Tag Archive for: polk

January-February Edition

LRC Director's Throughts graphic

The future faculty of a new elementary school developed a list of accomplishments for which they wanted to work and gain with their students. Can you guess what rose to Number One? To be kind!

These are indeed critical times in the lives of our children. Families had to cope with the effects of COVID; schools had to pause and rearrange; parents had to assist with navigating online learning; and communities had to come together to provide food and housing. But, there is an end, a tomorrow, a future. If “to be kind” is at the top of each of our lists, we can start right now at getting on with the days and ways in which our children can thrive once again.

And, just a reminder as the First Semester of 2020-2021 comes to an end, the Learning Resource Center is poised and ready to help in any way possible so that every child (or adult) can be as successful in school as he or she can be. LRC continues to honor deeply discounted rates until the end of the school year. United Way of Central Florida has extended its allocation. In the past few months, donors have been kind and generous, building up the LRC scholarship fund so that deserving students can receive the additional academic help that they need. We Can Help!

LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature

Read past editions of “Director’s Thoughts”:
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020

 

My Heartfelt Christmas Thank You is for… 

LRC Director's Throughts graphic

Your friendship—joining the Learning Resource Center in its mission to continue as a provider of quality instruction and programs;

Your Loyalty and Commitment—enhancing the work of this small not-for-profit by cultivating and extending the message that LRC can HELP; and

Your Generous Support—sharing your time, talents, as well as financial resources to meet the needs of children, adults, and families in our communities:

– Although we were just short of our goal, Giving Tuesday is affording adults eager to earn their GED the opportunity to participate in critical preparation classes.

– LRC’s sorely depleted scholarship funds have seen donations in the past few days. These funds help those students whose families cannot pay for tutoring help even with the sliding fee scale amount underwritten by United Way funding.

My favorite Christmas sentiment is…

“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”

My Sincere Christmas Wish (especially this year) is…

That each of you and your families experience the Hope of Christmas and the Joy of the New Year.

May you and your family enjoy a lovely and blessed Thankful Season!

LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature

Read past editions of “Director’s Thoughts”:
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020

‘Tis the season to be thankful!


LRC Director's Throughts graphic
 
Although the LRC Staff and Boards are grateful 24/7 and 365 days for each and every person who shares his or her talents, time, and resources, this holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to say “Thank You” once more. As a nonprofit in a COVID-19 world, this year has been far from easy. This organization has applied for and been blessed with two Relief Fund allocations. With that support, LRC has been able to persevere in serving this community with quality academic instruction—virtually and in person safely—although to far fewer students. Parents who are facing job or food insecurity do not seek out tutoring. Schools having to spend discretionary funds for additional protection and safety are not able to offer supplemental after-school programs. However, you have provided scholarships and funding for many students who would have continued to struggle.
 
Alexander is one of those students. He had been described as non-verbal and non-social, and school officials predicted that he could not function in a regular classroom. I first met this 5-year-old crawling under a table at Camp READY!, LRC’s award-winning summer program that prepares students for that first day of kindergarten. By the next visit, with the caring expertise of the camp professionals, Alexander was gradually participating, pointing to or touching words when prompted, although still sitting by himself. By the end of the four weeks, he was saying words and forming sentences, listening and engaging with other students—he even asked to be a line leader. He entered kindergarten last fall and zoomed to the top of his class. It was with your support through United Way and LRC fundraising projects that this program was available to Alexander. This is just one of many stories we love to retell about the successes of LRC students. None of which would be possible without YOU!
 
May you and your family enjoy a lovely and blessed Thankful Season!
 
LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature
 
 
Read past editions of “Director’s Thoughts”:
October 2020
September 2020
 
 

LRC can help! And…YOU can help!

LRC Director's Throughts graphic
 
Halloween is not the only October date bringing thoughts of fun, but scary times.
As the first nine weeks (first quarter) of the school year ends on October 22, 2020, and the second grading period begins, blessings and concerns abound–thankfulness that students are returning safely to learning either in a classroom or on an electronic device with great Polk County educators. The concerns lie in the physical and mental health of our children, but also in their ACADEMIC health. Researchers are calling it the “COVID Slide.” They are attributing this to the loss of much direct instruction in the final three months of the past school year and reduced availability of and access to summer programs. The prediction is that many students will lose more than a year of skill and concept retention. More than ever, children who are struggling need immediate and intensive interventions to CATCH UP, GET AHEAD, and STAY AHEAD!
 
