Good News About Polk County Public Schools

Dr. John A. Stewart Resigns as Interim Superintendent of Schools

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:35:02 GMT

Dr. John A. Stewart has notified the School Board that he will end his service as interim superintendent of schools on Friday, May 31, 2013. Dr. Stewart has served as interim superintendent of schools since November of last year.

Below you will find a letter on this topic from Polk County School Board Chair Hazel Sellers:

Dear Staff,

As you know, Dr. John A. Stewart has served as our interim superintendent of schools since November of last year, graciously stepping in at a time when our district needed anexperienced leader. Dr. Stewart has been called upon to make difficult decisions involving the direction our district needs to take, and especially how to balance our budget in a challenging economy. He has done so with the skill that comes of experience and long familiarity with Polk County.

Dr. Stewart has notified the School Board that he will end his service as interim superintendent on May 31, 2013. The Board has already scheduled a special meeting on May 22 to select our new superintendent, so we look forward to a smooth transition. Dr. Stewart will be with us at both the special meeting on the 22nd and at our regularly scheduled meeting on the 28th.

We are grateful for the spirit of service Dr. Stewart brought to Polk County, and for his tireless efforts on behalf of the students, the teachers, and the staff of our schools. We all wish Dr. Stewart and his family the very best.

Sincerely,

Hazel Sellers
Board Chair

Governor Scott Presents Purcell Elementary Teacher with the Governor’s Shine Award

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:12:04 GMT

Virginia Watkins, a fourth grade teacher at Purcell Elementary is the recipient of the Governor’s Shine Award. She was one of 10 educators honored in Orlando during a recent cabinet meeting, for her unwavering commitment to the profession of teaching and applauded for her tireless dedication to excellence. Ms. Watkins was named Polk County’s Teacher of the Year in February. She is part of a select group of teachers chosen and named “Teacher of the Year” from 67 districts in the state.

Purcell Elementary Principal Beth Nave says, “She continues to impress us as she sets the bar for excellence and achievement. I am proud to name her among my staff of educators. The interest of the child is always her number one priority as she helps her students reach their fullest potential. ”

After 35 years of teaching, Ms. Watkins still believes, “as teachers we must give [students] wings and watch them soar.” She acknowledges that doing this isn’t always easy. She says motivating those children who sometimes give up is her greatest challenge, but the one thing that remains consistent is that she never gives up on them.

This loyalty to her students and single-minded dedication to furthering their education has made Ms. Watkins a “tour de force” in the classroom. Her quiet nature masks her unyielding commitment to finding ways to engage her students, her thirst for knowledge and her commitment to creating change in the field of education. All these attributes make her stand out among her peers.

Ms. Watkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida.

Upcoming Event: Community Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Transportation

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:46 GMT

Haines City High and Polk County Transit Services will host two community meetings scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 28 to discuss transportation options. Haines City High has partnered with Polk County Transit Services to work with Lynx to revamp their bus service in Haines City. The goal of the meeting is to discuss two potential bus stops that would make commuting easier for students and parents. The community is being encouraged to come out and provide feedback.

Meetings Scheduled

Location: Haines City High, 2800 Hornet Drive, Haines City, FL 33844
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Poinciana Community Center, 395 Marigold Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34759
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Parents and the public will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the subject matter and ask questions during the May meetings. For additional information, please contact Carla Childs, ESE Dean/Consult, Haines City High, 863.421.3281, carla.childs@polk-fl.net

Haines City High Dedication Ceremony and Solar Celebration for New Solar Power System

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:37:07 GMT

Tthe Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida (UCF), will hold a dedication ceremony and solar celebration to commemorate the installation of a 10,000-watt photovoltaic (PV) system at Haines City High. The system valued at $85,000, will serve two purposes: (1) converting the sun’s rays into energy and (2) as a generator if there is a power outage. This is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to $1,500 a year.

