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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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LRC Rolls Out Summer 2016 Programs for All Grades

The Learning Resource Center is offering summer enrichment programs for the 2016 season for kindergarten through high school grade levels. Scroll down to find the level you’re seeking below.
 
MAKES (1)

Kindergarten


Rising and repeating kindergartners can gain the skills necessary for school at LRC’s
Camp READY! featuring multi-sensory learning experiences in a fun, engaging format at ten locations throughout Polk County. On average, Camp READY! students who attend the full program demonstrate learning gains of seven months in vocabulary development. Camp READY! dates are June 13-July 29, 2016. Each camp will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for four weeks except for Poinciana and Ft. Meade camps, which will take place Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Dates vary by location. The cost is $25 for the entire month.
 

Elementary


Students entering 1st- 5th grade are invited to PEP Summer Camps in Winter Haven. A collaboration between LRC, Polk County Public Schools and the Winter Haven Public Education Partnership, this enrichment program will offer students three week-long camps at the PEP Center or Inwood Elementary. Camps will focus on science, sports and art & music with math and reading components and will take place from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday on June 13-30, 2016. The cost is $25 per week.
 
Students who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to attend Super Summer Success, an enrichment program that helps students maintain their mental momentum through the summer with a fun and active approach to reading, writing and math. Super Summer Success will take place June 20-July 14, 2016 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at South McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The full cost is $395.
 

Middle School


Middle school students may consider Study Habits of Successful Students for motivational strategies and study techniques to become a more effective learner. Lessons will include: Get Motivated, Listen Up and Take Notes, Set Goals to Achieve, Read Actively, Manage Your Time, Become Test-Wise. This study skills course will take place July 11-15 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost is $145.
 

High School


High school students can “get the competitive edge” with College Success Planning. Students enrolled in this course will learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies, as well as concrete techniques to gain the competitive edge necessary for high school and college. College Success Planning will take place July 11-15 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost is $145.
 
High School students will benefit from LRC’s ACT and SAT summer test preparation courses. Preparation courses are designed to build confident, successful students, helping them achieve their best possible score through problem-solving strategies tailored towards each test. The ACT Summer Preparation Course will take place July 18-22, 2016 at the Learning Resource Center, while the SAT Summer Preparation Course will take place July 25-29, 2016 at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost of each full course is $440.
 

Scholarships & Registration


Scholarships for any of these programs are available to families with a documented financial need. Please do not hesitate to enroll in any of the courses, as many of them are small-group settings and fill up quickly. To register, please click on the program link above or call 863-688-9477.
 
 

Related Posts:

Now Enrolling: Elementary Summer Programs
Get Ready at Camp READY!
Now Enrolling: Camp READY! Summer 2016
 

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Now Enrolling: Camp READY! Summer 2016

Camp READY! dates are set for Summer 2016.
 
If you have a rising or repeating kindergartner, make sure they’re prepared for academic success by enrolling them in the Learning Resource Center’s annual kindergarten-readiness program. On average, Camp READY! students have shown growth of seven months from pre- to post-assessment in just four weeks.
 
Learning Resource Center summer Camp READY!
Through hands-on, experiential learning centers lead by qualified teachers, students will experience learning that is fun!
 
With art, music and movement, cooking, and reading-readiness centers, Camp READY! builds pre-reading skills while also providing a safety net to allow children more time to continue motor, social and cognitive development. Teachers will engage students in themed rich language-laden lessons, while also providing learning opportunities for parent involvement at camp and at home.
 
The program is designed for students entering or repeating kindergarten in August 2016.
 
This year, Camp READY! is scheduled to take place at ten campsites throughout Polk County. Each camp will last a total of four weeks, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (with the exception of Poinciana & Ft. Meade) Dates vary by camp. (See below)
 
The cost of camp is $25 for the month and includes a shirt. If this fee causes a financial hardship, please call LRC at 863-688-9477 to discuss scholarship options.
 
To register your child before spots are filled, please visit lrcpolk.com/programs/camp-ready or call LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
 

Camp Locations and dates:


 

 
 

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UWCF CIT Visits Provide LRC Opportunities

A site visit is worth a thousand written words.
 

