Good News About Polk County Public Schools

Bartow Middle School Wins State FFA Event

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:52:16 GMT

Florida Future Farmers of America (FFA) recently named Bartow Middle School (BMS) state winner in the 2011 Food Science & Technology Career Development Event (CDE) held December 3, 2011 at the University of Florida.

The 2011 BMS team members are: Emily Grant, Katy Locke, Devin Dye, and Rebecca Ruffi. In individual competition, Devin Dye placed 2^nd place and Rebecca Ruffi placed 3^rd.

Fourteen middle schools competed in the event. Held annually, the competition is designed to stimulate learning activities in the food science and technology areas.

Bartow Middle School FFA State Champion team members from left to right: Emily Grant, Katy Locke, Devin Dye, and Rebecca Ruffi.

Bartow IB Student Awarded Leaders 4 Life Fellowship

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:51:51 GMT

Bartow International Baccalaureate Senior Vanessa Colchado was recently recognized as one of five statewide recipients of the $40,000 Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship.

Ms. Colchado was notified of her selection in December and travelled to Tallahassee, FL Jan. 11 for a special reception during the Take Stock in Children’s annual State Leadership Conference. The Leaders 4 Life Fellowship will provide Colchado a $40,000 scholarship that is split over four years of college.

The finalists and recipients were selected based on their demonstration of strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success. Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship Program was created last year in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation to provide financial resources, services and support needed to ensure student success throughout college.

“We take great pride in offering our Leaders 4 Life Fellowship as it provides all of the tools necessary to prepare these top-notch students for becoming tomorrow’s great leaders,” said Mark Asofsky, Founder of the Asofsky Family Foundation.

Every successful graduate of the Take Stock in Children program receives a two-year or four-year tuition scholarship through the Florida Prepaid Foundation. The Fellowship will provide additional funding to unmet financial college expenses including costs of housing, food, textbooks, supplies, transportation and other college-related expenses. The Fellowship also provides leadership training and development for recipients.

Pictured from left to right: Emilio Alonso Mendoza, President and CEO of Take Stock in Children;

FL Representative Marlene O’Toole, former TSIC member; Vanessa Colchado, fellowship recipient;

Mark Asofsky, Director and President of the fellowship donor Asofsky Family Foundation.

Bartow International Baccalaurete Senior Vanessa Colchado.

Vanessa Colchado speaks during a special reception for Leaders 4 Life

fellowship recipients in Tallahassee, FL at the Take Stock in Children’s

annual State Leadership Conference Jan. 11.

Polk County Public Schools, Polk County RSVP, Polk County AmeriCorps Reads Partner for MLK Day of Service Project – “Dream Big”

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:51:12 GMT

During the week of January 9-13, 2012, Polk County Public Schools, Polk County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Polk County AmeriCorps Reads joined in collaboration for the MLK Day of National Service. Volunteers, coordinated by Polk County RSVP, read the book “Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Robin Hill School” by Margaret McNamara to Kindergarten students in six Title 1 Elementary Schools in Polk County.

Polk County AmeriCorps Reads members prepared a craft project and sorted supplies for distribution to individual classrooms. The members, utilizing the story in the book, encouraged the students to “Dream Big” and provided each child with a cutout of a child and thought bubble. Members then helped children write their dreams in the bubble and attached the bubble to the child’s cutout which the children colored any way they wished.

Polk County Schools provided a healthy snack for each child in addition to facilitating the schools’ involvement and scheduling the event.

Volunteer Polk provided each child with a copy of the book “Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Robin Hill School” by Margaret McNamara.

Polk County Commissioner Edwin Smith, a former Polk County school teacher and administrator, joined 17 volunteers on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project - “Dream Big”.

“It was a delight to read to kindergarten students at Eagle Lake Elementary School,” said Smith.

Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:50:45 GMT

The following school district employees have been named Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year at their respective schools and are candidates for the county wide honor. The Polk County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year awards program will be held at the Lakeland Center February 23, 2012. The top teacher and school-related employee for Polk County will be announced during the program. The school-related award honors employees in support roles such as paraeducators, secretaries, food service, custodial, transportation and other responsibilities. The two winners will be announced among 16 finalists (eight finalists each for Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee). Finalists and winners receive cash and other prizes from event sponsors. The Polk Education Foundation provides financial support for the event along with numerous community sponsors.

Community members from local organizations and businesses judge nominee applications. Judges do not know nominees’ identities or the school where they work. Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees complete an application with categories that include leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement and teaching style.

Combined, Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees have 2,837 years of experience. The average experience for Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees is 12 years each. The most experienced Teacher of the Year nominee has 38 years of experience. The most experienced School-Related nominee has 35 years of experience.

For the third year in a row, this invitation-only event will be broadcast live over a variety of cable and fiber optic television channels and websites. They are: Polk County School Board Television (Bright House Networks channel 614, Comcast channel 7, Verizon FiOS channel 45), PGTV, the county commission channel (Bright House channel 622, Comcast channel 5, Verizon FiOS channel 20), the school district’s www.polk-fl.net website and the county commission’s www.polk-county.net.

The following school district employees have been nominated by their schools for the 2012 Polk County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year Awards.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR and SCHOOL-RELATED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Alturas

Alturas Elementary: Kaycee Atkinson, grade three; Deborah Gainey, Principal's Secretary

Auburndale

Auburndale Central Elementary: Luke Hart, Music; Julieanne Wright-Bradley, Parent Involvement Facilitator

Auburndale High: Angela Carroll, Health Science; Kenneth Wilson, Custodian

Boswell Elementary: Connie Furno, K-5 Visual Art; Alissa Conner, Physical Education Paraprofessional

Caldwell Elementary: Nicole Taylor, Network Manager; Gary Reaver II, Day Custodian

East Area Adult: Susan Stewart, Adult Education; Elizabeth Padilla, Student Intake Specialist

Lena Vista Elementary: Jennifer Deeds, 2nd; Jennifer Stambaugh, ESE Pre-K Paraprofessional