Event Details

Description: Dedication ceremony and solar celebration to commemorate the installation of a 10,000 watt photovoltaic (PV) system at Haines City High.
Location: Haines City High, 2800 Hornet Drive, Haines City, FL 33844

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Time: 11 a.m.

The solar celebration will include a teacher professional development workshop with hands-on solar activities and demonstrations showcasing UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center curriculum and companion renewable energy kit.

Haines City High joins the short list of schools selected based on their location, status as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area emergency shelter and on the ranking of their renewable energy educational and outreach program.

The high school’s PV system is the 85^th of its kind to be installed through the SunSmart Schools Emergency Shelter Program. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the SunSmart Schools E-Shelter Program has installed more than 100 PV systems at schools across Florida

Local Teacher Given Nationally Recognized Siemens Foundation STARs Fellow

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:24:56 GMT

Melanie Tucker, an environmental science teacher at Daniel Jenkins Academy, has been chosen as a Siemens Foundation Science Teachers as Researchers (STARs) Fellow. She and dozens of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educators chosen from around the country will attend a two-week professional development program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington State. While there, she will have the opportunity to collaborate with laboratory scientific teams to conduct research projects centered on energy, the environment and national security.

Ms. Tucker believes strongly in preparing students for a more global, technological society by providing them with the most current STEM education. She is also an educator who advocates lifelong learning in her students and thinks it is vital she leads by example. She continues, “The opportunity to participate in the summer institute… would provide the tools necessary to generate an excitement towards science and make more ‘aha’ moments [in the classroom]. I feel it is of upmost importance to be able to demonstrate to students how learning in the classroom connects with the world beyond the walls of a school. I believe this endeavor will provide me with the knowledge and ability to create that bridge.”

When asked about Ms. Tucker, Daniel Jenkins Academy Principal Telay Kendrick says, “Melanie works tremendously hard in preparing our students for a more global society. We believe that it is imperative that students understand the need to preserve Florida’s resources and environment in order for the quality of life to continue in our state. Melanie is indeed an outstanding teacher and we are very proud her.”

Pacific Northwest Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory where interdisciplinary teams advance science and technology and deliver solutions to America’s problems in energy, the environment and national security.

The Siemens Foundation’s goal is to provide opportunities to educators from a broad spectrum of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Lake Gibson Middle Receives Honorable Mention in National Association of Agricultural Educators’ Advocacy Video Contest

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:05:41 GMT

Lake Gibson Middle is the recipient of an honorable mention after competing in the National Association of Agricultural Educators’ (NAAE) Advocacy Video Contest. Each year, the NAAE gives students from around the country, the opportunity to create a video explaining how the agriculture program at their respective school helps prepare students for college and careers.

Students at Lake Gibson Middle injected this idea with a burst of creativity, coming up with a project titled “What is Agricultural Education? Aliens visit a High School Agriculture Program” In the video, a couple of extraterrestrial visitors learn how agricultural education prepares Earthlings. To view the video, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IybtxuTJ_zk

NAAE seeks to advance agricultural education and promote the professional interests and growth of agriculture teachers as well as recruit and prepare students who have a desire to teach agriculture.

Kathleen High’s FFA Team Takes Top Honor at State Competition

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:23:52 GMT

Kathleen High’s FFA now holds the title of 2013 State Champion Land Judging Team. In March, team members Michael G., Morgan C., Luis O., Joseph J. and alternate Charity B. traveled to compete in the annual State FFA Land and Homesite Evaluation Contest held in Bronson, Florida. Kathleen High’s FFA members will represent Florida in the National Land Judging Contest scheduled to take place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May.

In the individual category, Joseph J. took first place. Luis O. placed second.

The Land Judging event requires students to evaluate three soil profiles and one homesite location. On the soil component, students must identify factors such as seasonal high water table, rooting zone, soil permeability, organic content and slope. Using these factors combined students classify land into a capability class and a soil order. Once the soil factors are identified, students are required to make recommendations for vegetative practices, mechanical practices and fertilizer recommendations to improve the site.

