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1 week ago

We just got our report card, and Polk County Public Schools is B-B-B-Back!

PCPS earned a B district grade for the 2024-25 school year, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.PCPS improved from a C the year before. This is the district’s first B grade since 2019-20.“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our schools,” said PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid. “We’ve been making steady progress every year, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our students, teachers and staff. This is why we always tell our kids that hard work pays off.”PCPS students saw achievement gains in English language arts, social studies and science last year, and the district also helped more students take advantage of college and career acceleration programs. In addition, PCPS’ latest graduation rate climbed to 82%.A total of 14 traditional PCPS schools improved their own grades last year:- Two increased from a B to an A: Jewett School of the Arts, and Winston Academy of Engineering- Seven increased from a C to a B: Bethune Academy, Carlton Palmore Elementary, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, Lake Alfred Polytech Academy , Socrum Elementary, Snively Elementary, and Winter Haven High- Five increased from a D to a C: Auburndale High, Crystal Lake Elementary, Kathleen High, McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, and Stambaugh MiddleOnce again, there were no traditional PCPS schools earning an F grade.PCPS has used an intensive progress monitoring system to track students’ academic performance, and provide support based on each child’s learning style. Heid said the district will continue to refine its strategies and make use of available resources to help all schools succeed.“We’re very pleased with this year’s results, but we’re not yet satisfied. We’ll use this momentum to keep improving,” he said. “With that said, our community deserves to celebrate. So many people have played a role in this great achievement: students, teachers, staff, parents, guardians and volunteers. I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment, and so very proud to be part of Polk County Public Schools.”Complete school grades are available on the Florida Department of Education’s website: www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/#lovePolkschools @topfans ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago

When you decide that you want to seek behavioral health treatment for yourself or a loved one, it can be hard to know where to start. Polk County’s website for behavioral health resources offers guidance and a directory of providers in Polk County. Plus, you can find blog articles written by local behavioral health experts to help you get started on the path to recovery today. Learn more at www.pcbhr.org.

#therapy #anxiety #addiction #grief #depression #PCBHR SAMHSA ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

Do you have questions about the future of transportation in Polk County? Submit your questions and tune in live for answers.

Join the live virtual Polk TPO public forum discussion on June 20 to hear from experts and planners as they prepare the upcoming draft of the Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as Envision 2050. This plan will guide transportation priorities and investments for the coming decades.Submit your questions:·On the event page at www.facebook.com/share/18wAJzCsvG· In the comments below· Email Envision2050@polk-county.net· Submit during the live eventLearn more about Envision2050 by visiting www.polkenvision2050.com#Envision2050 #PolkTPO #transportation #polkcountyfl @followers ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Help us build safer streets in Polk County. Scan the QR code or visit polkvisionzero.mysocialpinpoint.com/ to share your feedback.

Your input will help guide Vision Zero, an initiative focused on eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries in our communities.• Indicate specific locations on the interactive county map where safety is a concern.• Take the survey to share feedback regarding commuting and transportation challenges. These results will assist in designing the Polk Vision Zero Action Plan and guaranteeing that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of those who live, work and commute within Polk County.#VisionZero #PolkCountyFL #VisionZeroPolk #SafeStreets #PolkCountySafety #PolkTPO #Community #survey ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Photos from Polk County Government Florida's post ... See MoreSee Less

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2 months ago

📣 TOMORROW is the day!

Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing is happening Thursday, May 1, at Polk State College Center for Public Safety!Here’s what to know before you go:📍 Where:Polk State College Center for Public Safety1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880Parking is available on-site, with overflow at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.🕗 When:Coffee & Networking (Lobby): 8:00 – 9:00 AMProgram starts promptly at 9:00 AM in the auditorium.Closing remarks are at 4:45 PM.🧥 What to Bring:A warm sweater or light jacket (auditoriums love the AC!)& any questions you’d love to ask our incredible speakers.🪑 Seating:Open seating in the auditorium—please help us fill in all available seats. A full house is expected!Feel free to message us with any last-minute questions. We can’t wait to see you there! #HopeAndHealing #BehavioralHealthConversations #MentalHealthMatters #PolkVision #CommunityWellnessClo ... See MoreSee Less

📣 TOMORROW is the day!
Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing is happening Thursday, May 1, at Polk State College Center for Public Safety!

Here’s what to know before you go:

📍 Where:
Polk State College Center for Public Safety
1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Parking is available on-site, with overflow at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

🕗 When:
Coffee & Networking (Lobby): 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Program starts promptly at 9:00 AM in the auditorium.
Closing remarks are at 4:45 PM.

🧥 What to Bring:
A warm sweater or light jacket (auditoriums love the AC!)
& any questions you’d love to ask our incredible speakers.

🪑 Seating:
Open seating in the auditorium—please help us fill in all available seats. A full house is expected!

Feel free to message us with any last-minute questions. We can’t wait to see you there! 

