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!
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!
Please see the schedule below for our End of Year Awards! If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.
Staff Appreciation Week is happening this week We will be having Tom's Traveling Coffee Truck coming on Thursday, May 8th!
Show your appreciation for the hardworking faculty, staff and administration by making a donation to Triangle's Travelin'
Tom's Coffee Fund so the faculty can enjoy a free cup of deliciousness at our visit! Go to our prepay site to contribute!
https://customer.travelintomscoffee.com/#/T1311822581
We are accepting gently used uniforms for our Uniform Closet!
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
Staff Appreciation Week is happening soon! We will be having Tom's Traveling Coffee Truck coming on Thursday, May 8th!
Show your appreciation for the hardworking faculty, staff and administration by making a donation to Triangle's Travelin'
Tom's Coffee Fund so the faculty can enjoy a free cup of deliciousness at our visit! Go to our prepay site to contribute!
https://customer.travelintomscoffee.com/#/T1311822581
Please see the schedule below for our End of Year Awards! If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.
See below for testing dates and other May events!
Staff Appreciation Week is happening soon! We will be having Tom's Traveling Coffee Truck coming on Thursday, May 8th!
Show your appreciation for the hardworking faculty, staff and administration by making a donation to Triangle's Travelin'
Tom's Coffee Fund so the faculty can enjoy a free cup of deliciousness at our visit! Go to our prepay site to contribute!
https://customer.travelintomscoffee.com/#/T1311822581
It's going to be a busy month!
Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🎉🚌
Let's take a moment to celebrate our incredible Triangle Elementary School bus drivers! Your dedication and care ensure our students arrive safely at school every day. Thank you for all that you do! 🌟❤️
¡Feliz Día de Apreciación a los Conductores de Autobús Escolar! 🎉🚌
¡Tomemos un momento para celebrar a nuestros increíbles conductores de autobús de la Escuela Primaria Triangle! Su dedicación y cuidado aseguran que nuestros estudiantes lleguen a la escuela de manera segura todos los días. ¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen! 🌟❤️
Staff Appreciation Week is happening soon! We will be having Tom's Traveling Coffee Truck coming on Thursday, May 8th!
Show your appreciation for the hardworking faculty, staff and administration by making a donation to Triangle's Travelin'
Tom's Coffee Fund so the faculty can enjoy a free cup of deliciousness at our visit! Go to our prepay site to contribute!
https://customer.travelintomscoffee.com/#/T1311822581