The homesite portion of the event requires students to evaluate land conditions to determine its potential to develop. Students must identify factors in the soil that would affect areas such as lawns and shrubs, septic systems and foundations. This requires students to analyze multiple components based on identified conditions.

The National FFA Organization was organized as the "Future Farmers of America" in 1928 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1988, the official organization name was changed to The National FFA Organization to reflect the broadening field of agriculture, which today encompasses more than 300 careers in everything from agriscience to biotechnology to turf grass management.

Commissioner’s Academic Challenge

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:24:54 GMT

Local Students Scheduled to Compete in Upcoming 2013 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge

Gabrielle D. (Bartow High), Jarrad P. (Bartow High), Nicole R. (Bartow High), Robert S. (Harrison School for the Arts), Colby T. (Bartow High) and Alex V. (Winter Haven High) will represent Polk County in the 2013 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge (CAC) scheduled to take place Thursday, April 18 to Saturday, April 20 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. At the CAC high school students from across the state will compete in the academic, quiz-bowl type competition, where players are asked questions from the areas of mathematics, science, fine arts, social studies, economics, language arts and world languages (French and Spanish).

The six students who qualified for the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge also received $500 scholarships from Aramark Education.

For additional information and times visit: http://www.academic-challenge.org/cac/index.html

Kingsford Elementary Host of Pirates, Princesses and Poetry Event

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:26:16 GMT

Pirates, princesses and poetry reigned supreme on Saturday, April 6 as Kingsford Elementary played host to a Books Bridge Program library event. This event was held to celebrate National Poetry Month. Library Media Specialist Bill Gainer took on the role of the pirate among the two princesses, Cleveland Court Elementary Guidance Counselor Linda Gainer and Kingsford Elementary Network Manager Tina Teal.

The children who attended listened to stories and poems about pirates and princesses. They were also given instruction on how to make pirate hats and boats from paper. Each child who attended received a free and brand new book of their choice, a free Slurpee certificate, bookmarks and poetry activities to take home.

Kingsford Elementary is one of the four schools chosen as part of the Books Bridge Program, an initiative aimed at increasing student literacy among underprivileged students by motivating them to read more. Other participating schools include Alturas Elementary, Auburndale Central Elementary and Oscar J. Pope Elementary.

From Left to Right: “Princess” Linda Gainer, “Pirate” Bill Gainer and “Princess” Tina Teal.

Books Bridge Program is Now Underway

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:33:56 GMT

Promoting Literacy: Books Bridge Program Underway

A mobile library is now up and running as part of Polk County Public Schools’ Books Bridge Program. The program is an initiative aimed at increasing student literacy by motivating students to read more. The hope is that weekly visits to neighborhoods that serve Auburndale Central Elementary, Oscar J. Pope Elementary, Kingsford Elementary and Alturas Elementary will form a literacy bridge between home and school and between teacher and parents.

The Books Bridge mobile libraries will serve preschool students and parents in the morning and elementary students and parents in the afternoon. The buses will be staffed with a certified library media specialists and a paraeducator/driver.

Parents interested in registering their preschooler can contact one of the schools for a schedule of when the Books Bridge mobile library will be in their neighborhood. The second of two Books Bridge mobile libraries will start running next week.

So if you’re in the neighborhood, look for the unique design depicting books bridging home and school on the exterior of the bus. Budding artists McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy sixth graders Tracy Runyon and Gove Quesinberry created the graphics.

Students in the program will have the opportunity to receive a free book every month. Parents will also be given a chance to participate in the selection of books for distribution from the bus and the school library media center and have the opportunity to give input on programs. One Saturday of each month will be designated for a family fun day.

