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LRC Students Received 597 Hours of Tutoring in July

In the month of July, Learning Resource Center students received 597 hours of tutoring, starting the Year-To-Date Total at 597 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of July equaled 124 students.
 
July 2016 tutoring hours snip
 
Thanks to all of our tutors and students for your time, efforts, and hard work. It’s paying off!
 
If you’re interested in participating in One-to-One Tutoring, please visit LRCPolk.com/programs/one-to-one-tutoring.
 
 
Related Posts:
June 2016 Tutoring Report
April 2016 Tutoring Report
March 2016 Tutoring Report
December 2015 Tutoring Report
November 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
May 2015 Tutoring Report

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Excel with LRC’s Fall Enrichment Programs

Each school year brings both challenges and opportunities to many students. The Learning Resource Center of Polk County will offer fall enrichment programs for all grade levels to help combat these challenges while creating opportunities.
fall programs graphic

Test Prep


High school students will have the opportunity to become test-wise with SAT and ACT preparation. Both courses will provide students in grades 9-12 the problem-solving strategies, test-specific techniques and motivation needed to build confidence while reducing test anxiety, allowing them to achieve their best possible score.
 
SAT Prep is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays with three courses this semester: September 6-29, 2016; October 4-27, 2016 and November 1-December 1, 2016.
 
ACT Prep is scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays with two courses this semester: September 26-October 19, 2016 and October 24-November 16, 2016.
 
Each will take place from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. for four weeks at the Learning Resource Center and will include one Saturday writing session from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The cost of the full SAT Prep or ACT Prep course is $440.
 

Study Skills


Both high school and middle school students will have the opportunity to join grade-appropriate study skills courses that will provide motivational strategies and study techniques, enabling them to become more effective learners. Study Habits of Successful Students for grades 6-8 will take place on Mondays during September 26-October 24, 2016, while Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning for grades 9-12 will take place on Mondays during October 31-December 5, 2016. Both courses will are scheduled for five weeks from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost for each is $145.
 

One-to-One Tutoring


In addition to the programs mentioned, LRC offers year-round one-to-one tutoring throughout Polk County for students of all levels. Highly-qualified teachers will provide each student with customized, academic opportunities designed to meet the student’s individual learning style.
 

Financial Assistance


Thanks to United Way of Central Florida, LRC is able to offer a sliding fee scale. Scholarships are available for families with documented financial need for any of these programs. For questions, please call the Learning Resource Center at 863-688-9477. To enroll in any of these courses, click the program link above or call LRC.
 

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LRC Goes to Collegiate High School

LRC offered ACT Prep and College & Career Planning to COL students


collegiate high school act course august 2016
collegiate high school act course august 2016-2
Two views of Dr. Jenny Reed’s ACT Prep class at Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School.
 
Among the students returning to Polk County School classrooms, over 200 high school juniors and seniors entered classrooms taught by Learning Resource Center instructors. LRC faculty taught classes in ACT Preparation and College & Career Planning at Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School.
 
COL is a public school chartered by Polk State College on its Winter Haven campus, and its students are enrolled in both high school and college classes. Since PSC faculty does not return until next week, LRC was invited to run mini-courses, offering enrichment not often an option in the regular schedule.
 
Principal Bridget Fetter utilized a mismatch in scheduling to provide a propitious opportunity for students to improve their critical test-taking skills and to take time to explore education goals and career paths.
 

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Polk 2016-2017 Schools Dates to Remember

POLK COUNTY 2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Calendar-Template

2016

August 15 First day of school
September 5 School Holiday- Labor Day
September 14 EARLY RELEASE DAY
September 19 Student Holiday
October 5 EARLY RELEASE DAY
October 17 Student Holiday
November 11 School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 16 EARLY RELEASE DAY
November 21-25 School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 19-January 2 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2017

January 3 First day back after winter holiday
January 13 Student Holiday
January 16 School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
January 25 EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 15 EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 20 School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 15 EARLY RELEASE DAY
March 20-24 School Holiday – Spring Break
April 14 Mini Break
May 17 EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 29 School Holiday – Memorial Day
June 2 Last day of school

 
For more information on the school calendar, upcoming events or Polk school information, please visit the Polk County Public Schools website where we obtained this information.
 
 

2016-2017 Assessment Schedule

 

[table]
Date, Assessment, ,
August 15-September 27, FLKRS (Kindergarten)
September 12-23, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
November 28-December 15, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
February 27-May 12, FSA ELA Writing; Reading; Mathematics
April 17-May 12, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2
April 17-May 19, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
May 2, NGSSS Science (5th & 8th)
July 17-21, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
[/table]
Click for more Polk County testing information.
 

If you feel that your child needs help preparing for these assessments, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up One-to-One Tutoring.

 

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LRC Students Received 722 Hours of Tutoring in June

In the month of June, Learning Resource Center students received 722 hours of tutoring, bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 14,369 hours(please note that the YTD total starts over in July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of June equaled 178 students.
 
June 2016 Tutoring
 
Thanks to all of our tutors and students for your time, efforts, and hard work. It’s paying off!
 
If you’re interested in participating in One-to-One Tutoring, please visit LRCPolk.com/programs/one-to-one-tutoring.
 
 
Related Posts:
March 2016 Tutoring Report
December 2015 Tutoring Report
November 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
May 2015 Tutoring Report

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LRC Programs Sizzle

The Learning Resource Center’s Summer 2016 opened with a bang! Here is just a snapshot of the programs, in addition to LRC’s regular Exceptional Student Education and one-to-one tutoring.
 

Camp READY!

Ten camps located throughout Polk County–Frostproof, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Lake Wales (2), Haines City, Poinciana, North Lakeland, South Lakeland, Winter Haven—offered engaging activities for over 300 students to prepare for Kindergarten. Nine camps were funded by United Way of Central Florida, and one camp was underwritten by a GiveWell Foundation donor.
Camp Ready Winter Haven parent program
 

PEP Summer Camps

Polk County Schools provided Title 1 funds for three weeks of destination camps at PEP Education Center and Inwood Elementary School in Winter Haven. Sixty 1st-5th grade students participated in hands-on science, health, and music experiences which focused on strengthening reading and math skills.
 

LRC Elementary Summer Success

McKeel Academy South was the summer site for 23 elementary students working to increase proficiency in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and basic math concepts.
 

Galindo Tennis Academy

Once again this summer, four international high school tennis athletes supplemented their tennis workouts with English Language and Reading instruction on the FSC campus.
 

Sheriffs’ Girls Villa Summer Programs

Residents of the Villa have access to Study Skills and Test Preparation.
 

Test Prep

Twelve students attended LRC’s ACT and SAT Preparation Course to get ready for their college entrance exams in the upcoming school year. Twenty students enrolled in LRC’s GRE Prep Course hosted by Florida Southern College.
 

Study Skills for Successful Students

Ten students (elementary, middle school and high school students) acquired those skills necessary for academic and real life success.
 

College Reach Out Program (CROP)

Thirty students visited the University of Central Florida at the end of the July to tour the campus and experience a college environment.
 
 

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2016 Back-to-School Bashes, Events and Donation Drives

It’s back-to-school time! Scroll down to find details on the first day of school and the 2016 sales tax holiday as well as local events, health fairs and donation drives.

back to school freepik

Graphic: Freepik.com

Student orientation: Thursday, August 11
First day of school for students: Monday, August 15
 
Tax-free holiday: August 5-7
 

Bashes

Back to School Bash
When: Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Back to School Bash is a free family event. Families will get to enjoy free school supplies for children kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors, and children activities. This event will help children start the school year off on the right foot.
Contact: 863-298-7898
 
Back to School 2016 Community Bash
When: Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: The “Circle of Love Project” (comprised of local churches, businesses and the City) will provide back to school supplies for Winter Haven area children. Supplies and book bags geared towards grades K – 8, will be distributed to children in need with educational, financial and health vendors on site. Everything will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. An adult and child(ren) must be present to attain a ticket for the free book bag and school supplies. There will also be bounce houses, free food, music and swimming from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 5 – 17.
Contact: Tory Dewdney, 863-291-5675.
 
Life Church Backpack Outreach
When: Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 581 Berkley Rd. Auburndale, FL 33823
What: Auburndale’s Life Church will hold a giving for over 700 free school backpacks filled with school supplies for needy families.
Contact: Dawn Simmons, 863-967-5433
 
First Friday Downtown Lakeland
When: Friday, August 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Free, family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Augusts’ event theme is Back-to-School sponsored in part by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Contact:863-510-9723
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
What: To introduce New Beginnings High School to the Lakeland community, the school is hosting Summer Palooza so that families and children will have the necessary resources to go back to school. New Beginnings’ Summer Palooza will provide necessities along with educational guest speakers, a warm meal, and entertainment throughout the day.
Contact:
 
Back to School: Movie at the Pool
When: Saturday, August 13, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: 1100 NE 1st St, Mulberry, FL 33860
What: Enjoy a showing of “Finding Nemo” while swimming in Mulberry’s own Community Pool. Admission is free, however guests must be residents of the City of Mulberry. Children under the age of 15 years must have a valid Pool ID.
Contact:City of Mulberry, 863-425-1125
 
Fifth Annual Community Back to School Family Fun Day
When: Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Westwood Park, 1151 36th Street NW, Winter Haven
What: This free event is aimed at preparing family in the community for the new school year by providing free health screenings, health information, child safety information and more. There will be a backpack giveaway with school supplies for school-age children. There will be also be fun activities and entertainment for kids including games and a petting zoo.
Contact: 863-875-7933 or info@heart2heartcommunity.org
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Lakeland Center: George Jenkins Arena
What: Bring the entire family to this free community event featuring giveaways, free backpacks, free haircuts, a health fair, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and more.
Contact: Harvest Assembly of God: 863-682-7000. The Lakeland Center: 863-834-8100
 

Just outside of Polk:

 
Whole Foods Market Florida Back to School Lunch Giveaway!
When: Sunday, August 7 & August 14, 12 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market
What: Whole Foods Market Back to School Lunch Giveaway- Get a complimentary lunch without any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives for your child (12 and under) for the first day of school.
Sunday, August 7: Tampa; Sunday, August 14: Orlando
Contact: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list
 

Health Fairs

Back to School Health Fair
When: July 29-August 6 (see dates & sites below)
Where: Central Florida Health Care: Throughout Polk County
What: A Central Florida Health Care back to school health clinic featuring CFHC school supplies and backpacks also.
Contact: 863-425-6200

Dates, Times & Sites:

  • Friday, July 29, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Avon Park, 950 CR-17A W
  • Saturday, July 30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Lakeland, 1129 N Missouri Ave
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Winter Haven, 201 Magnolia Ave. SW
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Dundee, 1023 Dundee Rd

 
Back To School Health Fair
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Highway 27, Davenport
What: Good health is the best back-to-school supply your child can have. So don’t miss our free Back-to-School Health Fair that combines health and safety education with fun for the whole family!

  • Safety presentations by police and EMS
  • Health presentations by local pediatricians and physicians
  • Back-to-school screenings and discounts
  • Fun Zone with free crafts, face painting and activities
  • Free school supplies
  • Teddy Bear Clinic
  • Drawings for tickets to special events, while supplies last

Contact: 866-997-DOCS
 
Back- to-School Shots
Department of Health in Polk clinics

  • Auburndale, 1805 Hobbs Road, 863-965-5400
  • Haines City, 1700 Baker Ave. E., 863-421-3204
  • Lake Wales, 835 W. Central Ave., 863-678-4144
  • Lakeland, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd., 863-413-2620

– The Bartow clinic does not provide childhood immunizations.
– Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are accepted.
– All but the Auburndale clinic are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. At Auburndale, the immunization clinic hours vary by day.
 

Donation Drives

Gator Encounters & Donation Drive
When: Friday, July 29, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Where: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
What: Mulberry Phosphate Museum will host two family-friendly close encounters with Florida’s wildlife and Tim Williams as a way to gain school supply donations. Reserve your place at mulberryphosphatemuseum.org. For admission, please bring two school supply items to donate.
Contact: 863-425-2823
 
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. In addition to the traditional school supplies that are needed such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue and erasers, you may also donate copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes.
 
