We are excited to announce that four Lake County Schools have been recognized for successfully building a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. PBIS is an evidence-based three-tiered prevention framework designed to improve and integrate all data, systems, and practices impacting student outcomes. National research shows that full implementation of PBIS leads to reduced exclusionary discipline and improved student and teacher outcomes by enhancing school climate, acknowledging appropriate behavior, and using data to identify supports. Congratulations to the following schools for being recognized by the FLPBIS Project as a PBIS Model School: Pine Ridge Elementary, Gold; Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center, Silver; Astatula Elementary, Silver; Mount Dora High, Bronze.

about 1 hour ago, LCS Communications
Four badges that say Florida PBIS - One says Pine Ridge ELementary, Gold; Rimes Early learning, Silver; Astatula elementary, silver; Mount Dora High, Bronze.
All Lake County public schools will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. We honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of the American workforce that help build strong communities and a bright future for our students. Enjoy a safe and restful holiday!
10 days ago, LCS Communications
American flag at top of chalk board. Tools and a hard hat at bottom. Wording says Schools Closed Monday for Labor Day.

Tickets are selling fast! Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families are headed to Gainesville to watch the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. Join us! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Looks like it's going to be a sellout, so get your tickets today at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60

18 days ago, LCS Communications
Flyer says Join Gators Football, Saturday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. Florida Gatos vs LIU Sharks. Final purchase date is Aug. 29. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County. Secure your tickets by scanning the QR code below or going to https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60.
Are you ready for some football? Join Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families in Gainesville as the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Get your tickets at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60
24 days ago, LCS Communications
Flyer says Join Gators Football, Saturday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. Florida Gatos vs LIU Sharks. Final purchase date is Aug. 29. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County. Secure your tickets by scanning the QR code below or going to https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60.

A new state law -- House Bill 1105, which was signed into law on July 1 -- stipulates how and when students can use personal electronic devices during the school day in an effort to support focused learning in all Florida public school classrooms. The law says:
• Elementary and middle school students may not use a cell phone or other personal electronic device at any time during the school day.
• High School students may use cell phones and other personal electronic devices during instructional time only if a teacher gives permission for educational purposes.
• Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis for students with an IEP, specific health needs, or English language learners (ELL).
Our Code of Student Conduct has been updated to reflect this law. See the Code of Student Conduct at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RZS1-ppNFeQ_vSnOamPTlz0voX11U5Bs/view?usp=sharing . Thank you for working with us to create and maintain more focused learning environments for our students.

about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
New state law on student use of personal electronic devices. Image shows a cell phone with the LCS logo against a brick wall on the phone screen.
Families are invited to a Back-to-School Bash in the Mount Dora High School cafeteria,700 N. Highland Street, on Sunday, August 10, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Peachy Enterprises, in partnership with local community partners, this event will feature several giveaways including free backpacks filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items while supplies last, free food, free haircuts, and free school physicals. Additionally, local schools, community partners, and vendors will be on site to provide helpful resources and information. Register in advance at https://forms.gle/v9apAWRU8HFdPRmp9
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Peachy Enterprises Presents: Back-to-School Bash volume 6, Sunday, August 10, 2025, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mount Dora High School cafeteria, 700 N. Highland Street
Grab your friends and family and come to the Clermont Florida Blue Center, 2601 S. Highway 27 in Clermont, on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for FREE backpacks (limit 3 per household) and school supply giveaways, fun activities for the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate, and there is no cost to attend. Learn more and RSVP at https://appointments.floridablue.com/fbevents/s/event-details?eventId=a2Wan000000c89REAQ
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Florida Blue Back to the School Fuel the Future, a family-friendly event featuring free school supply giveaways, fun activities fo r the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Florida Blue Center - Clermont. August 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In collaboration with local law enforcement, Lake County Schools will host active-assailant training exercises at two school campuses this week. These exercises are part of a continuing effort to ensure that officers and deputies are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the unlikely event of a real-life emergency. The sessions will be held on Thursday, July 31, at East Ridge Middle School and on Friday, August 1, at Umatilla High School, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The interactive training will include simulated gunfire and student actors to create real-life scenarios.

