PCPS Proud

Superintendent Of Polk County Public SchoolsDear families,

It’s hard to believe that fall is here!

With the school year moving so quickly, don’t forget to take time to enjoy school events, performances and sporting competitions. Before you know it, the holidays will be here.

In this month’s newsletter, you can learn about departments that prepare our youngest scholars for success, nurture the well-being of each child and keep our technology running.

You will see how Willow Oak School, Bartow Middle and George Jenkins High teach their students responsibility and life skills through various programs.

We have some other important reminders in this month’s newsletter, including that open enrollment for PCPS employee benefits will begin soon.

PCPS will also host another Family Engagement Conference this month.

The conference will take place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Mulberry Middle. Visit polktogether.com to learn more or register for the conference.

This free event allows families to learn more about education-related topics and resources available to them. I hope you can join us.

Sincerely,

Frederick Heid
Superintendent

District Highlights

Image of doctor and patient with text: Open enrollment for PCPS employee benefits begins October 11.

Attention, PCPS employees! Open enrollment for employee benefits begins Saturday, Oct. 11.

Open enrollment is the annual opportunity for PCPS employees to update or change their benefit selections — no qualifying life event (e.g., marriage, adoption, birth of a child, etc.) is required.

PCPS employees must manage their benefits using our online system, Benefitplace. For more information or to log into Benefitplace, visit polkschoolsfl.com/benefitplace.

Please be advised that paper enrollment forms will not be accepted. PCPS employees must use Benefitplace to make any changes.

The open enrollment period will end on Oct. 25. Changes to benefits will be effective January 1, 2026. If you are unable to register online, please call (855) 623-9355.

Health & Benefits Fairs will be taking place over the next several weeks to provide in-person assistance with Benefitfocus and an opportunity to learn more about benefits.

  • Oct. 11 — 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Elbert Elementary, 205 15th Street in Winter Haven
  • Oct. 18 — 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Haines City High, 2800 Hornet Drive in Haines City
  • Oct. 25 — 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 4270 Wallace Road in Lakeland

The fairs also feature prizes and free biometric screenings. You must register for the screening in advance and schedule an appointment. Visit polkschoolsfl.com/community/wellness to learn more about the fairs and register for the screenings.

Remember, if PCPS employees have questions or need support with their benefits, they can also call Quantum Health at (866) 871-0975 to speak with a Health Care Coordinator and get all their questions answered.

 

Prize Patrol Winners in Cloud of Confetti

Prize Patrols Reveal Finalists for Teacher & School-Related Employee of the Year

Confetti, cheerleaders, bands, flowers, banners, and lots of cake!

Over the last several weeks, prize patrols toured Polk County to announce finalists from all seven districts for Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

You can learn more about each finalist by visiting: polkschoolsfl.com/inspire

The overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

This annual awards program honors approximately 240 outstanding nominees from schools across the district.

The Inspire Awards will be held on Nov. 7 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships collaborate to present this annual event.

During the event, finalists will be recognized with video tributes and receive sponsored gifts. The Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will receive a cash prize generously donated by title sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

School & Department Highlights
Willow Oak students holding basketballs in from of a banner with S.O.A.R. motto

Willow Oak’s Blue Jays take pride in their school culture and learning S.O.A.R. (Safety Ownership Achievement & Respect).

Willow Oak School

At Willow Oak School, culture and learning S.O.A.R.! With strong supports for English Language Learners, a thriving Gifted program, and elementary agriculture our students truly experience a place where “Every Day is a Great Day to be a Blue Jay!”

Since opening in 2021, reading and math achievement are on the rise, and the number of students needing interventions has fallen in half. Students excelling at the highest levels have also grown from 16 to 103 “level 5” Blue Jays.

Willow Oak is proud to collaborate with the University of South Florida and the PBIS team to obtain Gold Level PBIS school status. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) promotes good behavior, student success, and positive, safe environments through a multi-tiered system implemented by schools.

 

group of Bartow Middle agriculture students in barn with pig

Bartow Middle’s agriculture program helps students learn the power of self-discipline, dedication, and hard work.

