Tag Archive for: Winter Haven

It’s that time again! Find 2018 back-to-school bashes and donation drives in Polk County by scrolling below.
 
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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.

Join LRC and All Saints Academy for weekly academic adventures at Camp Discovery!

Camp Discovery grants students entering first though fifth grade in Fall 2018 the opportunity to examine, inquire and create from the world around them through individual, week-long adventures. These science-themed camps 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 presents a new theme that is useful and relevant to students. The remaining two themes are listed below.
LRC Camp Discovery
 

Camp Themes


Week 3, June 18-22
Dream It, Build It, Win It– Create structures and devices with common and recycled materials for friendly competition.
 
Week 4, June 25-29
Game World– Design and play board games, carnival games, minute-to-win-it challenges and video games using Scratch and Hour of Code.
 
A new camp runs weekly, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at All Saints Academy located at 5001 State Road 540 in Winter Haven.
 
Select the dates your child would like to attend or register for both! The cost per week is $230.
 
To reserve your child’s place, don’t delay! Do so today by clicking: Summer Programs or call LRC at 863-688-9477 for more details and to learn about our sliding fee scale based on gross family income.
 
 

Related Posts

LRC presents 2018 summer programs
Summer camps and courses for all grade levels
 
Get “Kindergarten-Ready” with LRC
Kindergarten-Readiness Camp for students entering or repeating Grade K in the fall
 
Gain Success in Reading at Camp Rockin’ READ!
An Orton-Gillingham reading camp for students entering grades 2-4
 
 

Camp READY! dates are set for Summer 2018, and camps are kicking off soon.
 

 
If you have a rising or repeating kindergartner, ensure they’re prepared for school and academic success by enrolling them in the Learning Resource Center’s annual kindergarten-readiness program. On average, Camp READY! students have shown growth of four to seven months from pre- to post-assessment in just four weeks. 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 2018.
 
This year, Camp READY! is scheduled to take place at nine campsites throughout Polk County. Each camp will last a total of four weeks. Dates and times vary by location. (Please see below)
 
The cost of camp is $25 for the entire month and includes a shirt.
 
Camp will wrap up with a parent program on the final day, where parents will be invited to watch their child in a performance showcasing what they learned at camp.
 

To Register

To register your child before spots are filled, please click on your desired campsite below, call LRC at 863-688-9477 or stop in at the LRC office located at 1628 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland.
 

Camp dates and locations:

 
June 4-June 28, 2018

Monday-Thursday, 8:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

 
June 6-June 28, 2018

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

 
June 11-July 3, 2018

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

 
July 5-July 27, 2018

Monday-Friday, 8:30-12 p.m.

 
*Camp READY! at All Saints Academy is at maximum capacity.
 
 

Related Posts

LRC presents 2018 summer programs
Summer camps and courses for all grade levels
 
 

2018 Graduates


Congratulations to all the 2018 high school and college graduates!
 
We’d like to give a special “congrats” to two of our very own.
 

  • Jadie Riffe, an LRC PEP counselor and a 2018 graduate of Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
  •  

  • Lacie Walls, an LRC office & event volunteer as well as a summer program counselor and 2018 graduate of George Jenkins High School
     
    We appreciate your hard work and dedication to not only serving the Learning Resource Center and this community, but in your studies and educational successes, as well.
     
    We know you both will continue to excel, and we wish you the best in all to come!

 
 

Look no further for fall fun! Search our list of Polk County’s 2017 Halloween happenings and autumn festivities now through early November.
 
Fall Festivities in Polk
Freepik.com
 
*Please contact event organizations, not LRC, for more information on events.
 

Recurring & Multi-Date Events:

 

Friday, September 22-Sunday, November 12

Harvest Holler Corn Maze
Location: 950 Tavares Road, Polk City 33868
Time: Begins Sept. 22, 4-8 p.m. Fridays; 12-8 p.m. Saturdays; 12-5 p.m. Sundays
Details: Admission includes an interactive corn maze, hayride, hay fort, corn cribs, tire swings, cow train, corn hole and pumpkin patch. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $8 youth (4-12 years). Kids 3 and under are free.
 

Friday, September 29-Saturday, November 4

The Shallow Grave
Location: 701 42nd St NW, Winter Haven
Time: Begins Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays
Details: The Shallow Grave is a highly detailed spine-tingling scare-fest that brings the Central Florida area something they have been missing. An intimate in your face, fear filled environment with custom themes and movie quality sets to put you in the midst of terror unlike anything you have experienced before. The cost is $27-$43.
 

