Polk County Public Schools
The period from May 4 to May 29 is the final opportunity for student applications to Polk County magnet and choice schools for the 2009-2010 school year. Applications can be submitted online only at www.polk-fl.net. Individuals without computer or Internet access can visit any magnet or choice school or the Office of Magnet and Choice Schools in Bartow to complete the application on school district computers. Applications will be processed according to the date received. Information: (863) 534-0631.
The school board will meet to conduct an informal hearing regarding Life Skills/Memorial Academy Charter School pursuant to Florida statute 1002.33(8) (b). The meeting is 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 5 in the school board auditorium, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow. Information: Carolyn Bridges, (863) 519-8738.
The public is invited to the 33rd Annual Poetry Awards to be held 7 p.m., Monday, May 11 at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. There is no charge to attend and the event includes poetry readings and award presentations. Students in grades six through 12 submitted poems to be considered for awards. The event is hosted by the Polk County Council of Teachers of English. Information: Amy Hardee, (863) 519-8798.
The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System and the Exceptional Student Education Department of the Polk Public Schools are hosting a workshop for parents of children struggling with handwriting. The workshop is titled “Handwriting 911” and is meant to show fun and interactive ways for parents to help children with writing. Workshop topics include grip, letter formation, spacing and reversals. This two-hour workshop will give parents tools and strategies to support children’s handwriting needs.
The workshop has two sessions, both on Thursday, May 14. The first session is 9 to 11 a.m. followed by the same presentation from 6 to 8 p.m. Both workshops will be held in the school district’s building at the Bartow Municipal Airport, off Highway 17 in Bartow. There is no cost to attend.
Contact Jolene Ahlschwede at (863) 647-4258 or email for further information or to register for a workshop.
The public is invited to a reception of the “Learning To Be Me: K-2” art exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art. The art exhibition features art work of students in kindergarten to second grade. The reception includes an awards program. The reception is 11 a.m., Saturday, May 30. There is no charge to attend. The Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland. Information: (863) 647-4730.