#HopeAndHealing #BehavioralHealthConversations #MentalHealthMatters #PolkVision #CommunityWellnessClo
3 months ago

This year's "Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing" event is bringing together six incredible changemakers who are using their stories, strategies, and expertise to spark real transformation in our communities and our lives. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired by:

🌟 Johnny Crowder – Founder of Cope Notes®, TEDx speaker, and suicide/abuse survivorFrom the stage to the breakout room, Johnny brings humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation about stigma, self-care, and starting real mental health conversations.👉 Keynote: Overcoming Stigma with Strategy, Stamina, and Strength🌟 Anthony Alvarado – Founder of RISE TOGETHER and advocate for mental wellnessAnthony’s breakout will help you reconnect to your purpose, rebuild your energy, and redefine strength through balance.👉 Presentation: From Burnout to Balance: How to Rewire, Protect, and Reclaim in a Fast-Paced World”🌟 Trish Kendall – Inspirational speaker and beacon of enduring success after trauma and addictionWith raw transparency and unwavering hope, Trish shares the 5 critical choices that took her from darkness to a thriving life—and how those same choices can unlock healing for you, too.👉 Keynote: Choose & Become: From the Pit of Despair to the Peak of Success—A Journey of Hope, Healing and Love🌟 Ellen Snelling, M.S. – Public health advocate, educator, and policy leaderEllen brings 25+ years of experience in substance abuse prevention and will equip attendees with the knowledge to protect youth from hidden threats in everyday places.👉 Presentation: Gas Station Drug Trends – What Parents & Leaders Need to Know🌟 Risdon Slate - Professor Emeritus of Criminology, Florida Southern CollegeAs a person with mental illness, Risdon has personally encountered the mental health and criminal justice systems and is passionate about combating the stigma associated with mentall illness. 👉 Presentation: The Criminalization of Mental Illness: Crisis and Opportunity for the Justice System🌟 Frederick Heid - Polk County Public Schools SuperintendentWith a background as a teacher, principal, and education leader, Superintendent Heid collaborates with local leaders to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and ensure more resources directly support student success.👉Presentation: Supporting the Whole Child: PCPS Mental and Behavioral Health InitiativesThese speakers are more than experts. They’re difference-makers—and their voices are shaping a better, more compassionate future for behavioral health. ... See MoreSee Less

This years Conversations in Behavioral Health: The Power of Hope & Healing event is bringing together six incredible changemakers who are using their stories, strategies, and expertise to spark real transformation in our communities and our lives. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired by:

🌟 Johnny Crowder – Founder of Cope Notes®, TEDx speaker, and suicide/abuse survivor
From the stage to the breakout room, Johnny brings humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation about stigma, self-care, and starting real mental health conversations.
👉 Keynote: Overcoming Stigma with Strategy, Stamina, and Strength

🌟 Anthony Alvarado – Founder of RISE TOGETHER and advocate for mental wellness
Anthony’s breakout will help you reconnect to your purpose, rebuild your energy, and redefine strength through balance.
👉 Presentation: From Burnout to Balance: How to Rewire, Protect, and Reclaim in a Fast-Paced World”

🌟 Trish Kendall – Inspirational speaker and beacon of enduring success after trauma and addiction
With raw transparency and unwavering hope, Trish shares the 5 critical choices that took her from darkness to a thriving life—and how those same choices can unlock healing for you, too.
👉 Keynote: Choose & Become: From the Pit of Despair to the Peak of Success—A Journey of Hope, Healing and Love

🌟 Ellen Snelling, M.S. – Public health advocate, educator, and policy leader
Ellen brings 25+ years of experience in substance abuse prevention and will equip attendees with the knowledge to protect youth from hidden threats in everyday places.
👉 Presentation: Gas Station Drug Trends – What Parents & Leaders Need to Know

🌟 Risdon Slate - Professor Emeritus of Criminology, Florida Southern College
As a person with mental illness, Risdon has personally encountered the mental health and criminal justice systems and is passionate about combating the stigma associated with mentall illness. 
👉 Presentation: The Criminalization of Mental Illness: Crisis and Opportunity for the Justice System

🌟 Frederick Heid - Polk County Public Schools Superintendent
With a background as a teacher, principal, and education leader, Superintendent Heid collaborates with local leaders to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and ensure more resources directly support student success.
👉Presentation: Supporting the Whole Child: PCPS Mental and Behavioral Health Initiatives

These speakers are more than experts. They’re difference-makers—and their voices are shaping a better, more compassionate future for behavioral health.Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
3 months ago

The 2025 State of the County is TODAY! 🤩

Seats are still available if you'd like to join us in person, or you can join us via live stream through PGTV: www.youtube.com/live/3-dGd4O1UT8We hope to see you soon as we discover the latest insights and trends impacting our community! ... See MoreSee Less

The 2025 State of the County is TODAY! 🤩

Seats are still available if youd like to join us in person, or you can join us via live stream through PGTV: https://www.youtube.com/live/3-dGd4O1UT8

We hope to see you soon as we discover the latest insights and trends impacting our community!
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