Meat trays filled with colored sand offer many multi-sensory activities to teach skills, concepts, and vocabulary.

Meat trays filled with colored sand offer many multi-sensory activities to teach skills, concepts, and vocabulary.


LRC had the privilege and honor to host two of United Way of Central Florida’s Community Investment Teams on Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13. These 14 volunteers are charged with deciding allocations for LRC in 2016-2017. LRC Staff engaged the guests in interactive learning centers to inform and emphasize need, application, and impact of two UWCF funded programs—Camp READY! and Academic Assistance.
 
A fun center used to inform UWCF CIT visitors about LRC's test prep offerings.

A fun center used to inform UWCF CIT visitors about LRC’s test prep offerings.


Thank you to UWCF CIT as well as the LRC board members who showed up to cheer on and support—
Joyce Barclay, Lisa Burton, Mike Carter, Tamme Goble, Dr. Sandy Hightower, Morgan Holmes, Dick Pelligrini, Becky Troutman, and Jean Bunch (LRC Advisory Board).
 
 

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Seeking Volunteers with a Passion for Education

Did you know that the Learning Resource Center offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year, annually?
 
We’re looking for people with a will to help, an interest in education, good customer services skills, and the ability to support our vision of providing high quality, customized academic opportunities to help students reach their maximum learning potential.
 
If you match these qualifications and are seeking community service hours, looking to assist local students or desiring for a meaningful way to make use of spare time, then please don’t hesitate to contact us about the opportunities below!
pep volunteers

LRC opportunities include:

  • PEP Center After-School Assistant (takes place Monday-Thursday in Winter Haven)
  • PEP Inwood After-School Assistant (takes place Monday-Thursday in Winter Haven)
  • Summer Program Assistant (May through August throughout Polk)
  • Office Assistant
  • Tutor (paid positions also available)
  • Spanish Translator
  • Special Event Assistant (December through February; PigFest and For the Love…of Learning fundraiser)
  • Community Outreach

 
We will soon be in need of many summer volunteers to assist with Camp READY!, our kindergarten-readiness program. Last year, the camp took place at nine sites throughout Polk during June through August. Each site’s camp will last four weeks. While we are still working on the specifics of each site for 2016, we are accepting volunteers.
 
Only have an afternoon or morning available? We can work with that. Regardless, please contact us at RebeccaT@lrcpolk.com to express your interest and receive more information.
 
We look forwarding to working with you and guarantee it’ll be a rewarding experience!
 
 
Related Posts:
 

Winter Haven PEP Center Seeks Volunteers to Assist Elementary Students

 
 

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Winter Haven’s Newest School is Accepting Enrollment Applications

Winter Haven’s newest public school opens enrollment for 2016 as construction of their facility begins downtown.
Cypress Junction Montessori logo
 
Montessori classrooms are filled with diverse groups of engaged students working and learning according to their individual interests and abilities. Soon, you’ll be able to see these multi-age classrooms in action in downtown Winter Haven. Cypress Junction Montessori, a new public charter school, will open in August for the 2016-2017 school year with students ages three through sixth grade. The school will add seventh grade in 2017 and eighth grade in 2018.
 
The open enrollment period for Cypress Junction Montessori began on February 19 and will remain open through March 18. The application is simple, takes less than 10 minutes and can be found at CypressJunction.org/Apply.
 
The charter school’s enrollment will be determined through a random lottery process, just like those used at many other area magnet and charter schools. Families will be notified of the lottery results during the first week of April.
 
Open enrollment is also taking place for students who will enter kindergarten in 2017 or 2018. This would be children born between 9/2/2011 and 9/1/2013. The deadline for these application is also March 18, with notification letters going out the first week of April. Students selected in the random lottery for these future Kindergarten classes will be offered a spot in the three- and four-year-old preschool program that is part of the primary classroom, but they are not required to attend the preschool program to reserve their seat in their kindergarten class.
 
The early lotteries are being conducted because the Montessori Method starts at three years old within the primary classroom made up of three- to-six-year old students. Learning that takes place during these years comes spontaneously without effort, leading children to enter the elementary classes with a clear, concrete sense of many abstract concepts. The early years in the Montessori experience often nurtures a joy of learning that prepares children for further challenges. While students can be successful entering the program at any age, research shows this process works best when children enter a Montessori program at age three or four as part of a mixed-age classroom, so CJM is proud to offer the opportunity to begin in the Montessori environment as early as age three.
 
