21 Polk County public schools receiving financial aid

$44 million. That’s how much the state Department of Education awarded to 149 schools throughout the state, 21 of which are in Polk County.

The funds, given from the Unified School Improvement Grant, are going to Florida’s most vulnerable schools, or those that are the lowest-performing 5%.

So, where exactly is the money going? Although PCPS has yet to share exactly how the funds will be applied, the state’s release suggests the following uses:

Effective or highly effective teachers could receive up to $15,000.
Principals may receive up to $45,000 for recruitment, retention, and performance.
At each school, 1 assistant principal could receive up to $10,000 for recruitment and retention.
Up to $100,000 for a literacy coach and the implementation of ELA B.E.S.T. Standards per school.
Up to $100,000 for a strategic initiatives coach per school.
Up to $30,000 for professional development + instructional materials for teachers.

Polk schools receiving aid are:

Alta Vista Elementary School
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary School
Crystal Lake Elementary School
Denison Middle School
Dixieland Elementary School

16 MORE SCHOOLS HERE

#MUSTDO

Dish

Nine and Wine | Mon., July 19 | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Ovation Bistro & Bar | Free | Show your golf receipt for a free glass of wine or house draft beer every Monday at Ovation Bistro & Bar.

Learn

Hand-tied Extensions Class | Mon., July 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Establish 37, 1216 S. Florida Ave. | $500 | Aspiring hairstylists can learn how to hand tie and blend extensions, while also receiving coaching on social media marketing.

Network

July Member Lunch | Mon., July 19 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Joinery | Free | TigerTown Rotary Members are invited to this recurring social lunch.

Civic

City Commission Meeting | Mon., July 19 | 9-11 a.m. | City Hall | Free | Also available for remote viewing.

PlanAhead

Outdoor Storytime | Tues., July 20 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Public Library | Free | Bring a blanket and grab a spot in the shade for this no-registration-required outdoor storytime.
Lofi Revival | Fri., July 23 | 7-11 p.m. | Gram Parsons Derry Down | $7 | This 21+ event features food from Nutwood, Lofi beats by Deek Beat, and a cash bar by Revival Bar Lakeland.

PLAN YOUR WEEK HERE

NEWS NOTES

Weather

90º | SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS | 60% chance of rain

ComingSoon

Vintage shoppers, rev your engines. June Taylor Shop announced its opening date last week. The highly anticipated downtown location has been underway for weeks, but curators can mark their calendars for Thurs., Aug. 5. 🛍️

Arts

The Polk Museum of Art is presenting a new art history lecture series, starting Sept. 7. Join Dr. Alexander Rich for an in-depth examination of contemporary art history, ranging from 1960s Pop art to performance + street art. Tickets start at $250 and cover all 4 sessions plus a champagne reception. 🥂

Edu

Florida Southern College was named a College of Distinction by the 2021-2022 Colleges of Distinction Guide. The guide selects schools from each state through an extensive interview + vetting process. Factors such as student engagement, teaching, community, and outcomes are considered. 🏆
The Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences was announced last week. Florida Southern College’s new program, which will serve undergraduate through doctorate level nursing students, will be housed in the St. Joseph’s Academy property at 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way.
High school juniors + seniors are invited to Florida A&M University Alumni Association’s Famous Picnic Day for free food, vendors, and scholarship presentations. The annual recruitment event will take place Sat., Aug. 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lake Parker’s Osprey Pavilion. (The Ledger)

Cause

It’s back-to-school season. Parker Street Ministries is taking online donations to fund uniforms, backpacks, and technology for students. In-person donations are being collected by the Boys & Girls Club at Bealles Outlet on S. Florida Ave. now through Aug. 15.

Job

Haines City is hosting a job fair on July 28 at the Lake Eva Event Center (799 Johns Ave.). The event will be broken down into 3 sessions, and the city expects to fill 20 available positions for the Haines City Fire Department, Police Department, Parks and Recreation, and Utilities. (The Ledger)

Holiday

Do you vant to go to Howl-O-Scream? Busch Gardens has announced a new haunted house, of blood-sucking proportions, titled “The Forgotten.” The event kicks off Sept. 10 and is open on select nights through all hallow’s eve. 🩸(Bay News 9)

Giveaway

Win tickets to some of the hottest concerts at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. At each featured concert, there will be 10 winners (who will each receive 4 Party Deck passes). Enter here. Ⓟ

Tech

Meet ROSA, the robotic surgical assistant. Specially trained Orthopedic Surgeons at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center are now the only ones in Polk County offering this leading-edge technology for Total Knee Replacements. Learn more. Ⓟ

TheBuy

Shopping for car insurance? #ProTip: Start your search with The Zebra, a marketplace platform that works on your terms. With 100+ major providers in their network, shoppers have one place to scan + compare the best available options — saving the average person up to $440/yr. 🚗 Ⓟ

📸 Polk County Public Schools

Carlton Palmore Elementary School student and aspiring future Sheriff’s deputy Merrick Loyd was made an honorary deputy last week by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after 6 months of fighting cancer with radiation + chemotherapy.

To make Merrick’s dream of becoming a sheriff come true, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office had a uniform specially made for their newest deputy. In addition to riding in style, Merrick also got to meet Sheriff Grady Judd, sit in a helicopter, and walk away from his experience with a personalized plaque and a backpack full of gifts. 💙

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