LRC is offering learning hubs and one-to-one tutoring—virtually and in-person. Look for upcoming LRC after-school programs throughout Polk County. We always have our arms outstretched for help—more highly qualified tutors and instructors, more community volunteers, and, of course, more financial resources. LRC can help! And…YOU can help!
 
LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature
 

POLK COUNTY 2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Calendar-Template

2016

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

 

2017

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

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

2016-2017 Assessment Schedule

 

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

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

 

For the Love…of Learning is just days away, as the 2016 will take place on Saturday, February 20. One of the main attractions of the annual fundraiser will be the silent auction. We are especially excited about this year’s auction because it will feature an eclectic variety of gifts that will capture the interest of art aficionados, pet lovers, sports fanatics, food enthusiasts, adventure seekers and others.
 
To build the anticipation for the upcoming For the Love…of Learning silent auction, we thought we would give you a sneak peek of some of the items that you’ll be able to bid on!
 

Silent Auction Preview

Art

  • Robert Butler print ($165 value)
  • Two photographs by Wes Crowley
  • Painting of George Jones ($400 value)
  • Brooke Pottery dish ($50 value)
  • Quilted lap quilt ($45 value)
  • Two Gilt-Framed Anget Pictures ($50 value)
  • Signed Lolita wine goblet ($50 value)

Sports

  • Golf certificate for four at Lone Palm Golf Club ($375 value)
  • TOP Golf gift certificate
  • Chris Sale autographed baseball ($150 value)
  • Tampa Bay Rays autographed baseball by Enny Romero ($50 value)

Dining

  • Chef’s Table for Two at the Terrace Grille ($250 value)
  • Il Forno Italian restaurant gift certificate ($50 value)
  • Rib Crib catering for 10 ($100 value)
  • Cajun Dinner
  • Six Jars Sauce

Events & Travel

  • Three night stay at Longboat Key, FL condo ($500 value)
  • One week stay at Highlands, NC home
  • Brooks Brothers leather carry-on luggage piece ($498 value)
  • Four Disney One-Day Park Hopper passes ($620 value)
  • Two tickets to the Wine Festival of Central Florida ($140 value)
  • Eight tickets to Peter Pan at Lakeland Community Theatre ($176 value)

Television

  • 55” LG Flat Screen Smart TV ($571.19 value)
  • 48” Haier LED HDTV ($350 value)

Gift Baskets and Packages

  • SUN ‘n FUN package (2 admissions, 1 framed poster, 2 shirts, 2 hats) ($110 value)
  • Mikasa Countryside package ($100 value)
  • Pampered Pet basket ($50 value)
  • Giggles and Kids basket ($75 value)

Books

  • Three autographed books by Tom Corcoran ($60 value)
  • A Pizza the Size of the Sun– book ($18 value)
  • Read All About It!-author autographed book ($18)

Services

  • Aquatic Therapy Sessions ($600)
  • Photography session ($175 value)
  • Bridge lessons for eight ($150 value)
  • Three days boarding & one full grooming at Sunny Days Pet Resort ($118 value)
  • Two preventative maintenances for Residential Air Conditioning Systems ($190 value)
  • Southside Cleaners gift certificate ($160 value)

Miscellaneous Items

  • Miter saw ($209.95 value)
  • Pearls from Marshall’s Jewelers ($150 value)
  • Stationery Loft gift card and item

 
Be sure to attend the event on February 20, 2016 to see all of the items up for bid and to win your favorite items! Tickets are available at LRCLoveofLearning.com.
 
If you are interested in donating an item to our silent auction, please fill out the form LRCLoveofLearning.com/silent-auction or email RebeccaT@LRCPolk.com.
 
 
Related Posts:

 

School is out, and winter break is here! Don’t let boredom get you (or your child down) this holiday season. Check out these ideas for students of all ages and levels.

