Tips from Federal Student Aid for students in every high school grade level.
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
The first day of the 2025-26 school year is right around the corner. Here are some helpful sites and information to get the school year started on the right foot!
Reminder: Schedules are now available in FOCUS and Meet the Teacher is from 9-11 AM on August 7th!
Reminder: Schedules are now available in FOCUS and Meet the Teacher is from 9-11 AM on August 7th!
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
MDHS is adding a United States History Teacher to our team! Apply online today at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/o/lcs/page/employment
Incoming Freshmen: Freshman Forecast is July 31st!
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
MDHS is looking for a Digital Information Technology Instructor. Apply online at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/o/lcs/page/employment.
MDHS is hiring an English teacher! Email Principal Bracewell at bracewellk@lake.k12.fl.us today if you are interested.
The Canes are live today right after 12pm. Click on the link to livestream! #CentralFloridaMediaDay #BuiltInTheMount https://www.youtube.com/live/eLRARH3Sce8?si=ivJnRXAZRS3-pN2I
Incoming Freshmen: Freshman Forecast is just 3 weeks away!
You are invited to learn about being a Hurricane and our ONE TEAM culture! This is a student only event. Registration is open. See the link in FOCUS Communication Announcements for the registration form.
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
MDHS team and fans,
We are proud to announce MDHS is, once again, the top rated high school in Lake County and earned an A rating by the Florida Department of Education! We appreciate the dedication of our students, staff, parents and community. #OneTeam!
Student schedules are now available in FOCUS for the 2025-26 school year. See your FOCUS account to view your schedule and important scheduling information.
11th and 12th grade MDHS students: Parking permits are now available. See your FOCUS communication for details.
Parking applications for Class of 2026 are open! Seniors from June 20-26. First come, first served. Check Google Classroom. Check your FOCUS account for detailed information.
MDHS Seniors, book your appointment today for your yearbook photos! Our on campus date for senior photos is June 24th, 2025! You must have an appointment to take your photos on campus that day.
www.leonards.com/schedule
School Counselors work limited hours through the summer. You can contact your counselor for the 2025-26 school year via email for questions and appointment bookings.
New Team Member: We welcome Ms. Rene Holt to MDHS as our 11th grade and 9th grade last names A-M counselor. Ms. Holt comes to MDHS with years of school counseling expertise at the high school level. We welcome this addition to our team!
MDHS students are learning leadership skills and connecting with their community at the Mount Dora Police Department Youth Leadership Program!
Our students continued their leadership journey by learning about philanthropy with the Mount Dora Community Trust, touring the Lake County Courthouse, visiting the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, stopping by Barrel of Books and Games, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at Channel 6 News WKMG. They also had a great visit to the Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina, where they learned about local tourism, boating safety, and the impact of waterfront businesses in our community.
We’re proud of these students and grateful for the community partners who make this program possible. 🌟
#MountDoraPD #YouthLeadership #CommunityPartners #FutureLeaders #MountDoraFL #ShopLocal
Mark your calendar for MDHS Meet The Teacher on August 7th from 9 AM-11 AM. Parents and students can come walk their schedules and meet their teachers between the hours of 9-11 AM. Schedules will be posted in FOCUS soon! We will let you know when they are live for the 2025-26 school year!
