Polk County Public Schools, Community

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Business Partners

Welcome Message

“Excellence in education is the key to our future success as a company and as a society. We believe that improving the education system is a team effort, and team building is important at Publix.” Maria Brous, Media and Community Relations Director, Publix Supermarkets

Good education is good for business and good for the community. The purpose of the Partners in Education program is to strengthen the educational process through collaborative relationships between schools and the community.

As a Partner in Education, you can help prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s responsible, accomplished, and self-confident leaders. Your participation helps forge the type of employees your company desires and needs. Your commitment to each student’s success provides a community-minded model for our future adults.

Whether you have 5, 10, 100, or 1000 employees, you are a valued member of the school community. Partnerships formed through our office are mutually advantageous, providing many benefits to the participating business as well as to the students. Partnership Benefits

Each partnership is unique and individually planned. Through collaboration, your business/organization and your employees can serve today’s students, tomorrow’s employees. Mentor students, be a career and motivational speakers, contribute products to a school’s incentive program, judge academic fairs, the list is long and varied. Partnership Opportunities

Get started! Become a partner today and find the perfect match that will enable you to reap the many rewards of making education a part of your business.

Information and Forms

Getting Started

“The on-site coordinator helped us choose the best method for assisting the school; it was quick, easy, and we have already witnessed the positive effects.” Organization

Becoming a Partner in Education with a public school in Polk County is easy.

If you are uncertain as to where your efforts would be of most value, contact the Community Involvement office at 863-534-0636. We’ll work with you to evaluate your resources and help you select a school.

Still have questions? Check out our FAQs.

Business Partner of the Month

MIDFLORIDA

"MIDFLORIDA is proud of its continued partnership with the Polk County Schools. Having served the school board employees for more than 50 years, we don’t look at our support as a partnership but rather something that’s just second nature. We’ve always valued what the schools provide for our children and our community. Whether we are doing something as small as providing popcorn supplies for a special event; giving bookmarks to celebrate a special class achievement; providing snacks for a teacher appreciation event; or teaching a Junior Achievement class, our partnership is focused more on appreciation for all that the school board employees do and the value they offer to the future of our communities rather than recognition on our part."

D. Kevin Jones
President / CEO

Polk Education Foundation Sponsors

Thank You to our 2008-2009 Donors & Sponsors. Below is a list of donors/sponsors who have supported the Polk Education Foundation during the 2008-2009 year.

Interested in helping the Foundation expand it's reach? Click here to find out more information on becoming a sponsor/donor!

Great American Teach In

The Great American Teach-In is an annual event to celebrate American Education Week. Members of the community are invited to our schools to speak to students about careers, travel and hobbies. Speakers tell how their early educational experiences relate to their current life. It is an opportunity to educate students about the world of work in a way that the students will never forget!

Students enjoy the opportunity to hear real stories from real community members. Each year Teach-In volunteers inspire students to keep focused and keep looking ahead to the future. Volunteers have come in costume, brought their equipment, put on plays, offered potentially life-saving information, showed off their pets, discussed career options, shared precious souvenirs, talked about other parts of the world, brought the past to life, performed a song or dance, cooked delicious meals, stepped down from the pedestal of celebrity to meet students at their level or simply read a story to little ones.

The Teach-In introduces students to career options they might never have considered, hobbies they might never have discovered and activities they might never have experienced. Students learn from professionals, trades people, parents, community members and other students. The annual event enriches the students and the volunteers alike.

Want to join the fun? Contact the school of your choice and offer to be part of this exciting and meaningful event.

Guidelines for Speakers

Thank you for serving as a Great American Teach-In volunteer! Our children, teachers, and community thank you for sharing your time.

The following guidelines are designed to make your day as a speaker even more enjoyable for everyone.

  1. Arrive early to secure a parking spot and familiarize yourself with the school, classroom and students.
  2. Check in at the school office to receive your nametag. Sign-in before going to the classroom. There will be someone to greet and direct you to your class.
  3. Bring any materials, clothing and tools that might make your topic more interesting to students. Call ahead if you need audio visual support.
  4. Do no ask students for personal information such as address of telephone number.
  5. School campuses are smoke free and drug free. As a visitor, we ask you to comply with School Board policies.
  6. If you have to cancel your visit at the last minute, please notify the school as soon as possible. It is appreciated if you arrange for a substitute speaker.
  7. Students attention span ranges:
    1. Elementary 10-15 minutes
    2. Secondary 20-30 minutes
    3. Plan for 20-35 students per classroom
  8. Teachers will remain in the classroom during your presentation and activities. Should misbehavior occur, the teacher will handle the situation.

Please contact the Community Involvement office at 863-534-0818 to register as a Great American Teach-In volunteer.

Thank you and have fun!