Preschool:

– Help bake cookies.
– Build a fort.
– Read your favorite book.
– Write a letter to a friend.
– Create a holiday craft.
– Stop by the library for activities, story-time, or to pick out some books together
Additional ideas
 

Elementary School:

– Play a board game with family
Make your own board game, and play it with family
– Write a poem about Christmas
Participate in winter indoor fun activities
Conduct science experiments
– Cut paper snowflakes & make DIY decorations
Make a magazine collage
Make a lava lamp
– Bake cookies
– Create a gingerbread house
Read and discuss a book
Go on an alphabet hunt
Create a snowman snow globe
Go on a neighborhood photo safari
Ring in the new year with STEM activities
Additional ideas
Even more ideas
And more ideas
 

Middle School:

Indoor activities
– Make ornaments
Try STEAM or STEM activities
– Make a gingerbread house (and possibly enter a local contest)
– Create your own Christmas cards, and distribute them
Conduct science experiments
Ring in the new year with STEM activities
Additional ideas
 

High School:

– Host a party with friends & DIY decorate
– Organize a holiday gift exchange
Read a holiday novel
– Have a Christmas movie marathon
Participate in indoor activities and workouts
– Clean out your closet, and donate items to the less fortunate
– Read Christmas books to kids (ex. family, library, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club)
– Work on college plans/applications
– Look into jobs
– Search for scholarships
– Throw a friend’s New Year’s Eve party
 

College:

– Learn to cook
Try your hand at baking
– Make goals for the new year, and set a plan for achieving them
– Try new restaurants
– Make DIY gifts for personalized presents
– Give your room a makeover
– Clean out your room and donate items, to the less fortunate
– Road trip
– Catch up with old friends or friends from home
– Host an epic New Year’s Eve get-together
Additional ideas
Even more ideas
 

Ideas for all ages:

– Visit a museum:

Explorations V, Polk Museum of Art, Mulberry Phosphate Museum, Polk County History Center, MOSI, Tampa Museum of Art, Henry B. Plant Museum, The Dali Museum, Ringling Museum of Art, Orlando Museum of Art, Online museums

– Volunteer

Library, nursing home, hospital, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, community center, church or nonprofit, toy and canned-food drives, holiday events
Local volunteer ideas
Additional local volunteer ideas

– Ride around looking at Christmas lights while playing a scavenger hunt game
– Visit a park
– Stop by a local attraction

Bok Tower, The Orlando Eye, theme parks, shows, movies, ice skating, etc.

Check out holiday events
Make a 2015 time capsule with memorable items from the year.
 
 

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

The new year will soon be upon us! Take a look at the upcoming courses and dates we have planned for 2016, and get ahead by reserving your spot in attendance.
 
You’ll find One-to-One Tutoring in a variety of subjects, test preparation, study skills, and college success planning below. Join us in 2016 in a program that fits your needs or the needs of your child.
 

One-to-One Tutoring

One-to-One Tutoring is designed to meet each student’s individual academic needs based upon his/her learning styles and ability levels. 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; fee reduction based on family income.
 
LRC offers a wide variety of programs and services for individualized instruction including
(but not limited to):
 
Elementary:

• Reading
• Language Arts
• Math
• Spelling and Phonics
• Written Language and Handwriting
• Achievement Test Preparation

 
Middle and High School:

• English and Intensive Reading
• Math – Basic Math through Calculus
• Foreign Languages
• Science – Basic Sciences through Physics
• Social Studies/ History
• Study Skills
• Academic Test Preparation (i.e., EOC)
• Test Prep for ACT and SAT

 
Who: Students K-Adult
 
When: Year-round
 
Where: Tutoring may take place at any of the following locations: LRC, public library, school (with permission from principal), local business, church, tutor’s home, etc.
 
Cost: Fee reduction based on family income
 
Register: CHILD ENROLLMENT FORMS ADULT ENROLLMENT FORMS
 

ACT Preparation

This course provides: small classes with highly-trained teachers; problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering ACT questions; practice taking ACT tests; emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the ACT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.
 