The Books Bridge program is funded by the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant, aimed at improving skills for students in high-need districts and schools. In October, Polk County Public Schools became one of 46 grant applicants from across the country chosen to receive nearly $400,000 in the first year of the two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Below, McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy sixth graders Tracy (Left) and Gove (Right) designed the graphics depicting books bridging home and school that would eventually be used on the exterior of the bus.

Honoring Hazel Haley Among Today’s Hall of Fame Friday Classes

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:42:02 GMT

For the past several weeks the Polk County Public Schools Official Facebook page has been promoting it’s Hall of Fame and the induced classes. Today’s Facebook post (and Tweet) includes Hazel Haley -

https://www.facebook.com/PolkCountyPublicSchools

https://twitter.com/PolkSchoolsNews

Ridge Community High Students Excel at JROTC State Drill Meet

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:13:56 GMT

You can count the members of Ridge Community High’s Bolts Brigade among the best in the state. During the JROTC State Drill Meet held on Saturday, April 6 at George Jenkins High, the students outperformed cadets from around the state placing among the top five in individual and team categories.

Below is a listing of how the students ranked.

Overall

2^nd place: Female regulation armed squad

5^th place: Female exhibition platoon

5^th place: Female regulation unarmed platoon

5^th place: Male exhibition armed squad

2^nd place: Female regulation armed squad – Commander Aisha Deliz; Team members: Jomalis Soto, Elianny Rodriguez, Natalie Santiago, Lynette Dominicci, Isabel Rodriguez, Selena White

5^th place: Female exhibition platoon- Commander Ashley Doolittle; Team members: Aisha Deliz, Lynette Dominicci, Brayana Roberts, Natalie Santiago, Ericka Pace, Taylor Paulin, Jomalis Soto, Mineyri Solorio, Yazymyn Camacho, Jovanny Gonzalez, Tyler-Ann Nicolai, Jordine West

5^th place: Female regulation unarmed platoon-Commander Jomalis Soto; Team members: Aisha Deliz, Lynette Dominicci, Brayana Roberts, Natalie Santiago, Selena White, Tyler-Ann Nicolai, Jomalis Soto, Mineyri Solorio, Yazymyn Camacho, Isabel Rodriguez, Jordine West, Jillian Reyes, Elianny Rodriguez.

5^th place: Male exhibition armed squad- Commander Luis Negron; Team members: Carlos Rodriguez, Luke Salerno, Duy Vo, Jefferson Desir, Johnathon Baker, Sergio Torres

Student Recipient of National Achievement Scholarship

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:14:10 GMT

Bartow High IB Senior Terrence Commons is a National Achievement Scholarship winner after being selected as a finalist in the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program. He was selected based on his strong record of accomplishments and potential for academic success in college.

Over 160,000 students were entered in the program by requesting consideration when they took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Only 1,600 semifinalists were chosen from the program pool, and 1,300 students advanced to become finalists. Of the finalists, a group of 800 students was selected to receive Achievement Scholarships.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization, to recognize and reward gifted black students. Since its establishment in 1964, about 32,600 students have received college scholarships totaling over $103 million.

Congratulations Terrence!

School Reaches Out to Leukemia & Lymphoma Cancer Patients

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:17:08 GMT

A little rural school reaches out to Leukemia & Lymphoma cancer patients in a big way! Mrs. Sparkman’s Alturas Elementary second grade class collected $501.49 for the Pasta for Pennies campaign making them the top donating class. Total donations school wide was $3,611.80. Pictured below with students is school volunteer Debra Jones who helped make the campaign a success.

Local Student Accepted Into Three of the Nation’s Top Military Institutions

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:52:41 GMT

Kelsey A., a senior at Auburndale High, is trying to decide which of the nation’s top military institutions she will choose to attend next year. She’s been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado and the United States Naval Academy located in Maryland. The extremely selective programs are among the nation’s most prestigious military academies and upon completion offer students the opportunity to enter the military as an officer.

