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
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
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
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/Lakecounty6024 days ago, LCS Communications
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
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/v9apAWRU8HFdPRmp9about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
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=a2Wan000000c89REAQabout 1 month ago, LCS Communications

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
about 1 month ago, LCS Communications
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
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
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
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
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
2 months ago, LCS Communications
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
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
3 months ago, LCS Communications
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
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