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Newsletter May 2026

PCPS Proud

Dear families,

This week, we are honored to recognize the individuals who make classrooms special places where the magic of learning takes place.

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 – May 8) is a great opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to the educators who devote their lives to positively impacting students.

Just think, graduations are coming in a few weeks. These community celebrations mark the final step our students take as they begin their futures.

But the people who prepared these students for this momentous milestone stretch back to pre-K and kindergarten and continue to their 12th grade year in high school. All teachers who instructed these students throughout these years are responsible for making this moment a reality.

So many teachers at every step of a student’s journey deserve credit for nurturing them. They helped them learn foundational things like playing nicely, following rules, and taking turns to more advanced concepts like exploring their talents, tackling challenging academic subjects, and navigating their socioemotional growth.

Teaching is an honorable profession that keeps our society running. Public education powers our future, creating tomorrow’s leaders, first responders, public servants, military men and women, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, parents, and so much more.

We owe teachers our gratitude all year long, but let’s make a special effort this week to express our love for them.

You can write a little note of thanks, offer a simple gift or stop and say how much they mean to you and your child. This small gesture will mean so much to someone who gives so much.

Sincerely,

Frederick Heid
Superintendent

Superintendent Fred Heid sits down to talk to Matt Blankenship, principal of Ridge Community High.

But Matt also brought along some Ridge Community High students to help join the conversation and explain what makes being a Bolt so unique.

Listen to the interview on YouTube - Ridge Community (with Matthew Blankenship)

Subscribe to the district’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/polkcountypublicschools). Remember to turn on your notifications. More PCPS Proud Podcast episodes will be coming soon!

PCPS Graduations

Congratulations Class of 2026!

PCPS is ready to celebrate, and we hope you will join us in congratulating the Class of 2026!

Thousands of graduates will soon be participating in commencement ceremonies taking place throughout Polk County.

You can find a complete graduation schedule and important information at polkschoolsfl.com/studentsandparents/graduation.

Tickets will be required for those attending ceremonies at the RP Funding Center as well as non-RP Funding Center locations.

Seating will not be assigned. Instead, seating will be general admission and on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are attending graduation ceremonies, please be advised that attendees are subject to being screened by a metal detector. There are also restrictions on bags.

Many graduation ceremonies will be taking place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Knowing the importance of this event and that some family members may not be able to attend in person, the ceremonies taking place in the RP Funding Center Jenkins Arena will be livestreamed on the PCPS YouTube channel.

Again, you can find a complete graduation schedule and important information at polkschoolsfl.com/studentsandparents/graduation.

District Highlights

Did You Know? Let’s Learn More About the 2026 School Ballot Initiative …

Polk County Public Schools is asking voters to consider approving a 1.0 ad valorem millage rate increase on the ballot.

Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve this referendum in November 2026.

This funding would support the recruitment and retention of school-based employees and protect critical student programs (fine arts, school safety, workforce development, and early childhood education).

Visit polkschoolsfl.com/referendum to learn more and see answers to frequently asked questions.

To inform the public, each monthly PCPS Proud newsletter will explore a common question about the referendum.

Which Employee Groups Will Receive Funds?

The retention and recruitment funds are intended for school-based and school-related employees, including:

Teachers (includes Pre-K and Traviss and Ridge technical colleges)
Paraprofessionals
Bus drivers & transportation staff
Classroom aides and ESE support staff
Counselors, social workers, and psychologists
School safety personnel
Custodial, cafeteria, and clerical staff
Facilities and maintenance staff
School administrators

It is important to note that the retention and recruitment funds are not limited to classroom teachers. The funding is also intended for various other positions that help schools operate every single day.

Visit polkschoolsfl.com/referendum to learn more.

PCPS Earns “Best Communities for Music Education” Award

Here’s some great news that’s music to our ears.

PCPS has made the list of America’s Best Communities for Music Education.

The award, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), spotlights school districts and individual schools that provide “equitable access to music education for every student.”

