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
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
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
Are you still looking for a fun summer learning opportunity for your kids? The Healthcare Exploration Camp at Lake-Sumter State College still has spots available! This camp will be held June 9-12 and is for rising 6th-9th grade students. Don't delay! The deadline to register is June 1. Links for registration:
Clermont Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30002rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration
Leesburg Campus: https://lssc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/earlycollegeprograms/xploration/courses/crn30003rec0285healthcare-summer-exploration
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.
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!
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!
Lake County Schools is seeking input from educators, students, and families to better understand how our K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) materials have impacted classroom practices and literacy development. Please complete a 15-minute survey to provide your feedback. The survey is open May 14-28. You may take the survey here: http://bit.ly/3F1xOdL
Mark your calendar and prepare for a schedule change during the last week of school! Schools and district offices 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!
Mark your calendar 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!
It's National Nurses Week, and we focus specifically on school nurses on Wednesday, May 7, School Nurse Day! #Schoolnurses positively impact students, families, and schools by providing direct care, managing chronic conditions, promoting mental health and school attendance, connecting families to community resources, and coordinating care to break down barriers to healthcare access. #SND2025 www.schoolnurseday.org #StudentHealth
📦 Time to Turn Them In!
Chromebook Collection is Coming!
The end of the school year is right around the corner, and it’s time to get those Chromebooks ready for return. Here’s what you need to know to make the process quick and smooth:
✅ What to Do Before You Turn In Your Device
Remove all stickers and decorations
➤ Don’t forget to clean off any sticky residue!
➤ A safe way to clean: use a slightly damp cloth (water only) — no chemicals or sprays!
➤ Check that your device is fully charged (100%)
➤ Turn in your charger
➤ Must include both parts: the brick and the cable!
➤ Report damage early
➤ If your device isn’t working or is damaged, turn it in now — don’t wait for collection day!
➤ Ask questions?
➤ See your school’s Media Specialist for help.
Come join us for a great show with great food!
To the Parents of Our Incoming 7th Grade Students:
The Department of Health requires one last vaccination for incoming 7th grade students. This vaccine is the T-dap. Please check with your student’s physician, the Department of Health, or Nurse Alena at EMS to insure your student is ready for the 7th grade. For those students still in need of this vaccine, please contact your student’s physician or the Department of Health. A vaccination clinic will be held on April 21st at EMS for any student with a parent signed permission form from the Department of Health which will be mailed to the student’s mailing address on file. If you have any further questions, please reach out to the school nurse Alena Lail.
The 2024-2025 ESE Parent Survey is now open and will remain accessible until June 30, 2025. Parents can complete the survey online or via mobile by visiting the following website: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/parent-info/exceptional-student-edu-parent-survey.stml
Attention 8th Students and Families: The 8th grade field trip this year will be to St. Augustine. Our students will participate in a tour of the historic town and fort, as well as a scavenger hunt downtown. They will have time to shop for a souvenir, and will be provided lunch and a t-shirt. Students must turn in their permission slip and deposit to Ms. Jensen in the 500 building, room 113. The deadline to submit forms and a deposit has been extended to March 19th. We hope you will join us for this amazing experience!
We are so proud to announce our winners for the recent Lake County History Day! Junior Paper 2nd Place Gentrification in Puerto Rico Alexis Caldwell Mr. Dunlap Junior Group Performance 2nd Place Plessy vs. Ferguson Caleb Attermann, Carter Murdock, Cayden Doolittle, Isaiah Walker Mrs. Rowe-Manuel They now have the opportunity to go to State Competition on May 4-6th. We also want to congratulate Lydia Lawson, Alena Lynn, Gavin Diggs, and Sophia Swingholm for participating in the competition. Way to go Mustangs!