Pine Ridge Elementary

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.

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

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!

📚 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!

📣 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.

🎉 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!

REMINDER: Schools are closed tomorrow for Memorial Day. Then, students will follow the Wednesday early release schedule for Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, which is the last day of classes!

So much fun celebrating our Academic Behavior Winners throughout this school year yesterday at the Ice Cream Social.

Please remember to mark your calendar and prepare for a schedule change in the last week of school! Schools will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day. Then, students will follow the Wednesday early release schedule for Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, which is the last day of classes!

Congratulations to all our new National Elementary Honor Society inductees from yesterday! 🌟 Your hard work, character, and dedication have truly shone bright. We are so proud to welcome you into this prestigious community of young leaders and scholars. Keep striving for excellence and inspiring others every day!

Happy National Speech Language Pathologist Day to two of the best!