School Board of Polk County, Florida The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. Learn about the history of Polk County Public Schools and the mission that is guiding it into the future. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. PCPS provides students with access to a variety of free resources, including eBooks, videos, articles and much more, to conduct research and build literacy skills. Use your PCPS username and password to login. This policy is adopted pursuant to the requirements of F.S. It seems like an arbitrary date was chosen for the purpose of choosing a date, when vaccines are just rolling out and COVID numbers are growing,saidWools, who has enough sick time stockpiled to cover it. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. The intended audience is 6th-12thgrade students and parents. Nikki Jones Assistant Principal nikki.jones@polk-fl.net . "Cyberbullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photelectronic system, or photooptical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Polk County Public Schools serves at-risk students through various alternative education programs. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680. Please select an option from the list and click Start. Growth: As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life. Employees are not required to contribute to the districts self-insuredplan, but do pay for spouses and dependents. I looked through the employee COVID info in the(time card)hub, and everything I looked at expired in December, Woolssaid in a text message. Teachers, CommonSense Media has developed lessons for Digital Citizenship and Literacy. Log in using the same username and password you created during the self-registration process. Janie Howard Wilson Elementary; Polk Avenue Elementary School; Edward W. Bok Academy North; Edward W. Bok Academy South; Lake Wales High School; District; Library & Curriculum; Choose Lake Wales! PEA President Stephanie Yocum said the school district received more than enough federal relief money to extend the COVID sick leave to those who need it, as other counties have done. It is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, verbal, emotional (relational), sexual aggression, cyberbullying, or physical behavior, including any offensive, threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation; and may involve: "Harassment" means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that: places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; has the effect of interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and reference and research tools. The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. Submission of a good faith complaint or report bullying or harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, learning or working environment, or work assignments. This policy should not be interpreted as to prevent a victim or accused from seeking redress under any other available law either civil or criminal. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative procedures shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Pitts saida reduction in spending for the Polk County School Board to consider would be to start charging a premium for health insurance and looking for duplicate services provided in current contracts for services as budget deliberations continue. According to the level of infraction, the victim's parents will be notified by telephone and/or in writing of actions being taken to protect the child; the frequency of notification will depend on the seriousness of the bullying or harassment incident. The doctor gave hera prescriptionandsent her home. The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. What You Need To Know About Section 504 A Guide for Parents. Step 3: Interview and Hire! Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials. The School Board is committed to providing an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying, including cyberbullying, for all of its students and school employees and applicants for admission. But she worries about other newer teachers who might not. Upon the completion of the investigation and if criminal charges are to be pursued against the perpetrator, the appropriate law enforcement agencies shall be notified by telephone and/or in writing. The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education for all students. The instruction shall include evidence-based methods of preventing bullying and harassment, as well as information about how to effectively identify and. But she warned that the health plan might not be free to employees for long. She shouldn't be worried about her pay.. Maria Garcia: Food Services Team: Lisa Marie Gill: Office & Support Staff, Paraprofessionals, Title 1 A victim of bullying and/or harassment, anyone who witnessed the act, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying and/or harassment has taken place may file a report. hmo0w>?HS%eZHFPA6u~wNMQ $ YFm{0D1JR K"XfF6ED#Fshb. A school employee, school volunteer, students, parent/guardian, or other persons who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in District policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. Information on immunizations, medication administration, and head lice. Is the 10 days no longer a thing? Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. About 300 teachers in Polk County, both public and private, have contracted COVID-19 between Sept. 6 and April 3, according to records with the Florida Department of Health. If a provision of this policy is or becomes illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect the validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provision of this policy. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. The development of such an atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for District and community property on the part of students, staff, and community members. You do not need to provide the @polk-fl.net portion of your email address as part of your username. Staff Directory Administration. Discipline and referral data will be recorded in Student Discipline/Referral Action Report and Automated Student Information System. Click here for more information Community Resources Links to additional information for the community. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett, lbarnett@polkcountyschools.com. School Board Member Justin Sharpless wanted something done to improve revenues. Please use your Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) credentials to access the Staff Portal Admin System. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. It is exhausting, but I do feel I will beat it. Employees and retirees can submit requests through Benefitplace to change their benefits due to a qualifying, life-changing event, such as marriage, divorce, death of a dependent/beneficiary, birth of a child, adoption, etc. In-person benefit assistance is available at an upcoming health and benefit fair. I know my password and it has not expired. Polks spending on administrative costs is the third lowest in Florida. Polk County Public Schools English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department supports the academic success and acculturation of English language learners. Rehabilitation Act. Register an account or Add a Student: Click Here Polk County Public Schools Let's get started! Such behavior is essential in maintaining an environment that provides each student the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education in a uniform, safe, secure, efficient, and high-quality system of education. Their adult daughter, Jenna,alsogotsickand has recovered. Instruction regarding bullying, harassment, and the District's violence prevention and school safety efforts shall be integrated into District curriculum at the appropriate grade levels. Additionally, the Board expects school staff to conduct themselves in a manner that will protect the rights and welfare of students and other school staff and the care of school facilities and equipment. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. ".a student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultation, with a representative sample of local educational agencies, or who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law, while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends, be allowed to attend a safe public elementary school or secondary school within the local educational agency, including a public charter school. The state and federal government also contributes roughly47% and 9% respectively (based on National Center for Education Statistics) to complete the majority of a school districts funding sources each year, Education Week reported. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland, It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career, As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Polk County School District is the 24th largest in the nation based on the number of students, The Polk County District would be the largest in 39 states, Polk County is the seventh largest district in Florida. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and . 3 Steps To Hiring Quality Employees Step 1: Create A Vacancy. At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, Polk County School District details plans for $202M in relief funds, Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He added the state lottery provides funding that amounts to five days of the districts operations. There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. Designed for iOS and Android mobile devices, the BenefitplaceTM Mobile App gives you instant access to relevant benefits information for the moments that matter most. I need to reset my password. He asked his colleagues and administrators present at the session to let the district's lobbyist know about the financial presentation. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. "The School Board takes the taxable value from the property appraiser to determine the millage rate that needs to be charged in the general fund to generate the $437,500,000.". Jason Pitts, the districts chief of staff for the superintendents office, led the budget presentation during the boardsregularly scheduled work session Tuesday. Username. Yocum said in a text message that the teachersunion has been in talks with PCPS Associate Superintendent for Human ResourcesTeddra Porteous about the extension. Polk County Public schools has partnered with Benefitfocus to provide the members of our insurance plan with a secure, efficient and convenient platform to manage their benefits online. Lakeland, Florida Area. Mar 2013 - Jul 20163 years 5 months. The standards for student behavior shall be set cooperatively through interaction among students, parents/guardians, staff, and community member, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. School administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers serve as role models for students and are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying. During the first semester, the Superintendent shall inform school staff, parents/guardians/other persons responsible for the welfare of a student of the District's student safety and violence prevention policy. Information on ESE services, projects, and programs, and resources for families. The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! Information regarding dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. The Polk Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that directly supports Polk County Public Schools. ; ClassLink Online resources and services for students! Polk County Public Schools Curriculum Tech Resources Records Request Health & Wellness Crime Stoppers FortifyFL Family Empowerment Scholarship Florida Department of Education provides educational options for qualifying families through the Family Empowerment Scholarship. The meetings are held in the Board Room at the Stearns Education Center. Search results from our Services may contain copyrighted material and, if so, you may not use such content unless you obtain permission from its owner or are otherwise permitted by law. That's an importantpoint for many of the boardmembersits part of the recruitment we have for staff, Miller said. Perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying and/or harassment by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student or school employee by: accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the District school system; or. No Registration is required. The Superintendent will also provide such notification to all District contractors. If you want to be notified of updates to our website, please subscribe here! Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. There are 13,588 districts in the U.S. By comparison, New York spends $24,800 per student and the average teacher salary is$87,738. The Polk Schools Staff Portal The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! Extending the FFCRA COVID leave that covers quarantines through the remainder of the school year is a common-sense move, said Yocum, whose union represents 9,000 Instructional staff, paraeducatorsand clerical personnel. The instruction shall include evidence-based methods of preventing bullying and harassment, as well as information about how to effectively identify andrespond to bullying in schools. We are located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee in the heart of the. The District shall provide for appropriate recognition and positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success. Bullying Curriculum for Students - developed by the District - This curriculum includes education on recognition, prevention, and intervention at all grade levels. All rights reserved. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. Such immunity from liability shall not apply to an employee, student, or volunteer determined to have made an intentionally false report about harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. Wools, 53,woke up April 1 withunbelievably intensemuscleaches, fever and a pounding headache. She tested positive for COVID-19 and went to apply for the special sick leave on Sunday. 2023 www.theledger.com. InAugust, the district implemented paid sick leave specifically for COVID through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which uses the federal funding to pay the sick leave salary, among many things. LAKELAND Polk County Public Schools' paraprofessionals and support staff can expect a whopping paycheck at the end of October, thanks to a contract negotiated in recent months and approved . As for Wools, she was in the emergency room on Thursday with worsening symptoms COVID pneumonia. Camerons Collection can also be accessed through ClassLink, the Gale GVLR site, or each schools Destiny homepage. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. Valuable information and resources for families who are already homeschooling their children or those interested in home education. Information for planning the next steps of your education and beyond. The 2022 open enrollment period will be October 17-29, and employees of Polk County Public Schools will need to manage their benefits using Benefitplace. This includes two high schools, one college and career academy, two middle schools, and six elementary schools. MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. A step-by-step guide for becoming licensed to drive. The district has a $900 million capital shortfall, his report showed. The Polk County School District operates 135 schools; 84 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 17 high schools. That's when homeowners will find out what to expect to pay in local property taxes. %%EOF "Cyberstalking" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. About 300 teachersinPolk County,bothpublic and private, have contracted COVID-19 betweenSept.6 and April3,according to records with the FloridaDepartment of Health. I'm confident we will get it extended,though, and anyone having to take their own time for quarantine will be given their time back, Yocum said. LAKELAND Polk County Public Schools paraprofessionals and support staff can expect a whopping paycheck at the end of October, thanks to a contract negotiated in recent months andapproved by the School Board during a special meeting on Tuesdaythat retroactively grantsraises and salary increases. We serve over 7,800 students across eleven schools throughout the Polk County community. Four School Board members were in attendance for the9 a.m.work session Chairwoman Lori Cunningham, Sara Beth Reynolds, Lisa Miller and William Allen. The District shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy in the Code of Student Conduct and in employee handbooks. A helpful overview of Polk County Public Schools Fine Arts programs and opportunities. 103 0 obj <>stream The investigator shall document in his/her report the reasons for needing up to an additional ten (10) days. 0 Polk County Public Schools crisis team responds to a wide variety of situations, including deaths of students and staff members, natural disasters and other traumatic events. . Cameron's Collection. Step - 1: Welcome I have forgotten my password or my password has expired. Polk K12 Parents: Forgot Password? The programs of training and instruction authorized by the District shall include, but not be limited to. Click the icon to log in to ourdistrict applications. The investigation of a reported act of bullying or harassment is deemed to be a school-related activity and begins with a report of such an act. Polk County HUB ; Staff List; Annual Accountability; . Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of the policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances and shall include: a recommendation of remedial steps necessary to stop the bullying and/or harassing behavior; and. (See the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida F.A.C. LAKELAND Polk County Public Schoolsand the Polk Education Association teachers union arein final talks toextenduntil June 4the 10 days of COVID sickleave. Fieldsattended via zoom,Sarah Fortney was at a function for international teachers, and Lynn Wilson had a prior engagement and arrived late. Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. Library Media Services recently purchased Cameron's Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers shall be provided training and instruction, at least annually, on the District's policy and administrative procedures regarding bullying and harassment. Documented interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses shall be conducted privately and shall be confidential.