Saturday, October 7-Sunday, October 29

Pumpkin Safari
Location: Safari Wilderness Ranch, 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 7, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays
Details: These special fall safaris include 45-minute customized vehicle tours, led by an experienced tour guides; guided walking tours of the small mammal house; visits to a free-flight aviary and petting zoo barn; one pumpkin for each visitor, which can be carved at the ranch and given to the animals for enrichment or taken home to decorate; and stops at craft and enrichment stations. Cost: $39 for one, $75 for 2, $145 for four
 

Sunday, October 8-Sunday, October 15

Polk Theatre’s Fall Movie Classics
Location: Polk Theatre, 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Details: Oct. 8 Jaws; Oct. 15 An American Werewolf in London. See events below for information on Hocus Pocus, Rocky Horror Picture Show & The Shining (Dinner & a Movie).
 

Thursday, October 12-Sunday, October 15

Lakeland Family Fair
Location: Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland
Time: Times vary (see below)
Details: Over 40 attractions including: 20+ rides, games and super food courts. Cost: $20 for unlimited rides, individual ride tickets also available.
Oct 12 (Thurs) – 5-10pm; Oct 13 (Fri) – 5-11pm; Oct 14 (Sat)- 2-11pm; Oct 15 (Sun)- 12- 9pm
 

Saturday, October 14-Tuesday, October 31

Brick-or-Treat
Location: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
Time: Begins Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays & Halloween Tuesday
Details: The Halloween party #BuiltForKids returns to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on weekends in October, featuring a LEGO® lineup of spooky, kooky, brick-tacular activities and extended park hours. Brick or Treat Presented by Shutterfly is included with park admission – no extra ticket required!
 

Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22

Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
Location: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: Vary over the weekend
Details: The annual event in Downtown Lakeland attracts over 40,000 spectators and draws top car collectors from across the southeast featuring a display of more than 650 show vehicles. Find the schedule at lakelandautoshow.com/schedule.
 

Friday, October 20-Saturday, October 28

Polk County Sheriff’s Haunted Jail Tour
Location: PCSO jail, 455 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow
Time: 6-11 p.m.
Details: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is hosting their annual Haunted Jail Tour to benefit the United Way of Central Florida. For the little ones who are too young, there will be a separate room with treats and games. Food and drink will be on sale. The tour costs $6, with proceeds going to United Way. Visitors will be taken through areas that include the morgue, infirmary, incinerator and jail.
 

Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 29

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Location: Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 20, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays
Details: The brilliant tale of obsession and revenge, Sweeney Todd combines melodrama, murder – and “the worst pies in London” –with a sumptuous score by the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Rated Mature. The cost is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (55 & up) and $15 for children (17 & under).
 

Friday, October 20-Tuesday, October 31

Buckingham Terror Haunted House
Location: 2600 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland
Time: October 20-21, 27-28, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; October 22-26, 29-31, 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Details: Buckingham Terror is a Haunted House that gives teens an avenue to express their creativity through the planning, building and implementation of a full working haunted house. Cost: $8 for 13 & up; $5 for 12 & under. Not intended for children under 10 or the faint of heart.
 

Begins Friday, October 20

Zombie Farm Paintball Hayride
Location: Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Beginning Oct. 20, 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Details: Zombie Farm Paintball is a 20 minute hayride, in the dark, that takes you through Zombie Farm’s infectious zones. There have been reports of the living dead lurking in the night, especially around swampy areas. The ranch will supply you with a paintball gun for your protection against these creatures. Admission includes live zombies to shoot at, use of a paintball gun, 200 rounds of ammo and a narrated hayride. The cost is $30 per person.
 

Begins Saturday, October 21

CornFusion Crop Maze & Fall Festival
Location: Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Road, Lakeland
Time: Begins Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays
Details: Join the Smith Family Ranch for a fun-filled day at CornFusion Fall Festival where you will find 20 acres of fun for all ages including a pumpkin patch, corn box, corn cannon, country store, cow train, miniature mazes, pony rides, and farm animals. Cost: $10 for adults, $9 for 4-15 yrs, Free for 3 & under and military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS
 

Friday, October 27-Saturday, October 28

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Location: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
Time: Part begins at 9pm; Movie at midnight
Details: Let’s do the TIME WARP again…The Polk Theatre continues its tradition of showing the ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and will feature the Original Lipstick Players as the Shadow Cast under the direction of Ferdinand DeJesus. Tickets are on sale online and in the office (9-5). $15 Prop bags will be available at the Door $5.
 