Some of the nation’s most prominent leaders have attended these institutions. The United States Military Academy at West Point counts among its graduates two Presidents of the United States: Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the president of the Confederate States of America Jefferson Davis, foreign heads of states from countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the Philippines, and a long list of current members of the United States Congress. The United States Air Force Academy graduates are represented in military careers, in the field of aerospace, athletics, business, government and civilian aviation. They include Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Harry S. Truman Scholars, John F Kennedy School of Government Scholars and Gerahart Scholars. The United States Naval Academy counts among its graduates United States President Jimmy Carter, two Nobel Prize recipients, dozens of Medal of Honor recipients and are represented in every career field.

Kelsey is a standout student who serves as president of the senior class, is a member of the school’s student led executive board and is a Naval JROTC cadet. In the past she’s been recognized for her achievements in academics, television production and community service.

Students Honored At Annual About Face Awards

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:06:43 GMT

Students from district middle and high schools were honored at the 2013 About Face Awards, held on Wednesday, April 3 at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven. About Face recognizes secondary students who have made a significant turnaround in their behavior, academic achievement and attendance in school. Students are nominated by their school and receive a medallion for their success. Student honorees were joined by the mentors who helped them make positive changes and noticeable improvements.

Speaker Sheldon Katsoff, mentor to 2009 About Face Honoree Tyrik Johnson, encouraged students to keep making the right decisions because making good decisions can set anyone on the road to a brighter future. During his speech, he also spoke to the students about modeling behavior that would inspire their peers to be better people.

Also on the program were Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John A. Stewart, Polk County School Board Member Dick Mullenax (District 4), Polk Education Foundation Executive Director Susan Copeland and Polk State College President Dr. Eileen Holden. TECO Energy company sponsored this annual event.

Below, TECO Community Affairs Manager Cindy Price (left) is pictured with Fort Meade Middle-Senior student Esau Salmeron

About Face honorees:

Auburndale High: Abel Badillo-Bautista

Bartow High: Kathleen Greene

Bartow Middle: Austin Welch

Berkley Accelerated Middle: Michael Ashford

Blake Academy: Savanna Jenkins

Boone Middle: Kenya Lott

Compass Middle Charter: Jeremiah Ussery

Crystal Lake Middle: Paul Carter

Daniel Jenkins Academy: Cedric King, Jr.

Davenport School of the Arts: Tison Savage

Denison Middle: Isaiah Sanabria

Don E. Woods Center: Ulises Lopez Ortiz

Doris A. Sanders Learning Center: Taudre Marlow

Dundee Ridge Middle: Carmeisha Worth

Dwight Smith Center: Dominique Normil

Fort Meade Middle-Senior: Esau Salmeron, Deanna Reynolds

Frostproof Middle-Senior: Taylor Hollingsworth, Alex Galarza

Gause Academy: Deja Baker, Hudson Koon

George Jenkins High: Haley Manuel

Haines City High: Daniel Lopez

Jewett Middle Academy: Isaiah Turner

Jewett School of the Arts: Brea Butchee

Kathleen High: Terrance Lavigne

Kathleen Middle: James Tadlock

Lake Alfred-Addair Middle: Kanesha Phillips

Lake Gibson High: Richard Hewitt

Lake Region High: Juan Gonzalez

Lakeland High: Joshua Bumgarner

Lakeland Highlands Middle: Aliza Vargas

Lawton Chiles Middle Academy: Lisette Lezama

McKeel Academy: Adreena Griffin, Shanta’Jah Ray

Mulberry High: Bree Williams

Mulberry Middle: Janice Taylor

Ridge Career Center: Tyler Rouse

Ridge Community High: Shawn Wyrosdick

Sleepy Hill Middle: Matthew Brutus

Southwest Middle: Carlos Cardoso

Stambaugh Middle: Lynsey Capossere

Summerlin Academy: Tirani Rye

Tenoroc High: Shantabian Wilson

Traviss Career Center: Kenya Harrington

Union Academy: Jacob Benning

West Area Adult: Mandy Lee

Westwood Middle: Silverio Reyes

Winter Haven High: Keosha Cox

Polk County Public Schools Cancels ALL outdoor activities via Facebook and Twitter

