07.31.2023

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Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

🍎 School is (almost) in session

Schools in Lakeland: A comprehensive guide

Polk County high school student graduating

Polk County’s graduation rate was 78.3% in the 2021-22 school year. | Photo provided by Polk County Public Schools

Are you a teacher or parent with kids in the Polk County Public Schools system? Maybe you’re like us and just trying to plan your commute around school dates. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming school year.

By the numbers

Polk County is the seventh largest school district in Florida with more than 114,000 students, 150 schools, and 14,000 employees as of the 2022-2023 school year.

There are 50+ public schools in Lakeland, including Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school levels, plus magnet, choice, and charter schools.

Here are the district’s demographics, according to PCPS:

White: 33.4%
Hispanic: 41.5%
Black: 20.4%
Indian American/Pacific Islander: 0.4%
Asian: 1.6%
Multiracial: 2.7%
9.5% are English language learners
14.6% are students with disabilities

Looking for a job? PCPS is hiring for hundreds of positions.
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Photo by @polkcountypublicschools

What to expect this year

PCPS is undergoing a full rezoning exercise. The new maps should be released sometime in 2023 and take effect in the following 2024-25 school year.

The district is also facing a teacher shortage, with hundreds of positions open across the district. Think you have what it takes to be an educator? Learn how to make a career switch.

Important dates

Student orientation (K-8 schools, middle, and high school students) | Tuesday, Aug. 8
Student orientation (elementary school students) | Wednesday, Aug. 9
First day of school for students | Friday, Aug. 11
Fall break | Monday, Nov. 20-Friday, Nov. 24
Winter break | Monday, Dec. 18-Wednesday, Jan. 3
Spring break | Monday, March 11-Friday, March 15
Graduation ceremonies | Monday, April 29–Friday, May 24
Last day of school for students | Thursday, May 30

Keep an eye on the PCPS calendar for more need-to-know events, like early release days and observed holidays.

Get more information on enrollment, school choice, and VPK opportunities by clicking the button below.

Comprehensive schools guide

Asked

What’s your connection with Polk County Public Schools?

A. I have children in school currently.
B. My children were part of the school system.
C. I’m a teacher, school employee, or volunteer, or I’m related to one.
D. I don’t have one.

Take the 30-second survey

Events

Monday, July 31

Back to School with the Florida Children’s Museum | Monday, July 31 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Get ready for the first day of school with free museum admission and a weather activity.
Hip Hop Fitness | Monday, July 31 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Pop, lock, and drop in this upbeat fitness class for ages 16+ — just bring your own water, towel, and mat.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Disney & Pixar Trivia | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Dress as your favorite character for this themed trivia night — a special prize is on the line for the best costume.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Boot scoot boogie on down to Union Hall for free line dancing lessons followed by karaoke at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 3

New Teacher Coffee | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7:30-9 a.m. | TECO Expo Hall, Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2301 W. Oak St., Plant City | Free | Local businesses are invited to collaborate with Plant City to welcome new teachers to the 2023 school year.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

City commissioners have proposed a budget for the next fiscal year, keeping Lakeland’s tax rate at $5.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposal includes raises for city employees and funding for affordable housing, among other priorities. Attend the first budget hearing on Thursday, Sept. 7 at City Hall. (The Ledger)

Announced

The Polk Theatre has announced a tentative reopening date of Saturday, Aug. 5. The historic theater closed in mid-July to repair flooding and a broken pipe. Previously scheduled films like “Driving Miss Daisy” and “To Have and Have Not” will be rescheduled for August. (The Ledger)

Edu

Newly released results show that the majority of Polk County third through tenth graders did not pass last year’s statewide reading test. The district is taking steps to improve scores, like adding tutoring and truancy services, recruiting and training teachers, and introducing peer coaching. (LkldNow)

Community

Tomorrow, Aug. 1 is National Night Out (NNO), an annual event for neighborhoods and the Lakeland Police Department to connect and share challenges + goals. Visit the superhero-themed NNO event at Noah’s Ark of Central Florida (500 Inspiration Dr.) from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Number

$2.5 million. That’s how much grant funding the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County received to spend on school supplies. The funding was used to purchase supplies and learning materials for 221 local VPK and school readiness providers.

Opening

Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio will open next week for classes in its new location (4035 S. Florida Ave.), just down the street from Black & Brew’s south side location. Sign up online for two-part classes, four-week courses, or monthly memberships.

Coming Soon

A new Lakeland home is hitting Airbnb in August. The Palm House is a modern luxury rental with space for up to 10 guests — perfect for family staycations. See inside, or book your stay at another local rental home.

Travel

ICYMI, we partnered with Orlando International Airport (MCO) to put together a list of the best restaurants, bars, and lounge options at each terminal. (Read: You’re going to want to bookmark this.) See the MCO food + drink cheat sheet.*

Biz

Love doing things with your hands — but don’t have the tools to get the job done? Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, Catapult’s Maker Space gives access to commercial-grade manufacturing equipment (think: Woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and assembly area). See the space + meet some Makers.*

Seasonal

👻 Do you dare to scare?

Never fear, Halloween scare actor auditions are here

Entrance to Sir Henry's Haunted Trail in Plant City, FL

Enter into fall at these farms, trails, and more. | Photo by @loshtv

If you have some inner goblins to release, audition to be a scare actor at these nearby haunted trails and theme parks this Halloween season.

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Plant City
Join the Scream Team Open House on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City to learn about volunteering as an actor or staff and meet veteran actors.

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, Tampa
Book an audition on Friday, Aug. 4 or Saturday, Aug. 5 to try out for the Scare Squad. Selected actors will receive $9.75+/hour.

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando
Submit a video audition online by midnight today, July 31 to be considered for scareactor roles (you could even be cast as Bigfoot).

Terror Trail, Sebring
Volunteers ages 15 and up can text (863) 440-6272 to get involved. Keep an eye out for more info on an upcoming scare actor meeting.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

If you want to help local students but don’t see a career switch in your future, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Lakeland schools. Check out United Way of Central Florida’s ReadingPals program, where you can spend just one hour a week reading with kindergartners.

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