Stambaugh Middle: Criston Jensen, 6th Math/ESE Facilitator; Linda Grantham, LPN

Bartow

Bartow Elementary Academy: Brady Draper, grade four; Jason Howell, Physical Education Paraprofessional

Bartow High/IB/Summerlin Academy: Raschelle DeVore, Govt./Economics; Sharon LeVine, Secretary, Freshman Academy

Bartow Middle: Deloris Reece-Donaldson, ESE/VE - Inclusion; Vivian Trevino, Foodservice Manager

District Office: Maria Haag, Senior Director Secretary (School-Releated nominee)

Floral Avenue Elementary: Leslie Hartgraves, 4th Reading/Writing; Patricia Browning, ESE Paraeducator

Gause Academy: Laura Hartman, Math/Algebra; Jernetha Oliver, Computer Lab Manager

Gibbons Street Elementary: Kathryn Holmes, grade one; Sheila Childs, Food Service Manager

Jean O'Dell Learning Center: Sheila Gibson, ESE; Lula Sanders, ESE Paraeducator

Spessard L. Holland Elementary: Andrew Baldwin, Network Manager; Mike LaSalle, Day Custodian

Stephens Elementary: Angelina West, 3rd; Margie Foreman, Paraeducator/Clinic Nurse

Union Academy: Shanna Calandros, 7th; Theresa Tillman, Terminal Operator

Davenport

Davenport School of the Arts: Tracy Miller, 7th Math; Denise Sottilaro, Clinic Paraeducator

Horizons Elementary: Leah Killinger, 5th; Vanessa Gonzalez, Secretary

Loughman Oaks Elementary: Margarita Gaviria, 4th; Barbara Pittman, Title I Paraeducator

Ridge Community High: Angela Clark, Athletic Director; Candy Morris, Financial Secretary

Dundee

Donald E. Woods Center: Rosalee Carter, ESE; Predette Kennedy, ISS Paraprofessional

Dundee Elementary: Nicki Towns, Music; Carol Leighton, Network Manager

Dundee Ridge Middle: Edward Congdon, Agriculture; Luz Osorio, ESE Paraprofessional

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake Elementary: Ausonia Farr, VE 1st-3rd; Anelia Baker, ESE Primary VE Para

Lake Region High: Karri Reich, 9-12 Geometry; Bonnie Spires, Paraeducator

Pinewood Elementary: Gayle Harsell, 5th; Gayle Conley, Title I Paraeducator

Eaton Park

Oscar J. Pope Elementary: Margaret Stairiker, 4th; Jolene George, Main Dish Server

Eloise

Snively Elementary: Veita Stephens, Media Specialist; Helen Mack, Paraeducator

Fort Meade

Fort Meade Middle-Senior: Susan Cannon, grade two & six; Laura Weeks, Foodservice Manager

Anna Woodbury Elementary: Winona Sturgill, grade four & five; Deborah Carlton, Principal’s Secretary/Terminal Operator

Lewis Elementary: April Willis, Kindergarten; Theresa Johnson, CDAT

Frostproof

Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary: Stella Hatton, grade four; Alice Brantley, Principal's Secretary

Frostproof Elementary: Debrah Wrye, K-2nd Library Media Specialist; Melissa Bruneau, Network Paraeducator

Frostproof Middle-Senior: Anthony Stanciu, 9th Math; Laurie Hortert, Registrar/Terminal Operator

Haines City

Alta Vista Elementary: Diane Hill, Kindergarten; Gaylon Yeaton, Day Custodian

Bethune Academy: Ashlee McIntee, grade one; Mamie Hall, LPN School Nurse

Boone Middle: Edwin Velazquez, Language Arts; Lillian Daily, Principal's Secretary

Daniel Jenkins Academy of Technology: Sarah Carden, Social Studies; Matel Malpartida, ESOL Paraeducator

Eastside Elementary: Viviana Torres, grade five; Jannetta Dorsey, Computer Lab Paraeducator

Haines City High/IB: Joshua Nelson, Band; Brenda De Leon, Secretary

Sandhill Elementary: Linda Rivera, 3rd, 4th, 5th Dual Language; Michele Hunter, ESE Paraeducator

Highland City

Highland City Elementary: Lisa Groubert, Kindergarten; Catherine Gericke, ESE Paraprofessional

Lake Alfred

Karen M. Siegel Academy: Maricela Reecy, Pre-K; Marie Charles, Lead Custodian

Lake Alfred-Addair Middle: Leonda Melton Narramore, Science; Deborah Thomas, Secretary

Lake Alfred Elementary: Ana Figueroa, 4th; Janisse Marquez, ESOL Paraprofessional

Lake Wales

McLaughlin Middle & Fine Arts Academy: Fannie Paige, Parent Involvement Facilitator; Kimberly Wurth, Registrar/Attendance/Terminal Operator

Roosevelt Academy: Nita Propst, ESE 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th; Ana Castro, Paraprofessional

Spook Hill Elementary: Deeann Finnell, Reading/Science Resource; Rosita Rodriguez, LPN

Lakeland

Bill Duncan Opportunity Center: Lindsey Smoot, 6-8 Social Studies; James Lowe, Network Manager

Blake Academy: Jill Steinbauer, Kindergarten/grade one; Jastin Barfield, Secretary

Carlton Palmore Elementary: Dretha Fennell, Music; Tracie Gaughf, ESE Paraeducator

Churchwell Elementary: Brenda Turner, grade three; Sandi Mahoney, Media Paraprofessional

Cleveland Court Elementary: Christina Ward, grade one; Diane Kossman, Principal/Finance Secretary

Combee Elementary: Emily Tait, grade three; Marleni D'Aiello, ESOL Paraprofessional

Countywide ESE: Joanne Lascola, grade seven & eight; Amanda Kelly, Paraprofessional

Crystal Lake Elementary: Howard Mathis, 5th Science; Tina Fout, Food Service Manager

Crystal Lake Middle: Jeanne Stearns, 8th Science; Diana Llewellyn, Secretary

Dixieland Elementary: Dee Ann Frey, grade three; Pam Cash, Clinic Para

Doris A. Sanders Learning Center: Melanie Peter, Secondary Nursing; Luz Santa-Alicea, Paraeducator

Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary: Jennifer Bishop, K-5 Art; Sandra Mason, ESE Paraprofessional

George Jenkins High: Cathy Bell grade 10 & 12 English; Eloise Moffett, Principal's Secretary

Griffin Elementary: John LeClair, grade four; Zudie Smith, Parent Involvement Paraprofessional

Harrison School for the Arts: Matthew Davis, Music; Michael Holbrook, Custodial Foreman

Highlands Grove Elementary: Terrenna Arbolaez, K-3 ESE; Lynn Stenger, Terminal Operator

Jesse Keen Elementary: Angela Huron, 5th; Brenda Stacy, Custodian Foreman

Kathleen Elementary: Andrea Borden, 3rd; Deborah Cabral, Child Dev. Assoc. Teacher

Kathleen High: Donna Cole, Biology/Anatomy; Ralph Carter, Custodian

Kathleen Middle: Michael Faughn, Science; Paulette Hall, Principal/Finance Secretary

Lake Gibson High: Marcia de Meza, 10-12 Science; Bridget Jorge, Finance Secretary.

Lake Gibson Middle: Jessie Peterson, Reading; Karen Presson, Guidance Secretary

Lakeland High: Justin Troller, American Govt./Leadership; Salvador Ledesma, Custodian, Daytime Lead Worker

Lakeland Highlands Middle: Stacy Huey, 6-8 Computer Applications; Norma Castellanos, ESOL Paraeducator

Lawton Chiles Middle Academy: Deborah Tregler, Civics and World Cultures; Jessica Rogers, Computer Lab Manager

Lincoln Avenue Academy: Lisa Hutchinson, 4th; Robert Townes, Custodian

Medulla Elementary: Wendy Frankel, 5th ESE/VE; Audra Montalbano, ESE Paraprofessional

North Lakeland Elementary: Caitlin Wright, 3rd; William Basel, Custodian

Padgett Elementary: Sharilyn Young, Network Manager; Kay Lane, ESE Self-Contained Paraeducator

Philip O'Brien Elementary: Jimmy Lisenby, 5th; Melinda Dennis, ESE Inclusion Paraprofessional

R. Bruce Wagner Elementary: Lea Chamberlain, 2nd/3rd ESE; Devin Taylor, ESE Paraprofessional

Rochelle School of the Arts: Michael Schweim, 8th; Mary Beth McAfee, Clinic LPN

Scott Lake Elementary: Michelle Estroff, 3rd; Laura Reuss, ESE Paraeducator

Sikes Elementary: Heidi Kindle, 3rd; Tami Reynolds, ESE Paraprofessional

Sleepy Hill Middle: Homer Boatwright, Jr., Band/Orchestra; Laurice Jones, Terminal Operator

Sleepy Hill Elementary: Stacy Denty, Music; Marielys Garcia, ESOL Paraeducator

Socrum Elementary: Kerri Foster, AIF Math; Stacy Shehane, Secretary

Southwest Elementary: Heather Zipprer, 4th/5th; Barbara Manetta, ESE Paraprofessional

Southwest Middle: Ariel Lehman, 6th/7th Math; Wendy Capik, Paraeducator

Tenoroc High: Patricia Denham, Library Media; Debbie Comparato, Secretary

Valleyview Elementary: Kendessa Currens, 1st; Felix Nuñez, Custodial Foreman

Wendell Watson Elementary: Heather Carlson, 3rd; Jean Rodriguez, Secretary

West Area Adult: Kenneth Rivera, Adult Education; Sable Bishop, Custodian

Winston Elementary: Yolanda Robinson, First/Second; Monica Acuna, ESOL Paraeducator

Mulberry

Kingsford Elementary: Laura Carns, 3rd; Linda Smith, Principal's Secretary/Terminal Operator

Mulberry High: Zachary Murdock, Band; Robin Exum, Principal's Secretary

Mulberry Middle: Alison Landry, Title I Facilitator; Sterling Hagins, Custodian

Purcell Elementary: Nichole Styron, 5th; Norma Reyes, ESOL Paraprofessional

Poinciana

Lake Marion Creek School: Dennis Vosburg, Network Manager; Elba Concepcion, Secretary

Laurel Elementary: Nicole Pasqualitti, Kindergarten; Debra Spence, Pre-K Paraeducator

Palmetto Elementary: Rosa Bradley, 3rd Dual Language; Bibi Khan, Foodservice Interim Manager

Polk City

Polk City Elementary: Amanda Terry, Music/TV Production; Barbara Martin, Paraeducator, LPN

Winter Haven

Brigham Academy: Renee Parrish, K-5 TRST; Debra Norris, Clinic Nurse/Paraprofessional

Chain of Lakes Elementary: Jill Baird, Kindergarten; Dalmia Alvarez, Night Custodian

Denison Middle: Santia Garcia, 6-8 Visual Arts; Denise Foster, Food Service Manager

Elbert Elementary: Joy Currier, grade three; Shelly Lord, Food Service Manager

Garden Grove Elementary: Candice Straughn, ESE/VE; Alexandra Eve, ESOL Paraeducator

Garner Elementary: Nancy Copeland, grade two; Peggy Helms, Child Dev. Assoc. Teacher

Inwood Elementary: Beverly Marrall, Kindergarten; Steven Monk, Day Custodian

Jewett Middle Academy: Leslie Howard, 8th; Candyce Kernodle, Clinic Nurse/Paraprofessional

Jewett School of the Arts: Christine Godwin, 4th; Carolyn Young, Terminal Operator

Lake Shipp Elementary: Theresa McCawley, 2nd; Shurla Skipper, LPN Clinic Paraprofessional

Ridge Career Center: Teresa Provenza, Pharmacy Tech Instructor; Mary Homer, Accounting Specialist I

Wahneta Elementary: Danielle Bilbrey, 3rd; Beverly Rosmon, Parent Involvement Paraprofessional

Westwood Middle: Nancy McDonald, 8th; Lori Dixon, Guidance Secretary

Winter Haven High: Linda Robinson, Business/Marketing; Gina Cea, Finance Secretary

Benita Pierce Named Westwood Middle School Principal

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:25:12 GMT

Superintendent, Dr. Sherrie B. Nickell, appointed Mrs. Benita Pierce, Principal of Westwood Middle School at the Jan. 17, 2012 Polk County School Board Meeting. Mrs. Pierce’s appointment took effect January 2, 2012.