Bartow Middle

Bartow Middle is proud of its award-winning agriculture program, recognized with state and national honors. 

Every year, the agriculture program offers students and parents the opportunity to raise pigs for the Youth Fair. The students are solely responsible for taking care of the pig to ensure they make weight for the Youth Fair. The experience helps students learn self-discipline, dedication, and hard work.

The agriculture program continues to grow through new initiatives like Ag-Buddies — a class designed for students with disabilities. The students receive a peer partner -- an agriculture student with strong leadership skills – who helps them learn about animal care, gardening, and conservation. Ag-Buddies create an inclusive experience that benefits all students, fostering growth, empathy, and leadership.


group of transition students in culinary classroom wearing aprons

Students in the GJHS Eagle Cafe dish out delicious food with a smile.

George Jenkins Senior High

The GJHS Transition Program strives to provide students with employment-centered opportunities that will prepare them for independent living after high school.

The Eagle Cafe is staffed entirely by GJHS students. Students cook, answer phones, take orders, and handle money. This enterprise provides students with the chance to interact with teachers and other students on campus, to learn professional communication skills, and to manage their time and obligations.

The students who manage the Eagle Cafe also partner with community agencies and attend weekly community-based instruction (CBI) trips where students learn important life skills in real settings. In addition, they are actively involved in the Performing Arts program.

 
two boys playing a bowling game

Early Childhood students engage in fun activities to learn new skills, like this bowling alley activity featuring math, science, and motor skills.

Early Childhood

The district’s early childhood learning programs are designed to support all families and create a strong foundation for lifelong success — even before children step into kindergarten.

The Early Childhood department has made remarkable strides in academic achievement and whole-child development.

STAR Literacy assessments help gauge student achievement, and our results demonstrate strong growth. Seventy-eight percent of students began at the Early Emergent Reader level and 70% had advanced to the Late Emergent Reader level or higher by the final assessment window.

The Early Childhood department is also expanding community partnerships — with New World’s Reading, the Children’s Museum, and BayCare Kids — supporting social-emotional learning, literacy, and health.

The department is also targeting outreach in high-need neighborhoods to connect families with services through agencies like the Florida Department of Children and Families, as well as foster care organizations.

 

EERS employee sitting at a desk repairing an open laptop

Computer support technicians are just one member of the EERS team who help keep student laptops and other technology running smoothly.

Electronic Equipment Repair and Support (EERS)

The Electronic Equipment Repair and Support (EERS) staff visit schools daily and work diligently to ensure that technology is operating correctly. 

The department has three teams: 
• Computer Repair
• Telecommunications/Security
• Asset Management

These dedicated employees successfully resolved more than 42,000 requests for help during the last school year alone! By handling these services internally rather than outsourcing repairs, the department saved the district more than $4 million.

But most importantly, the EERS team takes great pride in watching how excited students become when they can explore innovative learning experiences through technology.

 

employee standing inside food closet

TASSEL Program Coordinator Barbie Torres organizes food for families in need.

Student Services

Did you know there is more to success in school than reading, writing and arithmetic? That’s where the Student Services department comes in!

This department helps nurture the well-being of the whole child. More than 160 staff members provide many different types of support to students, families and schools, including:
• Bullying prevention
• Crisis intervention
• Health services
• Drug education
• Psychological services
• Social work services
• Section 504 supports

The department’s TASSEL program provides food, clothing, school supplies and hygiene items to students and families in need.

Want to learn more? Visit polkschoolsfl.com/studentservices 

Program Highlights

QR code for EAP website

Scan or click code for more information or to access the important resources of the Employee Assistance Program.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Resources for Living is an employee assistance program, available at no cost to PCPS employees and all members of their household. Children living away from home can access services up to age 26. Enrollment in PCPS’ Health Plan is not required to use services. Services include emotional wellbeing support, chat therapy, daily life assistance, legal and financial services. Services are confidential and available 24/7.

