🎨🐾 Kindergarten Color Days are here! 🐾🎨
Our Kindergarten students will be celebrating Color Focus Days over the next three weeks! We’d love for all our Bullpups to join in the fun by wearing the color of the day to support our youngest learners.
📅 Week 1
🟧 Thursday 8/14 – Orange
🟥 Friday 8/15 – Red
📅 Week 2
🟨 Monday 8/18 – Yellow
🟩 Tuesday 8/19 – Green
⬜ Wednesday 8/20 – Gray
🟦 Thursday 8/21 – Blue
⬛ Friday 8/22 – Black
📅 Week 3
💗 Monday 8/25 – Pink
💜 Tuesday 8/26 – Purple
🤍 Wednesday 8/27 – White
🤎 Thursday 8/28 – Brown
🎉 Friday 8/29 – Color Celebration Day!
Let’s fill our hallways with bright colors and big smiles! ❤️🤍🖤
Welcome back, Tavares Elementary families and students! 🎉
We’re excited to share this week’s PAW (Peek at a Week) packed with all the important happenings, fun events, and helpful reminders to keep you connected and informed.
Be sure to check the PAW each week so you don’t miss a thing—let’s make this school year amazing together! 🐾✨
We’re excited to share this week’s PAW (Peek at a Week) packed with all the important happenings, fun events, and helpful reminders to keep you connected and informed.
Be sure to check the PAW each week so you don’t miss a thing—let’s make this school year amazing together! 🐾✨
🎉 What an amazing way to wrap up our last day of preplanning! 🎉
Our incredible faculty and staff started the day with a delicious breakfast provided by our Leadership Team and enjoyed a tasty pizza lunch together. 🍕 We kicked things off with a fun icebreaker, reviewed important school safety information, and went over beginning-of-the-year procedures to make sure we’re ready for our Bullpups’ first day!
We ended the day with a big group photo, capturing the excitement and energy of our phenomenal team. ❤️
This year, we are ready to help every Bullpup Belong. Believe. Become. We are so grateful for our dedicated staff—their passion, teamwork, and heart make our school the amazing place it is. Here’s to an unforgettable year! 🐾❤️
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❤️ Professional Development days are all about growing together — and today was no exception!
We kicked off the morning with a delicious continental breakfast and then jumped right into a full day of learning, collaborating, and preparing to make this the best year yet for our Bullpups. 📚✨
Huge shoutout to our amazing teachers for their energy, focus, and commitment to professional growth. Your dedication to learning and leading is what makes our school such a special place. We’re so proud of the work you’re doing and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have this year! 🖤🤍❤️
🍽️ Thank You, PTO & Race Car Diner! 🚗
A huge thank you to our amazing PTO and Race Car Diner for providing a delicious breakfast for our teachers this morning!
We’re so grateful for your support and for fueling our team as we gear up for a fantastic school year! 🐾❤️🐾
🐾 Welcome to the New Pup Pack! 🐾
Today we held our very first New Pup Pack meeting — a special time for teachers new to our school to connect, learn, and explore!
They spent the morning getting to know one another, learning important information, and taking a tour of our campus.
We’re so excited to see the great things this group will do alongside our amazing team. Welcome to the pack — where you belong, believe, and become! ❤️
❤️ What an incredible day at TES! ❤️
A huge thank you to Jimmy John’s for providing a delicious lunch for our staff today — your support helps fuel the amazing work our team does every day! 🥪
Even more exciting… today was Meet the Teacher, and our campus was buzzing with energy! 🐾 It was such a joy to welcome our Bullpups and their families as they met their teachers, explored classrooms, and kicked off a brand-new school year.
We’re also so grateful to the community members and partners who set up tables and shared valuable information and resources with our families. Your partnership plays a huge role in helping our students and school community thrive! 🤝
We can’t wait to watch our students learn, grow, and shine this year. 🌟 At TES, we belong, believe, and become—and today was the perfect kickoff to what’s sure to be an incredible year. Let’s go, Bullpups! 🖤🤍❤️
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.