Recipients are selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates key indicators including instructional time, participation rates and facilities, as well as district and community support. Applications are independently reviewed and verified by a research firm specializing in education and the arts.

NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education program is now in its 27th year. More than 1,000 districts and schools — public, private and charter — received the award in 2026.

PCPS would like to thank our music teachers, fine arts staff and students for making this community so special!

PCPS FFA Programs Make List of “Florida’s Finest”

It’s official: PCPS still has some of the “finest” FFA programs in the state!

Florida FFA has announced this year’s list of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters, and it includes four PCPS schools: Bartow Middle, Lake Gibson High, Mulberry High and Southwest Middle.

The Florida’s Finest designation is awarded to programs that “emphasize growing leaders, building communities, strengthening agriculture” and provide educational experiences for all members, according to Florida FFA.

The four PCPS schools and other honorees will be recognized during the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando this summer.
Congratulations to our FFAntastic FFA students and teachers!

State of the District Annual Report Now Available!

Did you download your free copy of the State of the District?

This annual report is bursting with information and facts about our local schools, students, teachers and programs.

Did you know that for more than 60 years, the district has offered vocational and technical programming to support our community’s skilled workforce?

Traviss and Ridge Technical Colleges are an affordable way for students to prepare for careers in high-demand professions.

Adult students can enroll in day or evening classes that fit their schedules. High school students can participate in career educational programs while completing their academic credits.

Over the years, the colleges’ programs have kept pace with changes in technology and industry.
Traviss Technical College now offers an air traffic controller program through a partnership with the Bartow Executive Airport, addressing a critical nationwide staffing shortage of air traffic controllers.

Ridge Technical College is now offering the STEEL program — a two-year inclusive postsecondary program with a culinary focus that’s designed to prepare adults with intellectual disabilities for independent living and employment.

Click here for a link to download your free digital copy of the “State of the District” and learn more interesting facts.

PCPS Benefits Showcase: Who is Quantum?

PCPS Benefits Showcase: What is the Lantern Voluntary Surgery Program?

PCPS Proud is continuing to spotlight some of the many benefits for PCPS staff members in each edition of our newsletter.

Today, let’s look at the Lantern Surgery Program.

This program is a voluntary benefit available to members enrolled in the PCPS Health Plan for certain planned, non emergency surgeries.

When you choose Lantern, you receive personalized support before, during, and after your surgery, helping ensure a smoother experience and recovery.

In many cases, eligible surgeries may have $0 deductibles or copays, which can significantly reduce out of pocket costs.

Lantern supports eligible, planned surgeries, and does not apply to emergency procedures or situations where a qualified Lantern provider is not available within a reasonable distance.

Throughout the process, you’ll work with a dedicated Lantern Care Advocate who guides you every step of the way — answering questions, coordinating care, scheduling appointments, and supporting your recovery.

Getting started is easy:

Connect with your Lantern Care Advocate.
Select your surgeon; your Care Advocate initiates the process.
Your Lantern provider schedules the surgery.
Your Care Advocate helps you prepare for surgery and supports your recovery.

For more information, call Lantern at 855-676-2748 or go online.

Local Nonprofit Hosting 2026 Kids Summer Lunch Program

This summer, Mary’s Bagel Cafe – a local nonprofit -- will be offering free healthy bag lunches to Polk County school students (ages 4 – 17) struggling with food insecurity.

The Kids Summer Lunch program will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays from June 9 through July 13.

Please review this flyer for more information or email [email protected].

We have a special treat for this month’s newsletter as we focus on our three learning centers:

Doris A. Sanders Learning Center
Jean O'Dell Learning Center
Karen M. Siegel Academy

We are so proud of the life-changing instruction taking place every day on their campuses! These incredible learning environments serve students with varying exceptionalities from 5 to 22 years of age.

They help students become independent, learn social behaviors and improve their communication skills. Some students may also receive physical, occupational, speech and language therapy.

