Polk County Public Schools
The Foodservice Department of the Polk Public Schools was named the recipient of a 2007 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service Best Practice Award. The department won the award for its online training of foodservice managers using the Blackboard Learning Systems. The school district’s technology department assisted in developing the training. More than 100 employees used the Web-based training at their own convenience, eliminating costly and time-consuming travel. The foodservice department developed the training materials, monitored progress and assessed compliance with the training that was offered online.
The Lakeland High School Chemistry Club was featured as a ChemClub of the Month on the American Chemical Society Web site. The Web site notes that the LHS ChemClub worked with their local fire department to collect and distribute smoke alarms and the club celebrated National Chemistry Week by performing science demonstrations for area elementary students. The Web site also notes the ChemClub’s “Science Show” which they presented to more than 370 elementary school students.
Sue Braiman, principal of the Haines City International Baccalaureate high school, participated in a Web cast arranged by the United States Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement. The office has published a book titled “Connecting Students to Advanced Courses Online” and promoted the book by doing a live Web cast that included a panel of experts on online education.
Braiman participated on a panel that included Morgan Brown, assistant deputy secretary with the U.S. Department of Education, Tom Matts of the College Board and Liz Pape, CEO and president of the national Virtual High School collaboration. Panelists were selected because of their expertise in online learning and online Advanced Placement courses and fielded questions from those watching the Web cast. The National Press Club was also involved in the Web cast.
Before becoming Haines City IB’s principal in 2005, Braiman was the principal of Daniel Jenkins Academy, an online and virtual high school based in Haines City.
The school district’s Office of Supplier Diversity and office manager Michael Garner received an appreciation award from the Black Women Business Owners, Executives & Entrepreneurs organization. The department received the award for its support of the organization and participation in the organization’s meetings and events.