Saturday, October 27-Sunday, October 29

Pioneer Days Festival
Location: Lake Wailes, Lake Wales
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday
Details: There will be live entertainment on stage both days. Living history re-enactments, artisan and tradesmen demonstrations, pony rides, children’s activities, a Historic Architecture Carriage Tour, and an Antique Car Parade will showcase the weekend’s festivities.
 

Friday, November 3-Sunday, November 5

St. Joseph’s Annual Fall Carnival
Location: St. Joseph, 210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland
Time: Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Details: Check out St. Joseph’s annual fall carnival for fun! The cost of a day pass is $15 pre-sale or $20 at the gate.
 
Fall Events in Polk
Freepik.com
 

Single Date-Events:

Friday, October 6

Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday
Location: Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: This monthly event offers guests an evening of free family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the opportunity to visit a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Each month, First Friday has a different theme, and special activities are provided to complement the theme. October’s theme will be “Celebrating Us, #LoveLakeland”.
 
Halloween Boo-gie Night Party
Location: Medulla Resource Center, 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Dance the night away at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Halloween dance party. This free family event will feature a DJ, face-painting, a trick or treat village, coloring contests and a costume contest.
 

Saturday, October 7

Horror Fest
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Details: Join us for the 3rd Annual Horror Fest in Downtown Lakeland for free family activities, vendors and the main stage event, sure to entertain all ages.
 

Thursday, October 12

Zombie Food Truck Rally
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Crawl on over to the October Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally and ZOMBIE bar crawl! Attendees are welcome to dressed in their best zombie garb to win prizes, and the bar crawl will begin at the conclusion of the food truck rally from 9pm-11pm.
 

Friday, October 13

Aqua Boo
Location: Gandy Pool, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Details: Join for a family fun evening at the pool featuring games, nachos and a kid-friendly movie. Normal pool entry of $4 or pass applies
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Party
Location: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, Winter Haven
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Polk County Parks and Recreation presents this free Halloween party featuring music, light refreshments, arts & crafts, coloring contests and costume contests.
 
Main Street Winter Haven Oktoberfest
Location: Central Park, Winter Haven
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Join Main Street Winter Haven for the 11th Annual Oktoberfest sponsored by Victor Smith Law Group, P.A. and featuring beer, brats and live music. A Tasting Ticket is $25.
 
Pumpkinfest
Location: Winter Haven City Library, 325 Avenue A NW
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.
Details: Main Street Winter Haven, Inc will be hosting Oktoberfest for adults, while the City of Winter Haven will be hosting Pumpkinfest for children in kindergarten – 5th grade. Drop off your child or children while you attend Oktoberfest; they will enjoy games, decorating pumpkins and dinner. Cost: $10/child
 

Wednesday, October 18

Pep Homecoming Parade & Festival
Location: MILK Park on Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Join the Public Education Partnership of Winter Haven, area schools and local organizations at the PEP Homecoming Parade & Festival. In addition to the parade and festival, there will be a performance by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team and a firework display.
 

Friday, October 20

Fall Festival of Fun
Location: Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Bring your family out to Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center for a night of games, candy, refreshments, prizes, and more. Ages 6 – 13. This event is free.
 
Joggin’ for the Noggin 5K
Location: Polk State College – Lakeland, 3425 Winter Lake Rd
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Details: The 6th Annual Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5K to benefit Polk State College Foundation promises to be a fun and SCARY, Halloween themed race. Run, jog or walk this 3.1 race that includes gravel road, grass and a trek on the Fort Fraser Trail. The One Mile Walkin’ while Talkin’ is an option for those who want to support Polk students, but aren’t race enthusiasts. The run and walk will feature zombies on the trail to put pep in steps. This is a family-friendly event and will include a children’s fun run, adult and children’s costume contest, Zumba, face painting, music, and more.
 
The Story of An Undead World: A Rock Opera
Location: LKLD LIVE (STUDIO B, 202 N Mass Ave., Lakeland)
Time: 8-10 p.m.
Details: Born from the mind of Matthew Davis and Joshua McNair comes The Story of an Undead World. A musical with a heavy brutal experience that is like no other. Tickets available $5 advance.
 