Who: Students in grades 9-12
 
When: Mondays and/or Wednesdays at 5:30-8:00 p.m. for four consecutive weeks (with the exception of school holidays); Writing (one Saturday only) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Note: January’s course will take place on Tuesdays (Math/Science) and Thursdays (English/Reading).


 
January 5-January 28
Math/Science: Tuesdays;January 5, 12, 19 & 26
English/Reading: Thursdays;January 7, 14, 21 & 28
Writing: January 16
ACT date: February 6
 
February 29-March 30
Math/Science: February 29, March 7, 14 & 28
English/Reading: March 2, 9, 16 & 30
Writing: March 12
ACT date: April 9
 
May 2-May 25
Math/Science: May 2, 9, 16 & 23
English/Reading: May 4, 11, 18 & 25
Writing: May 21
ACT date: June 11
 
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland
 
Cost: $440.00* for all subjects or $195 for Math/Science; $195 for English/Reading; $65 for Writing (includes ACT book)
 
*Ask about our sliding fees
 

SAT Preparation

This course provides: small classes with highly-trained teachers; problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering SAT questions; practice taking SAT tests; emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the SAT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.
 
Who: Students in grades 9-12
 
When: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. for four consecutive weeks; Saturday, Essay Writing (one Saturday only) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
 
February 9-March 3
Math: February 9, 16, 23, & March 1
Critical Reading: February 11, 18, 25 & March 3
Essay Writing: February 20
SAT date: March 5
 
April 12-May 5
Math: 12, 19, 26 & May 3
Critical Reading: April 14, 21, 28 & May 5
Essay Writing: April 23
SAT date: May 7
 
May 10-June 2
Math: May 10, 17, 24 & 31
Critical Reading: May 12, 19, 26 & June 2
Essay Writing: May 21
SAT date: June 4
 
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Cost: 440.00* for three courses or $195 for Math; $195 for Critical Reading; $65 for Writing (includes SAT book)
*Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
 

Study Habits of Successful Students

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.
 
Lessons include:

Get Motivated
Listen Up and Take Notes!
Set Goals to Achieve
Read Actively
Manage Your Time
Become Test-Wise

 
Who: Students in grades 6-8
 
When: Five consecutive Mondays from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

February 1
February 8
February 22
February 29
March 7

 
Where: Learning Resource Center 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803
 
Cost: $145.00*
*Ask about our Sliding Fee Scale
 

Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning

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.
 
Lessons include:
Building Memory and Test-Taking Skills
Planning for Success
Reading and Note-Taking with a Purpose
Making Successful Transitions
Time Management
…And Other Essential Study Skills
 
Who: Students in grades 9-12
 
When: Five consecutive Mondays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

March 14
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 18

 
Where: Learning Resource Center 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803
 
Cost: $145.00*
*Sliding fees based on gross annual household income
 
 
Stay tuned for more information on our elementary summer programs, Camp READY! and Super Summer Success, as well as all fall and winter dates for 2016.
 

It’s time to get the “competitive edge” with college success planning and the Learning Resource Center this fall semester. High school students in grades 9-12 should consider this course to not only gain the skills needed for college, but to ensure that they are well-equipped for the next major step of their lives.
 
Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning provides participants with study skills and motivational strategies preparing them to become more effective learners before advancing to college.
 
Students who attend will learn and practice time-tested, effective and efficient study strategies, as well as concrete techniques to get the competitive edge necessary for college. The course provides small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students develop the study habits of successful students.
 
This course also offers added benefits of quality instruction from certified instructors and personalized Learning Styles Inventories to help each student succeed.
 
The topics that will be covered include: test-taking, building memory, reading and note-taking with a purpose, time management, and successful transitions in addition to other crucial study skills. All of these skills are not only essential for college, but are both useful before and after college, as well.
 
Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning will take place over five consecutive Mondays, beginning November 2, 2015 and ending on December 7, 2015, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center located at 1628 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. The cost of the program is $145.00. Be sure to ask about our sliding fee scales based on gross family income.
 

Registration

Register online or call LRC at 863-688-9477. One of the many benefits of this course is the small class size, so don’t hesitate to reserve your place to start your journey to success!