May is a very fitting month to focus on our learning centers because they officially kick off our graduation season with their ceremony taking place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Lake Region High.

You can see our full graduation schedule here.

Life is good at Doris A. Sanders Learning Center when you learn the skills to create your own personal pizza!

Doris A. Sanders Learning Center

Doris A. Sanders Learning Center expanded its Transition Program to help students build independence and life skills.

The school offers weekly community-based experiences that build real-world skills, with a strong emphasis on life, job, and independent functioning.

The school also creates meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom by partnering with families and the community through collaborations with Publix, Hollis Garden, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Plant Local nursery.

Principal Holly Melton said communication is key when it comes to effectively supporting students.

Teachers and staff recognize each student is unique, and they explore different types of communication methods, so students can show growth across varying cognitive levels.

“We focus on helping each child discover their unique spark that helps them communicate and express themselves,” Melton said.

The sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful day at Jean O’Dell Learning Center! The school’s mascot, Sunny, makes an appearance to encourage students to SHINE on!

Jean O’Dell Learning Center

The Jean O’Dell Learning Center promotes good behavior, student success, and maintaining a positive, safe environments.

The school uses a multi-tiered system known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to encourage students to SHINE:

S-hare a smile
H-elping hands
I-nspire greatness
N-ever give up
E-verybody learns

“We hold monthly celebrations with our mascot, Sunny, and students who consistently follow our schools SHINE expectations are recognized and honored as Students of the Month,” said Principal April Sumner.

The school even achieved Gold Model School status for the 2024-25 school year for using PBIS practices at a high level and fostering a positive, structured, and supportive learning environment for all students.

The school also has a growing parent support group that provides meaningful opportunities for connections and collaboration.

“Through this group, families build relationships, exchange helpful resources, and organize playdates and social gatherings that nurture a caring, engaged community,” said Sumner.

Welcome to Siegel Springs! This bustling little community inside Karen M. Siegel Academy is helping students learn, grow and develop skills to help them become successful and independent in the real world.

Karen M. Siegel Academy

When you step into Karen Siegel Academy, you are transported to another world!

The school has embraced the TeachTown curriculum, which transforms the campus into a “mini-community” called Siegel Springs.

“To bring these lessons to life, we’ve added authentic street signs and navigational markers,” said Principal Maggie Reynolds. “We are empowering students by bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world.”

“Our campus serves as a safe space where students practice essential life skills,” she said. “We have seen a measurable increase in student engagement and functional communication.”

The school also encourages active parent partnerships to ensure these vital life skills transition seamlessly from school to home, fostering lasting independence for every student.

Yvette Vega and Linda Baldick enjoy serving as the office staff for the School Board of Polk County.

Office of the School Board

Executive Assistant Yvette Vega and Secretary Linda Baldick don't mind being busy — even if it means answering lots of telephone calls, managing several busy calendars and providing a variety of clerical services.

"We enjoy serving as a bridge between the School Board, the community and our schools," Vega said. “We also get to work closely with lots of departments. Our busiest days are during monthly meetings and work sessions. The hours move quickly because there is so much to do.”
Polk County Public Schools is governed by a seven-member elected School Board, which represents different districts across the county. These officials are ultimately responsible for:

overseeing the operations of all public schools
controlling school board property
approving plans for growth
approving the school district’s annual budget

The Board also appoints the superintendent of schools, who carries out the Board’s plan for the district.

The Purchasing Department is a small but mighty staff who help school and district staff members obtain the quality goods and services they need to fulfil their instructional and operational tasks.

Purchasing

The Purchasing Department helps school and district staff members obtain the quality goods and services they need to fulfil their instructional and operational needs.

“We are a small but hardworking team that collaborates closely with our more than 120 school sites as well as all of the district’s various departments,” said Michael Kragh, senior director - Purchasing and Printing.