Saturday, October 21

FallFest 2017
Location: Polk State College, 999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: Thousands trek to the campus each third Saturday in October to enjoy the event that features a craft show, the Kids Zone, music, police and EMS demonstrations, the Pumpkin Patch, food, Haunted House and more.
 
Fall Craft Fair & Sale
Location: Presbyterian Church in the Highlands, Lakeland
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: The 30th Annual Fall Craft Sale at Presbyterian Church in the Highlands will host 50 artisans, a baked good sale with sweets of all kinds, jams, and refreshments, concessions, and Lakeland’s Finest Pumpkin Patch. Proceeds benefit local charities.
 
Florida Dance Theatre Presents Dracula
Location: Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College
Time: 6 p.m.
Details: Join Florida Dance Theatre as they unearth a deadly foe at their first full-length ballet of the season, “Dracula”. This sensational selection has just the right amount of spooky, scary, and fun to make it entertaining for all. Cost is: $75
 
Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings
Location: Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Details: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s 21st Annual Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings event offers a fun and safe alternative to traditional “trick or treating” while offering attractions such as a hayride to a haunted walking trail, carnival games, live entertainment, a trick or treat village, costume contest and pie -eating contest. Advance tickets on sale Oct. 2 – Oct. 20 and include a hayride wristband.
 
Hocus Pocus at the Polk Theatre
Location: Polk Theatre, 121 Florida Avenue S, Lakeland
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:05 p.m.
Details: Join the Polk Theatre for a showing of the 1993 Halloween film, Hocus Pocus. Rated PG. The cost is $5.
 
Rootstock Plant & Garden Festival
Location: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Details: Bok Tower Gardens’ signature fall plant sale debuts ROOTSTOCK featuring dozens of plant vendors, local musical artists, healthy cuisine and a spectacular display of seasonal foliage. This festival marks the start of Florida’s gardening season, and admission is free both days. Cost: $10
 

Thursday, October 26

75th Annual Crickette Club Parade & Carnival
Location: Downtown Bartow & Mosaic Park, Bartow
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Details: Bartow’s favorite family tradition is better than ever featuring rides for tots and teens, expanded food selections including food trucks, new games, costume contest for store-bought and homemade, Crickette Club’s famous cake walk, drawing for $500, $300, and $100 Visa cards, Bingo and more. All proceeds benefit the Bartow area Girl Scouts and the Bartow Community. Parade is free with the Carnival to follow at Mosaic Park.
 
Safe Haven Halloween
Location: Freedom Park, Polk City
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Details: Join in the annual spooky fun for the entire family featuring free popcorn and candy, delicious food, a cupcake walk for tiny tots, carnival games and prizes, tug-o-war, three legged races, potato-sack races, and costume contests.
 

Friday, October 27

Halloween Spooktacular
Location: Wabash Community Center, 1230 Southern Ave., Lakeland
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This Polk County Parks & Rec event is free and will feature costume and coloring contests, trick or treating, and more.
 
Hold On, I know This! Halloween Edition
Location: Lkld Live (Studio B, 202N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Details: Nick Allred & Benedict Heaps return to host a special Halloween themed installment of the funniest quiz show in town. Tickets $10 adv / $15 day of show
 
Spooktoberfest
Location: Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Ave., Eloise
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This Polk County Parks & Rec event is free and will feature costume and coloring contests, trick or treating, and more.
 
The Nightmare Before Christmas – Movie on the Lawn
Location: 100 E Main St, Bartow
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Details: Bring your blanket or chairs to Main Street Bartow for an outdoor showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas on the lawn. Restaurants open for carry out or bring a picnic dinner. Movie begins at dusk. The cost is free.
 

Saturday, October 28

20th Annual Lakeland Hispanic Festival
Location: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: 12-8 p.m.
Details: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during the 20th Annual Hispanic Festival of Lakeland featuring traditional and contemporary Latin American culture with live performances, authentic cuisine and children’s activities. Cost: adults $5.00, children 12 and under free
 
Evil Never Dies – Murder Mystery Dinner
Location: Ramon Theater, 15 E Wall St, Frostproof
Time: 6 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a dinner at the theater while trying to solve this fall-themed murder mystery. Tickets cost $40.
 