✨ Welcome Back, TES Teachers! ✨
What a fantastic morning kicking off the new school year with our amazing team! We shared a delicious breakfast, meaningful moments, and lots of laughter—and we’re just getting started. ❤️
A huge thank you to Grand Canyon University and Amber Word State Farm for providing this morning’s breakfast and helping us start the year with full hearts and full plates!
As we head into a new school year, we’re embracing our theme: Belong. Believe. Become.
Together, we’re creating a space where every Bullpup feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
The energy in the room today reminded us that when we come together, every paw truly counts. 🐾
Here’s to a year of connection, purpose, and powerful learning! 📚✏️
🚗 Early Car Rider Tag Sign-Up is Now Closed 🚗
Thank you to everyone who completed the early sign-up!
If you didn’t get a chance to register, no worries — you can pick up your car rider tag at the Car Tag Table during Meet the Teacher.
We appreciate your support in helping dismissal run smoothly from day one!
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
🥞🍳 A HUGE thank you to the Eustis Elks Lodge 1578 for hosting a Teacher Breakfast this morning! 🐾❤️🐾
Our teachers felt so appreciated and energized as we kick off the new school year. The delicious food, warm hospitality, and fun giveaways made it a special way to start the day. We are grateful for your support of our local schools and educators!
📸 Check out this great photo of some of our staff who were able to attend!
🚗💨 Car Rider Families — We Need Your Info!
If your child will be a car rider this school year, please take a moment to fill out our Car Rider Tag Sign-Up Form using the link below. This helps us keep dismissal running smoothly and safely from the very first day.
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOrcPkUdMxKvvUzg5HiGxI7CKF6WMWqYC0iW8QkkyokB1wAg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=115227128134886269376
✅ Each family needs just one form per household.
✅ Be sure to complete it before the first day of school!
Thank you for your help keeping our Bullpups safe and organized! 🐾❤️
🎒✏️ The countdown to the first day of school is on!
Help us keep our lost and found empty by labeling your child’s backpack, lunchbox, and jacket with their first and last name using a permanent marker.
Labeled items are much more likely to make their way back home — and it’s a simple step that makes a big difference from day one.
Thank you for helping us stay organized, Bullpup families! ❤️🐾
📚✏️ School starts soon, Bullpup families! 🎒🐾
It’s the perfect time to grab your school supplies—and just in time for Florida’s Back-to-School Tax Holiday, which kicks off August 1st! 🛍️💸
You’ll find everything your student needs for a strong start right here in our 2025–2026 Grade Level Supply Lists and Classroom Wish Lists. From pencils and glue sticks to wipes and snacks, every item helps support our classrooms and students.
🖤❤️ Take a look at the lists below and take advantage of those tax-free savings!
Let’s get ready for an amazing year at TES—where every paw counts! 🐾
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
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
🚧✨ Summer Improvements Are Underway at TES! ✨🚧
We’ve been busy this summer making exciting updates across our campus — all to help create a brighter, safer, and more welcoming learning environment for our Bullpups! From refreshed spaces to important upgrades, we can’t wait for our students and families to see the changes when they return.
🎥 Hear all about the improvements straight from our principal in this video update:
🔗 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T_xvFB7fn9bUrU2dUSZUn6h9leb8o0s6/view?usp=drivesdk
🐾 At TES, we’re always working hard to make sure every paw counts!
🎒🐾 The countdown is ON, Bullpup families! 🐾🎒
We’re just 3 weeks away from the first day of school on August 11, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at TES — where every paw counts!
💻 Be sure to check out all the important Back to School 2025 info — including school supply lists, start times, and more — on our website:
👉 https://tel.lake.k12.fl.us/o/taes/page/back-to-school-2025
📅 Mark your calendars! Meet the Teacher is happening on Tuesday, August 6 — the perfect chance to meet your teacher, visit your classroom, and get excited for the year ahead.
✨ New to TES? Stop by the front office any weekday to register — we’d love to have you join our Bullpup family!
Let’s get ready to belong, believe, and become in 2025–2026! 🎉❤️🖤
