
🌞 We know summer break just started, but it’s never too early to plan for the 25-26 school year! 📚 Check out our essential school supply list!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l5Tsev9Ykf-zwMG41et1W9rNLabKQNPWk3naVP6a_hU/edit?usp=sharing


Mark your calendars!


The YMCA is proud to offer a structured After School Program at TMS.
📢 Location: Tavares Middle School
🌟Cost: FREE- funded by a Lake County Government grant.
🗓️ Start Dates: September 2nd
For more information, visit YMCACF.ORG
📢 Location: Tavares Middle School
🌟Cost: FREE- funded by a Lake County Government grant.
🗓️ Start Dates: September 2nd
For more information, visit YMCACF.ORG


🎒 Attention families! 🚍
It's almost time to head back to school, and we want to make sure you're prepared for the first day on Monday, August 11th. 📅
Need information about bus transportation? We've got you covered! Visit our official website for all the details on routes, schedules, and more:
https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/o/lcs/page/bus-transportation-information
Don't wait until the last minute - check it out now and ensure a smooth start to the school year.


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


🌟 Another "New" Patriot! Meet April Von Maxey! 🎉


🌟 Attention new families! We’re excited to share our pick-up and drop-off traffic flow with you! 🚗 Please remember that students should not be dropped off before 8:50am. Also, heads up—our walker's gate has moved to a new location! 📍


🔔 Attention Tavares Patriots! 📅 Student schedules will post to Focus on August 6th. Schedule change request forms will be available at Meet the Teacher on August 6th and during lunches the first week of school.


🏅✨ Get ready for Fall Athletics at Tavares Middle School! 🌟
Join us for our Parent/Athlete Meetings:
🏐 Flag Football, Volleyball & Cheerleading: Aug 6 @ 4 PM
🏃♂️ Cross Country: Aug 15 @ 8 AM
📍 TMS Cafeteria
Let’s kick off an amazing season together!


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


📚 Back to school reminder!
Tavares Middle School hours:
🕘 9:20 AM - 4:00 PM (3:00 PM dismissal on Wednesdays)
🏫 Campus opens at 8:50 AM. Car riders stay in their vehicle until then.


Welcome our next new Patriot, Mrs. Joiner! She is looking forward to meeting her students and helping them improve their reading and writing skills this year. #TMSPatriotFamily


🚧Attention, everyone! Our main parking lot is currently being resurfaced and will be temporarily closed. While our office staff is available to take phone calls, please note that in-person visits won't be possible until Monday, July 28th. Just a reminder, our office will also be closed on Fridays until the week of August 4th. Thank you for your understanding! 🌟


🌟 Meet our Guidance Team at Tavares Middle School! 💼
Ms. Smalt: Mental Health Liaison
Mrs. Desir: 6th Grade Counselor (A-K), 8th Grade Counselor
Mr. Price: 6th Grade Counselor (L-Z), 7th Grade Counselor


🎉We are pleased to introduce Ms. Scharnott as our NEW Patriot in 6th Grade Language Arts! 📚 #TMSPatriotFamily


🌟 We’re thrilled to introduce Ms. Lindsay, our new civics teacher! As a passionate educator, Laura is excited to support her students and cheer on the Patriots this school year! #TMSPatriotFamily


📚✨ Welcome to the team! 🎉 We’re thrilled to introduce a new 8th grade teacher at Tavares Middle School, Mrs. Madere! #TMSPatriotFamily


🎉 Meet Croix Shaffer, our new Tavares Middle School teacher! #TMSPatriotFamily


Mark your calendars, Tavares families!
Join us for our Meet the Teacher event on August 6th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM! It's a great chance to connect with your child's educators and get ready for an amazing school year.
And don’t forget our Open House on August 26th from 5:30 to 7 PM! 📚✨