“We understand that these exercises can raise concerns,” Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth said. “However, law enforcement officials stress the importance of training in realistic settings to be better equipped to protect our students and staff.”

The trainings were intentionally scheduled during the summer when students and teachers are not on campus. Participation is limited to student actors whose parents have provided written consent. The district notified the community in advance through social media and the district and school websites.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with local law enforcement and for their ongoing commitment to keeping our schools safe,” Farnsworth added. “While we all wish this type of training wasn’t necessary, we must prepare. We support our officers and deputies as they train to be there for us when we need them most.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) conducts active assailant training on an ongoing basis as required by state statutes and accreditation requirements to ensure the safety of all involved if such a scenario plays out at one of our schools. It’s especially vital for School Resource Deputies to undergo active assailant training in a realistic environment, as their preparedness can significantly reduce casualties and protect students and staff during such critical incidents, an LCSO spokesperson explained. Demonstrating our teamwork in safety, representatives from Lake County Schools and the Florida Department of Education will also be in attendance at the upcoming training.
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Blurred cop cars in the background with yellow tape in foregrond that reads, "Sheriff's Line Do Not Cross."
Students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge in the 2025-26 school year. Learn more here: https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/article/2330002
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Teen girls  get food in cafeteria line, served by a man and a woman, both smiling and wearing green aprons.
If you hear loud noises and see lots of police officers and deputies at schools this week, don’t be alarmed! The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting active assailant training for all School Resource Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Safe School Officers. The sessions will be held on Thursday, July 31, at East Ridge Middle School and on Friday, August 1, at Umatilla High School, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The interactive training will include simulated gunfire and student actors to create real-life situations. Thank you to all involved for everything you do to keep our Lake County Schools campuses safe!
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Notice: Active Assailant Training Scheduled at Local Schools. These are scheduled training exercies, not safety incidents.
If you hear loud noises and see lots of police officers and deputies at schools this week, don’t be alarmed! The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting active assailant training for all School Resource Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Safe School Officers. The sessions will be held on Thursday, July 31, at East Ridge Middle School and on Friday, August 1, at Umatilla High School, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The interactive training will include simulated gunfire and student actors to create real-life situations. Thank you to all involved for everything you do to keep our Lake County Schools campuses safe!
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Notice: Active Assailant Training Scheduled at Local Schools. These are scheduled training exercies, not safety incidents.

Grab your friends and family and come to the Clermont Florida Blue Center, 2601 S. Highway 27 in Clermont, on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for FREE backpacks (limit 3 per household) and school supply giveaways, fun activities for the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate, and there is no cost to attend. Learn more and RSVP at https://appointments.floridablue.com/fbevents/s/event-details?eventId=a2Wan000000c89REAQ

about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Florida Blue Back to the School Fuel the Future, a family-friendly event featuring free school supply giveaways, fun activities fo r the kids, and resources to help students start the school year strong. Florida Blue Center - Clermont. August 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Are you ready for some football? Join Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families in Gainesville as the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Get your tickets at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60

about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
Flyer says Join Gators Football, Saturday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. Florida Gatos vs LIU Sharks. Final purchase date is Aug. 29. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County. Secure your tickets by scanning the QR code below or going to https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60.

Join us! July 31, 8 - 9 a.m.
RSVP Today for FREE Breakfast! FREE Giveaways! GREAT Resources!
Before the Pep Rally for Public Education in Clermont, the Education Foundation of Lake County is hosting BREAKFAST & BACK-TO-SCHOOL! This reading literacy workshop will get parents & families ready to support their students this academic year!
Use the QR code to RSVP or this link: https://forms.gle/HhGTybRkcDBiMZsH8

