Their adult daughter, Jenna,alsogotsickand has recovered. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or as described above. 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About the District | Style Guide, Designed for iOS and Android mobile devices, the Benefitplace. 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. 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. Best of all, PBS LearningMedia is free for educators. InJanuary, district officials extended the COVID sick leave through March31. 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. 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. We serve over 7,800 students across eleven schools throughout the Polk County community. It was like getting hit by a train and trying to breathe with an elephant sitting on you,saidWools, who rarely gets sick. The doctor gave hera prescriptionandsent her home. Polk County Schools does get special revenues, including title funds, food service and other grants of $188 million, Pitts said. 3 Steps To Hiring Quality Employees Step 1: Create A Vacancy. practices and standards defined by Section 508 of the U.S. COVID-19 Testing Sites Available In Polk County You can find COVID-19 testing sites in your area by visiting https://polkschoolsfl.com/healthinformation/ to view a list of Polk testing sites provided by the Florida Department of Health. User Name. The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy. In July the district will advertise thetentative budget once data has been gathered predicting the number of students and teachers anticipated next school year. The district employs 6,312 teachers; 1,065 paraprofessionals; 334 counselors, social workers and nurses; 432 principals, 437 secretaries, 599 custodians, 755 food service workers and 580 bus drivers. The Polk Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that directly supports Polk County Public Schools. 6A-10.081). Polk County Public Schools serves at-risk students through various alternative education programs. This website endeavors to comply with best The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education for all students. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Employees are not required to contribute to the districts self-insuredplan, but do pay for spouses and dependents. The meetings are held in the Board Room at the Stearns Education Center. The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. Search the Destiny library catalog, find online resources and learn how parents can give input on library materials. Computers without web-filtering software or computers with web-filtering software that is disabled shall be used when complaints of cyberbullying are investigated. Polk County Public Schools employs school counselors who provide students with the support they need at each stage of their development. Each year the tax collector will then certify the taxable value of property in Polk County in July and the state sets the mileage rate the district can assess to determine its local funding amount. Polk tops 200 new COVID-19 cases for 3rd-straight day, Polk teachers see a pay bump, but no raise for paraeducators or school staff, Polk teachers 'just thought it was adisruption.' I know a lot of the paras decide to work for us for little to nothing based on that benefit.. This policy is adopted pursuant to the requirements of F.S. No Registration is required. What is up with that? endstream endobj startxref A helpful overview of Polk County Public Schools Fine Arts programs and opportunities. Learn about the wide variety of school options Polk County Public Schools offers for students of all ages. School Board Member Lisa Miller said she was interested in seeing an in-progress efficiency audit of current contracted services with the district. The Polk Schools Staff Portal The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! 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. Password "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.". 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. Incidents that require a reasonable investigation when reported to appropriate school authorities shall include alleged incidents of bullying or harassment allegedly committed against a child while the child is enroute to school aboard a bus or at a school bus stop. Information for planning the next steps of your education and beyond. Herhusband, whoalso works from home,contracted it firstand hassincerecovered. 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. Search . The issue came upthis week in Polk afterWendell Watson Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Susan Woolsasked The Ledger about it. Student Home Links to additional information for students. Information on ESE services, projects, and programs, and resources for families. I know what symptoms to watch forand Im paying close attention. Information regarding dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. 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. The student may also report concerns to teachers and other school staff who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. 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. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee 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 include discipline in accordance with District policies, administrative procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement. acting in a manner that has an effect similar to the effect of bullying or harassment. Sign up to receive messages from your school. 68 0 obj <> endobj . Capital is needed for the district's wish list of building projects that could add 10 more schools and multiple remodeling projects by 2041 in order to relieve already overcrowded schools and accommodate the endless waves of families with school-aged children moving to Polk County. Find your Board member, access Board meeting calendars and agendas, and learn how you can watch meeting broadcasts. 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. 