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
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!
Students in the Transitions class at The Academy of Lake Hills South have been working hard on a special community outreach project, collecting essential items, from toiletries to snacks, to create care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness in our area. The efforts of these generous young adults reflect their commitment to giving back and their growth as responsible, empathetic citizens.
The class is for students who have deferred their diploma to work on life skills before transitioning to post-high school life. The Academy of Lake Hills South serves students with the most significant behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.
We are incredibly proud of this inspiring group for making a real difference in the lives of others!
Our Transitions class has been working hard on a special community outreach project, collecting essential items to create care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness in our area. From toiletries to snacks, these generous young adults have come together with compassion and purpose. Their efforts reflect not only their commitment to giving back but also their growth as responsible, empathetic citizens. We are incredibly proud of this inspiring group for making a real difference in the lives of others!
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
Completing a CTE program can open doors to scholarships! The Florida Gold Seal Scholarship covers tuition at colleges and state universities, helping you continue your education and start your career. Talk to your school counselor for more info!
#CTEMonth #Scholarships #FutureCareer
National School Counseling Week focuses public attention to the unique contribution of school counselors within the school system. This week highlights the impact counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan a successful career.
Celebrate Literacy Week is designed to raise awareness about the importance of reading and to inspire our students and families to make reading part of their daily routines.
Lake County schools and offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
The staff and students at The Academy of Lake Hills South want to send a big thank you to The Nam Knights. We appreciate all the hard work and generosity of the group. Happy Holidays!
We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket!
Download for Android: https://aptg.co/p21fvm
Download for iPhone: https://aptg.co/xldT66
We're thrilled to announce the new app for Lake County Schools! It's everything Lake County Schools, in your pocket.
Download for Android https://aptg.co/p21fvm
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/xLdT66
We're thrilled to announce the new app for Lake County Schools! It's everything Lake County Schools, in your pocket.
Download for Android https://aptg.co/p21fvm
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/xLdT66
