroom guidance lessons; discussing how we can spread joy and show thoughtfulness to those around us.

Try It at Home! Activities

  • Kindness Calendar: Participate in a month-long kindness challenge with a printable calendar (many are available online, like on Teachers Pay Teachers).
  • Reflect on the Year: Talk with your child about what they are grateful for and reflect on the year's memorable moments.
  • Mindfulness/Coping Skills: Practice coping skills like deep breathing or taking a "brain break" when feeling overwhelmed.
Tis the season to reach out to those who need a friend, a listening ear, a caring smile. Be kind to others AND be kind to yourself.

Wishing you all Peace, Love, and Joy!
Mrs. Harrison
 

Family Events & Information

Santa in Wonderland

Thursday, December 4th

Join us for a FREE NIGHT of fun-filled Christmas activities and crafts. PTO will be providing free hot chocolate and cookies for everyone to enjoy!
Santa will be visiting with us from 5:00 to 6:30. Please bring your own camera to take your child’s picture with Santa.
Be sure to mark your calendars so you won’t miss this magical, wonderful night with Santa!
 
We need to know how many people are attending so please return the form sent home with your child.

Pre-K & Kindergarten Christmas Shows

Pre-K Christmas Show
Tuesday, December 16th at 10am

Kindergarten Christmas Show
Wednesday, December 17th at 10am

Performances will take place in the cafeteria. Please arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in with ID.

Elf Grams - RCE Safety Patrol

RCE Safety Patrol will be selling Elf Grams! Each Elf Gram is $1.00 and includes a flavored candy cane. Elf Grams will be on sale until December 16th. They will be delivered December 19th.

Community Agencies for Holiday Help

Please use the information listed below if you would like holiday assistance for your family.

Citrus County Thanksgiving Feeding Alliance & Christmas Angel Program
(352) 513-4960 or email cctfainfo@gmail.com to get link for more information.

Citrus United Basket– Contact them for information on sign ups. Parent must attend in-person, with a mask, and bring: original birth certificate or school record, parent photo ID, proof of residency. Serves: Birth-12 years of age.
Contact Citrus United Basket for more information.
 

Title I Time

School Improvement Plan & Parent Involvement Plan

Our School Improvement Plan and Parent Involvement Plan are both available on our school website. They are also available in our School Office. We also have other Title 1 documents such as the Parent Family Engagement Plan, Title 1 Parent-Teacher-Student Compact, and the Parent’s Right To Know. Please take the time to read these documents. If you have any questions, please contact the school. 352-795-2010.

School Improvement Plan
Parent Involvement

Our Awesome Teachers

RCE is proud that all our teachers and administrators who work with our students are certified by the State of Florida or other governing board. We appreciate the following teachers who have volunteered to teach a subject outside of their primary certification and are currently taking classes or exams to obtain certification in the area they are teaching.
 

Contact information


Principal: Amanda Haynes
Assistant Principal: Barbie Bogart

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:


  • (352) 795-2010
  • haynesa@citrusschools.org
  • https://rce.citrusschools.org/
A cartoon turtle with an American flag shell is surrounded by a festive wreath.
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Community Crisis & Support Contacts

Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)  Crisis Text Line #741741 or teen line #839863
Abuse Hotline- 1-800-962-2873
The Centers (Mental Health)- 352-628-5020
Life Stream (Mental Health)- 866-355-9394
AA - 352-621-0599 or Celebrate Recovery 352-247- 6971
NA – 352-508-1641 (naturecoast.org/meetings)
CASA (Domestic Violence Shelter) - 352-344-8111

If you or someone you know is in need, reach out.