Tavares Elementary

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.

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

🚧✨ Summer Improvements Are Underway at TES! ✨🚧 We’ve been busy this summer making exciting updates across our campus — all to help create a brighter, safer, and more welcoming learning environment for our Bullpups! From refreshed spaces to important upgrades, we can’t wait for our students and families to see the changes when they return. 🎥 Hear all about the improvements straight from our principal in this video update: 🔗 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T_xvFB7fn9bUrU2dUSZUn6h9leb8o0s6/view?usp=drivesdk 🐾 At TES, we’re always working hard to make sure every paw counts!

🎒🐾 The countdown is ON, Bullpup families! 🐾🎒 We’re just 3 weeks away from the first day of school on August 11, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at TES — where every paw counts! 💻 Be sure to check out all the important Back to School 2025 info — including school supply lists, start times, and more — on our website: 👉 https://tel.lake.k12.fl.us/o/taes/page/back-to-school-2025 📅 Mark your calendars! Meet the Teacher is happening on Tuesday, August 6 — the perfect chance to meet your teacher, visit your classroom, and get excited for the year ahead. ✨ New to TES? Stop by the front office any weekday to register — we’d love to have you join our Bullpup family! Let’s get ready to belong, believe, and become in 2025–2026! 🎉❤️🖤

Welcome to the Bullpup Family! 🐾 To all the new families enrolling — thank you and welcome! At TES, you belong the moment you walk through our doors, we help every child believe in their potential, and together, we become something great. ❤️🖤 We’re so proud to have you with us at a school where every paw counts!

📣 We’re HIRING! 📣 Tavares Elementary School is looking for amazing people to join our Bullpup family for the 2025–2026 school year! 🐾❤️ We currently have openings for: 🔹 Teacher Assistant, IST 🔹 Teacher Assistant, IST B 🔹 Teacher Assistant, PK HDC If you love working with children and want to be part of a team that makes a difference every single day, we’d love to hear from you! 📧 Send your resume to: werners1@lake.k12.fl.us 📞 Have questions? Call us at (352) 343-2861 Help us spread the word—tag someone who would be a perfect fit! 🙌

🧪✏️ Help us welcome Mrs. Michelle Bailey to our 3rd grade team as a Math & Science teacher! A former nurse and proud mom of five (plus nine pets!), she believes kindness is the key to a great learning environment. We’re so excited she’s joined the Bullpup family! 🐾❤️

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

🎉 Help us give a warm Bullpup welcome to Mrs. Roxanne Rocha! She brings 13 years of teaching experience to our 3rd grade VE team. We’re thrilled to have her join our Tavares family! ❤️🐾

📚 Say hello to Ms. Debra Canaday, our new 3rd Grade ELA & Social Studies teacher! With her passion for student growth and learning, we know this year is going to be fantastic! 🌟 Welcome to the pack!

🐾 We’re excited to welcome Miss Jennie Eichelberger to Tavares Elementary! With 16 years of experience in Lake County, she’s bringing knowledge, energy, and heart to 3rd grade. Let’s make it a great year!

Please help us welcome Mrs. Amaris James-McCadney to our Bullpup family! With 7 years in education—and 5 of those as a school counselor—she’ll be supporting our 3rd–5th grade students with heart and care. We’re so glad she’s here! 🐾❤️

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Holly Prysmont to Tavares Elementary! With over 20 years of experience in education, she’s stepping into the role of Guidance/Potential Specialist—and we know she’ll be an incredible resource for our Bullpups! 🐾📘

🎉 Say hello to Mrs. Marie Baugh, joining our 3rd grade team as an ELA & Social Studies teacher! Now in her 13th year of teaching, she brings energy, joy, and a great sense of humor to her classroom. We’re lucky to have her in the Bullpup family! 🐾📚

🇺🇸🎆 Happy 4th of July, Bullpup Family! 🎆🇺🇸 Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a joyful and safe Independence Day. May your day be filled with celebration, pride, and time with those you love. ❤️🤍💙 Stay safe, have fun, and we’ll see you soon! 🐾

🎉 Calling all future Bullpups! 🎉 Tavares Elementary’s Semester VPK Program currently has limited space available — don’t miss your chance to enroll! 🐾 If you’re looking for a warm, engaging, and playful start to your child’s school journey, our VPK program is the place to be. Scan the QR code in the flyer to register today or call 📞 352-343-2861 for more info. 🖍️ Spots are filling quickly — secure your child’s seat now!

🎒 The first day of kindergarten is a big step — and we can’t wait to take it with you! If your child will be 5 by September 1, 2025, they’re ready to start their learning adventure at Tavares Elementary. 🐾 To register, bring all required documents listed on the flyer to our front office. We can’t wait to welcome your child into our Bullpup family! 📍 720 E. Clifford Street 📞 352-343-2861 🌐 tel.lake.k12.fl.us Let the learning adventure begin! ❤️🖤

If you notice an increased presence of law enforcement officers at Tavares Elementary School on Tuesday, June 24, do not be alarmed. The Lake County Sheriff's Office will host a School Guardian Active Assailant Training exercise from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on campus. This is a scheduled training, not a law enforcement incident.

Meet the Teacher is Wednesday, August 6! 🐾 Come meet your teacher, drop off supplies, and get ready for a great year! Check the flyer for all the details — we can’t wait to see you there!