The School Board then votes on the general fund millage rate, he said. Polk is the second largest employer in the county with about 13,500 employees (excluding substitute teachers). The law went into effect Sept. 30. Each principal shall implement a process for discussing, at least annually, the District policy on bullying and harassment with students. I know my password and it has not expired. Anti-bullying Assemblies - e.g., Jaylen's Challenge, Yellow Dress, Omega Man, etc. 68 0 obj <> endobj Staff Portal Admin | System Administration and Reports for Feature in I looked through the employee COVID info in the(time card)hub, and everything I looked at expired in December, Woolssaid in a text message. The next largest category is contracted services at $56.3 million. She said some contracts have been renewed for up to 10 years and the audit could shed light on unnessessary or duplicated services. Learn about our career academies that help students prepare for the workforce. Mange Your Benefits - Health & Wellness - Polk County Public Schools The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. PDF Logging into Office 365 Webmail (after Email Migration) Janie Howard Wilson Elementary; Polk Avenue Elementary School; Edward W. Bok Academy North; Edward W. Bok Academy South; Lake Wales High School; District; Library & Curriculum; Choose Lake Wales! 1006.147 and in conformity with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Model Policy. Learn about the history of Polk County Public Schools and the mission that is guiding it into the future. This year, the minimum wage went up to $11 an hour. Password Reset Tool. Step - 1: Welcome - MyPolkSchools Board of Education - Polk County Schools But she worries about other newer teachers who might not. It was obvious that the board really did not propose that the employees premiums increase, so we have kept those the same, saidPCPS Chief of StaffJason Pitts. Implementation of the plan by each principal will be ongoing throughout the school year and will be integrated with the school curriculum, the bullying and prevention program, District disciplinary policies, and violence prevention efforts. I know what symptoms to watch forand Im paying close attention. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of the policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances and shall include: a recommendation of remedial steps necessary to stop the bullying and/or harassing behavior; and. You do not need to provide the @polk-fl.net portion of your email address as part of your username. The programs of training and instruction authorized by the District shall include, but not be limited to: Dating Violence Prevention: CDC's Choose Respect. She said there was simply no way she would be able to teach from home, as she has been doing throughouttheschool year to try to avoid getting sick. Sign up to receive messages from your school. 3 Steps To Hiring Quality Employees Step 1: Create A Vacancy. These programs focus on correcting behaviors and developing attitudes and skills that will help students make positive changes in their lives. The general fund on lastyearsbills had a millage rate of 4.019, andfor the local capital improvement, which was 1.5. As for Wools, she was in the emergency room on Thursday with worsening symptoms COVID pneumonia. The principal/assistant principal or District will make a determination if an act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of District authority. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. The state and federal government also contributes roughly47% and 9% respectively (based on National Center for Education Statistics) to complete the majority of a school districts funding sources each year, Education Week reported. Use your Polk County Schools username as follows: Staff: (firstname.lastname only, do not include @polk-fl.net) to access Moodle. 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. Find everything to ensure your child is on track to graduate on time. 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. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment of any type. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. "The School Board takes the taxable value from the property appraiser to determine the millage rate that needs to be charged in the general fund to generate the $437,500,000.". Use your PCPS username and password to login. The current general fund was set at $1.167 billion. has the effect of disrupting the orderly operation of a school. The New Polk Schools Staff Portal - Now Mobile Friendly! Retroactive to July 1,2021,all affected hourly rates will be increased to a new minimum-base entry-level rate of $11anhour. 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 physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy. 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? Password Reset Tool. Step - 1: Welcome 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. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and . The Principal shall establish and prominently publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents the procedure for reporting bullying and how such a report will be acted upon. Many of the teacher vacancies and other services are covered by contracts with outside vendors such as INVO, providing behavioral support. 110 East Polk Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853PH: 863.678.4244 | FX: 863.678.4680, Copyright 2023 Lake Wales Charter Schools. I just want to change my password. The bulk of the current general fund budget goes toward salaries and benefits at $625 million. A school employee, school volunteer, students, parent/guardian, or other persons who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in District policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. The training and instruction shall include recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventative action based on those observations. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry under this policy is prohibited. The principal shall report the occurrence of an incident of suspected bullying as defined by District policy to the parent/guardian of all students known to be involved in the incident on the same day an investigation of the incident has been initiated. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett. The investigation of a reported act of bullying or harassment is deemed to be a school-related activity and begins with a report of such an act. There are also 145 school resource officers and guardians; and district support personnel of 1,595. However, we are working with the union on this matter and reviewing available options., More:Polk tops 200 new COVID-19 cases for 3rd-straight day, More:Polk teachers see a pay bump, but no raise for paraeducators or school staff, More:Polk teachers 'just thought it was adisruption.' Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. Best of all, PBS LearningMedia is free for educators. Computers without web-filtering software or computers with web-filtering software that is disabled shall be used when complaints of cyberbullying are investigated. BoardDocs Policy: po5517.01 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. Florida Southern College receives $120,000 state matching grant for nursing education, Winter Haven doctor, a pioneer of emergency medical services in 1960s, dies at age 98, Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland, It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career, As development comes to Lake Wales, some residents worry about changes to quality of life, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Polk County School District is the 24th largest in the nation based on the number of students, The Polk County District would be the largest in 39 states, Polk County is the seventh largest district in Florida. This page contains links to important documents, including the Code of Conduct, Student Progression Plan, School Board polices, and more. We are always striving to improve the accessibility standards of our If, during an investigation of reported acts of bullying and/or harassment, the principal or his/her designee believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, or disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively "protected classes"), the principal or his/her designee will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one (1) of the Compliance Officers so that it may be investigated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 5517 - Anti-Harassment. Coastal counties tend to have higher real estate values and their local property taxes generate more revenues for education. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The district does also get sales tax proceeds, Pitts said. The standards for student behavior shall be set cooperatively through interaction among students, parents/guardians, staff, and community member, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. Click here for more information Community Resources There are also three career centers, five alternative education (Department of Juvenile Justice) facilities, two adult schools and 33 charter schools. It is exhausting, but I do feel I will beat it. False charges shall also be regarded as a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions. The next work session and board meeting will take place Oct. 26 at the Jim Miles Center in Highland City. This policy should not be interpreted as to prevent a victim or accused from seeking redress under any other available law either civil or criminal. Links to additional information for students. PCPS and the PEA signed a memorandum of understanding on this issue, which did not need a votefromthe School Board. home of the beautiful Ocoee, Conasauga, and Hiwassee Rivers and the Cherokee National Forest! It seems like an arbitrary date was chosen for the purpose of choosing a date, when vaccines are just rolling out and COVID numbers are growing,saidWools, who has enough sick time stockpiled to cover it. Its not rocket science.. She commended new Polk County Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid, who began in June. Log In Using Your polk-fl.net Account. Four School Board members were in attendance for the9 a.m.work session Chairwoman Lori Cunningham, Sara Beth Reynolds, Lisa Miller and William Allen. Employees of Polk County Schools who are unable to access this folder, please email Laura Barnett, lbarnett@polkcountyschools.com. We worked over the last two years as our union to try to be more collaborativewith the district, Yocum said. 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. The investigator shall document in his/her report the reasons for needing up to an additional ten (10) days. -Organize, train for, and . View state and district assessments by grade level, including tips on preparing for exams. Steps for getting your child started at Polk County Public Schools. The Polk County School District operates 135 schools; 84 elementary schools, 24 middle schools and 17 high schools. practices and standards defined by Section 508 of the U.S. Created by the School Board of Polk County Help Desk- (863) 519-8040 or 56661 05/27/2014 5) While 'Redirecting', you will login again to fss.polk-fl.net using your full POLK-FL Network email address and password to complete your webmail Office 365 access. Bullying Curriculum for Students - developed by the District - This curriculum includes education on recognition, prevention, and intervention at all grade levels. Polk County also has unique challenges having both a rural and urban population as well as being an inland county, Pitts said. 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. He asked his colleagues and administrators present at the session to let the district's lobbyist know about the financial presentation. The contracts are not necessarily the most expensive items in the budget but they could add up and a review could free up funds needed elsewhere, she said. ); intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents; analysis and evaluation of school culture with resulting recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing peer ownership and support. Visit our official YouTube channel and subscribe to be alerted when streaming is active. Polk County School Board meetings convene at the District Office, 1915 S. Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. After the revised policy has been adopted, it shall be submitted to the Florida Department of Education not later than September 30th. About 300 teachersinPolk County,bothpublic and private, have contracted COVID-19 betweenSept.6 and April3,according to records with the FloridaDepartment of Health. The Student Progression Plan describes requirements for students to be promoted to the next grade. Step 2: Search For Qualified Applicants. Log in - Polk County Employee Search . "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. 