If you hear loud noises and see lots of police officers and deputies at Umatilla High 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 -- Friday, August 1 -- at Umatilla High 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
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!
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
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.
Tiger Pride Camp is our 6th grade orientation event on Friday, July 25th from 1-3PM. There are student and parent/guardian portions to this event that allow our incoming 6th graders , and their families, a chance to get familiar with our campus, academics, programs and faculty/staff prior to Meet the Teacher and school beginning. Schedules will not be available until Meet the Teacher on August 7th.
Please RSVP using the QR code on the flyer or this link https://forms.gle/xAqJtGzBUVbFmxuT8
Join us August 7, 2025 from 1-3pm for our 2025-2026 Meet the Teacher Event! Schedules will be available on the day of the event through first period teachers! Come meet our teachers, get assistance with FOCUS sign up, speak with transportation representatives, and much more! See you then!
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!
We are proud to be the recipients of the Lake County Middle School Athletics Champions Cup. Our student athletes and coaches showed up big time this year and we couldn't be more proud!! Go Tigers!
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.
Congratulations to our Rookie Teacher of the Year, Ms. Vass!!! We are so proud of you and thank you for all that you do for our Tiger Family!
