Absenteeism is a lost opportunity to learn. We can’t afford to think of absenteeism as merely a lack of compliance with school rules. Let's work together as a community to make regular school attendance a priority.
#HereTodayReadyforTomorrow
When a student misses so many days that they are chronically absent (10% or more days) it means the lack of engagement in learning is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed. Chronic absence affects all kids, not just the absent ones. #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow
Health-related absences are a top reason students miss school, yet sometimes they can be avoided. Partner with health providers to keep students healthy and in school! #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow
After much consideration and for the safety of all athletes, the Cross Country Meet @ Windy Hill Middle School on Tuesday, September 9th, has been canceled. At this time, we do not have a plan to reschedule. Thank you for your understanding.
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Let's help students build a habit of good attendance early and often. #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow
There is still time!
Today our Wolves showed up to support AFSP! #onepack
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!
Join us Wed., 8/27, at 5:00pm for Curriculum Night! Please report to your child's 1st period promptly and have a schedule handy (with room number/ teacher name), as we will follow a bell schedule to give you an opportunity to hear about each of your child's classes.
Register and send 10 emails tonight, at TheMegaBlast.com/join/WindyHill ,and return your Golden Ticket!
Mega Blast Fundraiser is kicking off Aug. 26, 2025! Consider helping our school earn money to support student incentives and staff celebrations. Students can earn super prizes along the way and have an amazing time at the Mega Blast-Best Day Ever!
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
Are you looking to get involved? Consider joining our School Advisory Council! Parents and community members are welcome to join. Our first meeting is 9/2 at 8:00.
Join us Wednesday, 8/27, at 5:00pm for Curriculum Night! Please report to your child's 1st period promptly and have a schedule handy (with room number or teacher name), as we will follow a bell schedule to give you an opportunity to hear about each of your child's classes.
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
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.
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
If you hear loud noises and see lots of police officers and deputies at East Ridge Middle School today, 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 today -- Thursday, July 31 -- at East Ridge Middle School from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 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!
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