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:22:41 GMT

Polk County Public Schools has decided to cancel all outdoor activities this afternoon (4/4/13). All athletic contests and practices along with any other outdoor activities are cancelled for today as well. Thank you for understanding as we need to consider the safety of all children.

http://www.facebook.com/PolkCountyPublicSchools

https://twitter.com/PolkSchoolsNews

Top Prize Goes to Local Student at Science Challenge

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:42:37 GMT

Divya Ravinder, a student at Bartow High IB, placed first in the Senior Division Environmental Science category during the Orlando Science Center Science Challenge held in March at the Orlando Science Center. Ms. Ravinder joined other high school students from surrounding Central Florida counties who placed first in physical science competitions at the county-level. The event provides an intermediate event between the county science fairs and the state science fair. The goal of the Science Challenge is to encourage excellence in science education.

Pictured from left to right: Brian Craven (Bright House Networks), Divya Ravinder, Elizabeth Weisstein (Orlando Science Center Competitions Specialist), Fred Curtis (Orlando Science Competitions Committee Chair)

For additional information please contact Rebecca Braaten, Director of Academic Rigor & Secondary Curriculum/Instruction, Polk County Public Schools, rebecca.braaten@polk-fl.net

NOAA Features Crystal Lake Middle’s Aquaculture Program on Its Website

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:28:53 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently recognized Crystal Lake Middle by placing an article that highlight’s the school’s Aquaculture Program on its national site. Rarely does the federal agency that focuses on the condition of the ocean and the atmosphere highlight programs that fall outside NOAA’s internal programs. It is considered by some to be a great honor. You can view the full article by visiting: http://www.research.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/2013/articles/flsg/flsg.html

Crystal Lake Middle is one of the growing number of Florida middle and high schools implementing the Teach Aquaculture curriculum, a specialized curriculum developed by University of Florida researchers. Its goal is to provide students with practical applications of math, science and social studies.

In a 900-square foot greenhouse at Crystal Lake Middle, students are raising tilapia and redfish, using the same methods and facilities found in private farms across the state. Principal Chris Canning explains, “The program has inspired students and parents who wouldn’t normally be involved in school activities to get involved. It’s opened up a whole new world to our students and helped turn around the school’s reputation. Maybe the end result will be more students who graduate high school and go on to study science or engineering.”

Below, Crystal Lake Middle students using math and chemistry principles learned in the classroom to calculate salinity levels and analyze water quality in grow-out tanks. Photo Courtesy of Florida Sea Grant .

To find out more about the Crystal Lake Academy of Science and Engineering contact Chris Canning, Crystal Lake Middle Principal, 863.499.2970, christopher.canning@polk-fl.net

Online or In-person Kindergarten Registration Ends April 1st

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:35:01 GMT

For the first time, Polk County Public Schools will allow parents and guardians the option to register their kids online over the course of a month-long registration period. Parents will also have the option to register in-person at their zoned school. Registration opened Friday, March 1 and goes until Monday, April 1. Students entering kindergarten must be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2013.

To enroll a new kindergarten student, parents and guardians must present the following: legal proof of age (i.e. a birth certificate or baptismal certificate); a current physical exam dated within the last 12 months and a certificate of immunization (Florida Department of Health form 680) showing all shots including second MMR, polio, DPT/DTaP, Hepatitis B series and second varicella or signed proof of chicken pox. For further information about documentation requirements, parents and guardians are being asked to contact the zoned school.

