Newsletter June 2026

Citrine Scott, a sixth-grade math teacher, consistently uses student performance data to guide her instruction. Her commitment to intentional, data driven teaching sets a powerful example.  

Southwest Middle

Southwest Middle’s staff took time during their summer to hit the classroom and undertake some extra learning of their own.

“Our school community really embraces a growth mindset,” said Principal Jason Looney.

“We expect students to develop their knowledge and skills through dedication and perseverance,” he said. “Teachers and school staff are no different. We are continually learning, planning, and preparing to elevate their teaching and learning at Southwest Middle.”

Several Southwest Middle educators attended a summer conference focusing on ways to better serve bilingual students and improving English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education.

Administrators also participated in the "Get Your Teach On" conference, featuring researched-backed workshops and live model lessons.

Using approved federal Title 1 funding, teachers of core subjects were also able to undertake collaborative planning this summer for the upcoming school year. They were able to analyze student performance data, create improved instructional resources, and organize their curriculum.

"Students can only reach their highest potential if we refuse to settle for simply being good enough,” Looney said. “Every staff member must search for new ways he or she can make our school a more productive learning environment where intentional, well designed instruction meets the needs of every student.”

Erica Andujar and Desiree Johnson are rockstar first grade teachers at Bella Citta K-8, and their students’ Accelerated Reading performance is proving it!

Bella Cita K-8

Bella Citta K-8 believes a great first impression sets the tone for a great school year!

"We are excited to spend our summer making sure our campus looks brand new,” said Principal Peter McDougall. “We are planning interior painting that will make our buildings glow again.”

“We’re completing a variety of other tasks on monthly checklists covering schedules and uniforms to everything in between,” McDougall said. “We want Bella Citta ready for the return of our students and staff.”

Administrators and academic coaches are also undertaking professional development training that will help improve their feedback to teachers.

“We are focusing on strategies to boost literacy skills for our students,” McDougall said. “Reading and writing are essential building blocks for all subjects, and we want students to be effective communicators both inside and outside of the classroom.”

This summer, the school’s math coach and math interventionist are also participating in a conference hosted by the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM) to discover innovative teaching methods that will be brought back to Bella Citta.

The school is finalizing the celebrations and special events that will be held throughout the year and will share those with families and community partners soon.

“The summer will be over before we know it,” McDougall said. “But spending time planning and preparing now ensures we’re ready for a smooth start to the new school year.”

Lakeland High is launching a new medical program for the upcoming school year. Renovations are underway at the Hazel Haley Building on the LHS campus.

Lakeland High School

Lakeland High School is preparing this summer to be ready for the second year of an innovative partnership with Florida Southern College.

Last year, the Educator Academy began providing a hands-on pathway for students in grades 9-12 to pursue teaching careers.

Students can complete the equivalent of five college-level education courses by the time they graduate from high school.

They learn directly from outstanding teachers and develop their own teaching skills. They receive immersive classroom experiences through FSC’s School of Education, including working with students who have dyslexia.

“We are excited to begin the Educator Academy’s second year,” said Principal Alain Douge. “Our students are enjoying the real-world opportunities to explore how fulfilling it can be to positively impact another person’s life through the power of education.”

This year, Lakeland High is also launching a new medical program — made possible with grant funding of approximately $400,000 — that will prepare students for careers as patient care technicians.

“We are also improving our campus with some beautification projects, including repainting and modernizing our cafeteria,” Douge said. “When students and staff are away, we take advantage of the time to make our spaces more welcoming.”

Administrators will also collaborate with teachers before the start of a new school year to analyze student performance data collected in the spring and refine their teaching strategies, so they can hit the ground running when classes resume in August.

Transportation Operations staff members are working behind the scenes to get buses, routes and a temporary call center ready for the new school year.

Transportation Operations

There may be fewer school buses driving on local roadways during the summer, but there is still a lot of work taking place behind the scenes.

Area managers and routing technicians inspect approximately 5,900 bus stop locations to ensure they meet safety standards. They also create or adjust routes for more than 46,000 students.

“We train new bus drivers and attendants as well as provide additional support to our existing staff,” said George Millar, director of Transportation Operations.

The training team provides in-service sessions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid instruction, and other professional development.

PCPS buses travel more than 56,000 miles every day — or the same thing as circling the equator more than twice a day.

Shortly before the new school year begins, a temporary Back-to-School Transportation Call Center is established to help assist parents, handling thousands of calls each day.

The call center helps with all manner of transportation questions, including student bus numbers, stop times and locations, transportation eligibility, and bus delays.

“Bus delays and busing questions are common at the beginning of the school year, and continue as students and drivers settle into their daily routines,” said Millar. “Our temporary call center provides information as quickly as possible. Things usually settle down after a couple weeks, and we appreciate families’ patience and understanding during that hectic time.”