Polk County Public Schools has implemented extensive safety procedures at its campuses to protect students and staff members from COVID-19. Communications protocols are also in place to help keep the community informed during this uncertain time.
Read more about our safety and communications efforts below.
Call Center
Polk County Public Schools now has a call center available to help parents with their questions about COVID-19. The call center is open from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, except for school holidays. The phone number is 863-298-5206. Call center employees can answer general questions about COVID-19, including common questions about testing and quarantining.
PCPS students, staff and families can receive priority access to COVID-19 testing; please see this link for details.

Buses
- Drivers will check their temperatures daily. Anyone with a fever or symptoms related to COVID-19 must not report to work.
- Parents and students are being asked to monitor their temperatures and symptoms. They should not come to the bus stop if they are feeling ill.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed on every bus. Students will use hand sanitizer as they enter and exit.
- Drivers and students must wear face coverings while on the bus.
- To minimize exposure, students will be loaded from rear to front and unloaded from front to rear.
- Students will be assigned seats and socially distanced to the greatest extent possible.
- Weather permitting, buses will travel with several windows and roof hatches open to allow fresh air to circulate.
- School buses will be sanitized multiple times a day.
Autobuses (Espanol)
- Los conductores revisarán sus temperaturas diariamente. Cualquier persona con fiebre o síntomas relacionados con COVID-19 no debe presentarse a trabajar.
- Se les pide a los padres y a los estudiantes que monitoreen sus temperaturas y síntomas. No deben venir a la parada del autobús si se sienten enfermos.
- Se han instalado dispensadores de desinfectante de manos en cada autobús. Los estudiantes usarán desinfectante para manos cuando entren y cuando salgan.
- Los conductores y los estudiantes deben usar cubiertas para la cara mientras están en el autobús.
- Para minimizar la exposición, los estudiantes serán montados de atrás hacia adelante y desmontados de adelante hacia atrás.
- A los estudiantes se les asignarán asientos y se distanciarán socialmente en la mayor medida posible.
- Si el estado del tiempo lo permite, los autobuses viajarán con varias ventanas y escotillas de techo abiertas para permitir que circule aire fresco.
- Los autobuses escolares serán desinfectados varias veces al día.

Schools and Classrooms
- Students and staff should check their temperatures and symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever or symptoms related to COVID-19 should not come to school.
- Students and staff will receive COVID-19 training, including how to identify symptoms and reduce transmission by properly washing their hands and wearing face coverings.
- Students and staff members will be reminded throughout the day to practice proper hygiene.
- Hygiene signage will be installed at all school sites.
- Random temperature checks of students and staff will be conducted throughout the day.
- Students in grades K-12 and staff must wear face coverings at times required by the district.
- Nonessential furniture and equipment will be removed to allow for maximum social distancing.
- Students will avoid sharing devices and supplies.
- One-way traffic patterns will be in place where and when feasible.
- Facilities will be cleaned thoroughly and regularly. High-touch areas will be disinfected through throughout the day. Deep cleaning will take place when there is a confirmed case.
- Air conditioning filters will be changed more frequently.
- Hand sanitizer will be available at locations throughout each campus.
- Students will be socially distanced to the greatest extent possible.
Escuelas Y Salones De Clases (Espanol)
- Los estudiantes y el personal deben revisar sus temperaturas y síntomas diariamente. Cualquier persona con fiebre o síntomas relacionados con COVID-19 no debe asistir a la escuela.
- Los estudiantes y el personal recibirán entrenamiento del COVID-19, que incluye como identificar los síntomas y reducir la
transmisión mediante el lavado adecuado de las manos y el uso de cubiertas para la cara. - Se les recordará a los estudiantes y al personal durante todo el día que practiquen una higiene adecuada.
- Se instalarán letreros de higiene en todas las escuelas.
- Se realizarán revisiones al azar de la temperatura de los estudiantes y el personal durante todo el día.
- Los estudiantes en los grados K-12 y el personal deben usar cubiertas faciales en los momentos requeridos por el distrito.
- Se eliminará el mobiliario y los equipos no esenciales para permitir el máximo distanciamiento social.
- Los estudiantes evitarán compartir dispositivos y materiales.
- Se implementarán patrones de tráfico unidireccionales donde y cuando sea factible.
- Las instalaciones se limpiarán a fondo y regularmente. Las áreas de alto contacto serán desinfectadas durante todo el día. Se realizará una limpieza profunda cuando haya un caso confirmado.
- Los filtros del aire acondicionado se cambiarán con más frecuencia.
- Habrá desinfectante de manos disponible en ubicaciones a lo largo de cada campus.
- Los estudiantes serán socialmente distanciados en la mayor medida posible.