Benita Pierce began her career with Polk County Public Schools in 1990 as a Fifth Grade Teacher at Sikes Elementary. From 1992 - 2004, she was a Sixth Grade Teacher at Jesse Keen Middle Academy, presently Lawton Chiles Middle Academy. In November 2004, she transferred to Sleepy Hill Middle where she was a Math Resource Facilitator.

In February 2005, Mrs. Pierce was appointed Acting Assistant Principal at Westwood Middle and became a Dean in July, 2005. In 2006, she was appointed as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum. Since July 2011, Mrs. Pierce has been the Acting Principal at the school.

William Kyle Windham Named Frostproof Middle / Senior High School Principal

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:24:10 GMT

Superintendent, Dr. Sherrie B. Nickell, appointed Mr. William Kyle Windham, Principal of Frostproof Middle/Senior High School at the Jan. 17, 2012 Polk County School Board Meeting. Mr. Windham’s appointment took effect January 2, 2012.

Kyle Windham began his career with Polk County Public Schools as a Math teacher at McLaughlin Middle in 1995. From 1998 – 2007, Mr. Windham was a Math teacher at Frostproof Middle/Senior. He was appointed Assistant Principal of Administration at Dundee Ridge Middle in 2007. Since 2008, Mr. Windham has been the Assistant Principal of Administration at Fort Meade Middle/Senior.

Polk County School Board Members to Observe Blake High School Classes in Tampa

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:23:54 GMT

Please be advised that Thursday, February 2, 2012, two Polk County School Board members, Hazel Sellers and Kay Fields, will travel to Blake High School in Tampa. During the visit, Sellers, Fields and other Polk district staff will observe the Teacher Academy classes.

For more information, contact Pat McManus at the Polk County Public Schools District Office at 863.534.0529.

POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO HOST RISING FRESHMAN PARENT NIGHT

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:25:25 GMT

Polk County High Schools invite all incoming ninth grade students and their parents to attend the Rising Freshman Parent Night. Traditional Polk County public high schools will host this parent and student orientation Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. for the Class of 2016.

Rising Freshman Parent Night is an opportunity for parents and students to learn about their zoned high school. High schools will conduct the Rising Freshman Parent Night in the school auditorium or cafeteria depending on space availability. For more information, contact the main office at your zoned high school.

Polk County High Schools

Auburndale Senior

1 Bloodhound Trail
Auburndale, 33823
Phone: 863-965-6200
Principal: John Hill

Bartow Senior

1270 S Broadway Ave
Bartow, 33830
Phone: 863-534-7400
Principal: Ronald Pritchard

Fort Meade Middle-Senior

700 Edgewood Dr N
Fort Meade, 33841
Phone: 863-285-1180
Principal: Arthur Martinez

Frostproof Middle-Senior

1000 N Palm Ave
Frostproof, 33843
Phone: 863-635-7809
Principal: Steve White

George Jenkins Senior

6000 Lakeland Highlands Road
Lakeland, 33812
Phone: 863-648-3566
Principal: Buddy Thomas

Haines City Senior

2800 Hornet Drive
Haines City, 33844
Phone: 863-421-3281
Principal: Sue Braiman

Kathleen Senior

1100 Red Devil Way
Lakeland, 33815
Phone: 863-499-2655
Principal: Cecil McClellan

Lake Gibson Senior

7007 N. Socrum Loop Road
Lakeland, 33809
Phone: 863-853-6100
Principal: Tami Dawson

Lake Region Senior

1995 Thunder Road
Eagle Lake, 33839
Phone: 863-297-3099
Principal: Joel McGuire

Lakeland Senior

726 Hollingsworth Rd
Lakeland, 33801
Phone: 863-499-2900
Principal: Tracy Collins

Mulberry Senior

Northeast Fourth Circle
Mulberry, 33860
Phone: 863-701-1104
Principal: Patricia Barnes

Ridge Community Senior

500 Orchid Drive
Davenport, 33837
Phone: 863-419-3315
Principal: Sherry Wells

Tenoroc Senior

4905 Saddle Creek Road
Lakeland, 33801
Phone: 863-614-9183
Principal: Ernest Joe

Winter Haven Senior

600 6th St Se
Winter Haven, 33880
Phone: 863-291-5330
Principal: Gina Williams

KHS CFAA Robotics Team Receives FIRST ® Sponsorship from jcpenney

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:25:08 GMT

FIRST^® team # 4223 at The Central Florida Aerospace Academy at Kathleen High School is one of 900 high school teams being sponsored this year by jcpenney. FIRST^®(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology by engaging students in innovative robotics competitions. The EngineeringAstroAvionicCyberSleuths is a Rookie team that will spend six intense weeks designing and building an original robot for the FIRST Regional Competition scheduled for March 8-10, 2012 in Orlando.

“Having our students involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in science and technology; but instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership,” said Mr. George Bartuska, the Team’s Coach. “jcpenney’s sponsorship represents a commitment to building the future leaders of tomorrow by making youth participation in FIRST possible.”

jcpenney’s sponsorship of 900 FIRST teams this season reinforces the company’s philanthropic goal to introduce FIRST to more schools and communities throughout the U.S. and encourage greater participation among minority and female students. jcpenney’s legacy of working with national youth organizations through its signature charity, jcpenney afterschool, helps make it possible for more students to become involved in life-enriching learning opportunities during the after school hours.