To access services: 1-800-272-7252

resourcesforliving.com/home/resources/webinars

Username: PCS | Access Code: PCS.
AmeriCorps volunteers sitting with girl at table completing a work sheet

Renae Anderson helps foster a love of literacy in students as a reading coach and site supervisor for the AmeriCorps Polk Reads program.

AmeriCorps Polk Reads

The Polk Education Foundation is home to the AmeriCorps Polk Reads program.

This program focuses on providing early reading intervention to students and setting them up for long-term success.

More than 40 members commit to a year of service providing individual 30-minute reading tutoring sessions to kindergarten through third grade students three times a week in select schools.

Last year, 84% of 424 students had reading gains with members providing over 35,000 hours of service!

“We have a lower percentage of third graders needing reading intervention this year,” said Renae Anderson, an AmeriCorps Polk Reads site supervisor at Sikes Elementary for three years. “It’s clear that the consistent support of these tutoring sessions is having a positive impact on students.”


GJQ team members preparing food under a tent

George Jenkins High’s competitive BBQ team is racking up awards as well as great tasting meals!

Competitive BBQ Team – George Jenkins High (GJQ)

The competition is really heating up!

Several PCPS schools have BBQ teams, including George Jenkins High’s team, “GJQ.”

GJQ brings together students from all backgrounds and grade levels to teach them how to plan, prepare and present various types of competition BBQ. 

GJQ students compete against professional cook teams of adults while also catering banquets and dinners. These experiences teach how to cook different meats with different heat sources which allows them to take these life-skills home to cook for their friends and families.

Seeing GJQ students win awards at Lakeland Pigfest as a high school team, being crowned 2024 Florida State Champions, and competing at the National High School cook-off in Kansas City is definitely something to celebrate!


line of cadets holding red, white and blue wreaths

Summerlin cadets organize an annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the bravery of first responders.

Summerlin Academy

Summerlin Academy is a Polk County public school where rigorous academics are taught in a structured military environment. 

Staff mentor young adults to become better citizens by promoting academic achievement, personal accountability, civic responsibility, and leadership skills in order to excel in higher education, career, community, and life.

Summerlin Academy has established a distinguished record of post-secondary success among its graduates. Alumni have earned appointments to prestigious military academies, assumed leadership roles across various organizations, and continue to serve honorably in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.

In addition to their academic and professional achievements, Summerlin cadets are widely recognized for their commitment to civic responsibility. Numerous community organizations regularly seek their involvement in volunteer initiatives, reflecting the cadets' dedication to service and their positive impact within the local community.

Each year, Summerlin cadets organize an annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the bravery of first responders.


three students sitting at desk wearing blue JROTC t-shirts

In May, the Dreadnaught Battalion Cadets participated in an immersive STEM experience at the Navy Flight Academy in Pensacola.

JROTC Program – Lakeland Senior High

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is an important program at many PCPS schools and is sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces. JROTC instills discipline and develops leadership skills that students will use in their future military service, or wherever life takes them.

We will share spotlights from several different programs over the next several editions of PCPS Proud. This month, we salute Lakeland Senior High!

In May, the Dreadnaught Battalion Cadets successfully graduated from the Navy Flight Academy (NFA) Deployment Mission 25-02. 

These students spent six days at the Navy Flight Academy in Pensacola.  The immersive experience gives rising 7th-12th graders the opportunity to participate in STEM educational exercises. They encounter challenges that incorporate cyber security, underwater remote operated vehicles, and more.  The training allowed students to gain awareness of various concepts in aviation, air traffic control and aviation maintenance. Students integrated these skills into their daily lives by measuring, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.


Staff and Student Shoutouts

Are you a PCPS employee and know of a colleague or student who accomplished something special or notable? Let us know! It may get added as a shout-out in an upcoming edition of PCPS Proud. PCPS employees can make submissions by completing a Microsoft Office form.

Willow Oak School

  • Fourth-grade student Rin Spade won a bike for her reading achievement! She chose to give her bike to a kindergarten friend who did not have a bike. Keep S.O.A.R.-ing with kindness, Rin!
  • Keyshonna Kemp and Kelsey Byers have been recognized by the Florida Department of Education as High Impact Teachers! We are so very proud of their accomplishments and commitment to student growth and achievement.