Cafeterias
- High-touch points such as the tray slide and milk box will be frequently sanitized.
- Tables will be sanitized between lunch periods.
- Decals and tape will be used on the floor to keep students socially distanced while in line.
- Students will be socially distanced at tables.
- Hand sanitizer will be available.
- Designated entrances and exits will control traffic flow and minimize exposure.
- Schools will be encouraged to serve breakfast outdoors or in classrooms for social distancing.
- Disposable cutlery and trays will be used.
- All condiments will be pre-portioned. No self-serve dispensers will be used.
- There will be no self-service bars.
- Menu offerings will be streamlined to expedite the serving line.
Cafeterias (Espanol)
- Los puntos de alto contacto, como la corredera de las bandejas y las cajas de leche se desinfectarán con frecuencia.
- Las mesas serán desinfectadas entre los períodos de almuerzo.
- Se usarán etiquetas y cinta adhesiva en el piso para mantener a los estudiantes socialmente distanciados mientras están en fila.
- Los estudiantes estarán socialmente distanciados en las mesas.
- Habrá desinfectante de manos disponible.
- Las entradas y salidas designadas controlarán el flujo del tráfico y minimizarán la exposición.
- Se alentará a las escuelas a servir el desayuno al aire libre o en el salón de clases para el distanciamiento social.
- Se utilizarán cubiertos y bandejas desechables.
- Todos los condimentos serán divididos en porciones. No se utilizarán dispensadores de autoservicio.
- No habrá mesas de autoservicio.
- Se simplificarán los ofrecimientos del menú para acelerar la línea de servicio.

School Clinics
- Clinic staff will wear personal protective equipment as appropriate for the treatment or screening being administered.
- Isolation areas will be established to separate symptomatic individuals from standard clinic operations.
Clinicas Escolares (Espanol)
- El personal de la clínica usará equipo de protección personal según sea apropiado para el tratamiento o la evaluación que se administre.
- Se establecerán áreas de aislamiento para separar a los individuos sintomáticos de las operaciones estándar de la clínica.

Common Areas
- Gym equipment will be regularly disinfected.
- Only non-contact sports will be utilized in physical education classes.
- Hand sanitizer will be available in common areas including gyms, libraries and cafeterias.
- Common areas will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
- High-touch points (light switches, door handles) will be disinfected throughout the day.
- When feasible, these areas will be used as classrooms to maximize social distancing.
- Students and staff will be socially distanced in these areas to the greatest extent possible.
Areas Comunes (Espanol)
- El equipo del gimnasio se desinfectará regularmente.
- Solo los deportes sin contacto se usarán en las clases de educación física.
- Habrá desinfectante de manos disponible en las áreas comunes como gimnasios, bibliotecas y cafeterías.
- Las áreas comunes se limpiarán y desinfectarán diariamente.
- Los puntos de alto contacto (interruptores de luz, manijas de las puertas) se desinfectarán durante todo el día.
- Cuando sea factible, estas áreas se usarán como salones de clases para maximizar el distanciamiento social.
- Los estudiantes y el personal estarán socialmente distanciados en estas áreas en la mayor medida posible.

Face Coverings
- Students in grades K-12 and staff must wear face coverings at all times required by the district.
- Face coverings must cover both the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the face.
- Students and staff may wear face shields in addition to face coverings.
- Face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
- It is recommended that students in pre-K also wear face coverings.
- Students who have medical or other issues that prevent them from wearing face coverings will be exempt.
- Students and staff will provide their own face coverings. They will be provided one if needed.
Cubiertas Faciales (Espanol)
- Los estudiantes en los grados K-12 y el personal deben usar cubiertas faciales en los momentos requeridos por un distrito.
- Las cubiertas faciales deben cubrir tanto la nariz como la boca y ajustarse perfectamente contra la cara.
- Los estudiantes y el personal pueden usar protectores (“shields”) faciales además de las cubiertas faciales.
- Las cubiertas faciales deben cumplir con el código general de vestimenta y los requisitos del uniforme escolar.
- Se recomienda que los estudiantes de pre-K también usen cubiertas faciales.
- Los estudiantes que tengan problemas médicos o de otro tipo que les impidan usar cubiertas faciales estarán exentos.
- Los estudiantes y el personal proveerán sus propias cubiertas para la cara. Se les proveerá una si es necesario.

