Tag Archive for: Florida education

POLK COUNTY 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Find Polk County Public School dates (first/last days, student holidays, early release days and grading periods) here! Scroll down for a list of significant calendar dates for your PCPS student this school year.
 
Calendar Image from Pixabay
 

First/Last Days, Holidays & Early Release Dates

2020

August 24 (Monday) First day of school
September 7 (Monday) School Holiday- Labor Day
September 23 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
October 21 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
October 23 (Friday) Student Holiday
November 11 (Wednesday) School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 23-27 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 21-January 4 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2021

January 5 (Tuesday) First day back after Winter Break
January 18 (Monday) School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
January 20 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 3 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 15 (Monday) School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 10 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
March 22-26 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Spring Break
April 2 (Friday) School Holiday
April 21 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 19 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 31 (Monday) School Holiday – Memorial Day
June 9 (Wednesday) Last day of school/Early Dismissal

 

Grading periods, Interims & Report Cards

2020

Week of September 21-25 Interim Report
October 22 (Thursday) End of First 9-Week Grading Period
November 12 (Thursday) Report Cards Distributed

 

2021

January 15 (Friday) Last Day of Second Grading Period
February 5 (Friday) Distribute Report Cards
Week of February 22-26 Interim Report
March 19 (Friday) End of Third 9-Week Grading Period
April 14 (Wednesday) Distribute Report Cards
Week of April 26-April 30 Interim Report
June 9 (Wednesday) End of Fourth 9-Week Grading Period

 
 
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.
 
Please contact LRC for your virtual tutoring needs or assistance with your child’s elearning. We can help face-to-face or virtually!
 
 
For online resources, please visit LRC Online Academic Resources.
 

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

 

Click for 2020-2021 dates

POLK COUNTY 2019-2020 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Find Polk County Public School dates (first and last days, student holidays and early release days) here! Scroll down for a list of significant calendar dates for your PCSB student.
 
From Polk County Public Schools:
Coronavirus Information
Schools are closed through May 1. District offices are also closed to the public through May 1. Limited PCPS staff will be present. PCPS Telephone calls will be managed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. School offices are open by appointment only. Please call your school to make an appointment.
Distance learning for students will be underway for all students by Thursday, April 2. Teachers will contact students and parents with more information. Learn more about distance learning at PCPS by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/icp.

 

Photo by Plush Design Studio from Pexels
 

2019

August 12 (Monday) First day of school
September 2 (Monday) School Holiday- Labor Day
September 11 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
September 16 (Monday) Student Holiday
October 14 (Monday) Student Holiday
October 23 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
November 6 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
November 11 (Monday) School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 25-29 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 23-January 3 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2020

January 6 (Monday) First day back after Winter Break
January 15 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
January 20 (Monday) School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
February 5 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 17 (Monday) School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 11 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
March 23-27 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Spring Break
April 10 (Friday) Student Holiday
April 22 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 25 (Monday) School Holiday – Memorial Day
May 28 (Thursday) 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.
 
Please contact LRC for your virtual tutoring needs or assistance with your child’s school packets. We can help virtually!
 
 
For online resources, please visit LRC Online Academic Resources.
 

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

 

POLK COUNTY 2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Find Polk County Public School dates including first and last days, student holidays and early release days here! Interested in assessment dates for the 2018-2019 school year? Scroll down for a list of significant calendar dates affecting your PCSB student.
 

Graphic by Designed by Freepik
 

2018

August 13 (Monday) First day of school
September 3 (Monday) School Holiday- Labor Day
September 12 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
September 17 (Monday) Student Holiday
October 3 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
October 15 (Monday) Student Holiday
November 7 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
November 12 (Monday) School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 19-23 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 24-January 4 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2019

January 7 (Monday) First day back after Winter Break
January 16 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
January 21 (Monday) School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
February 6 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 18 (Monday) School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 13 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
March 25-29 (Mon-Fri) School Holiday – Spring Break
April 19 (Friday) Student Holiday
April 24 (Wednesday) EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 27 (Monday) School Holiday – Memorial Day
May 30 (Thursday) 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.
 
