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/Lakecounty603 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.
12 days 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/v9apAWRU8HFdPRmp913 days 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=a2Wan000000c89REAQ18 days 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.
19 days ago, LCS Communications
19 days 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!
21 days 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!
21 days 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
21 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/Lakecounty60
21 days 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 1 month ago, LCS Communications
about 1 month 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.
about 2 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.
about 2 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
REMINDER: Schools are closed tomorrow for Memorial Day. Then, students will follow the Wednesday early release schedule for Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, which is the last day of classes!
3 months ago, LCS Communications
Please remember to mark your calendar and prepare for a schedule change in the last week of school! Schools will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day. Then, students will follow the Wednesday early release schedule for Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, which is the last day of classes!
3 months ago, LCS Communications
Students in the Transitions class at The Academy of Lake Hills South have been working hard on a special community outreach project, collecting essential items, from toiletries to snacks, to create care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness in our area. The efforts of these generous young adults reflect their commitment to giving back and their growth as responsible, empathetic citizens.
The class is for students who have deferred their diploma to work on life skills before transitioning to post-high school life. The Academy of Lake Hills South serves students with the most significant behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.
We are incredibly proud of this inspiring group for making a real difference in the lives of others!
3 months ago, LCS Communications