Schools, communities and government acknowledge the need to improve the country’s global economic competitiveness by increasing aptitudes in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among America’s youth. Studies show that FIRST students are three times more likely to major in engineering in college, 10 times as likely to have an apprenticeship their freshman year, more than twice as likely to pursue a science or technology career, and nearly four times as likely to pursue a career in engineering.

About FIRST^®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and more than $14 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^®) and FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^®) for high-school students, FIRST^® LEGO^® League (FLL^®) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada) and Junior FIRST^® LEGO^® League (Jr.FLL™) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism^™ is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

Polk County School Board Members to Attend Luncheon to Discuss Career Academies

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:47:27 GMT

Please be advised more than one Polk County School Board Member will attend a lunch meeting with school district staff and members of the Polk County Public Schools Workforce Advisory Board on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 and Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at the Stanford Inn in Bartow. The Polk County Public Schools action plan for career academies will be discussed. The meetings will begin at 11:30 a.m. both days.

For more information, contact Pat McManus at the Polk County Public Schools District Office at (863) 534-0529.

Local Students Recognized in Drug Prevention Video-Poster Contest

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:37:20 GMT

1st Place: $750.00 - "Don't get trapped in Drugs" - Destiny Patterson, Union Academy Magnet Middle School, Pictured left to right: Sheriff Judd, Destiny Patterson, Grade Team Leader Jan Wilson, ASA Copley

On Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Sheriff Grady Judd, along with Assistant State Attorney, Brad Copley, recognized the winners of the 2011 Drug Prevention Video/Poster Contest.

At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office (10th Judicial Circuit) sponsored a Drug Prevention Video/Poster Contest within the Polk County public, charter, and private middle/senior high schools.

The video contest rules required students in the audio visual departments of the schools to create a 25 second video containing a drug prevention message, while the poster contest required students in the art departments to create either a hand drawn or digitally created poster, also with a drug prevention message.

The contest for both categories ended on October 25th and judging of the submissions took place at the Sheriff's Operation Center on November 8th.

Judges for the entries were chosen from the law enforcement, education, and media fields.

Posters-

1st Place: $750.00 - "Don't get trapped in Drugs" - Destiny Patterson, Union Academy Magnet Middle School

2nd Place: $500.00 - "Don't let smoking cloud your artistic vision" - Heather Hartley, Lake Region High School

3rd Place: $250.00 - "Few years later" - Suarez Lubin, Boone Middle School

Videos-

2nd Place: Stambaugh Middle School ($500.00)

3rd Place: Bartow High School ($250.00)

Videos can be viewed on the PCSO Facebook page.

Southeastern’s College of Education Awards John Small Servant Leader in Education Award

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:36:02 GMT

On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, the Southeastern University College of Education honored John K. Small with the Servant Leader in Education Award. The award is given to commend an individual for their Servant Leadership in the area of Education. This is only the second time that this specific award has been bestowed from Southeastern University. The first time was in 2007 when the award was given to Sherrie Nickell, the current Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools (PCPS).

Small is the Senior Director of Workforce Education for PCPS. Small and his department specialize in building articulated curriculum maps that scope and sequence lesson planning for teachers throughout the Polk County public school district.

Since Small started working in the Workforce Education program, the Polk County School District has opened 38 career academies in middle and high schools that lead to certifications.

Small is also the founder of the Polk Community College Collegiate High School, which specializes in special projects such as dual credit and articulation agreements.

“In the future Southeastern University plans to begin a dialog for establishing a dual enrollment and articulation agreement with Polk County Schools in hopes of encouraging high school students to attend college by getting a head start with college credit from Southeastern,” said Dr. R. Joseph Childs, Dean of Southeastern’s College of Business and Legal Studies.

In addition to the award, Southeastern’s president, Dr. Kent Ingle, signed a proclamation issuing November 29, 2011, as “John Small Day.”

“We want to honor [John] for what he’s done in the school district,” said Dr. Samuel Bennett, Professor of Education at Southeastern University.

Southeastern University has more than 2,500 students. It is a private, liberal arts school accredited to offer 45 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees and ten programs leading to master’s degrees. For more information, call (863) 667-5020, or email dcdavis@seu.edu

January Polk County School Board Meetings

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:39:43 GMT

Work Session, Board Meeting Schedule

The Polk County School Board will meet in a Work Session on Tuesday, January 17 in the Superintendent’s Conference Room of the district administrative office, 1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL. The Work Session will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Following the Work Session, the January 17 School Board meeting will begin at 5 pm at: Polk County Public Schools District Office, 1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830

Special Work Session

The Polk County School Board has scheduled a special Work Session on Friday, January 20 in the Superintendent’s Conference Room of the district administrative office, 1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL. The special Work Session will begin at 9 a.m. and is scheduled until noon. Budget planning will be discussed during this special Work Session.

Work Session and Board Meeting agendas are available by visiting:

http://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/boardmembers/meetings/AgendaTOC.htm

or calling (863) 534-0521.

11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge Winners Announced

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:38:47 GMT

Polk County Public Schools and the Community Relations Advisory Council of the Board of County Commissioners announced the winners of the 11^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay challenge Wednesday at the annual MLK Breakfast at the Bartow Civic Center.

Winners in the elementary school category are:

1st Place ~ Karin Belles Powell (4th Grade), Dixieland Elementary

2nd Place ~ Destiney Bonet (3rd Grade), Janie Howard Wilson Elementary

3rd Place ~ Ashy-la Lockhart (3rd Grade), Laurel Elementary

Winners in the middle school category are:

1st Place ~ Hayley Jackson (7th Grade), R. W. Blake Academy

2nd Place ~ Zaire Tyreke Clayton (6th Grade), Union Academy

3rd Place ~ Kworweinski Lafontant (7th Grade), Daniel Jenkins Academy

Winners in the high school category are:

1st Place ~ Derrick Higdon (12th Grade), Auburndale Senior High

2nd Place ~ Kennedy Mohs (11th Grade), Harrison High School

3rd Place ~ Jessica N. Seaman (10th Grade), Kathleen Senior High

First-place winners received a $1,000 savings bond while second and third place winners received savings bonds of $500 and $250 respectively.