Bartow Middle

  • Bentley Love, Anabella Getsee, Allison Stephens and Hayleigh Cochran serve as leaders for their peers by helping them navigate the agriculture program.
  • Michele Parmer and Olivia Harper are AG teachers that do an awesome job with the program, particularly finding student leaders to serve as AG-Buddies! Way to grow!

George Jenkins Senior High

  • A huge shout-out to Grace O'Connor, who serves as secretary for Eagle Cafe and keeps the operation running smoothly!
  • A special thanks to network manager Robert Goodman for his tireless efforts to support over 120 staff members and close to 2,500 students with their technology and computer needs.

Early Childhood Education

  • Luz Van Riper recently helped guide a parent through the process of getting an important dental procedure for her young child. Thanks to her compassionate outreach, the child is now healthy, happy and thriving!

Electronic Equipment Repair and Support (EERS)

  • Thanks to Paul Kozlow for providing outstanding service and resolving many requests for help with technology. 

Summerlin Academy

  • A well-deserved salute to Cadet Colonel Vanely Medina for her outstanding student leadership and helping with preparations for this year’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
  • A huge staff shout-out to First Sergeant Cordale Jackson for his dedication to mentoring the student command staff and making the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony possible.

West Area Adult School

  • Congratulations to the following students who have completed ESOL and/or GED programs and have been hired by PCPS:  Nila Acuna Jimenez (ESE Self-Contained Para - Floral Avenue Elem.), Nelson Herrera Hernandez (Pre-K ESE Teacher - Philip O'Brien Elem.), Kendy Mejia (Pre-K Para - Medulla Elem.), Yordan Toledo Leal (Math Teacher - Mulberry Middle)

Support Services

  • Sheriff Judd was recently traveling on Alturas Babson Park Cut Off Road. At a bus stop, he observed a little girl who exited the bus and was obviously having difficulty walking.  The bus driver, Louise Brown, took the time to walk the young lady across the street to her home while the attendant, Amy Torres, stood watch over the other students.  Sheriff Judd contacted Support Services to express his kudos for a great driver and attendant going out of their way to help a student have a safe journey home.

Auburndale Senior High

  • CTE programs and their incredible students recently showcased their skills for local business leaders and community members. This fantastic event highlighted the incredible work happening in our classrooms, built meaningful connections and established new partnerships with professionals who were genuinely impressed.
  • Mr. Portillo, thank you for inspiring and educating our students. Because of you, they continue to thrive and impress.

Winter Haven Senior High

School Board Updates

Below are just a few major decisions from the most recent School Board meeting (Sept. 30). You can watch all School Board meetings and work sessions on the district’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/polkcountypublicschools

Referendum Ballot & Resolution — The School Board unanimously approved moving forward with asking voters to approve an additional one mill in ad valorem property taxes each year for four years in order to recruit and retain teachers and educational support staff; enhance school safety; and support career and technical education, fine and performing arts, and early learning programs. The proceeds will be shared with charter schools as required by law and monitored by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.
Click here to watch >>>

Reminders

  • Did you know that our Assessment, Accountability and Evaluation (AAE) department provides an easy-to-use data dashboard to explore district and school grades?  You can access it here: 
    Data Dashboard - School Grades - Polk County Public Schools.

  •  Virtual Rezoning Town Hall – Miss our rezoning town halls? Don’t worry! You can always watch the virtual town hall on the district’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/polkcountypublicschools), which covers rezoning proposals for all PCPS high schools in all regions.

  • Open Enrollment for PCPS Employee Benefits will take place from Oct. 11 – Oct. 25. Visit polkschoolsfl.com/community/wellness for more information.

  •  No School for Students or Paraeducators – Monday, Oct. 13 (Teacher Staff Development)

  •  The School Board will hold a work session at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

  •  The Family Engagement Conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Mulberry Middle. Visit polktogether.com to learn more and register for this free event.

  •  The School Board will hold a work session at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and a board meeting at 5 p.m.

  •  Early dismissal for students will take place on Friday, Oct. 31.