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. Quick access to forms, resources, and information. Retroactive to July 1,2021,all affected hourly rates will be increased to a new minimum-base entry-level rate of $11anhour. District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. Thank you for visiting the official website of the Polk County Department of Education. Using the FPEP formula - often refered to as a "dollars per student" formula - Tedder offered the following example: "If the School Board gets approved to spend $3,500 per student and the number of students is 135,000 they would need to generate $437,500,000," he said. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. In West Virginia, it spends $12,270 per student and pays an average teacher salary of$50,261. K-12 Students: (username only, do not include @mypolkschools.net) to access Moodle. The Florida Education Finance Program provides a formula taking into account the local property tax base, the cost of education programs, the cost of living within a school district, among other factors. School Board of Polk County, Florida The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. The principal/assistant principal or District will make a determination if an act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of District authority. Paul Nutcher can be reached at pnutcher@gannett.com. endstream endobj 69 0 obj <>/Metadata 2 0 R/Pages 66 0 R/StructTreeRoot 6 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 70 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 648 792]/Parent 66 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Written and oral reports shall be considered official reports. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. Yocum said in a text message that the teachersunion has been in talks with PCPS Associate Superintendent for Human ResourcesTeddra Porteous about the extension. Members are required to set up their own account and designate their own username and password. . 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. Latest: At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, By the way: Polk County School District details plans for $202M in relief funds. Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. Alsoin the contract:If per-student funding, which provides staff raises, fluctuates greater than 2% of the current funding up or down, both sides can come back to the bargaining table to work out a new agreement. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. We ask all members (even if you do not plan to make changes) to login and verify their data and update their life insurance beneficiary information. 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. Need Password Help? Coronavirus Information A place for current employees 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. Links to additional information for the community. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. Nikki Jones Assistant Principal nikki.jones@polk-fl.net . Woolscould not understand why the date had not been extended through the end of the school year yet. If the action is outside the scope of the District and believed not a criminal act, the principal shall inform parents/guardians of all minor parties. 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. 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. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. 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. 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. ; Accelerated Academic Programs Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. 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. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and benefits at $625 million. "We have the issues when it comes to transportation costs but we don't have the advantages of some of those larger districts' coastal property taxes and things like that," he said, giving one example of a financial disadvantage that Polk County faces. Is the 10 days no longer a thing? Teachers, CommonSense Media has developed lessons for Digital Citizenship and Literacy. Another, Kelly Services, provides the district with staff, including substitute teachers. 0 Forgot Your Password? Forgot My Password. -Organize, train for, and . Log In Username: Password: Forgot password? In 10 years, the Polk County millage rate peaked at 5.42 in 2012 and sank to 3.998 in 2019. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. He vowed to visit Florida's legislative offices in Tallahassee himself to make them aware of the alarming numbers facing the fast-growing school district. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. respond to bullying in schools. The intended audience is 6th-12thgrade students and parents. Learn about how to get $$$ for your education. Access is anonymous. They can share this with their significant other if they want that person to handle benefit-related matters. The Principal shall establish and prominently publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents the procedure for reporting bullying and how such a report will be acted upon. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. Cameron's Collection. Victims of these offenses should also have the incident basis (sex, race, or disability) noted in their student record. 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. Follow us on Social Media for the latest news and updates. The Polk County School Board kicked off itsbudgeting process for the next school year with a report that showed the district ranks among the poorest both nationally and statewide for such a large district. 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. Information on how to become an approved volunteer and other ways to support Polk County Public Schools. MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. This includes two high schools, one college and career academy, two middle schools, and six elementary schools. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. 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. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. Information on dress code, Code of Conduct, attendance, and Student Progression Plan. Through the Benefitplace platform, you can log in anytime to see your chosen benefits, dependents and beneficiaries. Online resources and services for students! Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. 