Newsletter March 2026

Kathleen Elementary’s students enjoy learning how to create videos through the ITV program.

Kathleen Elementary

This year, Kathleen Elementary launched a student-led Instructional Television program, and they’re ready for their closeup!

The program allows students to learn more about video production. In October, a space on campus was converted into a studio with video equipment. The students hit the ground running, learning how to operate the camera, writing scripts, conducting interviews, and anchoring the morning show.

“I am so incredibly proud of our students,” said Principal Tracie Upton. “Over the course of the year, we have watched their interest in participating in the ITV program go from hesitance to true excitement.”

“Students are passionate about researching their segments, writing scripts, and delivering the information to the school,” Upton said. “We have also seen their confidence grow during this process. They are gaining skills, experience, and knowledge that they will carry with them into middle school and beyond.”

Staff members are also excited about the ITV program. They have been willing to work with students and help them to develop quality segments for the morning show.

In addition, parents have been very supportive of the ITV program and enjoy watching their children explore this new area of study.

Students quickly went from being novices to now entering video submissions for several categories in the district ITV awards program.

“We are planning to host a ‘Friends and Family of ITV’ night to preview our award show entries prior to the ceremony,” Upton said.

Kathleen Middle students fill the cafeteria and eagerly await to hear whose names get called for prizes. All these students met goals in behavior, academics and attendance to participate in the Renaissance program.

Kathleen Middle

Kathleen Middle is now joining other schools throughout the district who host special celebrations and fun activities to reinforce positive behavior, improved academic performance and good attendance.

Through the Renaissance program, Kathleen Middle is spotlighting students who commit themselves to hard work and setting a good example for others to follow.

The program encourages students to excel in three goal areas:

• Academics
• Attendance
• Behavior

The number of students participating by meeting all three goals for the second quarter of the school year increased by almost 60 percent!

“I am proud of the ownership many of our students have taken with their studies,” said Principal Bucky Day.

“We monitor their progress throughout the year, and students take it very seriously,” he said. “They come up to me on campus and want to share how they’re improving because they don’t want to miss being part of Renaissance celebrations.”

Kathleen Senior High students were invited in February to visit Florida Polytechnic University.

Kathleen Senior High

Kathleen Senior High was recently recognized as being one of the top three high schools in Polk County for the number of students admitted to Florida Polytechnic University.

Last month, more than 40 students were invited to the university’s campus for a full tour. During the tour, students were able to participate in a hands-on physics experiment, and they were treated to lunch.

“The university tour was a great experience for our students,” said Daraford Jones, KHS principal.

The high school increased its school grade by 98 points — landing only four points shy of achieving a “B” school grade.

But the principal said students and staff continue their steady progress toward making the “B” grade a reality.

“We are extremely proud of our Red Devils for working so hard and our rising school grade performance is proof of their resilience and commitment to excellence,” Jones said. “I also want to thank our teachers and staff for always supporting students and preparing them for success in college, career and life.”

The school’s athletics and fine arts programs are also excelling in many ways.

In December, the Kathleen High School Band was named the 2025 Most Outstanding Band at the annual Lakeland Christmas Parade.

Coach Kenny Kelly has developed strong relationships with community partners, securing $20,000 to support the Red Devils’ athletics program.

Campus induction coordinators serve as guides to help new teachers settle into their campuses and new careers as educators.

Campus Induction

Starting a new job is always stressful, but what if you could have two days to help you settle into your role?

The school district’s Campus Induction program is designed to help new teachers ease into their classrooms and campus life.

“Campus Induction provides new teachers with two dedicated days on campus offering job‑embedded support,” said Elizabeth Smith, acting senior director of Professional Development.

“These days are filled with opportunities to orient our new teachers to their school community,” Smith said.

“Campus induction coordinators help new teachers learn about job expectations, curriculum, and available resources,” she said. “The whole purpose is to prepare them for a strong start with their students.”

The Campus Induction program continues this support beyond the initial two-day experience.

Teachers also receive ongoing, structured guidance throughout their second and third year on campus. The coordinator works closely with the teacher to explore targeted professional learning, collaborative planning, and job‑shadowing.

“We continue to get great feedback from our new teachers about this program,” Smith said. “They appreciate how coordinators guide them into their new instructional roles and share strategies and insights that provide immediate, practical benefits. New teachers can apply this knowledge right away in their classrooms!”

The district’s community liaisons recently served as emcees during the Inspire Awards, an annual celebration for honorees for teacher and school-related employee of the year.

Community Liaisons

It truly takes an entire community to help students reach their fullest potential.

Schools rely upon business, nonprofits, government agencies, faith-based organizations and so many other stakeholders to meet the needs of students.

The school district’s community liaisons foster meaningful relationships with these stakeholders, showing them how they support education in ways that align with their interests.

For instance, liaisons assist with recruiting volunteers and mentors, securing donations, connecting businesses with career academies, and supporting workforce readiness initiatives.

By handling many of those tasks (which can involve work after regular school hours), the liaisons help reduce the load on school administrators, so they can stay focused on their students and staff.

“Our community liaisons forge partnerships that enhance the learning experience of our students,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “Through their efforts, they provide resources that strengthens school culture, improves student academic outcomes, and uplift teachers and staff members.”

There are five liaisons throughout the district:

• Ashley Cerjan – Central Region
• Reba Coil – South Lakeland
• Crystal Davis – North Lakeland
• Erica Morse – South Polk
• Brittanie Ramsey – Northeast Polk

If you are interested in learning more about partnership opportunities, please contact the liaisons at [email protected].

Community outreach facilitators partner with families to combat chronic absenteeism and get students back into the classroom.

Community Outreach

Regular school attendance is vital to a student’s success. However, chronic absenteeism can occur quickly. For instance, two absences each month can add up to 20 days each year!

The school district’s Community Outreach program helps families figure out why children are not attending school and get them back to the classroom where learning can take place.

“Our team’s mission is to collaborate with students and their families to combat chronic absenteeism,” said Daniel Rawson, assistant director of Community Outreach.

‘“There are a lot of reasons why a student might miss a significant number of school days, and getting to the root cause is critical,” Rawson. “For instance, a student might be helping to take care of a sick relative or doesn’t have reliable transportation to travel to campus.”

The program’s community outreach facilitators build relationships and engage students’ families to identify strategies that support the students’ educational success.

Community outreach facilitators work alongside schools to perform weekly home visits. They monitor attendance reports, call parents, submit referrals to various support groups, and attend attendance meetings at schools.

This year, community outreach facilitators connected with thousands of families and delivered more than 10,000 essential resources.

“Whether a student needs extra tutoring to catch up on their missed assignments, transportation support, mental health resources, or help navigating challenges in their lives, we want to provide students and their families with real solutions,” Rawson said.

“We want to assist families with finding practical ways to improve attendance,” he said. “A missed day is a missed opportunity to learn.”

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

PCPS employees and all members of their household can use the Employee Assistance Program.

The program can help in many different ways, such as building stronger, more meaningful relationships.

Positive relationships play a powerful role in our overall wellbeing. Research consistently shows that meaningful connections with friends, family, peers, or significant others can foster joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Healthy relationships and the support they provide can also help buffer stress and navigate life’s challenges.

Consider taking time to deepen your connections by talking about what truly matters with the important people in your life. You might ask about a favorite memory, personal hopes, or long-term goals. By sharing what’s most meaningful, you can strengthen your relationships and support your emotional health. Even a few intentional minutes can make a lasting difference.

Looking for someone to talk with about your relationships? Call EAP at 1-800-272-7252.

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