Please save the dates for our upcoming events and check out the 2025-2026 school supply list. *Please note the updated times for the Meet the Teacher event.
📣✨ Calling all future Bearettes! ✨📣
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!
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!
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
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.
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’re excited to welcome you back soon for a fantastic new school year! Please take a moment to review the important updates and reminders below:
Tags & Tees Event – Thursday, July 31 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Stop by to pick up your car rider tags and shop our spirit apparel:
• Cash only sales
• Items include t-shirts, long sleeve tees, sweatshirts, and pullover hoodies
• Prices range from $5–$24
• All items are first come, first served
🍎 Meet the Teacher – Thursday, August 7
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM for PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support classrooms
• 1:00–3:00 PM for 1st–5th grade students
📌 First Day of School – Monday, August 11
• Drop-off begins at 8:00 AM
• Dismissal times for the first day only:
o PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support: 2:15 PM
o 1st–5th grade: approximately 2:30 PM
• Regular dismissal beginning August 12:
o PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support: 2:45 PM
o 1st–5th grade: 3:00 PM
🚶Walking Students to Class on the First Day
Families of PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, Intensive Support, and students new to Pine Ridge may walk their child to class on the first day.
• Please pre-register during Meet the Teacher if you plan to do so.
• If not pre-registered, you will need to check in at the front office.
🚗 Dismissal Reminder
Families of KG, PreK, and Intensive Support students will receive yellow, car-shaped car tags that allow them to enter the dismissal line ahead of K–5 families.
We can’t wait to see you at Tags & Tees and Meet the Teacher. Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for a joyful and successful school year!
Tags & Tees Event – Thursday, July 31 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Stop by to pick up your car rider tags and shop our spirit apparel:
• Cash only sales
• Items include t-shirts, long sleeve tees, sweatshirts, and pullover hoodies
• Prices range from $5–$24
• All items are first come, first served
🍎 Meet the Teacher – Thursday, August 7
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM for PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support classrooms
• 1:00–3:00 PM for 1st–5th grade students
📌 First Day of School – Monday, August 11
• Drop-off begins at 8:00 AM
• Dismissal times for the first day only:
o PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support: 2:15 PM
o 1st–5th grade: approximately 2:30 PM
• Regular dismissal beginning August 12:
o PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, and Intensive Support: 2:45 PM
o 1st–5th grade: 3:00 PM
🚶Walking Students to Class on the First Day
Families of PreK, VPK, Kindergarten, Intensive Support, and students new to Pine Ridge may walk their child to class on the first day.
• Please pre-register during Meet the Teacher if you plan to do so.
• If not pre-registered, you will need to check in at the front office.
🚗 Dismissal Reminder
Families of KG, PreK, and Intensive Support students will receive yellow, car-shaped car tags that allow them to enter the dismissal line ahead of K–5 families.
We can’t wait to see you at Tags & Tees and Meet the Teacher. Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for a joyful and successful school year!
📚 We’re looking for a passionate, student-centered 4th Grade ELA Teacher to join our amazing team at Pine Ridge Elementary! If you love helping young readers and writers grow, collaborate well with others, and are ready to make a difference every day—this could be the perfect fit for you!
Join us! July 31, 8 - 9 a.m.
RSVP Today for FREE Breakfast! FREE Giveaways! GREAT Resources!
Before the Pep Rally for Public Education in Clermont, the Education Foundation of Lake County is hosting BREAKFAST & BACK-TO-SCHOOL! This reading literacy workshop will get parents & families ready to support their students this academic year!
Use the QR code to RSVP or this link: https://forms.gle/HhGTybRkcDBiMZsH8
📣 We're Hiring!
We're looking for a passionate 2nd Grade Teacher to join us! 🏫✨
If you love inspiring young minds, creating a positive classroom environment, and making learning fun—this could be the perfect fit!
📍Apply today and help shape the future, one student at a time.
We're looking for a passionate 2nd Grade Teacher to join us! 🏫✨
If you love inspiring young minds, creating a positive classroom environment, and making learning fun—this could be the perfect fit!
📍Apply today and help shape the future, one student at a time.
🎉 Notice: Online T-Shirt Store Update 🎉
Due to a countywide system change, we are transitioning away from RevTrak — which means our online t-shirt store is currently under construction.
👕 Need spirit wear? You're in luck! A limited stock of Pine Ridge gear will be available in person at our Tags & Tees Event on:
📅 Thursday, July 31st
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Pine Ridge Elementary
🛍️ What’s available:
• T-Shirts, Long sleeve tees
• Sweatshirts
• Pullover hoodies
💲 Prices range from $5–$24
💵 Exact cash only
🧡 First come, first served!
🚗 Tag Pickup: Families can also pick up car rider tags during this event! This helps ensure our car line flows quickly and smoothly from day one.
Online ordering will reopen at a later date (TBD). Thank you for your patience and support!
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
🌟 We're Hiring at Pine Ridge Elementary! 🌟
Are you passionate about kids, movement, and making a difference every day? We’re looking for an Enrichment Teacher Assistant to join our team!
In this role, you'll work alongside our PE Coach to help plan and implement fun, engaging physical education lessons for students in Pre-K through 5th grade. From organizing equipment to supporting active learning, you’ll be helping our Bears stay strong, healthy, and excited to learn through movement! 🏃🏀🎾
📍 Location: Pine Ridge Elementary
📅 Schedule: School hours, Monday–Friday
💪 Ideal for: Energetic, dependable individuals who love working with children!
Apply today at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/employment and help make an impact on every Bear's day! 🐻
📣 We're Hiring! Join the Pine Ridge Family! 🌟
📍 Apply today and make a difference where it matters most.
Pine Ridge Elementary is looking for a passionate Varying Exceptionalities (VE) Teacher to support 4th & 5th grade Math!
This dynamic role includes:
✅ Push-in support to students with IEPs in general education classrooms
✅ Working with small groups of students
✅ Co-teaching, parallel teaching, and station teaching models
If you're committed to helping every learner shine and thrive, we want YOU on our team! 💛
It was a first time victory for the Student Team in the annual Leadership vs Students Kickball Game.
It was a hard fought battle between the two teams, but in the end the Students pulled out a 7-4 win in the last inning over Leadership.
Great job everyone!
We are proud to announce the students selected to display their artwork in the front office as part of the Best in Show- Principal's Choice Award! Your creativity, effort, and artistic expression stood out among many amazing pieces.
Thank you to all of our wonderful artists for sharing your talents with our school community. We are so proud of you.
Congratulations to our featured artists!
Our 5th graders at Pine Ridge had a truly wonderful awards ceremony this past Friday, celebrating their achievements and growth! It was a joyful event filled with pride as students prepared to graduate and head off to middle school. We are so proud of their hard work and excited for the new adventures ahead!
Congratulations, Pine Ridge 5th Graders!