This year’s essay contest topic was “What Does the Dream Mean to Me?” Students wrote about what Dr. King had envisioned or hoped to see and what you can do today to promote or advance his dream.

More than 3,000 students submitted essays for evaluation by judges from Polk State College.

MHS FIRST ® Panther Robotics Team Receives Sponsorship from jcpenny

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:47:53 GMT

Support to help local Mulberry students prepare for FIRST Regional Competition

FIRST^® team # 4341 at Mulberry High School is one of 900 high school teams being sponsored this year by jcpenney. FIRST^®(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology by engaging students in innovative robotics competitions.

Panther Robotics is a Rookie team that will spend six intense weeks designing and building an original robot for the FIRST Regional Competition scheduled for March 28, 29 and 30 in Boca Raton, FL.

“Having our students involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in science and technology; but instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership,” said Stephanie Goar, Science Academic Intervention Facilitator and Science Chair.

“jcpenney’s sponsorship represents a commitment to building the future leaders of tomorrow by making youth participation in FIRST possible,” said Ryan Champion, Science Teacher and Mulberry Robotics Co-Sponsor.

Scott Reynolds, Mulberry High School’s business teacher and co-sponsor of Panther Robotics said, “From a business perspective, students will practice documentation skills by entering data and research results in Microsoft Office programs, and can polish their presentation, communication, and persuasion skills by creating presentations, and developing ideas for current problems. Also, students will learn to use the internet efficiently, searching various technical and educational websites for possible solutions for robot functions.”

jcpenney’s sponsorship of 900 FIRST teams this season reinforces the company’s philanthropic goal to introduce FIRST to more schools and communities throughout the U.S. and encourage greater participation among minority and female students. jcpenney’s legacy of working with national youth organizations through its signature charity, jcpenney Afterschool, helps make it possible for more students to become involved in life-enriching learning opportunities during the after school hours.

“Participating in FIRST provides our students an excellent opportunity to use what is learned in the classroom in a real-world, practical project and exemplifies how these skills can be used across many disciplines,” noted Wade Sumner, Mulberry High School’s Automotive Academy teacher and co-sponsor of Panther Robotics. “Studies show that FIRST students are three times more likely to major in engineering in college, 10 times as likely to have an apprenticeship their freshman year, more than twice as likely to pursue a science or technology career, and nearly four times as likely to pursue a career in engineering.”

About FIRST^®

TEAM CONTACT:

Ryan Champion, Panther Robotics Team Co-Sponsor- Engineering, Ryan.champion@polk-fl.net

Stephanie Goar, Panther Robotics Team Coordinator, Stephanie.goar@polk-fl.net

Scott Reynolds, Panther Robotics Team Co-Sponsor- Business, Scott.reynolds@polk-fl.net

Wade Sumner, Panther Robotics Team Co-Sponsor- Mechanics, Wade.sumner@polk-fl.net

Phone: 863-701-1104

Polk County Public Schools Seeks Hall of Fame Nominations

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:47:21 GMT

The Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the community. Nominees should be individuals who attended a Polk County public school and made significant professional and career contributions in the arts, business, clergy, education, entertainment, government, law, military, media, medicine, science, sports or other fields.

The Hall of Fame was started in 1985 and has 99 members. 2011 inductees were Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields, U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, education official Ron Jeffries and law enforcement crime scene expert Edgar Pickett, Jr.

2012 inductees will be honored during a June event along with valedictorians and salutatorians from each high school’s graduating class of 2012. New members inducted into the Hall of Fame will be announced in May. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 24. Contact the Polk County Public Schools Community Relations Department at (863) 534-0699 or visit www.polk-fl.net

under the “Announcements” headline to learn how to nominate someone.

Hall of Fame members are listed below with their year of induction. For profiles of the 99 members, visit http://www.polk-fl.net/community/recognitionprograms/halloffameinductees.htm.