Proofs of residency from two different categories are also required: Category 1-mortgage document, property tax record, home or apartment lease agreement; Category 2- a current utility bill (electric, gas, phone, water, cable); Category 3- current voter registration document; Category 4- proof of government benefits (Medicare, disability, food stamps, HRS correspondence). Driver’s license and vehicle registration papers are not accepted as proofs of residency.

Steps for In-Person Registration

Gather the necessary documents
Visit the school your student is zoned for to obtain a paper enrollment packet

Steps for Online Registration

Gather the necessary documents
Log in using an existing Parent Portal account or create an account by visiting the Parent Portal website at: https://parent.mypolkschools.net or www.polk-fl.net Keyword Search: Enroll
Click the menu item titled “Pre-Registration” then follow the on-screen prompts
If assistance is needed during this process contact the Polk County Public Schools’ IST Help Desk at 863.519.8040 or HelpDesk@polk-fl.net

For additional questions about kindergarten registration contact Polk County Public Schools’ Office of Pupil Accounting at 863.534.0716.

Driving Science: Driving home Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:04:53 GMT

The award-winning Driving SCIENCE was recently at the Daytona International Speedway. 25 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers from middle and high schools located in Polk, Volusia, Flagler and Seminole school districts attended the Daytona STEM Cup Challenge. Tracy Brown and Jodi Johnson, two teachers at Blake Academy were among the chosen few. The challenge is a three day event focused on improving teacher knowledge about STEM disciplines and best practices, using the world of auto racing as the classroom.

The analysis of speed, understanding force, energy and motion, experimenting with “mouse trap” cars and exploring how safety applies to major super speedways are all a part of the curriculum. The Daytona STEM Cup Challenge is a hands-on activity that is woven throughout the Institute to model STEM best practices, examine the science and math of racing, and experience the design elements of technology and engineering.

Teams follow their plan to design, build, test and redesign a mouse-trap powered car to enter in the STEM Cup Challenge. Changes in weight, friction reduction, wheel and axle size are investigated so that changes in the design can be made based on data.

The Daytona STEM Cup Challenge is the center piece of Driving SCIENCE, a professional development institute sponsored by DuPont, Daytona International Speedway, Clemson University-International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) and Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors company.

https://www.facebook.com/PolkCountyPublicSchools

https://twitter.com/PolkSchoolsNews

Students E-X-C-E-L at Spelling Bee

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:47:27 GMT

Students from Polk County Public Schools excelled at the Polk County Final Spelling Bee held Tuesday, March 5 at the Jim Miles Professional Development Center in Lakeland. Students from around the county competed against local students for the top spot.

Second place went to Jacob Best from Lake Gibson Middle. Giancarlo Cottone from Boone Middle School rounded out the top three.

Lee Wall from Lakeland Christian School placed first and was named “Spelling Bee Champion” He will represent Polk County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC, May 28-30, 2013, all expenses paid as part of his prize.

All students who participated received a trophy and Alpha Delta Kappa provided each finalist with a certificate and $5.00 in silver dollars.

Auburndale Central Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss’s Birthday in a Special Way

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:30:58 GMT

Auburndale Central Elementary Library Media Center became fun-central for close to a hundred students, parents and teachers who attended a reading celebration to commemorate Dr. Seuss’s birthday on Saturday, March 2. There is no doubt students were left saying, “Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have fun.” Students were treated to a special birthday cake, free books, five additional book checkouts, and literary activities to inspire students and family members to read and learn about the 50 U.S. states. Linda Chancey, a storyteller from the Polk County Library Association also performed a reading of Dr.Seusss’s famous book, “The Cat in the Hat.”

The kids are also being encouraged to do some extra reading with the help of “Thing 1” and “Thing 2”, in honor of the author and illustrator. Students are logging the book titles they are reading on their “Make Reading Your Thing” reading log sheet.