Ghouls Day Out
Location: MLK Jr. Park, Winter Haven
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Details: The City of Winter Haven presents this free event including a kid’s game area, music, a Halloween costume contest, food vendors and a trick-or-treat village.
 
Halloween Festival
Location: Lewis Matthews Complex, 400 E. Palm Street, Davenport
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: Enjoy free hot dogs and drinks, trunk or treat, costume contests, Touch a Truck, and games & activities.
 
Halloween Water Ski Show
Location: Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Time: 7 p.m.
Details: Enjoy this special ‘Spooktacular’ Ski Show on Lake Silver by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. There will be a costume contest before the show at 7 p.m. for ages 0-16. Free.
 
Harvest Festival
Location: Spence Field, 1100 NE 1st Street, Mulberry
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a night of fun featuring vendors, pony rides, hay rides, candy, trunk-or-treat, games, a hay bale maze and a Bluegrass band!
 
Lakeside Village Halloween Bash
Location: Lakeside Village, Lakeland
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Details: The event will feature three costume contests for kids in different age groups, a DJ hosting games with kid-friendly music, face painting, a photo booth, a strolling magician and fun prizes! There also will be trick or treating throughout the village. The event is free.
 
Monster Mash Costume Party
Location: Lkld Live (Studio B, 202 N Mass Ave., Lakeland)
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Details: Grab to ticket to this special Halloween fundraiser for the opportunity to perform on the LkldLive stage. There will be a lip sync battle and karaoke all night with prizes for best costumes throughout the evening. The best way to pre-party for your Saturday night Halloween extravaganza! Tickets $5 adv / $10 day of event
 
Munn Park Extravaganza
Location: Munn Park, Lakeland
Time: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: The 33rd Annual “Munn Park Extravaganza”, presented by the Garden Club of Lakeland Inc. will offer over 50 vendors featuring a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and garden-related art for sale. A new plant introduction will be presented by Bill Koen from the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation.
 

Sunday, October 29

Fall Festival
Location: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
Time: 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Details: NorthRidge Church present this annual fall festival featuring your same favorite free elements and a few extras such as inflatables, food, games, train rides, Ident-A-Kid, Fire Department exhibits, by the Polk County Sherriff’s Office SWAT and Rescue teams, and candy.
 
Fall Festival
Location: Scott Lake Baptist Church, 5811 Scott Lake Rd, Lakeland
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Details: This fall festival is a Halloween alternative for families that want to make one stop for all the fun, food, and candy they desire for Halloween. Scott Lake Baptist will have plenty of candy, car show, inflatables, dodgeball, gaga ball, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, and more. Free event.
 
Family Fall Festival
Location: Beymer Church, 700 Lake Howard Dr. NW, Winter Haven
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Details: Stop by for free food, games, candy, a chili cook-off and more.
 
Harvest Party – Fall Festival
Location: Kathleen Baptist Church, 3939 2nd St. NW, Lakeland
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Details: You and your family are invited. There will be food, games, candy, bounce houses, horses, and much more.
 
Trunk or Treat 2017
Location: First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Details: This fall has been tough for our community and many families have experienced disruption and trauma. Take a break from the stresses of storm recovery, and take a photo in the pumpkin patch or at one of our photo booths and enjoy dinner, games and candy in a safe environment. Family-friendly costumes for children are welcome. Adults, please refrain from costumes with masks.
 
Trunk or Treat
Location: Highland Park Church, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Details: Bring your family and friends to Trunk or Treat with us at Highland Park Church. Enjoy a little time out with your family at this free, safe, and fun community event. Kona Ice will be here to help keep you cool.
 

Tuesday, October 31

6th Annual Fall Festival
Location: 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: The 6th Annual Fall Festival Celebration presented by Just Cares, Inc. is a free, community event. The goal is to fill the streets in Downtown Lakeland with families looking for an alternative to Halloween by providing a safe environment where they can have fun and spend quality time as a family.
 
Boo! Bash
Location: Explorations V, Lakeland
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4-6 p.m.
Details: Celebrate safely during a fun-filled morning of Halloween games, food and activities for the youngest crowd. Join in by wearing kid-friendly costumes. Included with admission/membership.
 