 

2018-2019 Assessment Schedule

 
Check back for Assessment Information
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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.

 

It’s that time again! Find 2018 back-to-school bashes and donation drives in Polk County by scrolling below.
 
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/slate-mockup-with-back-to-school-concept_2656707.htm">Designed by Freepik</a>
Graphic designed by Freepik
 

Upcoming Dates

Student orientation: Thursday, August 9
First day of school for students: Monday, August 13
 
Tax-free holiday: August 3-5
 

Bashes

Back to School Snack Pack
When: Wednesday, August 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Renaissance at Washington Ridge Property: Senior Building, 150 W 14th St., Lakeland
What: Gear up for school, and get ideas on how to fuel your kids with healthy snacks that are affordable, easy, and delicious with this free event from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences. There will even be food demonstration!!
Contact: 863-519-1041, andreanikolai@ufl.edu
 
End of Summer Back to School Bash
When: Wednesday, August 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Gibsonia Baptist Church, 5440 U.S. 98N, Lakeland
What: This free back-to-school event by the Gibsonia Baptist Church includes games, food and fun.
Contact: 863-858-3321
 
Back to School Carnival
When: Friday, August 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Brookdale Highlands, 4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland
What: The carnival is $10 for adults and free for children 10 and younger. The proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Ticket purchases will include a plate of food (ribs, sliders and sides). Attendees will find a petting zoo, dunk tank, games, face painting, water balloon toss and ice cream truck. The first 30 children will receive a backpack filled with school supplies.
Contact: 863-701-7820
 
Back to School First Friday
When: Friday, August 3, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Join the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, MidFlorida & St. Leo 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
When: Saturday, August 4, 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, arts & crafts, prizes, educational exhibitors and children activities.
Contact: 863-298-7898, borisrodriguez@polk-county.net
 
Back to School Community Expo
When: Saturday, August 4, 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.
Contact: Make your reservation at evenbrite.com/e/back-to-school-community-expo-tickets-47555133685.
 
Back to School Jam
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Auburndale City Park
What: This event is free, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted. Attendees will be able to enjoy food, games, prizes, music, entertainment, face painting, raffles, a bookbag giveaway and more.
Contact: 321-304-0472, angelsofdestiny2@gmail.com
 
Bounce Back Party
When: Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: New Horizon Church, 400 Orchid Drive, Haines City
What: New Horizon Church’s free event for children in preschool through fifth grade will feature bounce houses, activities, games, crafts and foods.
Contact: office@nhcpolk.org
 
Mulberry’s Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Mulberry High School Gym, 1 Panther Place, Mulberry
What: The Heart of Florida Arbor and the Ministerial Alliance will be distributing backpacks (pre-registration is required) and hot dogs to celebrate the start of a new school year. Bounce houses and more will make this a fun event.
Contact: 863-427-2290
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 4, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., 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 educational guest speakers, a warm meal, and entertainment throughout the morning.
Contact: Shawna Butler, 863-298-5666
 
Back to School Snack Pack
When: Tuesday, August 7, 3-4 p.m.
Where: Carrington Place Community Room, 1411 Kettles Ave., Lakeland
What: Gear up for school, and get ideas on how to fuel your kids with healthy snacks that are affordable, easy, and delicious with this free event from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences. There will even be food demonstration!!
Contact: 863-519-1041, andreanikolai@ufl.edu
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Friday, August 10-Sunday, August 12, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Harvest Church Lakeland, 2120 Airport Rd., 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: 863-682-7000
 
Back to School: Party at the Pool
When: Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Spence Park, NE 1st St., Mulberry
What: Kick off the start of school with a Moana meet and greet, waterslides and the pool fun in Mulberry.
Contact: 863-393-8166
 
Lake Eva Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 11, 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 bouncy houses, guest speakers and a special appearance by Smart Mouth’s Jason Alexander.
Contact: 863-438-2758
 
Belk Back-to-School Charity Sale
When: Saturday, August 25, 6-10 a.m. (& later)
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 13-24. Stop into the Learning Resource Center (1628 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland) to pick up your tickets today!
 