Auburndale Central Elementary Principal Badonna Dardis, Library Media Services Coordinator Jacqueline Rose, and Auburndale Central Elementary Library Media Specialist Lisa Comparato were thrilled with the parental support for the Saturday reading event. “Saturday in the Library Reading Event” will be held in the Auburndale Central Elementary Library Media Center every third Saturday of the month. April’s event is being planned but expect to see students dress up like princesses or a pirate for a poetry themed reading event for National Poetry Month.

Auburndale Central Elementary is one of the four schools chosen for the Books Bridge program. The Polk County School District was granted an Innovative Approach to Literacy (IAL) grant to help build a literary bridge between home and school. The school is also eagerly awaiting a Books Bridge Bus (Library Mobile Unit), due to head out in April to serve students year around in the surrounding neighborhoods of the students who attend Auburndale Central Elementary.

Other participating schools who receive the grant include Alturas Elementary, Kingsford Elementary and Oscar J. Pope Elementary.

Students at Lake Shipp Elementary took part in record-setting national reading challenge

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:12:13 GMT

Students at Lake Shipp Elementary engaged in valuable reading practice and took part in setting a new national record in “Read The Most From Coast To Coast,” on March 1. Students contributed to a new national record of 4,409,622 Accelerated Reader Quizzes passed in one day. “Read The Most From Coast To Coast,” a national Renaissance Learning event that began last school-year, challenges students to break the record for the number of Accelerated Reader Quizzes taken in one day. U.S. students topped last year’s record of 3,581,992 quizzes. Accelerated Reader is a reading software program in which students read a book at the appropriate level and take a computerized quiz that measures their reading comprehension. Accelerated Reader has quizzes on more than 150,000 books, nearly half of which are on nonfiction books. Accelerated Reader provides immediate feedback on students’ comprehension.

As part of this event, the Web-based program tracked quizzes passed nationwide and shared results in real time with an online quiz counter. “Read The Most From Coast To Coast enabled students to take part in a shared reading adventure while becoming better readers,” said Mrs. Dwight, Principal. Seeing real-time progress toward the goal was fun for students and they enjoyed being part of a national effort. They were really excited when they topped last year’s quiz-taking record.”

For more information, contact the school office or Candace Sheffield at Lake Shipp Elementary 863-291-5384.

STEM Education: Local Students Take Home Top Prizes at FIRST LEGO League State Championship Tournament

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:29:59 GMT

Competing at the FIRST LEGO League North American Open Championship, from Polk County Public Schools, will be Ninth-graders Brian Brown (Harrison School for the Arts), Daniel Ciccia (Harrison School for the Arts), Lauren Dye (Bartow High IB), Abbie Lipe (Harrison School for the Arts), Ryan Stubbs (Lakeland High) and JT Yoerger (Harrison School for the Arts). Accompanying the “Déjà Vu” team members to California are team mentors: Carlos Aleman (Lakeland High), Dean Fortier (Harrison School for the Arts) and Christian Stowers (Bartow High IB). The Championship is scheduled to take place at LEGOLAND California in May. The students who make up the “Déjà Vu” team qualified for the national championship after winning the Director’s Award at the Florida FIRST LEGO League State Championship held recently in Orlando. The award recognizes the Florida team that best models behavior that represents the goals, purpose and spirit of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization that promotes career fields based in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Team Déjà Vu pictured below:

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) was created through a partnership between FIRST and The LEGO Group to inspire future scientists and engineers. During the real-world challenges, teams compete with 120-pound robots to design a solution to a current scientific question or problem. The tournaments combine the excitement of competition with the rigors of science and technology.

Rochelle School of the Arts eighth-graders Brooke Broxterman, Everett Fortier, Matthew Shipps, Makinsy Wendel and Tiffany Whitsett also competed at the FIRST LEGO League State Championship Tournament. The five students made up the “Like-a-Bot” team and won the Outstanding Overall Performance in Robot Design Award. This award recognizes the top team that in the process of building their robot, excels in mechanical design, programming, strategy and innovation.

Team Like-a-Bot pictured below: