Tag Archive for: education

Join us this fall semester for our enrichment courses and one-to-one tutoring service.

 
LRC Programs and Services Polk County
 

SAT Prep

What: The Learning Resource Center’s SAT Preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the exam. This course provides: Small classes with highly trained teachers; Problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering SAT; Practice taking SAT tests; Emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the SAT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.*Cost of course includes the SAT book
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Sept. 10-Oct. 3, 2019; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. &

Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The full course will take place on Tuesdays (Math) and Thursdays (Reading) for four weeks as well as one Saturday (Writing).

Cost: $575* for the full course *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: SAT Prep Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

ACT Prep

What: Learning Resource Center’s ACT Preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the ACT. This course provides: small classes with highly trained teachers, problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering ACT questions, practice taking ACT exams, emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the ACT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety. *Cost of course includes the SAT book
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Sept. 23-Oct. 21, 2019; Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. &

Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The full course will take place on Mondays (Math/Science) and Wednesdays (English/Reading) for four weeks as well as one Saturday (Writing).

Cost: $575* for the full course *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: ACT Prep Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

Study Habits

What: The Learning Resource Center’s Study Habits of Successful Students provides study skills and motivational strategies to prepare students in grades 6-8 to become more effective learners. Students learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies. The course is designed to offer small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students learn and practice these study habits of successful students.
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Oct. 16-Nov. 13, 2019; Mondays, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Cost: $155* *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: Study Habits Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

One-to-One Tutoring

What: LRC’s One-to-One Tutoring Services include:

  • One-to-One instruction with a highly-qualified teacher
  • Multi-Sensory learning strategies geared toward individual learning styles
  • Improvement of student’s academic achievement
  • Enhancement of student’s self-esteem to improve school success
  • Flexible schedules and locations
  • Wide variety of subjects & exams

Where: Throughout Polk County
When: Year-round
Cost: Based on the number of hours & gross family income
Register: 1-to-1 Tutoring or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 
 

It may be hard to believe, but the end of summer is nearing. Celebrate the end of the break and prepare for the new school year with our guide of 2019 back-to-school bashes and donation drives in Polk County.
 

 

Upcoming Dates

Tax-free holiday: August 2-6
Student orientation: Thursday, August 8
First day of school for students: Monday, August 12
 

Bashes

Back to School First Friday
When: Friday, August 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Join the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and MidFlorida Credit Union as well as community vendors in celebrating the start of a new school year with school-themed activities. First Friday features free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment on the first Friday of each month.
Contact: info@downtownlakelandfl.com
 
Taco Bus Backpack Giveaway
When: Friday, August 2, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Taco Bus Lakeland, 126 S. Kentucky Blvd., Lakeland
What: Join Taco Bus between 7-10 p.m. for 99 cent tacos and a backpack giveaway! They have over 350+ backpacks in all colors. 1 is available per child who must be present to receive it.
Contact: 863-816-5407
 
2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway
When: Saturday, August 3, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Larry R Jackson Library, 1700 N Florida Ave., Lakeland
What: Class of the Millennium Presents this giveaway event. Kids must be present to recieve a backpack, and first come, first served while supplies lasts.
 
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Join Polk County Parks & Recreation for this free family event featuring free school supplies for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, arts & crafts, prizes, educational exhibitors and children activities. Parent and child must be present to receive school supplies.
Contact: 863-298-7898
 
Back to School Bash and Barbecue
When: Saturday, August 3, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Imperial Lakes Keller Williams Office, 5950 Imperial Lakes Boulevard, Mulberry
What: This is a community event offering prizes, raffles, games and plates of barbeque for a $3 donation to help those in need of school supplies and Polk County Schools.
Contact: 863-934-6134
 
Back to School Supplies Giveaway
When: Saturday, August 3, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Frostproof Care Center, 17 South Scenic Hwy
What: Frostproof students may stop into the Frostproof Care Center for free school supplies while supplies last, first come first served.
Contact: 863-635-5555
 
Blast Off Bartow Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Carver Recreation Center, 520 South Idlewood Avenue, Bartow
What: Student attendees Pre-K to 12th grade will be able to leave with free school supplies and information for the upcoming school year. There will be vendors offering food, free haircuts, backpacks, free health screenings, books, free clothes, shoes and more. Please register ahead of time as supplies will be first come, first served.
 
Blast Off Bartow Back to School Fiesta
When: Saturday, August 3, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Lake Alfred Public Library, 245 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred
What: Celebrate with the Lake Alfred Public Library at the Back to School Fiesta, free for all ages. Enjoy face-painting, refreshments, cookie-decorating, music, games, backpack raffle, and a school supply giveaway.
Contact: 863-291-5378
 
End of Summer Back to School Block Party
When: Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Ultimate Dance Center lot, 2980 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
What: Celebrate the end of summer and kick off another fresh school year with Ultimate Dance Center and M&M Backyard Adventures for a free day of fun with food and drink specials by Jade Fox, China 1 and Buddha’s Pub plus shaved ice and ice cream from Tikiz of Polk County and Tampa. They’ll be moonbounces, giant Legos, dancing, a live DJ, games, and more. OPEN to the public.
Contact: 863-644-5275
 
Lake Eva Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Ave., Haines City
What: This free community event is a great opportunity for parents and their children to receive needed school supplies. The bash will include: free backpacks, haircuts and food as well as access to the water park and entertainment. Register in advance online at www.uicpolk.org/events.
Contact: 863-438-2758
 
Mulberry’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Mulberry High School Gym, 1 Panther Place, Mulberry
What: For students who attend Kingsford or Purcell Elementary; This event features free hot dogs, games, snacks and a backpack with school supplies to the first 500 pre-registrants of Kingsford or Purchell Elementary.
Contact: lholstein@cityofmulberry.com
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 3, 10-2 p.m.
Where: RP Funding Center-Jenkins Arena, Lakeland
What: New Beginnings High School is hosting the annual Summer Palooza event so that families and children will have the necessary resources to go back to school. New Beginnings’ Summer Palooza will provide necessities along with guest speakers, entertainment, vendors, door prizes and more.
Contact: Shawna Butler, 863-298-5666
 
Back to School Jam
When: Sunday, August 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven High School
What: Join WiLD 94.1 at this free community event for students of any school featuring food trucks, giveaways, haircuts, performances, and more.
 
Boost Mobile Back to School Event
When: Sunday, August 4, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Boost Mobile, 6840 S Florida Ave, Lakeland
What:Score a new backpack and school supplies for your student at a participating Boost Mobile location during the back-to-school event. There will be music, games and fun for the whole family.
 
Fresh Back to School Event
When: Sunday, August 4, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
What: PUSH’D and For the C.U.L.T.U.R.E presents this back-to-school event with food & drinks, activities, a DJ, and a backpack giveaway.
Contact: fortheculture.iou@gmail.com
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Friday, August 9-Sunday, August 11, 4-7:30 p.m.
Where: Harvest Church Lakeland, 2120 Airport Rd., Lakeland
What: Bring the entire family to this community event featuring giveaways, food, bounce houses and more.
500 backpacks will be given out 4 p.m.
Family Fun and games 4-6 p.m.
Family Kidz Xplosion 6-7:30 p.m.
Giveaways 7:30 p.m.
 
Back to School Community Expo
When: Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Florida Technical College Lakeland Campus, 4715 Florida Avenue S. #4, Lakeland
What: Learn about Florida Technical College’s programs while enjoying live music from Hot 101.5, exhibitors, campus tours, free food, family activities and free backpacks with school supplies kits, while supplies lasts To participate, you must register in person on campus.
 
Back to School Supply Giveaway
When: Saturday, August 10 12-2 p.m.
Where: DUTCH Seafood Takeout, 817 north mass., Lakeland
What: Who’s Who in Business and Dutch Seafood present this event featuring gift card raffles, face painting, a bounce house and seafood special. To donate items for the supply event, drop off items Dutch Seafood or Crystal’s World of Dance (801 N Massachusetts).
Contact: pcwwb.fl@gmail.com, 8636405832
 
Rent King Back 2 School Bash
When: Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Rent King, 2610 US Hwy 92 E, Lakeland, Florida 33801
What: Get back-to-school ready with Rent King where you’ll find back to school deals of the summer, backpack and gift card giveaways, and free food & drinks and activities for the kids.
Contact: 863-802-1928; rentking009@hotmail.com
 
Belk Back-to-School Charity Sale
When: Saturday, August 24, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Belk, 1400 Town Center Dr., Lakeland
What: The Belk Charity Sale is a private sale dedicated to supporting local nonprofits. The Learning Resource Center, as well as other participating charities and schools, will have the opportunity to raise money by selling $5 tickets, and keeping 100% of ticket proceeds. Ticket holders will receive 20% – 70% off of Belk purchases storewide, including special savings on rarely-discounted brands plus $5 off their purchase. The presale takes place August 12-23. Stop into the Learning Resource Center (1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland) to pick up your tickets today!
 

Donation Drives

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.
 
Lakeland: Now at the Learning Resource Center (1628 S. Florida Ave.)
Lakeland: Wednesday, August 7, 7-9 a.m. with Emerge Lakeland at the RP Funding Center (404 W. Lime St.)- Volunteer to organize supply donations
Lakeland: August 7, 7-8:30 a.m. at Hall Communications (404 West Lime St.)
Bartow: Now at the Bartow Chamber (510 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow)
 
 

Thank you for your generosity!


We cannot say enough to express our gratitude for your generosity in helping us reach our GiveWell Matching Campaign goals!
 
Two benevolent funders from GiveWell Community Foundation heard of LRC’s struggle these past months and offered a challenge that consisted of LRC collecting $20,000 by May 31, for a $20,000 match and then collecting $40,000 by October 31 for an additional $20,000 contribution. YOUR selflessness has enabled us to achieve both of these objectives!
 
With your support, LRC is able to continue delivering high-quality educational services to children, adults and families throughout Polk County. Thank you!
 

LRC Approved as Gardiner Provider

We are elated to announce that through our partnership with Step Up For Students, we are now accepting Gardiner scholarship students for remedial or enrichment instruction. Please give us a call at 863-688-9477 during our office hours for additional information.
 

Giving Tuesday

Would you consider hosting a Giving Tuesday Facebook fundraiser? We are searching for interested individuals. It’s simple to set up, and doesn’t require much effort on your behalf. If you are willing, feel free to set one up on your own at fb.com/fund/LRCPolk or reach out to us by replying to this newsletter. We’d be thrilled to walk you through the process.
 
Equally exciting is that Facebook will match all donations made to nonprofits up to $7 million beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 27. Even if you decide not to host a peer-to-peer Facebook fundraiser, you have an opportunity to maximize your support for helping students succeed by donating to LRC through Facebook on Giving Tuesday.
 

Other Ways to Give Back

Amazon Smile

Your purchases can make a difference for students when you shop AmazonSmile and select the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. as your charity. When you holiday shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates.
 

Giving Assistant

By teaming with Giving Assistant, you may shop online, save money AND give to our cause at the same time. Simply visit ow.ly/BTar30mFF9p, sign up and choose the Learning Resource Center of Polk Co. in your settings to give back through your everyday purchases at 3,000+ online retailers.
 

2019 Schedule

ACT Prep (High School)
Jan. 7-Feb. 6, Mon/Wed
 
Study Habits (Middle School)
Feb. 11-March 18, Mon
 
SAT Prep (High School)
Feb. 12-March 7, Tues/Thurs
 
Get REAL! (High School)
Study Habits
Feb. 14-March 14, Thurs.
 
1-to-1 Tutoring
All Ages
Year-round
 

Holiday Hours & Thanksgiving

Please note that we are open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today (Monday, Nov. 19) and Tuesday, Nov. 20. We will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 21-Friday, Nov. 23 and will resume our hours of 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.
 

We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday week and blessed Thanksgiving day!


 
 

Shop, and save on sales tax August 3-5!


 
The 2018 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5.
 
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 be exempt from tax this weekend include:

Clothing:

  • Backpacks & Book Bags
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shorts & skirts
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Uniforms

Supplies:

  • 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 purchase for commercial purposes
  • 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 CLICK HERE.
 

Search #LRCback2school on Facebook and Twitter to find more posts, blogs and information from LRC on back-to-school 2018 in Polk County.

 
 

The Learning Resource Center has been named Polk County’s Best Learning Center of 2017.
 
LRC learned of this distinction at The Ledger’s awards ceremony on the evening of September 21 at the R.P. Funding Center. The top three winners of each category were first revealed leading up to the announcement of overall winners.
 
The Ledger created The Best of the Best awards in 2016. Adding new categories including the Learning Center/Tutor category, the 2017 contest gave the public the opportunity to vote for their favorites in 149 categories during two installments. In the first round, individuals were able to submit their nomination daily in any or all of the 149 categories, which ranged from education and dining to shopping and services (among others). The second round began in mid July and allowed voters the chance to select one of the top five nominations in each category daily over two weeks. More than 450,000 votes were cast throughout the competition. Succeeding the two rounds, The Ledger revealed the best local business winners during a banquet in late September. The winners were also published in the newspaper following the ceremony.
 

 
About LRC
The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. is a nonprofit, United Way educational provider. LRC has a proud 42-year history of offering high-quality academic programs to help students maximize their learning potential. For more information, please visit LRC online at LRCPolk.com or call 863.688.9477.

Serving Young Learners In Polk

Nine county-wide campsites were vibrant learning environments for a record number of rising or struggling kindergartners. Camp READY! 2017 took place at sites in Frostproof, Fort Meade, Lake Wales, Bartow, Haines City, Lakeland and Winter Haven throughout June and July. This successful four-week camp helped to prepare rising and repeating kindergartners for academic success this coming school year.
LRC Camp Ready Kindergarten readiness
 
Campers demonstrated learning gains averaging four to five months with some scores indicating one year or more of growth in expressive or receptive vocabulary, huge increases for five year-old children. Other successes were demonstrated in listening, attending and focusing, following directions, and social skills.
 
Eight camps were underwritten with United Way monies, and one camp was funded by a Givewell Community Foundation donor.
 
 

Begin the new school year on the path to success with the Learning Resource Center’s fall enrichment programs and services.

 
LRC Programs and Services Polk County

SAT Prep

The Learning Resource Center’s SAT® Preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the exam.
The full course will take place on Tuesdays (Math) and Thursdays (Reading) for four weeks as well as one Saturday (Writing).
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: September 5-28, 2017; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. &
Saturday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: $440* for the full course *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: SAT Prep Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

ACT Prep

Learning Resource Center’s ACT Preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the ACT. This course provides: small classes with highly trained teachers, problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering ACT questions, practice taking ACT exams, emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the ACT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety. The full course will take place on Mondays (Math/Science) and Wednesdays (English/Reading) for four weeks as well as one Saturday (Writing).
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Sept. 25-Oct. 25, 2017; Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. &
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: $440* for the full course *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: ACT Prep Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

Study Habits

The Learning Resource Center’s Study Habits of Successful Students provides study skills and motivational strategies to prepare students in grades 6-8 to become more effective learners. Students learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies. The course is designed to offer small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students learn and practice these study habits of successful students.
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Sept. 25-Oct. 30, 2017; Mondays, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Cost: $145*, *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: Study Habits Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

College Success Planning

Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning provides study skills and motivational strategies to prepare students in grades 9-12 to become more effective learners. Students learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies, as well as concrete techniques to get the competitive edge necessary for high school and college. The course offers small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students learn and practice these study habits of successful students.
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
When: Nov. 6-Dec. 11, 2017; Mondays, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Cost: $145*, *Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
Register: College Success Planning Courses or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 

One-to-One Tutoring

LRC’s One-to-One Tutoring Services include:

  • One-to-One instruction with a highly-qualified teacher
  • Multi-Sensory learning strategies geared toward individual learning styles
  • Improvement of student’s academic achievement
  • Enhancement of student’s self-esteem to improve school success
  • Flexible schedules and locations
  • Wide variety of subjects & exams

Where: Throughout Polk County
When: Year-round
Cost: Based on the number of hours & gross family income
Register: 1-to-1 Tutoring or call 863-688-9477 during office hours
 
 

It’s almost school time again!
Find 2017 back-to-school bashes, health fairs and donation drives in Polk County below.
 
Back to School Freepik
Graphic: Freepik
 

Upcoming Dates

Student orientation: Tuesday, August 8
First day of school for students: Thursday, August 10
 
Tax-free holiday: August 4-6
 

Bashes

Back 2 School Bash
When: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Oakland Gymnasium, 915 Ave. E, Haines City
What: Stop by this back-to-school event featuring speakers and a guest appearance by Smart Mouth’s Jason Alexander as well as free haircuts, backpacks and food.
Contact: Unity in the Community Central Florida, Dr. Charles Anderson, 863-438-2758, canderson@trinityicc.com
 
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Join Polk County Parks & Recreation for this free family event featuring free school supplies for children entering kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors and children activities.
Contact: 863-298-7898, borisrodriguez@polk-county.net
 
Life Church Backpack Outreach
When: Saturday, July 29, 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
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m.-1 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 morning.
Contact: Alicia Brown, 863-298-5666
 
Back to School First Friday
When: Friday, August 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Join the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, MidFlorida & Southeastern University as well as community vendors in celebrating the start of a new school year with school-themed activities. First Friday features free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment on the first Friday of each month.
Contact: info@downtownlakelandfl.com
 
Back to School Bash- Clothing Kids in Our Community
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Auburndale Community Gym, 405 Bennett Street, Auburndale
What: Stop by for free basic back-to-school haircuts, a one-week food supply giveaway, a dunk tank, games, bounce houses and more!
 
Back to School Block Party
When: Saturday, August 5, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Spence Park, NE 1st St., Mulberry
What: This event is sponsored by Mulberry’s local churches and hosted by the City of Mulberry. Enjoy free food, a basketball tournament, a corn hole tournament, live music, inflatables and more. Backpacks will be distributed at 4pm for those who have pre-registered at the Mulberry Community Center. Stick around for the night swim happening at the Mulberry Community Pool directly after.
Contact: 863-393-8166
 
IMB Back to School – Color Your Life
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Iglesia Manatialde Benndicion, 704 McLeod Ave., Haines City
What: This event will feature face painting, crafts, games, music, a girls beauty workshop, snacks, free backpacks (first come, first serve and must be present), special guest Marilita and more.
Contact: 863-422-3106
 
Lake Alfred Library Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Lake Alfred Public Library, 245 Seminole Drive, Lake Alfred
What: Get ready for school with the Lake Alfred Library. Win some school supplies, have dinner and get raffle tickets.
Contact: 863-291-5378
 
New Horizon’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: New Horizons Church Baptist Church, 11930 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
What: Stop by to meet local law enforcement, the Fire Marshal, FHP, etc. as well as to enjoy music, bounce houses, food, games and receive free school supplies.
Contact: 863-858-5865
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: RP Funding Center: George Jenkins Arena, 701 Lime Street, Lakeland
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
 
City of Winter Haven’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 12, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreation and Culture Center Pool, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: School is in session, and we are making a big splash about it. Join the City of Winter Haven for a free family event for school-age children (6-17) for a day of games, food, music and bounce houses at the Winter Haven Recreation and Culture Center Pool.
Contact: 863-291-5656, specialevents@mywinterhaven.com
 
