The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive plan intended to prevent bullying and harassment and to cultivate the school climate so as to appropriately identify, report, investigate, and respond to situations of bullying and harassment as they may occur on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. Paul Nutcher can be reached at pnutcher@gannett.com. 6A-10.081). The District shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy in the Code of Student Conduct and in employee handbooks. Many of the teacher vacancies and other services are covered by contracts with outside vendors such as INVO, providing behavioral support. Use the Password Reset Tool to reset your password now. Click Here to Change/Reset Your Password PBS LearningMedia is your destination for easy, instant access to tens of thousands of classroom-ready, digital resources including videos and presentations perfect for the Interactive Whiteboard, plus audio and photos, and even in-depth lesson plans. Polk County Board of Education meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month. This review process shall be conducted not less than every three (3) years thereafter. -Organize, train for, and . %%EOF Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. If the action is outside the scope of the District and believed to be a criminal act, the action shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The School Board then votes on the general fund millage rate, he said. Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. The proposed millage rateforPCPSthis school year was tentatively set at $5.829 per $1,000 of a property's value, The Ledger previously reported. A helpful overview of Polk County Public Schools Fine Arts programs and opportunities. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages will be displayed, as appropriate, at each school and at District facilities. I'm confident we will get it extended,though, and anyone having to take their own time for quarantine will be given their time back, Yocum said. Anti-bullying Assemblies - e.g., Jaylen's Challenge, Yellow Dress, Omega Man, etc. Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers shall be provided training and instruction, at least annually, on the District's policy and administrative procedures regarding bullying and harassment. Library Media Services recently purchased Cameron's Collection, a mental health and wellness e-book series for secondary students. We are committed to providing a The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. It was like getting hit by a train and trying to breathe with an elephant sitting on you,saidWools, who rarely gets sick. The District expects students to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment. The districthas lost a third of taxable value from the increases in home values since the Great Recession because of the rollback on millage rates, he added. The Polk Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that directly supports Polk County Public Schools. The salary increase was part of a constitutional amendment passed by Florida voters in November to incrementally increase minimum wage each year until 2026, when it will reach $15 an hour. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. Journey - Personnel Evaluation & Professional Learning System | A Polk County Public Schools Project Journey is an evolving resource designed to support educators at all levels in student-centered professional learning and personnel evaluation activities. Step 2: Search For Qualified Applicants. Through the Benefitplace platform, you can log in anytime to see your chosen benefits, dependents and beneficiaries. endstream endobj 69 0 obj <>/Metadata 2 0 R/Pages 66 0 R/StructTreeRoot 6 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 70 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 648 792]/Parent 66 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 71 0 obj <>stream The District shall provide a referral procedure for intervening when bullying or harassment is suspected or when a bullying incident is reported. Use your Polk County Schools username as follows: Staff: (firstname.lastname only, do not include @polk-fl.net) to access Moodle. We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board's legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. State funding covers just 60% of the district's mandated transportation services. This year, the minimum wage went up to $11 an hour. ; Bullying Information on identifying and reporting bullying. Maria Garcia: Food Services Team: Lisa Marie Gill: Office & Support Staff, Paraprofessionals, Title 1 Sign up to receive messages from your school. ; ClassLink Online resources and services for students! Retroactive to July 1,2021,all affected hourly rates will be increased to a new minimum-base entry-level rate of $11anhour. Information for vendors and potential business partners, including purchasing and construction bids. Individuals who are interested in addressing the School Board on a particular issue must register in person, at the meeting location, starting 30 minutes prior to the meeting. K-12 Students: (username only, do not include @mypolkschools.net) to access Moodle. Butler state police said in a criminal complaint that it was a little before 7:45 p.m. Thursday when Dakota Hughes, 22, called 911, identified himself by his name and date of birth, and said he . Is the 10 days no longer a thing? The issue came up. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in. Log In Sign in with Staff Sign in with Students Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 Students: Forgot Password? If the bullying incident results in the perpetrator being charged with a crime, the principal shall inform by first class mail or by telephone the parent/guardian of the identified victim(s) involved in the bullying incident about the Unsafe Schools Choice Option, Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532) that states, in pertinent part, as follows: ".a student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultationwith a representative sample of local educational agencies, or who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law, while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends, be allowed to attend a safe public elementary school or secondary school within the local educational agency, including a public charter school.". I just want to change my password. Cunningham and Fields left before the vote was takenduring a special meeting at 11 a.m., although the work session, set to run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., had been scheduled months in advance. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. Check out your childs grades, attendance, and more! Members are required to set up their own account and designate their own username and password. Search results from our Services may contain copyrighted material and, if so, you may not use such content unless you obtain permission from its owner or are otherwise permitted by law. The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive plan intended to prevent bullying and harassment and to cultivate the school climate so as to appropriately identify, report, investigate, and respond to situations of bullying and harassment as they may occur on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks. This policy does not imply to prohibit expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 4 of the Florida constitution. School administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers serve as role models for students and are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying. There is even a mobile app, so you can access the system from your smartphone or other mobile device. You can search, save, and share with ease. The Student Progression Plan describes requirements for students to be promoted to the next grade. The procedure will include: referral of a student to the collaborative problem-solving team (or equivalent school-based team with a problem-solving focus) for consideration of appropriate services is made through the school problem-solving process by school personnel or parent to the principal/designee; referral of school or area/District personnel to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for consideration of appropriate services will be made by the administrator; school-based intervention and assistance will be determined by the collaborative problem-solving team and may include, but is not limited to: counseling and support to address the needs of the victim(s) of bullying; counseling interventions to address the behavior of students who bully (e.g., empathy training, anger management, etc. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. Employees are not required to contribute to the districts self-insuredplan, but do pay for spouses and dependents. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. Florida spending $9,980 per student and pays teachers an average salary of$49,583. During this time, Mrs. Blackman was an integral part of the leadership team that dramatically raised and maintained student achievement at Oscar J. Pope Elementary School. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. But after year of COVID-19, a new reality sets in, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Log in using the same username and password you created during the self-registration process. InAugust, the district implemented paid sick leave specifically for COVID through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which uses the federal funding to pay the sick leave salary, among many things. Data reporting on bullying, harassment, unsubstantiated bullying, unsubstantiated harassment, sexual harassment, and threat/intimidation incidents, as well as any bullying-related incidents that have as a basis of sex, race, or disability should include the incident basis. 1006.147 (known as the Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act) to address both bullying and harassment that does not rise to the level of or is comprised of discriminatory conduct. School Board Member Lisa Miller said she was interested in seeing an in-progress efficiency audit of current contracted services with the district. Administrator, Teacher, Parent Education - developed by the District, Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.'s Child Safety Matters, Keys to Character - developed by the District. Additionally, the Board expects school staff to conduct themselves in a manner that will protect the rights and welfare of students and other school staff and the care of school facilities and equipment. "Within the scope of the District" means regardless of ownership, any computer, computer system, or computer network that is physically located on school property or at a school-related or school-sponsored program or activity. For questions related to your benefits or for assistance with Benefitplace, please contact the PCPS Risk Management and Benefits department. Need Password Help? The meetings are held in the Board Room at the Stearns Education Center. Employees and retirees can submit requests through Benefitplace to change their benefits due to a qualifying, life-changing event, such as marriage, divorce, death of a dependent/beneficiary, birth of a child, adoption, etc. Find critical coverage information, insightful plan details, and relevant benefits that meet the needs of your unique life circumstances. Instruction regarding bullying, harassment, and the District's violence prevention and school safety efforts shall be integrated into District curriculum at the appropriate grade levels. Written and oral reports shall be considered official reports. Search results from our Services may contain copyrighted material and, if so, you may not use such content unless you obtain permission from its owner or are otherwise permitted by law. InJanuary, district officials extended the COVID sick leave through March31. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report. The doctor gave hera prescriptionandsent her home. Its not rocket science.. 103 0 obj <>stream Another disadvantage to public schools across the state is a Florida law imposing millage rollbacks on school districts, Pitts said. Staff Portal Staff Portal Sign Out Contact Info Employee Benefits COVID-19 Leave Time Certification Certification Info Renewal Payment Form Add-On Payment Form Transcripts Upload In-County Travel Payroll Info Paychecks Pay Frequency Election W-2 Forms Fed Tax Filing Status Work Calendar Salary Equipment Use Temporary Duty Teacher Transfer This includes two high schools, one college and career academy, two middle schools, and six elementary schools. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and . 2023 www.theledger.com. website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless The issue came upthis week in Polk afterWendell Watson Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Susan Woolsasked The Ledger about it. Discipline and referral data will be recorded in Student Discipline/Referral Action Report and Automated Student Information System. At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, Polk County School District details plans for $202M in relief funds, Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. School Board Vice-Chairwoman Kay Fields thankedthe staff for their work, acknowledging that it did nothappen overnight, and thanking the staff and PEA negotiators for including a provision to renegotiate if there is a fluctuation in funding. PCPS and the PEA signed a memorandum of understanding on this issue, which did not need a votefromthe School Board. Polk is the second largest employer in the county with about 13,500 employees (excluding substitute teachers). These programs focus on correcting behaviors and developing attitudes and skills that will help students make positive changes in their lives. She commended new Polk County Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid, who