MDHS Class of 1973!
Scholarship Alert:
Calling all high school seniors: Applications for the 2026 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest are NOW OPEN!
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the competition, ranging from $4,000 to $30,000 over four years. No relation to the Elks is necessary to apply.
With this scholarship, students gain more than just financial aid—they gain an appreciation of service, a network of like-minded peers, and an #ElksFamily for life.
Find eligibility requirements and other important details at https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm
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.
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
Meet the Teacher at MDHS is Thursday! Students and their parents are welcome to come walk their schedules and meet their teachers. Student schedules are available in FOCUS! Parents, if you do not have a FOCUS account set up visit https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/get-the-focus-app for details on how!
Today, we welcomed back our teachers! We had a great day of learning and building our One Team culture. We kicked it all off with a breakfast provided by our community partner, Kim Varnadore State Farm Insurance. We thank you for your continuing support of MDHS!
Tips from Federal Student Aid for students in every high school grade level.
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.
“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.
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
The first day of the 2025-26 school year is right around the corner. Here are some helpful sites and information to get the school year started on the right foot!
Reminder: Schedules are now available in FOCUS and Meet the Teacher is from 9-11 AM on August 7th!
Reminder: Schedules are now available in FOCUS and Meet the Teacher is from 9-11 AM on August 7th!
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
MDHS is adding a United States History Teacher to our team! Apply online today at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/o/lcs/page/employment
Incoming Freshmen: Freshman Forecast is July 31st!
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
MDHS is looking for a Digital Information Technology Instructor. Apply online at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/o/lcs/page/employment.
MDHS is hiring an English teacher! Email Principal Bracewell at bracewellk@lake.k12.fl.us today if you are interested.
The Canes are live today right after 12pm. Click on the link to livestream! #CentralFloridaMediaDay #BuiltInTheMount https://www.youtube.com/live/eLRARH3Sce8?si=ivJnRXAZRS3-pN2I
Incoming Freshmen: Freshman Forecast is just 3 weeks away!
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
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
MDHS team and fans,
We are proud to announce MDHS is, once again, the top rated high school in Lake County and earned an A rating by the Florida Department of Education! We appreciate the dedication of our students, staff, parents and community. #OneTeam!
Student schedules are now available in FOCUS for the 2025-26 school year. See your FOCUS account to view your schedule and important scheduling information.