“We help everyone be responsible stewards of public money while also making sure they have the goods and services necessary to keep our schools and offices running smoothly,” he said.

The department also helps ensure the best value of goods and services are being purchased, and PCPS staff are following School Board policies, Florida Statutes, and applicable state and federal regulations.

The department’s responsibilities include:

managing competitive procurement processes, such as bids and proposals
processing purchase requisitions and purchase orders
administering contracts
supporting cooperative and state purchasing agreements
overseeing vendor relations

The Purchasing Department consists of three separate teams:

The Buyers team responds to emails and phone calls as well as reviews and processes purchase orders. Last year alone, this team reviewed and processed more than 8,000 purchase orders.

The Competitive Solicitations team is responsible for managing 170 contracts that are worth a combined total of $600 million.

The PCard Administrator team – or Procurement Card Administrator team – supervises the usage of district credit cards. The district has nearly 800 individual cards in service, and specific rules and guidelines must be followed to use them.

“To help simplify the complexities of purchasing requirements, we recently kicked off our Purchasing 101 live training,” Kragh said.

“We host monthly training sessions with curriculum that is designed by and for school and department secretaries,” he said. “We're getting very positive feedback.”

The Purchasing Department also conducts monthly meetings with departments who have lots of purchasing needs to make sure bids, offers and quotes for goods and services are effectively meeting their needs.

Computer support technicians are always busy repairing laptops and devices. The school district’s One-to-One Digital Learning Initiative provides a digital learning device for each student in every PCPS school!

Electronic Equipment Repair Services (EERS)

Electronic Equipment Repair Services (EERS) Department assists with maintaining, repairing, and managing the lifecycle of technology throughout PCPS schools, offices and facilities.

The department helps control technology costs by repairing and refurbishing equipment rather than replacing devices whenever possible.

So far this year, EERS staff members have completed more than 40,000 tickets requesting help, which is a 38% increase compared to the same time last school year.

EERS staff visit schools daily and work diligently to ensure that technology is operating correctly and minimizing equipment downtime.

The department has three teams:

Computer Repair
Telecommunications / Security
Asset Management

They support devices, printers and copiers, telecommunications systems, security cameras, and network infrastructure to ensure technology remains reliable, secure, and available for daily operations.

During the recent Take your Child to Work Day, the department had more than 20 students participate in a fun day full of presentations and activities relating to how technology helps our students and schools.

Program Highlights

The Instructional Mentor Program

The Instructional Mentor Program helps new PCPS teachers get crucial guidance and support as they begin their careers.

The program – provided by the Professional Development Department – offers consistent, job-embedded coaching from experienced mentors who focus exclusively on helping new teachers improve their skills and settle into their classroom.

Teachers boost their effectiveness and confidence as mentors provide individualized coaching, explore high-quality instructional strategies, and support their classroom needs in real time.

“The real secret ingredient to this program’s success is the sustained, trust-based relationships between teacher and mentor,” said Beth Smith, senior director - Professional Development.

“Being a new teacher can be tough but having a knowledgeable person you trust to show proven techniques and strategies that positively impact student outcomes can make all the difference,” she said.

To learn more about the Instructional Mentor Program, please contact [email protected].

Polk students serve as Ambassadors at the 71st State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida. As a team, they also toured Florida Polytechnic University and witnessed the launch of Artemis II.

State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida

The Florida Foundation for Future Scientists (FFFS) continues their longstanding commitment to stimulating student, teacher and public interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The group recently hosted the annual State Science Engineering Fair of Florida (SSEF) in Lakeland.

More than 900 aspiring engineers, scientists and mathematicians from across Florida compete in the SSEF STEM Competition.

Students have an opportunity to win $1.2 million in awards, prizes, scholarships and internships. The top senior projects advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering (ISEF) STEM Competition.

The efforts to introduce more students to careers in STEM through SSEF cannot take place without the help of the community.

