endstream endobj startxref There are also 145 school resource officers and guardians; and district support personnel of 1,595. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. School Board Member Lisa Miller said she was interested in seeing an in-progress efficiency audit of current contracted services with the district. This authorization is to remain in effect until withdrawn by me, in writing, with sufficient notice to The School Board Payroll Department to . . 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680. 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. 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. Online resources and services for 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. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. Forgot Your Password? The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. 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. These programs focus on correcting behaviors and developing attitudes and skills that will help students make positive changes in their lives. The investigator shall collect and evaluate the facts including but not limited to: whether there were past incidents or past continuing patterns of behavior; the relationship between the parties involved including whether the individual was in a position of power over the individual allegedly subject to bullying or harassment; the characteristics of the parties involved; where the bullying and/or harassment occurred; whether there have been other incidents in the school involving the same or other students; whether the conduct adversely affected the student's education or educational environment; the context in which the alleged incidents occurred; and. Individuals who are interested in addressing the School Board on a particular issue must register in person, at the meeting location, starting 30 minutes prior to the meeting. 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. Log in using the same username and password you created during the self-registration process. The district has a $900 million capital shortfall, his report showed. You do not need to provide the @polk-fl.net portion of your email address as part of your username. 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. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages will be displayed, as appropriate, at each school and at District facilities. This review process shall be conducted not less than every three (3) years thereafter. Polk County Public Schools Let's get started! In-person benefit assistance is available at an upcoming health and benefit fair. 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. "That's something that is really alarming to me.". Information on identifying and reporting bullying. ; Accelerated Academic Programs Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Since millage rates are set by the state, school boards in Florida have few options for local revenues sources, forcing school districts to cut spending to make ends meet. It is exhausting, but I do feel I will beat it. A step-by-step guide for becoming licensed to drive. Click Here to Change/Reset Your Password Information for vendors and potential business partners, including purchasing and construction bids. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. Sara VanHook Principal sara.vanhook@polk-fl.net. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment, as defined herein, is prohibited: during any education program or activity conducted by the District; during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a District school bus, or at a District school bus stop ; through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of the District; or. 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 highest level of confidentiality possible shall be provided regarding the submission of a complaint or a report of bullying and/or harassment and for the investigative procedures that are employed. The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. Data reporting on bullying, harassment, unsubstantiated bullying, unsubstantiated harassment, sexual harassment, and threat/intimidation incidents, as well as any bullying-related incidents that have as a basis of sex, race, or disability should include the incident basis. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Complaints against the principal should be filed with the regional assistant superintendent assigned to the school. Another, Kelly Services, provides the district with staff, including substitute teachers. The next work session and board meeting will take place Oct. 26 at the Jim Miles Center in Highland City. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. 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. The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education for all students. 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. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. In a separate section, the District shall include each alleged incident of bullying or harassment that does not meet the criteria of a prohibited act under this policy with recommendations regarding such incidents. Learn about how to get $$$ for your education. ; ClassLink Online resources and services for students! This website endeavors to comply with best website. Library Media Services Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. accessibility concerns, please contact the webmaster. MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. Polk County also has unique challenges having both a rural and urban population as well as being an inland county, Pitts said. 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. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. Sexual cyberharassment may be a form of sexual harassment. Woolscould not understand why the date had not been extended through the end of the school year yet. Some School Board members and the Polk Education Association teachersunion president agree. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. I just want to change my password. Learn about Polk County Public Schools athletics programs and how your child can join the team! 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. 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. Yocum said in a text message that the teachersunion has been in talks with PCPS Associate Superintendent for Human ResourcesTeddra Porteous about the extension. Charter school monies pass through the district coffers and that is expected to be $128 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. For property taxes, the Polk County School Board has two-line items on the property tax bill, the general fund and local capital improvement, said Joe Tedder, Polk County Tax Collector. Growth: As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life. A step-by-step guide to help students and their parents navigate the process of becoming licensed to drive. Library Media Services recently purchased Camerons Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. College funding: Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Trailblazer: Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, "One of the most concerning things for me is not just this presentation, but in school funding in general, is where we rank in our district's costs differential," Sharpless said. District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. "Within the scope of the District" means regardless of ownership, any computer, computer system, or computer network that is physically located on school property or at a school-related or school-sponsored program or activity. We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our Access is anonymous. The salary increase was part of a constitutional amendment passed by Florida voters in November to incrementally increase minimum wage each year until 2026, when it will reach $15 an hour. Follow us on Social Media for the latest news and updates. She shouldn't be worried about her pay.. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry under this policy is prohibited. 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. It should have been extended because its the right thing to do. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. We are located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee in the heart of the. Polk County Public Schools English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department supports the academic success and acculturation of English language learners. Jason Pitts, the districts chief of staff for the superintendents office, led the budget presentation during the boardsregularly scheduled work session Tuesday. Many of the teacher vacancies and other services are covered by contracts with outside vendors such as INVO, providing behavioral support. Victims of these offenses should also have the incident basis (sex, race, or disability) noted in their student record. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Information regarding dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. 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. ".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. There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. A maximum of ten (10) school days shall be the limit for the initial filing of the incidents and completion of the investigative procedural steps. You can search, save, and share with ease. 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! The programs of training and instruction authorized by the District shall include, but not be limited to: Dating Violence Prevention: CDC's Choose Respect. State funding covers just 60% of the district's mandated transportation services. The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. I just put my absence in as my own sick leave.. Find out dates for spring and winter break, early release days, and more. Links to additional information for students. 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. K-12 Students: (username only, do not include @mypolkschools.net) to access Moodle. If the bullying incident results in the perpetrator being charged with a crime, the principal shall inform by first class mail or by telephone the parent/guardian of the identified victim(s) involved in the bullying incident about the Unsafe Schools Choice Option, Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532) that states, in pertinent part, as follows: ".a student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultationwith 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.". -Organize, train for, and . This policy has been developed and reviewed in consultation with District students, parents, teachers, administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community representatives, and local law enforcement agencies as prescribed in F.S. Their adult daughter, Jenna,alsogotsickand has recovered. Find critical coverage information, insightful plan details, and relevant benefits that meet the needs of your unique life circumstances. Check out your childs grades, attendance, and more! 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. 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. That's an importantpoint for many of the boardmembersits part of the recruitment we have for staff, Miller said. The Superintendent will also provide such notification to all District contractors. School Board Vice-Chairwoman Kay Fields thankedthe staff for their work, acknowledging that it did nothappen overnight, and thanking the staff and PEA negotiators for including a provision to renegotiate if there is a fluctuation in funding. Learn about the history of Polk County Public Schools and the mission that is guiding it into the future. Related:Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, Minimum wage:See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years. Flyers, posters, and bookmarks are being distributed at schools with QR codes for easy access. 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. 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. The District will utilize Florida's School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) Statewide Report on School Safety and Discipline Data as prescribed. Implementation of the plan by each principal will be ongoing throughout the school year and will be integrated with the school curriculum, the bullying and prevention program, District disciplinary policies, and violence prevention efforts. . Polk K12 Parents: Forgot Password? The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. Through the Benefitplace platform, you can log in anytime to see your chosen benefits, dependents and beneficiaries. Students are expected to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property, and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority. The tentative budget for the 2023-2024 school year will be prepared by June setting a proposed millage rate, which is determined by a state formula. The District shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy in the Code of Student Conduct and in employee handbooks. Valuable information and resources for families who are already homeschooling their children or those interested in home education. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. Click here for more information Community Resources Use your PCPS username and password to login. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. Notification shall be by telephone or by personal conference and/or in writing and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). 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. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. Use these tools to encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and work one-on-one or with the whole class. The Student Progression Plan describes requirements for students to be promoted to the next grade. View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. 103 0 obj <>stream 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. Step 2: Search For Qualified Applicants. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or as described above. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. 88 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[68 36]/Info 67 0 R/Length 103/Prev 529646/Root 69 0 R/Size 104/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream He asked his colleagues and administrators present at the session to let the district's lobbyist know about the financial presentation. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. In 10 years, the Polk County millage rate peaked at 5.42 in 2012 and sank to 3.998 in 2019. "Bullying" and "harassment" also encompass: Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying of harassment.

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