about 2 months ago, LCS Communications
You're invited, July 31, 2025, 8-9 a.m. Breakfast and  Back to School, 2460 Hooks Street, Clermont FL. RSVP for Free breakfast, fun giveaways, great resouces featuring the American Griddle Food Truck. Hosted by the Education foundatio of Lake County
We are about a month away from the first day of school. Plan ahead and get your back-to-school and sports physicals completed free of charge in Eustis on Saturday, July 19. Register in advance and get more information at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpmLjUw5yXaDD1oYyQX6gZ8xGTRqyn8N1L1A5Wm8GXCbYcbg/viewform
2 months ago, LCS Communications
Images of students getting physicals from adults wearing purple T-shirts. Wording says: Let's Get Physical. Free Back to School and Sports physicals for all students through 12th grade. Pre-register online to help us know you're coming. Open until the end of July 17, 2025. Scan QE Code or visit www.fpceustis.com. When: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church, 117 S. Center Street, Eustis FL 32726.
Summer is training season! A school guardian training exercise will take place at Umatilla Middle School on Wednesday, June 25, from 4–7 p.m. You may notice an increased law enforcement presence on campus during this time, but don't worry! This is a planned training session to help ensure our schools remain safe and secure for all students and staff when they return in August.
3 months ago, LCS Communications
Police badge in the background with a yellow triangle with an exclamation in the center in the foreground with wording that says: Notice, school guardian training in progress. This is a scheduled training exercise, not an incident."
If you notice an increased presence of law enforcement officers at Tavares Elementary School on Tuesday, June 24, do not be alarmed. The Lake County Sheriff's Office will host a School Guardian Active Assailant Training exercise from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on campus. This is a scheduled training, not a law enforcement incident.
3 months ago, LCS Communications
Inverted triangle with an exclamation mark inside. Wording says, "Notice. School Guardian Training in Progress. This is a scheduled exercise training, not an incident."
Are you still looking for a fun summer learning opportunity for your kids? The Healthcare Exploration Camp at Lake-Sumter State College still has spots available! This camp will be held June 9-12 and is for rising 6th-9th grade students. Don't delay! The deadline to register is June 1. Links for registration: Clermont Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30002rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration Leesburg Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30003rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration
3 months ago, LCS Communications
"Healthcare Exploration Camp 2025. Dive into the fascinating world of Health Sciences this summer at Lake-Sumter State College! Designed for rising 6th-9th graders, this exciting camp offers a unique blend of academic enrichment, real-world career insights, and thrilling hands-on activities. Discover your passion for healthcare and explore potential future paths in a fun and engaging environment. Clermont, June 9-12. Leesburg, June 9-12. Presenters - AdventHealth, Lake County Schools, Lake Technical College, University of Central Florida, Lake-Sumter State College, Orlando Health, University of Florida Health. Learn more and register here." Images show a QR code at the bottom of the page. At the top are two teen girls in white lab coats, goggles and cloves. One is holding a tray and the other is holding a specimen. They are in a lab. The logo for Lake-Sumter State College is in the top right corner of the image.
On the next episode of “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity,” students at Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center will be featured as they screen “Carl the Collector.” Watch this young audience truly embrace Carl and his friends. Learn more on Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. EST on @WUCFTV and nationwide on the free PBS app. #Neurodiversity #ThisIsBeacon #LearningDifferences
3 months ago, LCS Communications
“Carl the Collector” at Rimes ELLC up next on A World of Difference logo. Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. EST on WUCF-TV or the PBS app with the WUCF logo. Background colors are lime green and dark blue-gray. Top center right shows a group of young elementary age students sitting on the floor smiling and waving. There are school tables and cubby bookcases behind them. Rimes ELLC logo is on the left.
Test retakes are being offered this summer to students who did not pass the Algebra I End of Course (EOC) exam or the Grade 10 FAST Reading exam, and to students who missed the Geometry, Biology, or U.S. History End of Course exams in the spring. Sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/MV8wbsHjWwGMcb8YA. The deadline to register is June 19. Tests will be given July 14-16 at the student’s zoned high school. Parents will receive specific dates and times on or before June 26.
3 months ago, LCS Communications
Teen boy wearing a blue collared shirt in classroom with laptop on his desk. He is holding  a yellow pencil and writing on paper.