Newsletter April 2026

Robert Salazar, a media paraeducator, dressed up as “Pete the Cat” – a famous children’s book character - to welcome students to Horizons Elementary’s media center.

Horizons Elementary

Horizons Elementary is always searching for ways to foster a love of learning and reading within students.

“Of course, we all know that literacy helps unlock students’ academic potential,” said Principal Amy Heiser-Meyers. “But what makes literacy even more powerful is when students find out how much fun reading can be.”
The principal credits Robert Salazar, a media paraeducator, for book circulation at Horizons Elementary quadrupling and continuing to rise.

“Mr. Salazar will dress up in costumes and explore creative experiences to get kids interested in reading,” said Heiser-Meyers. “He wants to make sure students are laughing, smiling and enjoying their time in the media center.”

The school also encourages Horizons Hawks to work hard, so they can be inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society as fourth and fifth graders.

Students are recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, service, and responsibility. They also give back to the community and become true leaders in their daily lives.

Horizons Elementary also has developed strong relationships with community partners who support school supply and canned food drives.

“We even have parents who have chosen to support our school by becoming staff members or substitute teachers,” said Heiser-Meyers.

Dundee Ridge’s FFA members recently volunteered on a Saturday at the Sunshine Dream Village spring festival.

Dundee Ridge Middle Academy

For many years, Dundee Ridge Middle Academy’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter has won consistently at the district and state level competitions.

This year, students participated for the first time in the FFA milk judging competition and placed sixth in the state! Over the years, the school’s FFA members have also placed at the state level in livestock, citrus and ornamental horticulture demonstration contests.

“Most of Dundee Ridge’s students participate in our agriculture program at some point during their middle school years,” said Principal Stacy Gideons.

“They get real world experience working with livestock and horticulture,” she said. “Many enjoy the opportunity of showing animals at the Polk County Youth Fair, the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival in Plant City.”

FFA members also participate in various community events and look for ways to serve others.

“Dundee Ridge’s students travel to neighboring elementary schools and read to kindergarteners as well as to promote agriculture and its importance to society,” Gideons said. “They also visit with senior citizens during the holidays.”

Joseka Lahens, choral director at Ridge Community High, enjoys helping students grow from amateur singers to confident, professional performers. The Chamber group recently received straight superiors at Music Performance Assessments (MPAs).

Ridge Community High

Ridge Community High offers a wide array of programs to help each student find what sparks their interest.

Students can pursue performing and fine arts instruction, career academies to develop employability skills, extensive opportunities for dual enrollment and advanced placement, or join one of the largest Army JROTC programs in the southeast.

“One very unique aspect of Ridge Community High is that we require all freshmen to take the JROTC leadership course,” said Principal Matthew Blankenship.

“This course helps them develop confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and a sense of pride in their school,” he said. “The experience is a great foundation, and it’s exciting to watch these new students become leaders over the course of their first year at Ridge Community.”

The school’s transition program is also another remarkable program. Students get hands-on training to run several businesses on campus, providing services to staff while helping to build workplace skills.

“Our transition students are currently running a breakfast cart that offers coffee, tea, and food items,” said Blankenship. “They also operate a golf cart car wash business and are branching out into food service for staff during lunch.”

The school also organizes events to bring together the community.
The annual Winter Fest attracts more than 2,000 family members to a carnival style event. This year, the inaugural Trunk or Treat brought together more than 3,000 visitors and 30 vendor booths.

Ridge Community is also committed to public service. The school hosts a food pantry, serving more than 200 individuals each week. The Spanish club sponsors an Angel Tree each year to provide gifts for those less fortunate during the holidays.

LaTonnja Key, director of Teen Parent /Child Services (left), celebrates with Karen Ruiz-Mestiza during this year’s About-Face Awards.

Teenage Parent Program

The Teenage Parent Program is designed to meet the needs of pregnant or parenting students and their children.

This voluntary program provides participating students educational and ancillary services to facilitate the completion of high school.

The program includes the following services:

• Academics
• Childcare
• Coordinated Health Care and Social Services
• Parenting Education
• Transportation

This school year, two teen parents -- Karen Ruiz- Mestiza (Traviss Technical College) and Paris Smith (Ridge Technical College) -- were honored at the About-Face Awards for improving their grade point average, attendance, attitude, or otherwise making significant steps toward successful futures.

Five teen parent students also achieved the A/B Honor Roll in the first semester.

“Most importantly, we are so proud that for the past ten years the Teen Parent Graduation rate has been above 85% each year,” said LaTonnja Key, director of Teen Parent Programs /Childcare Services.

AHS Transition students enjoying meaningful community experiences that build confidence, independence, and real-world connections.

Transition Services

Transition Services supports students with disabilities ages 12–22 through career assessments, individualized planning in middle and high school, and post deferment programs that build independence and readiness for adulthood, including life skills, career readiness, and a pathway to independence.

“Our program uses a person-centered approach, offering Transition Programs aligned to each student’s interests,” said Polly Bruno, senior director of Exceptional Student Education Instruction.

Students gain real-world experience through job shadowing in different work environments, including retail, restaurants, mechanic shops, farms, and printing companies.

“The experience empowers students by building confidence and fostering independence as they enter young adulthood,” Bruno said. “You can clearly see their sense of pride, increased engagement and readiness for real world expectations.”

Commitment Day celebrates seniors signing their commitments to post secondary pathways, including universities/colleges, the military, and career opportunities.

Commitment Day

PCPS is preparing for Commitment Day!

This month, each PCPS high school will host its own 2026 Commitment Day event to celebrate our graduating seniors who have made a commitment to their future.

During these special events, seniors publicly announce and celebrate their plans —whether it’s college acceptance, a new job, military enlistment, or any commitment to success. Students are encouraged to invite family and friends, sharing their achievements much like athletes on signing day.

All participating students will sign a class banner with their commitment, creating a lasting symbol of their dedication as they take the next step toward bright futures.

In addition, students who participate will be eligible for prizes and gifts generously provided by community partners.

One way to support our seniors is to purchase items that will help them as they take this next big step in their lives. Click here to learn more.

PCPS employees can scan the code for more information or to access the important resources of the Employee Assistance Program.

Caring for Family Members

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential, no-cost support to active employees and all members of their household, including dependent children up to age 26, even if they don’t live at home.

You juggle a lot every day — but you don’t have to do it alone. The Resources for Living EAP is here to support you in caring for the people who matter most.

Many of us try to manage everything ourselves. But what if you didn’t have to? What if you had someone to help lighten the load?

Worklife consultants are ready to assist. They can provide personalized referrals for childcare, summer camps, elder care, housing resources, convenience services, and more. Just call our EAP at 1‑800‑272‑7252.

You can also explore caregiver self‑care tools and tips online at ResourcesForLiving.com | Username: PCS | Access code: PCS