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. School Board of Polk County, Florida The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. a written report by the principal/assistant principal. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett. Bullying Curriculum for Students - developed by the District - This curriculum includes education on recognition, prevention, and intervention at all grade levels. 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. Find your Board member, access Board meeting calendars and agendas, and learn how you can watch meeting broadcasts. 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. Polk County Public Schools Let's get started! It was obvious that the board really did not propose that the employees premiums increase, so we have kept those the same, saidPCPS Chief of StaffJason Pitts. accessibility concerns, please contact the webmaster. Polk County Public Schools - Journey - Personnel Evaluation Your principal has materials for you to certify that you have viewed the training video and have taught the required lesson for your grade level, but there are lots of other materials on the website if you want to explore the topic further with your students. Staff - Jesse Keen Elementary - Polk County Public Schools PDF Automatic Deposit Authorization Agreement 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. 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. Need Password Help? 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. The Superintendent may authorize additional instructional programs or activities not previously listed within this policy on a case-by-case basis. Use your Polk County Schools username as follows: Staff: (firstname.lastname only, do not include @polk-fl.net) to access Moodle. The intended audience is 6th-12thgrade students and parents. acting in a manner that has an effect similar to the effect of bullying or harassment. Open Enrollment - Health & Wellness - Polk County Public Schools Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. TDOE has a preview site located here. Cunningham and Fields left before the vote was takenduring a special meeting at 11 a.m., although the work session, set to run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., had been scheduled months in advance. 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 The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! The meetings are held in the Board Room at the Stearns Education Center. I just want to change my password. 6A-10.081). Forgot My Password. Pitts said the decade-long losses in revenues because of millage rollbacks amounted to nearly $271 million. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. Search the Destiny library catalog, find online resources and learn how parents can give input on library materials. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680. I know a lot of the paras decide to work for us for little to nothing based on that benefit.. We are located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee in the heart of the. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative procedures shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. I just put my absence in as my own sick leave.. Jason Pitts, the districts chief of staff for the superintendents office, led the budget presentation during the boardsregularly scheduled work session Tuesday. Complaints against the superintendent should be filed with the Board Chair. 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. School Board Member Justin Sharpless wanted something done to improve revenues. The programs of training and instruction authorized by the District shall include, but not be limited to: Dating Violence Prevention: CDC's Choose Respect. Users can also select how they wish to receive communication about their benefits (text and/or email). I hereby authorize The School Board of Polk County to initiate credit entries and if necessary, debit entries and adjustments to my account at the above financial institution named. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior and/or bullying. Polk County Schools does get special revenues, including title funds, food service and other grants of $188 million, Pitts said. The piece that was missing was Mr. Heid. 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. District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830, 2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. 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. 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. Learn about the wide variety of school options Polk County Public Schools offers for students of all ages. View school menus and replenish your accounts. Yocum said in a text message that the teachersunion has been in talks with PCPS Associate Superintendent for Human ResourcesTeddra Porteous about the extension. Florida spending $9,980 per student and pays teachers an average salary of$49,583. Log in using the same username and password you created during the self-registration process. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages will be displayed, as appropriate, at each school and at District facilities. False charges shall also be regarded as a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions. "I know that we have not charged anything to the employees and we have talked about it for a long window of time and we wont needtodo it for the next year or two, but I think at some point,that might change, Fields said. Step - 1: Welcome I have forgotten my password or my password has expired. Thank you for visiting the official website of the Polk County Department of Education. View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. He added the state lottery provides funding that amounts to five days of the districts operations. 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. Use your PCPS username and password to login. Maria Garcia: Food Services Team: Lisa Marie Gill: Office & Support Staff, Paraprofessionals, Title 1 She commended new Polk County Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid, who began in June. Polk School Board looks at budget report, spending plan for next year The total adopted Polk County Schools budget was $2.35 billion this year. In July the district will advertise thetentative budget once data has been gathered predicting the number of students and teachers anticipated next school year. Online resources and services for students! But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. What You Need To Know About Section 504 A Guide for Parents. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. Documented interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses shall be conducted privately and shall be confidential. ; College and Career Readiness Information for planning the next steps of your education and beyond. This review process shall be conducted not less than every three (3) years thereafter. 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. All rights reserved. Learn about excused and unexcused absences, and attendance expectations. 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. It is exhausting, but I do feel I will beat it. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or as described above. Polk County School Board. The principal/assistant principal or District will make a determination if an act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of District authority. 