Letter from the Superintendent
It ’ s an exciting time to live in Polk County ! Polk is the fastest-growing county in Florida and the seventh-fastest in the nation . This population boom is not surprising given our community ’ s natural beauty and thriving businesses , as well as the opportunities to stay active and just have fun . With this growth come challenges . Our enrollment — now more than 110,000 students — is projected to increase by an additional 50,000 students over the next 12 to 15 years .
Polk County Public Schools is moving forward with a new strategic plan , which will serve as our roadmap for the next five years . The specific objectives being targeted include :
Developing great teachers and leaders Engaging families and community stakeholders Using our resources wisely Ensuring our students have a well-rounded educational experience with access to the arts , athletics , career academies and other important programs
These are challenging goals , yet they are critical areas where we can improve our educational system and better serve Polk ’ s youth . There is much work to be done in the years ahead , but we ’ ve already made great strides .
We recently launched our One-to-One Digital Learning Initiative , supplying an internet-accessible device to every PCPS student . We must provide equitable access to technology if we want to best position our students for success in the digital age . We are also providing necessary guidance on how to use this technology safely and effectively . I am proud of our teachers for embracing this new initiative and incorporating this technology into their lessons .
Many more new projects are on the way , and PCPS will need to rely upon its strong partnerships with community organizations dedicated to public service and supporting our youth .
Polk Vision remains one our most faithful partners , and we greatly appreciate their commitment to bringing together stakeholders to find solutions to local issues .
One example of this solution-focused approach is this publication — the sixth edition of the Polk County Literacy Resource Directory . This guide was created to help families access information about tutoring , websites , books , programs , and tips for nurturing literacy .
I hope you enjoy this current edition of the Literacy Resource Directory , and discover some of the free or low-cost services available right in your neighborhood .
Sincerely , Superintendent Fred Heid Polk County Public Schools
Literacy Team
Jennifer Kovac - Polk County Library Cooperative - Co-Chair
Lindsay Persohn Ph . D . - University of South Florida , Co-Chair
Carolyn Burnett - United Way of Central Florida
Sara Catherine Barnes - Theatre Winter Haven
Kylia Carswell - Polk County Public Schools
Gretchen Ceranic - United Way of Central Florida
Reba Coil - Polk County Public Schools
Pam Craven , Ph . D . - Learning Resource Center
Jeanette Crowley - Polk County Public Schools
Stacy Davis - Polk County Public Schools
Sheri Geiger - Usborne Books & More
Andrea Hagan - Polk County Public Schools
Claudine Humber - Florida Children ' s Museum
Charlie Huntley - Polk County Public Schools
LaTrice Moore D . B . A . - Polk State College
Kathryn Raub - Polk County Public Schools
Sara Van Hook - Polk County Public Schools
Kate Wallace - Charter Communications
P O L K V I S I O N . C O M
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