Free Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 19, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Eagle Ridge Mall, 451 Eagle Ridge Dr., Lake Wales
What: Join the Eagle Ridge Mall for free family fun and great giveaways, including school supplies and gift cards.
Contact: 863-676-2300
 

Health Fairs

Back To School Health Fair
When: Saturday, July 29, 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. Don’t miss this free Back-to-School Health Fair combining health and safety education with fun for the whole family including:
– 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
 

Donation Drives

 
Back to School Clothing Drive
When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Top Buttons Upscale Boutique, 236 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
What:All donated clothes will benefit the girls we serve in our Wearing Confidence Program. Clothes can be dropped off either at the Top Buttons Boutique or Viva Vitality.
Some items we would suggest for girls ages 11-18 are:

  • Solid color crew neck shirts
  • White/navy/red polo shirts
  • Khaki/navy pants, skirts, and shorts
  • Denim pants and shorts
  • Belts
  • Solid color zip-up hoodies
  • New white socks
  • Sneakers or close-toed shoes

Contact: 863-450-4060
 
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.
 
Lakeland: Through Sunday, July 30 at Victory Church (1401 Griffin Rd.)
Lakeland: LkldTV Through end of July their office
Lakeland: Through August 2 at the Wednesday, Lakeland Chamber (35 Lake Morton Drive)
Lakeland: August 2, 7-8:30 a.m., Hall Communications (404 West Lime Street)
Bartow: Through Friday, August 18 at the Bartow Chamber
 
 

We are thrilled to announce that thanks to you and your daily votes last month, the Learning Resource Center has made it to the final round of The Ledger’s 2017 Best of Best Polk contest. Will you help us earn the title of Polk County’s Best Learning & Tutoring Center?
 

 
To do so, please vote for LRC daily through Sunday, July 30 under the Kids & Education: Learning Center/Tutor category at TheLedger.com/Contests. The second round of voting began Sunday, July 16, which means we are already days into this final round.
 
Another way to help is by spreading the word to friends, family and co-workers by email, social media, word of mouth, phone and/or any other ways you can think of. We appreciate any help you can lend.
 
This voting phase will be used to select the community’s top 3 favorite businesses in 150 categories in Polk County. The winner and finalists in each category will be announced in a special “Best of the Best” section that The Ledger will publish on Friday, September 22.
 
That’s not all! When you vote in 25 or more categories, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card from The Ledger Media Group.
 
When you vote for LRC, you’re helping us to potentially reach more students and you could win $500. It’s a win-win!
 
Thanks again for your support and helping us get to this stage of the competition. Thanks in advance for your assistance in this final phase!
 

VOTE HERE

The Ledger Best of Best Polk Vote Win 500
 
 

POLK COUNTY 2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Curious about Polk County Public School dates such as the first and last days, student holidays and early release days? Interested in finding out assessment dates for the 2017-2018 school year? Scroll down to find a list of significant calendar dates affecting your PCSB student.
freepik back to school calendar
Graphic by Freepik
 

2017

August 10 First day of school
September 4 School Holiday- Labor Day
September 13 EARLY RELEASE DAY
September 18 Student Holiday
October 16 Student Holiday
November 10 School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 20-24 School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 22-January 3 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2018

January 4 First day back after Winter Break
January 15 School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
February 19 School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 26-30 School Holiday – Spring Break
May 24 Last day of school

 
Please note that Oct. 11, 2017, Nov. 15, 2017, Jan. 24, 2018, Feb. 7, 2018, March 14, 2018 and May 16, 2018 were originally Early Release Days. Due to Hurricane Irma, these days are now regular full days.
 
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.
 
 

2017-2018 Assessment Schedule

 

[table]
Date, Assessment, ,
September 18-October 6, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry
September 18-October 20, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
November 27-December 15, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
March 1-9, FSA ELA Writing
April 9-May 11, FSA ELA Reading
April 16-May 11, FSA Math
April 16-May 11, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
April 30-May 4, NGSSS Science (5th & 8th)
July 17-21, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry, 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.