Donation Drives

Back to School Personal Hygiene Product Drive
When: Taking place now
Where: Top Buttons Upscale Boutique, 236 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
What: In preparation for the upcoming school year, Top Buttons is collecting BRAND NEW personal hygiene items for the young ladies in the Wearing Confidence Program! Donate any of the suggested items below (at either of our locations) and receive $5 off any upscale thrift item.
Toothpaste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Hair brushes, Deodorant, Feminine Products, Body soap, Lotion
Contact: 863-450-4060, info@topbuttons.org
 
Miracle Toyota School Supply Drive
When: Now Through Wednesday, August 8
Where: Miracle Toyota, 37048 US-27, Haines City
What: Miracle Toyota in Haines City is planning to donate 1,500 backpacks to children in Haines City. The dealership has worked with Bethune Academy, Trinity Worship Center and Church Manantial de Bendiciones over the years to make sure students are equipped for success. This year, the dealership will donate additional backpacks for each car that’s sold, but it welcomes donations of backpacks or school supplies from those not looking to buy a car, as well.
 
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: August 8, 7-8:30 a.m. at Hall Communications (404 West Lime St.)
Lakeland: Through Sunday, August 5 at Victory Church (1401 Griffin Road)
Bartow: Accepting donations now; Event: August 17, 5 p.m. at the Bartow Chamber (510 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow)
 
LEGOLAND Florida School Supply Drive
When: August 2018
Where: LEGOLAND Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
What: Amusement park visitors are encouraged to bring new and unopened school supplies to donate to homeless students at Polk County Public Schools, through the Homeless Education Advocates Restoring the Hope program. Standard parking is also free at LEGOLAND Florida during the month of August.
 
Mattress Firm Foster Kids School Supply Drive
When: Now through Sunday, September 2
Where: Florida Mattress Firm locations
What: Advocates for Florida’s foster children have launched a back-to-school donation drive. Donations of backpacks filled with essential classroom items can be dropped off at Mattress Firm locations throughout the state. The drive is co-sponsored by the nonprofit Ticket to Dream Foundation and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Visit mattressfirmfosterkids.org for store locations and more information.
 
 

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 Achieves Phase 1 of Matching Fundraiser, Moves On to Phase 2

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County (LRC) has successfully reached its goal during the first phase of the matching fundraiser. In this initial stage of a two-step matching campaign, LRC needed to reach a goal of $20,000 by May 31, 2018 in order for a funder(s) of GiveWell Community Foundation to match the amount, dollar-for-dollar.
 
LRC has attained the first stage with the help of numerous donors.
 
Now, the 43-year educational organization has entered the second phase consisting of a 1:2 match of $20,000. To receive the additional $20,000 from the private funder(s), LRC must raise $40,000 by September 30, 2018.
 
If LRC succeeds in both matches, the organization will have raised $60,000 and will receive a matching amount of $40,000, earning $100,000 total over a six-month period.
 

More about LRC

Today, LRC’s small staff and volunteers strive daily to continue coordinating services for 3,500 plus students, ages five through adult throughout Polk County.
 
These services and programs include, but are not limited to:
 

  • One-to-one tutoring services to children and adults
  • Small group instruction for remediation and enrichment
  • Study skills courses
  • Middle school courses for grade replacement
  • High school courses for credit
  • Camp READY! for kindergarten-readiness
  • GED/SAT/ACT/GRE test preparation courses
  • Heartland for Children- academy support for children in foster care
  • Productive partnerships and flexibility to offer quality programs to other agencies, educational institutions and corporations to help students of all ages

 

Your Impact

Join the effort to save the Learning Resource Center, a one-of-a-kind nonprofit agency, to continue to help students maximize their learning potential and keep hope alive for current and future students. The gift of education is a gift for life!
 