began in June. Pitts gave the following context for the board to see where Polk County Schools rank financially at the state and national levels: The presentation also showed that Polk County Schools: However, he showed Polk County is currently 62nd of 67 districts in funding per student. Safety comes first at PCPS. "Cyberstalking" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! Capital is needed for the district's wish list of building projects that could add 10 more schools and multiple remodeling projects by 2041 in order to relieve already overcrowded schools and accommodate the endless waves of families with school-aged children moving to Polk County. Herhusband, whoalso works from home,contracted it firstand hassincerecovered. Since millage rates are set by the state, school boards in Florida have few options for local revenues sources, forcing school districts to cut spending to make ends meet. View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. through the use of data or computer software that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the District or school, if the bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the District or school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of a school. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. This website endeavors to comply with best Polk County HUB ; Staff List; Annual Accountability; . According to the level of infraction, the victim's parents will be notified by telephone and/or in writing of actions being taken to protect the child; the frequency of notification will depend on the seriousness of the bullying or harassment incident. School Board member Lisa Miller said she wants to see the employee contribution left at zero,especiallyfor staff and paraeducators. Student Home Links to additional information for students. Jason Pitts, the districts chief of staff for the superintendents office, led the budget presentation during the boardsregularly scheduled work session Tuesday. This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. "I know that we have not charged anything to the employees and we have talked about it for a long window of time and we wont needtodo it for the next year or two, but I think at some point,that might change, Fields said. Forgot Your Password? Polk County Public Schools Curriculum Tech Resources Records Request Health & Wellness Crime Stoppers FortifyFL Family Empowerment Scholarship Florida Department of Education provides educational options for qualifying families through the Family Empowerment Scholarship. Search the Destiny library catalog, find online resources and learn how parents can give input on library materials. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment or found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall include discipline in accordance with District policies, administrative procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement. So,ahome valuedat $200,000 afteranyexemptions would pay$1,165.80. There are 13,588 districts in the U.S. By comparison, New York spends $24,800 per student and the average teacher salary is$87,738. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. You can search, save, and share with ease. accessibility concerns, please contact the webmaster. The intended audience is 6th-12thgrade students and parents. Online resources and services for students! 68 0 obj <> endobj She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. %PDF-1.5 % Incidents that require a reasonable investigation when reported to appropriate school authorities shall include alleged incidents of bullying or harassment allegedly committed against a child while the child is enroute to school aboard a bus or at a school bus stop. "We have the issues when it comes to transportation costs but we don't have the advantages of some of those larger districts' coastal property taxes and things like that," he said, giving one example of a financial disadvantage that Polk County faces. Cameron's Collection. Polk tops 200 new COVID-19 cases for 3rd-straight day, Polk teachers see a pay bump, but no raise for paraeducators or school staff, Polk teachers 'just thought it was adisruption.' Polk County Public Schools strives to reduce its energy footprint. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. What You Need To Know About Section 504 A Guide for Parents. Yocum said in a text message that the teachersunion has been in talks with PCPS Associate Superintendent for Human ResourcesTeddra Porteous about the extension. We worked over the last two years as our union to try to be more collaborativewith the district, Yocum said. View school menus and replenish your accounts. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. Your principal has materials for you to certify that you have viewed the training video and have taught the required lesson for your grade level, but there are lots of other materials on the website if you want to explore the topic further with your students. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Search . The highest level of confidentiality possible shall be provided regarding the submission of a complaint or a report of bullying and/or harassment and for the investigative procedures that are employed. "Cyberbullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photelectronic system, or photooptical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. In all cases, the Board reserves the right to refer the results of its own investigation to the State Attorney for possible criminal charges, whether or not the Board takes any action. Please Note: Each step must be completed in less than 20 minutes. I have forgotten my password and security questions. In-person benefit assistance is available at an upcoming health and benefit fair. Learn about the wide variety of school options Polk County Public Schools offers for students of all ages. Information on immunizations, medication administration, and head lice. PCPS provides students with access to a variety of free resources, including eBooks, videos, articles and much more, to conduct research and build literacy skills. Work online or offline, anytime, and on any device with myPolkApps, powered by Google. In addition,all active employees will receive a 2% increase on their current salary level. If the action is within the scope of the District, District procedures for bullying and/or harassment shall be followed. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. COVID-19 Testing Sites Available In Polk County You can find COVID-19 testing sites in your area by visiting https://polkschoolsfl.com/healthinformation/ to view a list of Polk testing sites provided by the Florida Department of Health. "Harassment" or "bullying" also means electronically transmitted acts (i.e., internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant(PDA), or wireless hand-held device) that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s).
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