The SSEF STEM Competition sets its sights on reaching more students and showing more businesses how their monetary donations have a positive impact on the growth of SSEF and the opportunities they provide to Florida students.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

2026 Polk SSEF Participants and Awards
Grand Award and First Place Category Award

Adrian Hernandez Vega (11-Homeschool) – Mathematics and Computational Sciences
- A New Hierarchy for Geometric, Hypergeometric, and Higher-Order Functions

Third Place Category Awards

Aksh Sachin Ladegaonkar (11th Grade-International Baccalaureate Student at Bartow High) – Cellular/Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Lyso-PCTP: A Reengineered Lipid Biosensor for Early PDAC Diagnosis and Monitoring
Johan Bijiyos (9th Grade-International Baccalaureate Student at Bartow High) – Intelligent Machines, Robotics and Systems Software
- Evaluating Quantum Game Theory as a Modeling Approach for Alectinib–Fibroblast Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Evolutionary Dynamics
Shlok Patel and Dhiaan Dhaduk (9th Grade-International Baccalaureate Student at Bartow High) – Intelligent Machines, Robotics and Systems Software
- AeroCog: Designing Multi-Agent Orchestration with Large Language Models for UAVs to Interpret Natural-Language Inputs and Autonomously Generate Context-Sensitive Task Decomposition

Honorable Mention

Aadit Kumar (9th Grade-International Baccalaureate Student at Bartow High) – Physics and Astronomy
- How Different Refractive Indices Influence Polarization-Induced Phase Differences in Single-Mode Optical Fiber (SMF) and How Its Application Can Reduce Polarization Modal Dispersion Inside SMF's.
Brianna Hoang (7th Grade Student at Ridgeview Global Studies Academy) – Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Air-Resistable Science: How the Contaminants in the Air Affect the Quality of Places in Your Everyday Life

Special Awards

Adrian Hernandez Vega
- Ying Scholar $1,000 cash award and all-expense paid trip to ISEF
- For the Love of Mathematics – The Power of Google $100 cash award
Aksh Sachin Ladegaonkar
- National Youth Science Camp Award: Prestigious Governor’s Award
Samantha Perozo Colina (Haines City High)
- Florida Association for Food Protection $350 cash award
Shlok Patel and Dhiaan Dhaduk (IB at Bartow High)
- United States Air Force package
Tori Mckenley (Academy Prep Center of Lakeland)
- United States Navy certificate and medallion
Adaiah Flores (Academy Prep Center of Lakeland)
- Friends of the Science Fair $50 cash award

Additional Polk Participants

Henry Stott (Ridgeview Global Studies Academy)
Lauryn Thomas (Academy Prep Center of Lakeland)
Asia’h Simone Duncan (Haines City High)
William Hughes (Ridgeview Global Studies Academy)

A participant in the glider competition tests his glider during the recent Family Engagement Conference at Mulberry High.

PCPS STEM Challenge – Grade 6 Glider Competition

PCPS hosts STEM Challenges to ignite students’ sense of discovery and make learning fun.

The challenges emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

The glider competition is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the physics behind flight to aircraft design and performance. Students engage in the engineering design cycle to develop a glider that delivers a payload the farthest possible distance.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

2026 Glider Competition Winners

Elementary School

First Place – Lena Vista Elementary

Journey Cabbagestalk
Isabella Santiago
Julia Abarquez
Henley Gibson

Second Place – Boswell Elementary

David Aubin Jocelyn
Kayden Salinas-Vogel
Thorin Holton

Third Place – Winston Academy of Engineering

Radon Dwight
Caleb Bauer
Erick Aviles

Middle School

First Place – Frostproof Middle

David Kremer
Jayden Compton
Lucas Trevino

Second Place – Frostproof Middle

Audrea Pekelnicky
Gabriella Hernandez

Third Place – Blake Academy

Liam Vanmeter
Elana Deeson

Camp Early Bird helps incoming kindergartners develop pre-reading skills through hands-on activities and learning centers based on reading-readiness while continuing to support motor, social, and cognitive development.

