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
UHS is hosting our Pre-Season Classic! Please come out to support your Lady Bulldogs on August 16th as we get started for our 2025-2026 school season! Doors open at 8:00 AM; Tickets are $5
The Florida Department of Health in Lake County is offering free immunizations and school physicals for children entering school for the first time or transferring.
Clinics will be held on August 9 and August 12, 2025, at locations in Umatilla, Clermont, and Leesburg. Services include required school shots, physicals, and updated immunization forms (DH 680).
Appointments are required. Call 352-771-5500 to schedule.
Make sure your child is ready for the new school year with up-to-date health records.
Clinics will be held on August 9 and August 12, 2025, at locations in Umatilla, Clermont, and Leesburg. Services include required school shots, physicals, and updated immunization forms (DH 680).
Appointments are required. Call 352-771-5500 to schedule.
Make sure your child is ready for the new school year with up-to-date health records.
Freshman orientation was a great success! We welcomed over 100 new Bulldogs with a campus tour and information sessions to make their transition to high school successful. Welcome aboard to our new Minor Niners!
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
Incoming freshmen!! We hope to see you and your parents tomorrow at Freshman Orientation!! In the gym at 9 am.
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
Key Food, Magic 107.7, Panamex, Western Union, and the Hispanic American Club of Lake County want to ensure that every student has a backpack for the upcoming school year. Visit Key Foods in Mount Dora tomorrow to pick one up. The event will take place from 12:00 until 4:00, but supplies are limited.
Seniors and their parents attended an information meeting about the upcoming school year at the Bulldog Student Union Tuesday night. Thank you to Mrs. Tyrrell and Mr. Stokes for the presentation and Student Government officers for assisting attendees. Information covered will be shared in the Class of '26 Google Classroom soon!
ATTENTION STUDENT DRIVERS!
Any student wishing to purchase a parking pass should stop by the school and pick up an application from the front office. Complete the packet and return it to Ms. Caruso along with copies of your valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and your valid vehicle registration. The parking pass is $45 and must be paid on the school's website. Beginning August 25th, no one may park on campus without a parking pass.
Seniors: Your deadline to submit a parking packet is August 8th. If you want to paint your spot, please see Mrs. Tyrrell with $25 for your painting pass. Painting will take place on Saturday, August 9th from 8 am until 2 pm. Students must provide their own painting supplies.
Underclass: Your deadline to submit a parking packet is August 22nd.
Any student wishing to purchase a parking pass should stop by the school and pick up an application from the front office. Complete the packet and return it to Ms. Caruso along with copies of your valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and your valid vehicle registration. The parking pass is $45 and must be paid on the school's website. Beginning August 25th, no one may park on campus without a parking pass.
Seniors: Your deadline to submit a parking packet is August 8th. If you want to paint your spot, please see Mrs. Tyrrell with $25 for your painting pass. Painting will take place on Saturday, August 9th from 8 am until 2 pm. Students must provide their own painting supplies.
Underclass: Your deadline to submit a parking packet is August 22nd.
Seniors, remember to schedule your SENIOR PORTRAITS before it's too late! Visit home.cady.com to book your appointment. A scheduling guide was included in the email sent to your parents on July 7th . If you have any questions, please email Mr. Stokes, StokesR@lake.k12.fl.us
It's almost time for the Bulldogs to head back to the classroom. Meet your student's teachers on Thursday, August 7th from 8:30 until 10:30 am.
Freshman Orientation is coming soon! Parents of Freshmen, please be sure to register to attend this event by clicking the link below. We look forward to meeting you and our newest Bulldogs on July 31st at 9 am.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbMUcdOHkADvvnBqvCWYKoUMaOC0N74hFy-fE9PUIbtzCjgw/viewform?usp=sf_link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbMUcdOHkADvvnBqvCWYKoUMaOC0N74hFy-fE9PUIbtzCjgw/viewform?usp=sf_link
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.
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.