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. 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. If the action is outside the scope of the District and believed to be a criminal act, the action shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. 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. The District will utilize Florida's School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) Statewide Report on School Safety and Discipline Data as prescribed. Polk County also has unique challenges having both a rural and urban population as well as being an inland county, Pitts said. ); intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents; analysis and evaluation of school culture with resulting recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing peer ownership and support. In his 27-page snapshot of the districts financial health, Pritt said the biggest and most pressing challenge for the district in the future will be capital funding. Polk County Public Schools Moodle Site Home The Polk County School District operates 135 schools; 84 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 17 high schools. Computers without web-filtering software or computers with web-filtering software that is disabled shall be used when complaints of cyberbullying are investigated. 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. 1006.147 and in conformity with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Model Policy. The Polk Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that directly supports Polk County Public Schools. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. 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). Step 3: Interview and Hire! 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. All other members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the principal or as described above. 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. Holly Arnaud - High School Counselor - Polk State College - LinkedIn For questions related to your benefits or for assistance with Benefitplace, please contact the PCPS Risk Management and Benefits department. Information for vendors and potential business partners, including purchasing and construction bids. PBS LearningMedia is your destination for easy, instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos and presentations perfect for the Interactive Whiteboard, plus audio and photos, and even in-depth lesson plans. Log In Sign in with Staff Sign in with Students Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 Students: Forgot Password? 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. 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. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and reference and research tools. User Name. Polk County Public Schools Recruitment and Hiring System. Sexual cyberharassment may be a form of sexual harassment. 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. Victims of these offenses should also have the incident basis (sex, race, or disability) noted in their student record. 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. 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. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit acts of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Lakeland, Florida Area. 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. Password. 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. Best of all, PBS LearningMedia is free for educators. A step-by-step guide to help students and their parents navigate the process of becoming licensed to drive. During this time, Mrs. Blackman was an integral part of the leadership team that dramatically raised and maintained student achievement at Oscar J. Pope Elementary School. Steps for getting your child started at Polk County Public Schools. 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. I know what symptoms to watch forand Im paying close attention. 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. If you want to be notified of updates to our website, please subscribe here! The Staff Portal is where you can update your address & phone number, view remuneration statements, tax information, and more! You can search, save, and share with ease.
MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. Polk K12 Parents: Forgot Password? "I am so sorry, said School Board member Lisa Miller. Use your county credentials or email to log in. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and benefits at $625 million. 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. 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. Library Media Services recently purchased Camerons Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. Check out your childs grades, attendance, and more! Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. After the revised policy has been adopted, it shall be submitted to the Florida Department of Education not later than September 30th. 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. 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. has the effect of disrupting the orderly operation of a school. Information on identifying and reporting bullying for parents and students. Polk County Public Schools - Recruiting and Hiring System The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education for all students. 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. Follow us on Social Media for the latest news and updates. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. "In collaboration with our union and the districts newadministration,we were able to make strides in getting a settlement for our supportstaff.. Employment Openings | Polk County Public Schools This website endeavors to comply with best The intended audience is 6th -12th grade students and parents. Its not rocket science.. Polk County Public Schools serves at-risk students through various alternative education programs. 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. Information on how to become an approved volunteer and other ways to support Polk County Public Schools. If you would like additional assistance or have Herhusband, whoalso works from home,contracted it firstand hassincerecovered. That's an importantpoint for many of the boardmembersits part of the recruitment we have for staff, Miller said. of technology or ability. There will be no changes to the district's health insurance plan. respond to bullying in schools. 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. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. The general fund on lastyearsbills had a millage rate of 4.019, andfor the local capital improvement, which was 1.5. 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. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. Polk County Public Schools strives to reduce its energy footprint. Nikki Jones Assistant Principal nikki.jones@polk-fl.net . 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. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board's legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. Upon completion of the investigation, notification shall be by telephone and/or in writing by first-class mail and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).