
We are excited to announce that four Lake County Schools have been recognized for successfully building a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. PBIS is an evidence-based three-tiered prevention framework designed to improve and integrate all data, systems, and practices impacting student outcomes. National research shows that full implementation of PBIS leads to reduced exclusionary discipline and improved student and teacher outcomes by enhancing school climate, acknowledging appropriate behavior, and using data to identify supports. Congratulations to the following schools for being recognized by the FLPBIS Project as a PBIS Model School: Pine Ridge Elementary, Gold; Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center, Silver; Astatula Elementary, Silver; Mount Dora High, Bronze.

Join the Bears on the Ridge Choir! 🎤🐻
📅 Auditions: Monday, Sept. 15
🕒 When: Mondays after school, 3:30–4:15 PM
📍 Where: Music Room
🌟 Performance opportunities in the community & competitions!
➡️ Limited spots (30 students) – reserve your audition today by emailing your student’s name & teacher’s name to ibanezc@lake.k12.fl.us

To help students get to class on time, those not actively checking out by 8:25 AM will be directed to class before the tardy bell rings. For students who eat breakfast in the cafeteria, please remind them to finish their meal before visiting the store.
We look forward to providing our students with a fun and convenient school store experience.

🌟 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Ingrid Segarra
🌟 2026-2027 Rookie Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Breanna Alexander
🌟 2026-2027 School-Related Employee of the Year: Ms. Ann-Marie Alonzo
We are so proud of the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to our school each day. Thank you for making Pine Ridge such a special place for our students and community! 💙✨




Test Day Tips! 📝
😴 Sleep well the night before
🍎 Eat breakfast
💪 Stay positive
⏰ Arrive on time
You’ve got this! 🌟


Pine Ridge's first SAC and PTO meetings are September 2, 2025. Can't wait to see you there!

Pickleball is coming to Pine Ridge! The club will be held on Tuesdays from 3pm-4pm beginning September 16, 2025. Check out the flyer for details and sign up information.


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

Do you have school spirit, energy, and a love for cheering on our team? The Bearettes Cheer Team is looking for new members! 🐾💛💙
Join Bearettes for a season full of fun, friendship, and spirit as we cheer, dance, and represent Pine Ridge with pride! 🙌🎉
Let’s go, Bearettes!


Thank you Liberty Baptist and Bagel Bros for your donations that helped us start the year off right.

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.

We have been recognized by the FLPBIS Project as a 2024-2025 PBIS Model School! As a PBIS Model School, we are committed to the effective implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and strive for positive outcomes for all students.

“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.


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