Dinner & a Movie – The Shining
Location: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Details: Enjoy dinner featuring a menu of ribs, chicken, Johnny Cakes, beans, redrum & Jack Daniels cupcakes, popcorn and a drink and then enjoy the featured film, The Shining. Tickets are $22 for dinner & a movie or $5 for the movie only.
 
Halloween Flashlight Egg Hunt
Location: Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Details: Join the Parks & Recreation Department for a fun, free, safe event at the Simpson Park Community Center on Halloween. There will be fun group activities inside and then an egg hunt outside for Halloween treats. BYOF (Bring Your Own Flashlight)
 
Mall-O-Ween
Location: Eagle Ridge Mall, Lake Wales
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Details: Bring your ghouls and goblins to Eagle Ridge Mall for a SPOOKtacular evening of free family fun, music, games, prizes and sweet treats! Get your photo taken to enter the costume contest. Five finalists from each age group (0-5, 5-13 and 14+), and shoppers will vote for their favorites from November 2-9th in the food court. 1st-3rd Place gift card prizes will be given in each age group (1st: $100, 2nd: $50, 3d: $25).
 
Trunk or Treat Annual Fall Festival
Location: Trinity Christian Center, 4416 E County Road 540A, Lakeland
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Details: This free event will feature food, games, bounce houses, a photo booth, face painting, balloon animal and candy.
 

Saturday, November 4

Belk Charity Day Sale
Location: Belk at Lakeside Village
Time: 6-10 a.m. (and later)
Details: Purchase your $5 Charity Sale ticket to support the Learning Resource Center or other local organizations and schools. Get $5 off your first purchase and save on rarely discounted brands! The first 100 customers to arrive on Saturday, Nov. 4 will receive a free gift card. The pre-sale dates are Oct. 23 – Nov. 3. Pick up your ticket at the Learning Resource Center or other participating organizations.
 
Fall-O-Ween-Fest
Location: East Park Complex, Dundee
Time: 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Details: Bring the family out for fall festivities.
 
Kathleen Area Historical Society’s Fall Bazaar
Location: Heritage Park, Kathleen, 8950 N Campbell Rd. Lakeland
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: Enjoy this Kathleen tradition where you’ll find cane grinding/syrup making, a pioneer life exhibit, rummage sale, children’s activities, live music, food and more. Vendors and other nonprofit organizations will be in attendance. Admission is free.
 

Saturday, November 11

Lakeland LuLaPalooza
Location: R.P. Funding Center, Lakeland
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: Come out to this amazing LuLaRoe shopping opportunity featuring 30 consultants and more than 20,000 pieces of inventory.
 
Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run
Where: Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland
Time: 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Details: The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., is a family event where adults can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the Kids Fun Run. We invite the community to join in the exciting 2017 Red Ribbon events on Saturday, November 11th that include a special tribute to our area’s Veterans.
 
The Big Event
Location: Frances Ford Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror Amphitheatre, Lakeland
Time: 4-10 p.m.
Details: The BIG Event Lakeland is a free music fest featuring local businesses, makers and delicious food. The event kicks off with the Red Ribbon Run Corporate Award and the Watson Clinic Poster Contest Award, immediately followed by a special Salute to Veterans by Green Construction. Then, enjoy non-stop entertainment.
 
 
Related Posts:
2016 Fall Festivals & Events
2015 Fall Festivals & Events
 
 

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

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

Serving Young Learners In Polk

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

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
 

Your elementary student can gain important skills in reading and math at LRC’s Super Summer Success. Keep kids learning over the summer with this program designed to build confident, successful students through time-tested best practices.
 

Offered to students who have completed either kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth or fifth grade, Super Summer Success helps students explore academics and the arts through interaction, review and hands-on, high-interest activities.
 
The program will return to South McKeel Academy in Lakeland on Monday, June 12-Thursday, June 29 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
 
Students will be able to: explore math through writing and drawing, engage in cooking and creative art projects, share in read-and-respond activities, create make-and-take projects on key ideas and savor brain-healthy snacks to keep energy up.
 
The classes will be small and divided by level. The cost is $315 for the entire program. LRC also offers a sliding fee scale based on gross, annual household income.Super Summer Success Elementary Camp
 
To register, please visit LRC Polk-Super Summer Success. For more information, please call LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
If your child needs a little extra review this summer, Super Summer Success is the program for them!
 
 
Related Posts:
LRC Offers Summer Programs for All Grade Levels
Camp Discovery to Provide Students Learning Adventures at All Saints Academy