Tag Archive for: LRC Polk

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
 
 

Shop, and save this weekend!

2017 Florida Sales Tax Holiday Back-to-School
 
The 2017 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 4 at 12:01 a.m. and running through Sunday, August 6 at 11:59 p.m.
 
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:

  • 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

Computer & Accessories:

  • Computers for noncommercial home or personal use
  • Computer speakers
  • Flash drives
  • Headphones
  • Ink cartridges
  • Software
  • Tablets

 
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.
 
 

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.

 

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
 

LRC is rolling out its lineup of 2017 summer enrichment programs for kindergarten through high school grade levels.
 
Scroll down to find out about each program and to find the one that best suits you or your student.
 

Kindergarten-Readiness

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. Camps will take place for four weeks during June 6-July 28, 2017. Dates and times vary by site. The cost is $25 for the entire month.
Camp Ready Winter Haven parent program

 

Elementary Academic Camps

Students entering 1st- 5th grade are invited to Camp Discovery at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. Camps will focus on critical thinking, reading, writing, science and math skills, offering students four, week-long camps during June 5-30, 2017, Monday-Friday. Choose half-day camp from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for $140 per week or full-day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for $200 per week.
 
Students entering 1st-6th grade are encouraged to attend Super Summer Success, an enrichment program that helps students maintain their mental momentum throughout the summer with a fun and active approach to reading, writing and math. Super Summer Success will take place June 12-29, 2017, Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at South McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The full cost is $315.
 

Study Skills

Middle school and high school students may consider study skills courses that provide motivational strategies and study techniques to become more effective learners. Study Habits of Successful Students for grades 6-8 will take place July 10-14, 2017 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., while Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning for grades 9-12 will take place July 10-14, 2017 from 1-3 p.m. Both will be held at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost for each is $145.
 

Test Prep

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 Prep Course will take place July 17-21, 2017 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for the full course) at the Learning Resource Center, while the SAT Summer Prep Course will take place July 24-27, 2017 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for the full course) at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost of each full course is $440 and includes a book.
 

Tutoring

In addition to the courses and camps mentioned, LRC also continues One-to-One Tutoring services for students of all ages who feel they need an extra boost during the summer months. With more than 500 tutors throughout Polk County who are able to help students in numerous subjects or prepare for various assessments, LRC will find a tutor that can meet your academic need in your area.
 

Information

LRC offers a sliding fee scale based on the gross annual household income. Scholarships are also available for families with documented financial need for any of these programs. For additional information or to enroll, please click on the program link above or call LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
 

Looking for a program that won’t just keep your child busy, but will provide them with academic adventures this June? Join LRC for the summer learning adventure, making its first stop at Camp Discovery.
 
Camp Discovery will grant rising first-fifth grade students the opportunity to examine, travel, inquire and search the world around them through four individual, week-long adventures. These science-themed camps will also challenge students to use critical thinking, reading, writing, science and math skills allowing them to gain and grow important skills in an effort to prevent summer learning loss.
 
Each week of camp will present a new theme that is useful and relevant to students today.
 

Week 1, June 5-9, 2017

CSI at ASA- A “Who Done It?” Workshop
Using fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, DNA and chromatography, student detectives will search clues and leads to solve the crime. A true hands-on adventure awaits!
 

Week 2, June 12-16, 2017

Robotics and Engineering
Exploring, programming, designing and building will get the creativity flowing. The student engineer will experiment and discovery basics while engaged in hands-on problem-solving. Need a faster racecar or a guardian robot that frightens away intruders?
 

Week 3, June 19-23, 2017

Earth, Our Home- The Planet and Our Space Neighbors
Student explorers will inspect edible rocks, bring the Solar System down to Earth and probe terrestrial planets.

 

Week 4, June 26-30, 2017

Whiz, Bang & Buzz- Energy, Mass and Motion
The future scientist will enjoy science experiments and research into projectiles, gravity, movement, speed and friction that will provide exciting learning projects.

 
 
Camp will take place June 5-30, Monday through Friday, at All Saints Academy located at 5001 State Road 540 in Winter Haven. Choose half-day camps from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for $140 per week or full-day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for $200 per week. Select your child’s week/s or attend them all! LRC offers clients a sliding fee based on the gross annual, household income.
 
To reserve your child’s place, don’t delay! Do so today by clicking LRC – Camp Discovery or by calling LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
 

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