Kathi Bentley

Principal

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year. It is an honor to be your principal at Fuguitt Elementary School. I am truly blessed to be the instructional leader of such an awesome school community. I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than thirty years. During this time, my experiences include teaching mathematics in high school and college. I’ve served as an administrator at the high school, middle school, and elementary level. In 2011, I completed my Doctor of Education at the University of South Florida. My husband, Cris, and I have been married for more than 32 years and we have two little Chihuahuas named Lucy and Lola.

This past year, we faced many challenges with the new state progress monitoring system. Yet, we increased our proficiency levels in ELA, Math and Science from last school year. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and Fuguitt families. Each new school year brings opportunities for both academic and personal growth. I am excited about our continued implementation of the 7 Habits found in Steven R. Covey’s Leader in Me program. We pride ourselves on developing a culture where students are empowered for success! For our students to be successful, we need you! Parent involvement is an important aspect of every child's education and is the primary factor of students' success in school. Our school offers a variety of family involvement opportunities as we want our parents to feel welcome and be part of our learning community. I welcome and encourage you to join our PTA and to serve on our School Advisory Council. Numerous parent workshops and evening events will be held throughout the school year. Please monitor the school calendar and our website for the upcoming events. I look forward to sharing these new opportunities with you. Together, we will grow leaders one child at a time.

My priorities as principal include increasing student achievement through improved teacher quality and effectiveness in the classroom, increasing parental involvement that promotes clear support of the instructional program and continuing to build the leaders through character education that has been the foundation of success here at Fuguitt with the Leader in Me. However, what matters most is our kids. This is the one area that I will not compromise nor grow weary. Fuguitt Elementary School students deserve the best. I am passionate about my mission as principal, and I will make decisions that are in the best interest of your child.

Our job is to continue to strive for excellence and make Fuguitt Elementary School world class. We are a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Model school and as the first school in Pinellas to implement The Leader in Me program, all of us at Fuguitt Elementary School are eager and excited to begin what promises to be the best year ever. We will continue to provide student experiences that are rigorous and relevant while building strong relationships with you. As your principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors-staff, students, and parents is excited to be here! This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun and nurturing environment.

Please call, email, or stop in to see me anytime! It is through a collaborative learning community with consistent, honest, and open communication that I can best serve our students. Thank you for the opportunity to work with this awesome community and I welcome each of you to Fuguitt Elementary – our students are charged up for learning!!

Kindest Regards,
Kathi Bentley, Ed.D.

Eliza Lentz

Assistant Principal

Welcome back Fuguitt Gator families!

As we begin a new school year I am thrilled to reunite with our returning students and extend a warm welcome to all the new faces joining our Fuguitt family. This upcoming year will be filled with opportunities for personal development, academic excellence, student experiences and meaningful connections.

Throughout the year, your child can look forward to engaging classroom activities, innovative ways of work, new opportunities, and events that will enrich their overall learning experience. To our parents, guardians and families, we value your partnership in your child's education. Your involvement and support are integral to their success, and we encourage you to stay actively engaged in their academic journey as they grow into leaders. I believe that open communication among parents, teachers, and students creates a strong foundation for growth and success.

Thank you for choosing Fuguitt Elementary as your child's school. I am excited with our students, parents and Fuguitt community to have a memorable and successful school year!