PCPS Summer Learning

PCPS supports multiple learning opportunities throughout the year, including the summer!

PCPS Summer Learning offers students from pre-K through high school, an extensive choice of programs that provide instructional opportunities to increase literacy and math skills, provide credit recovery, and more.

For instance, PCPS is proud to host Camp Early Bird and Summer Bridge programs to help transition our youngest learners into kindergarten.

These programs offer learning experiences in a variety of subjects; systematic literacy lessons, math instruction including the use of manipulatives, cross-curricular activities, collaborative center work and turn-taking routines to nurture communication, emotional regulation, and cooperation skills.

For more information, please visit PCPS Summer Learning.

Staff and Student Shoutouts

Are you a PCPS employee and know of a colleague or student who accomplished something special or notable? Let us know! It may get added as a shout-out in an upcoming edition of PCPS Proud. PCPS employees can make submissions by completing a Microsoft Office form.

Doris Sanders Learning Center

Trevez Pratt is building valuable job skills at Publix while gaining independence and responsibility—and stealing the hearts of customers with his positive attitude and hard work.
The entire staff serving the Transition Program deserves a shout-out for playing vital roles in supporting students’ growth, independence, and success every single day.

Jean O'Dell Learning Center

Guil Zamora is eagerly looking forward to graduating and beginning his journey in the Transition Program.
A huge thank you goes to Laura Holland, a behavior interventionist teacher at Jean O’Dell, for leading the school’s PBIS team and for dressing up as Sunny!

Karen Siegel Academy

Adan Rokowski shines as Siegel Spring’s police officer in training. His natural passion for safety guides his peers, and he is mastering essential life skills in real-time.
Angela Bottom enriches Karen Siegel Academy’s curriculum by curating media and stories that connect classroom lessons to our community through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Thank you!

Electronic Equipment Repair Services (EERS)

David Facey, a telecommunications technician, gets a shout-out for his hard work and dedication to PCPS students. He is a very experienced professional who provides exceptional customer service, and he is deeply appreciated by all staff and students that he encounters.

The Instructional Mentor Program

Let’s give a shout-out to one of our first year instructional mentors, Jennifer Knopf, for her dedication to supporting teachers and strengthening instruction. Thanks for helping our new teachers rise to classroom challenges and settle into their careers.

Information Technology Department

The Information Technology Department wants to give a shout-out for a tasty treat. They got a beautiful cake to celebrate their hard work managing a huge upgrade to our school district’s data system. Carmen Contreras, who works in the Title 1 Department, made this cake to celebrate their diligent work. Way to go!

School Board Updates

You can watch all School Board meetings and work sessions on the district’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/polkcountypublicschools

Reminders

The month of May is filled with graduations! Visit our graduation webpage for important information and a full 2026 graduation schedule.

May 4 – 8 is Teacher Appreciation Week.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25 -- No school for students.

Last day for students and early dismissal will take place on Thursday, May 28.
The School Board will hold a work session at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, and a board meeting at 5:00 p.m.

Empyee Assistance Program Banner

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

Mind Companion Self-Care

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’ve got a lot on your plate. But you’re not alone. Through the Resources for Living Employee Assistance Program, Mind Companion Self Care offers personalized mental well being support when and how it works best for you.

Mind Companion Self Care is a digital, self paced program designed to help you manage depression, anxiety, stress, work/life balance, substance misuse, and more.

After selecting a focus area, you’ll be guided through short sessions featuring videos, interactive questions, and relaxation exercises. You can track your mood, monitor progress over time, and build healthy habits to support your overall well being.

Log in or create a Resources for Living personal account or download the Mind Companion mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Search for Mind Companion, select Get Started or Log In, and enter the access code below. You can use your existing RFL personal account to sign in.

Access code: PCS

Questions? Call 1-800-272-7252 or visit ResourcesForLiving.com | Username: PCS | Access code: PCS

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