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. through the use of data or computer software that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the District or school, if the bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the District or school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of a school. Eligible employees who worked one day more than half the 2020-21 contract year will advance one salary level. Using that information, it bases the state's financial contribution to school districts on the number of full-time students the district teaches. The Superintendent will also provide such notification to all District contractors. Polk County School Board. 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. School Board member Lisa Miller said she wants to see the employee contribution left at zero,especiallyfor staff and paraeducators. There will be no changes to the district's health insurance plan. The districthas lost a third of taxable value from the increases in home values since the Great Recession because of the rollback on millage rates, he added. A step-by-step guide to help students and their parents navigate the process of becoming licensed to drive. We are committed to providing a "Bullying" means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees. 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. Polk County HUB ; Staff List; Annual Accountability; . If a bullying (including cyberbullying) and/or harassment incident occurs it will be reported in SESIR, coded appropriately using the relevant incident code and the related element code. The District shall provide a referral procedure for intervening when bullying or harassment is suspected or when a bullying incident is reported. Im not going toplay with this, shesaid. Learn about Polk County Public Schools athletics programs and how your child can join the team! If you have forgotten your Polk County Schools password click here. Butler state police said in a criminal complaint that it was a little before 7:45 p.m. Thursday when Dakota Hughes, 22, called 911, identified himself by his name and date of birth, and said he . Polk County Public Schools English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department supports the academic success and acculturation of English language learners. home of the beautiful Ocoee, Conasauga, and Hiwassee Rivers and the Cherokee National Forest! She said there was simply no way she would be able to teach from home, as she has been doing throughouttheschool year to try to avoid getting sick. The contracts are not necessarily the most expensive items in the budget but they could add up and a review could free up funds needed elsewhere, she said. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation. Polk K12 Parents: Forgot Password? While ten (10) days is the expectation for completion of the investigative procedural steps, more time may be needed based on the nature of the investigation and the circumstances affecting that investigation. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). 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. While Polk's average teacher salary is 35th in the state. 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. Sara VanHook Principal sara.vanhook@polk-fl.net. This year, the minimum wage went up to $11 an hour. Please select an option from the list and click Start. 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. Staff Directory Administration. 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! Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. 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. Information on identifying and reporting bullying for parents and students. Learn about our career academies that help students prepare for the workforce. Find critical coverage information, insightful plan details, and relevant benefits that meet the needs of your unique life circumstances. The District shall provide for appropriate recognition and positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success. That's an importantpoint for many of the boardmembersits part of the recruitment we have for staff, Miller said. 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. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. The District will provide bullying incident, discipline, and referral data to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) in the format requested, through Survey 5 from Education Information and Accountability Services, and at designated dates provided by the Department. Information on identifying and reporting bullying. In accordance with State law, District staff may monitor as part of any bullying or harassment investigation any non-school-related activity, function, or program. What You Need To Know About Section 504 A Guide for Parents. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. Staff Portal Staff Portal Sign Out Contact Info Employee Benefits COVID-19 Leave Time Certification Certification Info Renewal Payment Form Add-On Payment Form Transcripts Upload In-County Travel Payroll Info Paychecks Pay Frequency Election W-2 Forms Fed Tax Filing Status Work Calendar Salary Equipment Use Temporary Duty Teacher Transfer "Harassment" or "bullying" also means electronically transmitted acts (i.e., internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant(PDA), or wireless hand-held device) that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. The issue came up. 2023 www.theledger.com. Check your childs grades, attendance, and more. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. As for Wools, she was in the emergency room on Thursday with worsening symptoms COVID pneumonia. The district has a $900 million capital shortfall, his report showed. 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. (See the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida F.A.C. Find everything to ensure your child is on track to graduate on time. Charter school monies pass through the district coffers and that is expected to be $128 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Information on immunizations, medication administration, and head lice. The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive plan intended to prevent bullying and harassment and to cultivate the school climate so as to appropriately identify, report, investigate, and respond to situations of bullying and harassment as they may occur on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks.
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