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. "I am so sorry, said School Board member Lisa Miller. ; ClassLink Online resources and services for students! Students are expected to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property, and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority. Use the Password Reset Tool to reset your password now. 1915 South Floral Ave. | Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-534-0500. Click the icon to log in to ourdistrict applications. Perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying and/or harassment by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student or school employee by: accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the District school system; or. 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. Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. . The issue came upthis week in Polk afterWendell Watson Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Susan Woolsasked The Ledger about it. Find out dates for spring and winter break, early release days, and more. Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. Their adult daughter, Jenna,alsogotsickand has recovered. PEA President Stephanie Yocum said the school district received more than enough federal relief money to extend the COVID sick leave to those who need it, as other counties have done. If a provision of this policy is or becomes illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect the validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provision of this policy. Related:Polk schools budget is estimated at $2.2B,but its not as much as it could be, Minimum wage:See Florida and federal minimum wages over the last 20 years. State funding covers just 60% of the district's mandated transportation services. While ten (10) days is the expectation for completion of the investigative procedural steps, more time may be needed based on the nature of the investigation and the circumstances affecting that investigation. Stephanie Yocum, president of the Polk Education Association teachers union, whichrepresents 7,000 teachers, along with534 support staff and 1,546paraeducators, said she and the 26 union negotiators are ecstatic to get a contract ratified this early in the process. 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. What You Need To Know About Section 504 A Guide for Parents. Egregious acts of harassment by certified educators may result in a sanction against an educator's State-issued certificate. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. All other members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the principal or as described above. The intended audience is 6th -12th grade students and parents. Learn about the many ways were protecting our students. Paul Nutcher can be reached at pnutcher@gannett.com. Employment Openings | Polk County Public Schools Our district consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and a virtual learning academy for grades K-12. Polk County Public Schools offers a variety of programs for children ages 3-5. The District shall provide a referral procedure for intervening when bullying or harassment is suspected or when a bullying incident is reported. Mrs. Blackman earned a Bachelor's degree from Florida A & M University and a Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. Those at the top of their respectivesalaryschedules will receive a 3% increase,in addition to the above 2% increase. MLK Day: Events celebrating legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. planned in Lakeland. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Polk County Public schools has partnered with Benefitfocus to provide the members of our insurance plan with a secure, efficient and convenient platform to manage their benefits online. Notification shall be by telephone or by personal conference and/or in writing and shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). 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 know a lot of the paras decide to work for us for little to nothing based on that benefit.. 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. Polk County Public Schools employs school counselors who provide students with the support they need at each stage of their development. Library Media Services Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. Forgot Your Password? accessibility concerns, please contact the webmaster. "Bullying" means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees. 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. Learn about the wide variety of school options Polk County Public Schools offers for students of all ages. 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. The development of such an atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for District and community property on the part of students, staff, and community members. View state and district assessments by grade level; includes tips on preparing for exams. 0 Accelerated Academic Programs Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. While Polk's average teacher salary is 35th in the state. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. The Polk County School Board kicked off itsbudgeting process for the next school year with a report that showed the district ranks among the poorest both nationally and statewide for such a large district. Polk School District is a dynamic public school district located in Polk County, Georgia. School Board of Polk County, Florida The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. It should have been extended because its the right thing to do. It was like getting hit by a train and trying to breathe with an elephant sitting on you,saidWools, who rarely gets sick. The ultimate winner: It takes more than numbers to sum up Castle's career. If you would like additional assistance or have In accordance with State law, District staff may monitor as part of any bullying or harassment investigation any non-school-related activity, function, or program. Funded 995th out of the top 1,000 largest school districts. Victims of these offenses should also have the incident basis (sex, race, or disability) noted in their student record. 103 0 obj <>stream The investigator shall collect and evaluate the facts including but not limited to: whether there were past incidents or past continuing patterns of behavior; the relationship between the parties involved including whether the individual was in a position of power over the individual allegedly subject to bullying or harassment; the characteristics of the parties involved; where the bullying and/or harassment occurred; whether there have been other incidents in the school involving the same or other students; whether the conduct adversely affected the student's education or educational environment; the context in which the alleged incidents occurred; and.
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