– Bartow: Through Friday, August 19
– Lakeland:Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Walmart (US Hwy 98 N)
– Lakeland: Wednesday, August 10 at Hall Communications
– Winter Haven: Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd.)
 
 

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Shop Back-to-School with a Tax-Free Weekend on August 5-7

Shop and save!

The 2016 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 5 at 12:01 a.m. and running through Sunday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Different from last year, this year’s tax-free rules apply to clothing, footwear and certain accessories that cost $60 or less per item and school supplies that costs $15 or less per item.
 
Examples of items that will apply to the tax-free holiday are:

Clothing:

  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Hair accessories
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shorts & skirts
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Scarves
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Uniforms
  • Wallets

Supplies:

  • Backpacks
  • Binders
  • Calculators
  • Folders
  • Markers, crayons & colored pencils
  • Notebook paper
  • Poster board
  • Pens & pencils

 
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the holiday will NOT apply to the following:

  • Any item of clothing selling for more than $60
  • Any school supply item selling for more than $15
  • Books that are not otherwise exempt
  • Personal computers and computer-related accessories
  • Rentals or leases of any of these items
  • Repairs or alterations of any of these items
  • Sales of clothing or school supplies in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

 
For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, please visit dor.myflorida.com.
 
 

Related Posts:

 
Get your back-to-school items during the 10-day tax holiday (2015)
 
 

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Summer Learning Tips for Parents

It has been shown that children can lose up to two months of essential math and reading skills during the summer months. At the Learning Resource Center, we offer quality summer learning opportunities so that students won’t lose the skills he or she worked hard at in school and to help #KeepKidsLearning.
 
If your child isn’t part of one of our summer programs, or even if they are, check out these 10 tips for parents to help keep your child’s mind active while school is out provided by the National Summer Learning Association.
 

10 Summer Learning Tips for Parents

 
Click the image for a larger view.
summer learning tips for parents
 
1. Read. Read. Read.
2. Have fun with numbers.
3.Turn off the TV! Turn off the screens!
4. Make art!
5. Experiment! Do science!
6. Eat smart. Eat healthy.
7. Get outside.
8. Go to a museum — again and again.
9. Read a poem.
10. Go to sleep.
 
 
Which strategies are already part of your child’s summer, and which do you plan to implement?
 

Related Posts:
Summer learning ideas for home
Tips to keep tweens and teens learning this summer
Tips to keep kids active and healthy this summer

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Harrison Student wins LRC’s Mike Grady Award

“Desiree is a wonderful young lady. She works extremely hard, is conscientious, polite, appreciative, smart and goal-oriented.” – Lesley Chambers, Director of Student Services for Harrison School of the Arts
Mike Grady Scholarship Winner
 
Selected by the Mike Grady family, Desiree Carosi is the recipient of LRC’s 2016 Mike Grady Scholarship. In her application essay, Desiree told of her move from Italy to Lakeland two years ago, the recent fire that destroyed her home and possessions (including her beloved piano and music). She also told of her struggle with preparing for the tests, which would open or close the gates to her dream of majoring in music at a respected college. Desiree is a student at Harrison School of the Arts.
 
“Desiree was chosen for her inspiration, passion, and perseverance in continuing to pursue her life’s dream despite obstacles. The judges for the scholarship were impressed with her dedication to her education and her contribution to her school and community.” – Jon Brock, son-in-law of Mr. Grady
 

About the Mike Grady Scholarship

 
LRC was fortunate to have a champion in Mike Grady assuming leadership roles during much of the Learning Resource Center’s existence. When Mike Grady passed away in 2004, he left behind a legacy that has inspired LRC to celebrate his commitment to the community with the “Mike Grady Scholarship”. Each year, one student is selected to receive full tuition for the LRC’s comprehensive 23-hour SAT/ACT Preparation Course. The value of this year’s scholarship is $440.
 
LRC considers applicants who are role models within their high school that have clear secondary education goals when awarding the Mike Grady Scholarship.
 
 

Related Articles:

Menelik Graham Wins LRC Scholarship
 

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Address:

1628 Florida Ave S.
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone:

(863) 688-9477

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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Address:

1628 Florida Ave S.
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone:

(863) 688-9477

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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© Copyright – Learning Resource Center | Site Designed by: MaximizeDigital.com