At any age, Montessori helps children to become self-motivated, self-disciplined and to retain the sense of curiosity that so many children lose along the way in traditional classrooms. Montessori students are able to work at their own pace and ability, and they tend to act with care and respect toward their environment and each other.
 
As students continue on toward middle school, work becomes increasingly more independent, student-driven and project-based. The Montessori middle school program focuses on helping students actively engage in and question the world around them. Guided by questions,“How do we know?,” “Why does this happen?” and, ultimately, “Why is this significant?,” the students investigate and critically examine concepts and ideas through on-going interactive experiences and discussions in which the emphasis is placed on quality and depth of thought, mastery, imagination, passion and adaptability. By providing students with educational experiences that foster intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, physical and social growth, the Montessori middle school program seeks to instill resourcefulness, a sense of social responsibility and a lifelong love of the acquisition of knowledge and its responsible application in this world. In this environment, it is safe to risk opinions and consider vast, unfamiliar points of view. Montessori students who transition to traditional high schools typically become leaders among their peers and perform well both academically and socially.
 
Cypress Junction Montessori will be located in downtown Winter Haven at 201 Ave. B SW as the sole occupant of a newly renovated and expanded campus. The current building will be renovated and expanded to approximately 13,000 square feet of classroom, administration and other educational spaces.
 
The new location partially inspired the name for the charter school: Cypress Junction Montessori. Efforts to find a name that tied into the history and culture of Winter Haven led to the cypress tree, an ancient and steady tree that has long been an icon in our community. The downtown location, on a piece of land where the original railroad ran through Winter Haven, inspired “Junction.” Cypress Junction Montessori looks forward to bringing students and staff from all areas of our community together and fostering a love of learning using the Montessori Method right in the heart of Winter Haven.
 
Families can find out more about Cypress Junction Montessori at CypressJunction.org or by following the school’s Facebook page which is updated regularly. Any questions can be directed to info@cypressjunction.org.
 

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LRC Students Received 1,152 Hours of Tutoring in December

In the month of December, Learning Resource Center students received 1,152 hours of tutoring, bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 5,686 hours (please note that the YTD total starts over in July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of December equaled 348 students.
 
December 2015 Tutoring Hours Infographic
 
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:
May 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report
November 2015 Tutoring Report

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2016 ACT & SAT Dates- All In One Place

Make sure you’re prepared for the ACT and/or SAT. We’ve listed the 2016 dates and deadlines all in one place to make it easier. Scroll below to find the test date that works best for you.
 
Click here for 2017 ACT & SAT Dates
 

ACT

[table]
Test Date,Registration Deadline,Late Fee Required
February 6,January 8,January 9-15
April 9,March 4,March 5-18
June 11,May 6,May 7-20
September 10,August 5,August 6-19
October 22,September 16,September 17-30
December 10,November 4,November 5-18
[/table]
Make sure you’re prepared for the exam you choose with ACT Preparation.
ACTstudent.org
 

SAT

[table]
Test Date,Registration Deadline, Late Mail Deadline, Late Phone/Online Deadline
January 23,December 28,January 12, January 12
March 5,February 5,February 19,February 23
May 7,April 8,April 22,April 26
June 4,May 5 (mail) May 11 (phone/online),May 20, May 25
October 1,September 1,September 13,September 20
November 5,October 7,October 18,October 25
December 3,November 3,November 15,November 20
January 21, December 21,January 3, January 10
[/table]
Ensure that you’re ready to take the exam of your choice with SAT Preparation.
 
Find out what to expect with the new SAT, which begins March 5, 2016.
SAT.collegeboard.org

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LRC Students Received 1,384 Hours of Tutoring in November

In the month of November, Learning Resource Center students received 1,384 hours of tutoring, bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 4,534 hours (please note that the YTD total starts over in July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of November equaled 342 students.
 
November 2015 Tutoring Hours Infographic
 
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:
May 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report

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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.
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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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