Gow Fields (Mayor )	2011
U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (government)	2011
Ron Jeffries (education official)	2011
Edgar Pickett Jr. (law enforcement)	2011
Dr. JoAnn Balingit (poet laureate)	2010
Chief Justice Charles T. Canady (Florida Supreme Court)	2010
Debbie Einmo (business executive and consultant)	2010
Robert Stackhouse (artist)	2010
Charles E. Canady (government)	2009
Ronald Fussell (NASA)	2009
Ronald Garl (golf course design)	2009
H.E. “Bert” Schulz (Florida Chemical Company founder)	2009
Dr. J. Larry Durrence (Polk Community College President)	2008
Maj. Steven Flett (U.S. Army)	2008
Dr. Mark Jaroszeski (chemical engineering professor)	2008
Dr. Sanford Meeks (radiotherapy physics)	2008
Paul Hughes (arts)	2007
U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (government)	2007
Dr. Clinton Wright (educator)	2007
Dr. William N. Brown (university professor/author)	2006
Raymond Driver (community activist)	2006
Judge Ronald Herring (chief circuit judge)	2006
Dr. Joanne Whitaker (research and teaching physician)	2006
Vita Hinshaw (Chalet Suzanne entrepreneur)	2005
Katherine Blood Hoffman (university dean and professor)	2005
Dr. Gerard Hubbell (Hubbell Eye Clinic founder)	2005
Dr. Michael Washington (Centers for Disease Control engineer)	2005
Judge J. Dale Durrance (Teen Court founder)	2004
Col. William August Felt (U.S. Army, educator)	2004
Kathy Fountain (journalist)	2004
Diana Myrick (educator)	2004
Col. Freddie Austin (U.S. Army)	2003
Carol Jenkins Barnett (Publix executive)	2003
Judge Charles A. Davis, Jr. (State Court of Appeals)	2003
James Denmark (artist)	2003
C. Fred Jones (government)	2002
George G. Gause (government)	2002
Al Bellotto (agriculture)	2002
D. Burke Kibler, III (lawyer)	2001
Bobby Braddock (songwriter)	2001
Dr. James Ammons (educator)	2001
Jim Stafford (entertainer)	2000
Rowdy Gaines (Olympic swimmer, gold medalist)	2000
Glen Davidson (Davidson’s candy factory)	2000
Jerry Yachabach (aerospace technology)	1999
Frances Langford (actress, singer, radio star)	1999
Bill Duncan (educator)	1999
Bob Murphy (professional golfer)	1998
Dr. John Desmond (researcher at Stanford Univ.)	1998
Canter Brown, Jr. (historian and author)	1998
Dr. Kathryn "Kat" Quina (psychology professor)	1997
Robert F. Harris (V.P. Diversity Development, U.S. Postal Service)	1997
Hazel Haley (educator)	1997
Col. Edythe Turner (U.S. Army)	1996
Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray (senior pastor, U.S. Air Force)	1996
Dr. John Allan Knight Sr. (Church of the Nazarene official)	1996
Dr. Orene V. Schoenfeld (physician)	1995
Forrest Sawyer (newscaster)	1995
Dr. William Theophlus Brown (psychiatrist)	1995
Maj. Gen. Joseph K. Stapleton (U.S. Air Force)	1994
Dr. Paul J. Sheffield (aerospace physiologist)	1994
E.M. Haynsworth (phosphate pioneer)	1993
Wogan S. Badcock Jr. (business)	1993
Dr. James Gardner (educator)	1993
Justice Stephen H. Grimes (Florida Supreme Court)	1993
Dr. James Morrison (strategic planning researcher)	1993
Janyce Ahl (historian)	1992
Dr. Peter Bennett (museum director and professor)	1992
Wilbur A. Pipkin (inventor)	1992
Ken Riley (pro football)	1992
FL Rep. Thomas W. Bryant (government)	1992
Dr. W. Clark Still Jr. (researcher)	1991
Wogan S. Badcock Sr. (Badcock Corp. founder)	1991
Dr. Wendell Blake (cancer research)	1991
Gordon Judy (aerospace research)	1990
Dr. Louise Cason (pediatrician and medical professor)	1990
Justice Charles Z. Smith (Washington State Supreme Court justice)	1990
Gordon Dugger (scientist)	1989
A.J. Hackl (business)	1989
Floyd E. Lay (sports and education administrator)	1989
FL Sen. Curtis Peterson (government)	1988
Dr. G. Leonard Tyler (space research)	1988
Marvin Pipkin (chemist)	1988
Dick Pope Sr. (Cypress Gardens founder)	1987
Clarence A. Boswell Sr. (lawyer)	1987
W.H. Stuart Sr. (cattle industry)	1987
Lt. Gen. William H. Fitch (U.S. Marine Corps)	1987
Floretta Dukes McKenzie (U.S. Department of Education)	1986
Marshall Holloway (physicist)	1986
Judge Roy Amidon (State Circuit Court)	1986
James A. Sweet (Scotty’s executive)	1986
John A. Vincent Atanasoff (inventor of digital computer)	1985
FL Gov. Spessard Holland (government)	1985
Gen. James A. Van Fleet (Commander U.S. 8^th Army)	1985
U.S. Sen. Charles O. Andrews (government)	1985
U.S. Rep. J. Hardin Peterson Sr. (government)	1985
U.S. Sen. Park Trammell (government)	1985
FL Gov. Lawton Chiles (government)	1985
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. (citrus)	1985

Polk County Public Schools January Meetings

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:47:03 GMT

Meeting Advisory

At least two school board members will meet with members of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Lakeland class during their Education Day program, from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, January 12 at Crystal Lake Middle School.

Work Session, Board Meeting Schedule

The Polk County School Board will meet in a work session on Tuesday, January 17 in the Superintendent’s Conference Room of the district administrative office, 1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL. The work session will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Following the work session, the January 17 School Board meeting will begin at 5 pm at: Polk County Public Schools District Office, 1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830

Work session and board meeting agendas are available by visiting:

http://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/boardmembers/meetings/AgendaTOC.htm

or calling (863) 534-0521.

SCHOLARSHIP, FINANCIAL AID SEMINARS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:46:48 GMT

Students and parents of any public, private, charter or home school are invited to attend college scholarship and financial aid seminars in January. Seminar topics include: the scholarship search, the Florida Bright Futures Program, financial aid sources and publications, the financial aid application process and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program (FAFSA). There is no cost to attend these seminars.

Presenter for all the seminars is Kay Noble, guidance specialist of Polk County Public Schools. Further information on the seminars is available by contacting Noble at (863) 534-0959 or by e-mail at kay.noble@polk-fl.net.

The seminar schedule and locations:

January 9, 2012 – Mulberry High Auditorium – 7:00 pm

January 10, 2012 – Harrison Theater – 7:00 pm

January 12, 2012 – Tenoroc High Cafeteria – 7:00 pm

January 17, 2012 – Bartow High Auditorium – 7:00 pm

January 18, 2012 – Haines City High Auditorium – 6:30 pm

January 19, 2012 – Kathleen High Media Center – 7:00 pm

January 24, 2012 – Winter Haven High Auditorium – 7:00 pm

January 25, 2012 – George Jenkins Auditorium – 7:00 pm

PCSB offices and schools sites will be closed December 19th-30th to reduce energy costs and observe the holidays.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:42:57 GMT

Offices and schools sites will be closed December 19th-30th to reduce energy costs and observe the holidays. Students will return on January 3, 2012!

School District reaches tentative salary agreement with the Polk Education Association for 2011-2012 School Year.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:08:59 GMT

On Tuesday evening, December 13, 2011, negotiating teams for the Polk County School District and the Polk Education Association signed off on a tentative salary agreement for the current 2011-2012 School Year. This agreement was but one of many positive agreements that were reached during the negotiation process for this year’s contract. Several of these highlights include:

2011-12 Salaries – A tentative agreement was reached on a step increase retroactive to July 1, 2011 for all eligible employees represented by PEA (Teachers, Para educators and Educational Support (clerical) Personnel (ESP)). The amount of $500 will be added for employees already at the top of their respective salary schedules for these three groups.
National Board Teacher Certification – Tentatively agreed to continue to pay the $1,000 supplement for existing National Board Certified Teachers.
Teacher Training Rate of Pay – Tentatively agreed that teachers required by the Board to participate in workshops or conferences on other than a regular school day will be paid at the rate of $18.09 per hour, rather than the current rate of $8.50.
Longevity Supplements – The longevity supplements for eligible Para educator and ESP employees will be reinstated retroactive to July 1, 2011. This will provide longevity supplements for Para educators and ESP reaching the 15-year service milestone and increments of 5-years thereafter.

