All Lake County public schools will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. We honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of the American workforce that help build strong communities and a bright future for our students. Enjoy a safe and restful holiday!
Today, we recognized our
August Students of the Month. These students embody our One Team culture every day!
Freshman- Madison Childers
Sophomore- Cameron Williams
Junior- Noah Macinness
Senior- Noah Deitz- not pictured
Bowling kicks off their season next week with two match-ups!
A huge shout out to the hardest working Booster Club around! Last year they raised $120,000 for our student athletes and their programs. This year they have a goal of $150,000. This week, they presented the school with $30,000!!!!! They are always looking for volunteers!
Tickets are selling fast! Lake County Schools employees, students, friends, and families are headed to Gainesville to watch the Florida Gators take on the Long Island Sharks on Saturday, August 30. Join us! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support Lake County Schools! Looks like it's going to be a sellout, so get your tickets today at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Lakecounty60
Friday, August 22nd is the first home football game of the season v. Boone High School. Kick-off is at 7 PM and parking lots and gates will open at 6 pm.
Please see the new parking map. Parking is $5 and is available on our practice field with a new entrance off of 5th and Simpson and in our lots on 8th beside the gym and auditorium. Parking behind the home stands is only for reserved parking purchased through the Hurricane Boosters and by official handicap placard.
All patrons will be entering through the home side gate. We are encouraging advanced ticket purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/FL1571. Admission is $7.
All middle school age children and younger must be accompanied by an adult and remain with them during the game.
Please be reminded that there is a NO RE-ENTRY policy for our games. You will not be permitted to re-enter once you leave.
Students must have a 2025-26 school year ID to enter the student section.
Please see the new parking map. Parking is $5 and is available on our practice field with a new entrance off of 5th and Simpson and in our lots on 8th beside the gym and auditorium. Parking behind the home stands is only for reserved parking purchased through the Hurricane Boosters and by official handicap placard.
All patrons will be entering through the home side gate. We are encouraging advanced ticket purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/FL1571. Admission is $7.
All middle school age children and younger must be accompanied by an adult and remain with them during the game.
Please be reminded that there is a NO RE-ENTRY policy for our games. You will not be permitted to re-enter once you leave.
Students must have a 2025-26 school year ID to enter the student section.
Golf kicks off Thursday! Best wishes for a great season!
All are welcome to join us!
Football is back! First home game is this Friday night. Buy your ticket in advance at https://gofan.co/app/school/FL1571
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 Class of 1973!
Scholarship Alert:
Calling all high school seniors: Applications for the 2026 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest are NOW OPEN!
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the competition, ranging from $4,000 to $30,000 over four years. No relation to the Elks is necessary to apply.
With this scholarship, students gain more than just financial aid—they gain an appreciation of service, a network of like-minded peers, and an #ElksFamily for life.
Find eligibility requirements and other important details at https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm
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
Meet the Teacher at MDHS is Thursday! Students and their parents are welcome to come walk their schedules and meet their teachers. Student schedules are available in FOCUS! Parents, if you do not have a FOCUS account set up visit https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/get-the-focus-app for details on how!
Today, we welcomed back our teachers! We had a great day of learning and building our One Team culture. We kicked it all off with a breakfast provided by our community partner, Kim Varnadore State Farm Insurance. We thank you for your continuing support of MDHS!
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!