Donations will help provide academic assistance to students in need, make it possible for LRC to employ highly-qualified tutors, and enable LRC to meet the needs of students, parents and the community by aiding with the expenses of daily operation. The effect of this fundraiser will reach every aspect of the nonprofit organization.
 

Help the Learning Resource Center and local students with more impact.


 
 

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
 
 

In the month of April, Learning Resource Center students received 1,702 hours of tutoring, with a Year-To-Date Total of 10,617 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of April equaled 407 students.
 
April Tutoring Hours LRC Polk County

 
In May, Learning Resource Center students received 1,885 hours of tutoring, with a Year-To-Date Total of 12,502 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of May equaled 449 students.
 
May Tutoring Hours LRC Polk County
 
 
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:
February/March 2017 Tutoring Report
January 2017 Tutoring Report
October 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
July 2016 Tutoring Report
June 2016 Tutoring Report
April 2016 Tutoring Report
March 2016 Tutoring Report
 

In the month of February, Learning Resource Center students received 1,205 hours of tutoring, with a Year-To-Date Total of 7,555 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of February equaled 306 students.
 
February 2017 LRC Tutor Report
 
In March, Learning Resource Center students received 1,360 hours of tutoring, with a Year-To-Date Total of 8,915 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of February equaled 358 students.
 
March 2017 LRC Tutor Report
 
 
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:
January 2017 Tutoring Report
October 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
July 2016 Tutoring Report
June 2016 Tutoring Report
April 2016 Tutoring Report
March 2016 Tutoring Report
 

In the month of January, Learning Resource Center students received 1,061 hours of tutoring, with a Year-To-Date Total of 6,340 hours (the YTD totals start over every July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of January equaled 313 students.
 
January 2017 LRC Tutor Report
 
 
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:
October 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
August/September 2016 Tutoring Report
July 2016 Tutoring Report
June 2016 Tutoring Report
April 2016 Tutoring Report
March 2016 Tutoring Report
 

Join the Learning Resource Center of Polk County (LRC) for a dazzling evening of cause at the annual For the Love…of Learning benefit from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017.
 
The 2017 benefit aimed at raising scholarship funds for deserving LRC students will take place at the home of Rob and Tammy Springer in Mulberry’s Canterwood Drive and will feature entertainment from The Sofa Kings, Hors d’oeuvres by Terrie Lobb Catering, libations and a world-class silent auction. Publix Super Markets Charities will be the leading sponsor of the event.

 
Attendees will find an eclectic mix of auction items showcased throughout the evening. Items, trips, packages and services such as a one-week getaway to North Carolina, Detroit Tigers Spring Training VIP package, four-pack of LEGOLAND Florida tickets, Lone Palm Golf Club foursome, freshwater pearls and Payne Air Conditioning & Heating preventative maintenances will be up for bid.
 
Another highlight of the evening will include the 2017 Honoree presentation, recognizing Dr. Eileen Holden and Polk State College for their partnership. Honorees are LRC supporters who have aided the organization in expanding and extending its mission of helping students maximize their learning potential. GiveWell Community Foundation, Florida Southern College, Polk County Public Schools, United Way of Central Florida, Publix Super Markets, Inc., and Junior League of Greater Lakeland comprise past years’ honorees.
 
Guests can purchase tickets to the benefit on LRCLoveofLearning.com for $65.00. Other ways to support the cause include becoming a sponsor, bestowing a scholarship, donating a silent auction item or contributing to the LRC Endowment Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation.
 
Those interested in sponsorships and donations may also contact LRC Executive Director Dr. Pam Craven by email, PamelaC@LRCPolk.com, or phone, 863-688-9477.
 
 
Related Posts:
LRC’s February Fundraiser Will Benefit Students