Focused on Excellence

ABOUT THE PCPS FOCUSED ON EXCELLENCE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION CAMPAIGN

Every day, employees throughout Polk County Public Schools give their best to our students. Whether they work in a classroom, the district office, or behind the wheel of a school bus, every PCPS employee in some way contributes to our mission of putting Students First — and they deserve to be thanked. The Focused on Excellence Employee Recognition Campaign is designed to do exactly that: create moments to focus on our employees and celebrate the outstanding work that they do.

Focused on Excellence winners are selected quarterly through a nomination and committee process. Each winner will receive:

• Recognition in an announcement posted to polkschoolsfl.com, and social media.
• Appreciation luncheon with their supervisor, other honorees, sponsors, and members of district leadership.
• Prize package courtesy of our generous program sponsors
• Exclusive program gifts

WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES ARE SAYING

“It gives not just parents, students, and the district but also the general public as well a better view of the kind of things that happen in our school system. I am honored to be able to make things easier and more convenient for everyone, even if it’s usually behind the scenes.”
— Jason Karol, senior manager, Web Applications

“Very rewarding, just solidifying that when you come in and try to do your best that you can possibly do. When you have that passion that other people are going to notice it whether you do it for recognition or not. I’m a teacher, and that is the best job that I can hold for Polk County Public Schools.”
— Tonya Clayton, first grade teacher at Fred G. Garner Elementary

“This program really is a shining star for us. Everyone knows that I am a bus driver, but they don’t know the things that we do behind the scenes.”
— Dineshia Roberson, bus driver for area 1, Transportation

“My goal is to light a fire for learning within each of my students. Once that fire ignites it will burn, allowing that love of learning to continually grow year after year, throughout their school careers. Being selected as a winner, I just felt humbled and honored, and I was like WOW! I’ve done something that people are noticing, and they appreciate what I do, it made me feel special.”
— Candace Chappell-George, kindergarten teacher at Highlands Grove Elementary

Employees, nominate a fellow staff member.

Do you know a hardworking, dedicated employee who gives their very best to our school district?

Any PCPS staff member can nominate them and tell us about the impact they are making within Polk County Public Schools.

Need Help?

Jeanette Crowley
Strategic Partnerships
863-457-4708 x828
[email protected]

2026-2027 Employee Groups and Nomination Windows

Each quarter, the Focused on Excellence program will honor a select group of employees. Please note the specific nomination window for each group listed below.

Group 1:  Administrators, Professional Technical, and Non-Classroom Teachers
(Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Managers, Senior Coordinators, School Nutrition Managers, Accountants, Auditors, Nurses, Specialists, Library/Media Specialists, School Social Workers, Counselors, Success Coaches, School Psychologists, Speech/Language Pathologists, Trainers/Instructors, Testing Coordinators, TSA-ESE/Basic, Non-Classroom Network Managers, Lan Coordinators, Computer Programmers, Network Administrators, Help Desk, Systems Operators, Business Analyst, Itinerant Teachers, Computer Support Technicians, Telecommunications Technicians, and IST Coordinators)
Nomination Window:  July 14 - August 16

Group 2: Transportation, School Nutrition, and Paraeducators
(Bus Drivers, Bus Aides, Food Service Assistants, Paraeducators, and Para Network Managers)
Nomination Window: October 5 - November 8

Group 3: Classroom Teachers and 12-Month Teachers
(Teachers, TSAs, and ESE Inclusion Teachers)
Nomination Window: January 5 - February 2

Group 4: Custodial, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Clerical
(Custodians, Plumbers, Mechanics, Masons, Electricians, Carpenters, Welders, Warehouseman, Grounds Maintenance Technician, Secretaries, Clerks, Couriers, and Administrative Assistants)
Nomination Window: March 29 - April 26

Focused on Excellence Sponsors

WHAT OUR SPONSORS ARE SAYING 

“Our future depends on children and education. It’s very impactful whatever can be done to help them do a better job. Everyone appreciates getting a pat on the back and knowing that other people see them doing a good job and are dedicated to what they are trying to accomplish every day.”
— Rene Tirado, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

“As a proud sponsor of the Focused on Excellence program, we are thrilled to recognize the staff of Polk County Public Schools for their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our children’s education. Together, they continue to nurture a culture of excellence and unlock the potential of our youth every day.”
— Ryan Rogers, SVPII/Regional Manager MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

Why Become a Sponsor?

• Exclusive employee audience — More than 13,000 employees!
• Countywide reach and an extensive social media presence
• To support the life-changing work public education does for students!

Facebook: 76,157 followers
X: 9,159 followers
Instagram: 18,204 followers
YouTube: Approximately 12,100 followers

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your donation is tax-deductible. Contact the department of Strategic Partnerships for more information.
Jeanette Crowley, Director, Strategic Partnerships | 863-457-4708 x828