In acknowledgement of the tentative agreement, Polk School District Superintendent Dr. Sherrie Nickell stated:

“The PEA has been a strong and tireless advocate for its members. While ultimately successful, the negotiations were long and difficult. Key to the ultimate success of these negotiations was efforts by all parties to analyze available funding, to create transparency in the budgeting process and to make reasonable compromises accepted by each party.” Dr. Nickell noted further:

“Our foremost goal is to provide a quality education for our students, and that is not possible without high quality teachers and staff who are fairly compensated and who are treated fairly and equitably.” She added:

“This agreement on salaries is significant, and it was made possible by the ongoing cooperation of the Polk Education Association, the strong support of the members of the School Board and the hard work of the District’s negotiating team.”

Magnet, Choice Schools Change Student Selection

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:08:35 GMT

The Office of Magnet, Choice and Charter Schools is implementing a revised student assignment plan. The changes are due to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling that addresses the use of race as a factor in individual assignment determinations for magnet or choice schools.

Information about the revised student assignment plan is available on the school district homepage polk-fl.net. Use the keyword School Choice to quickly access the home page for The Office of Magnet, Choice and Charter Schools.

The Office of Magnet, Choice and Charter Schools will be conducting information meetings in January to review the changes to the student assignment plan and offer an opportunity to seek additional information.

Zone	Place	Date	Time	Zone	Place	Date		Time
Bartow	Union Academy	January 5, 2012	6:30 p.m.	Haines City	Bethune Academy	January 4, 2012		6:30 p.m.
Bartow	Bartow Academy	January 10, 2012	6:30 p.m.	Haines City	Daniel Jenkins	January 12, 2012		6:30 p.m.
Lakeland	Rochelle Arts	January 4, 2012	6:30 p.m.	Winter Haven	Jewett Academy	January 5, 2012	6:30 p.m.
Lakeland	Lawton Chiles	January 10, 2012	6:30 p.m.	Winter Haven	Brigham Academy	January 12, 2012	6:30 p.m.

To learn more about the revised student assignment plan or the information meetings scheduled for January, please contact The Office of Magnet, Choice and Charter Schools Senior Director, Carolyn Bridges, at 863-534-0631.

Today Is An One-Hour Early Release Day For Polk County Public Schools

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:03:59 GMT

Today, Wednesday, December 7th, is an Early Release Day! School will dismiss one hour early. That means that if your child rides a bus, you should expect your child to arrive at the bus stop an hour earlier than usual. If you pick your child up from school, plan on picking him or her up an hour earlier than usual. Please contact your school for more information.

Tomorrow, December 7th, Is An Early Release Day For Polk County Public Schools

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:33:46 GMT

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7th, is an Early Release Day! School will dismiss one hour early. That means that if your child rides a bus, you should expect your child to arrive at the bus stop an hour earlier than usual. If you pick your child up from school, plan on picking him or her up an hour earlier than usual. Please contact your school for more information.

Sellers, Cunningham Named Board Chair, Vice Chair

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:27:22 GMT

Hazel Sellers

Hazel Sellers is currently serving her third four-year term on the School Board. She is a life-long resident of Florida, originally from Leesburg, located in Lake County. Mrs. Sellers is retired from the Polk County school system where she worked as a classroom teacher and at the district office as a Gifted Facilitator in the ESE Department. She earned her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and holds Masters' Degrees in Reading Education and Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Sellers has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida School Boards Association and is a Trustee of the Florida Education Investment Trust Fund. In addition, she serves on the Guardian Ad Litem’s Speak Up for Children Board and on the Board of InnerAct Alliance. She has served as former President of the Florida Association for the Gifted. She is a member of the Bartow Rotary and Zonta Clubs. Mrs. Sellers is also a member and an elder of First Presbyterian Church in Bartow.

Her term expires November 17, 2014.

Lori Cunningham

Lori Cunningham is serving her second four-year term on the School Board. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida in 1985. Mrs. Cunningham has served as the Executive Director of the Haines City Chamber of Commerce and as the Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council, Inc.

Mrs. Cunningham is active in the community and is on the myregion.org South Central Board of Advisors. She has served on the Florida School Boards Association, the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition, and for the last three years she has served on the Babson Park Elementary School Advisory Council. In addition, Mrs. Cunningham is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, where she has served on the Board of the Women of the Church for the past six years, as liaison to the Children's Council for the past four years, as well as providing leadership to the young women of the Church through a Discipleship group for five years.

Her term expires November 19, 2012.

KIDPACK Polk Project is Making Progress in Polk Schools This Fall

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:10:27 GMT

In today’s world of a sagging economy, there is a community based project that is working well and gaining strength in Polk County. It’s the KIDPACK Polk Project, now operating in 14 Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) and supplying 237 students with support food every weekend.

The KIDPACK Polk Project is a back pack program designed to provide food and essential supplies to disadvantaged children in our communities. In cooperation with local schools, the KIDPACK program is a highly effective method of delivering hope and charity to these children. With additional sponsorships, the goal is to step up this community service project to provide additional supplies of shoes, clothing, hygiene products, and dental assistance.

Several families also have been directed to local food pantries for food support through the schools and the Polk Project family food pantry list. After the Thanksgiving holiday, two more schools and 30 children will be added to the current list. In addition, contracts are being developed with national food vendors to increase buying power for all areas of Polk County, as well as four other counties who are preparing to start their own KIDPACK program.

To make a donation, there is a Paypal account on our website, www.polkproject.org to make sponsorship as easy as possible. For more information, contact our office at: info@polkproject.org.