Students with Disabilities
- Students with IEPs, 504 plans, EPs, ELL plans, etc., who participate in Campus Learning will have their needs met at school. Protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Students with IEPs, 504 plans, EPs, ELL plans, etc., who participate in Campus eSchool will have their needs met via virtual supports.
Estudiantes Con Discapacidades (Espanol)
- Los estudiantes con IEP, planes 504, EP, planes ELL, etc., que participan en Campus Learning tendrán sus necesidades satisfechas en la escuela. Se establecerán protocolos para garantizar la seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal.
- Los estudiantes con IEP, planes 504, EP, planes ELL, etc., que participan en Campus eSchool tendrán sus necesidades satisfechas a través de apoyos virtuales.

- All employees and parents (including those from Campus eSchool) will be notified when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 that impacts a school. A school is considered to be impacted when even one person (other than the person testing positive) must be quarantined.
- The school principal, the district’s Office of Prevention, Health & Wellness, the Office of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Facilities and Operations will coordinate on communications and the appropriate response.
- When there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 that impacts a school, parents will be notified via the district’s automated telephone and email system. Additional notifications may be sent via the school website and school social media accounts. The school principal will work with the Office of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships to determine the most appropriate and effective communications mediums for each situation.
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and other privacy protection laws, prohibit us from disclosing any personally identifiable information.
Dear families,
This message is to advise you about a situation impacting (SCHOOL NAME).
We are aware of (NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS) at (SCHOOL NAME) who (HAS/HAVE) tested positive for COVID-19. Please note that The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
This message is not meant to alarm you. We know it is important to keep you informed during these uncertain times while also obeying federal and state laws that prohibit the release of confidential medical information.
Any students or staff members who have been in close contact with (THIS INDIVIDUAL/THESE INDIVIDUALS) will be directly contacted within 24 to 48 hours to discuss how long they should self-quarantine and other health-related instructions.
Any students who are directed to self-quarantine in response to this situation will temporarily switch to online learning through (SCHOOL NAME)’s Campus eSchool program until their quarantine has ended and they are cleared to return to campus for in-person instruction.
NOTE: THE ABOVE SECTION ON HOW STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE TO LEARN WHILE UNDER QUARANTINE CAN BE ADJUSTED TO ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS OR PLANS OF THE SCHOOL.
At this time, our school remains open for in-person instruction. We continue to work closely with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, and follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Please contact the principal directly if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures.
We continue to encourage everyone to follow important best practices to prevent the spread of illness.
Thank you.
In late September, the Florida Department of Health began providing a weekly summary of COVID cases in schools. Prior to that report coming available, PCPS maintained an online log of schoolwide notifications sent when a positive case impacted a school. A school is considered to be impacted when even one person (other than the person testing positive) must be quarantined.
The FDOH’s report is more comprehensive. PCPS is now deferring to the FDOH’s expertise and data. For the latest information from the FDOH, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and scroll down to “School Report for Florida.”
Here are the schoolwide notifications PCPS published online prior to the state’s report being made available.
Date Message Sent | School Message Sent To | Number of Confirmed Positive Cases Reported in Message |
---|---|---|
9/30/2020 | Winter Haven High | (1) One |
9/30/2020 | Alta Vista Elementary | (1) One |
9/29/2020 | Sandhill Elementary | (1) One |
9/29/2020 | Eagle Lake Elementary | (1) One |
9/29/2020 | Tenoroc High | (1) One |
9/29/2020 | Lake Region High | (2) Two |
9/28/2020 | Lake Gibson High | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Mulberry Middle, Mulberry High | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Frostproof Middle-Senior | (2) Two |
9/28/2020 | Kathleen High, Central Florida Aerospace Academy | (2) Two |
9/28/2020 | Alturas Elementary | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland High | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Bartow High, Bartow IB, Summerlin Academy | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Palmetto Elementary | (1) One |
9/28/2020 | Combee Academy of Design & Engineering | (1) One |
9/27/2020 | McLaughlin Middle | (1) One |
9/27/2020 | Lake Region High | (3) Three |
9/27/2020 | Lena Vista Elementary | (1) One |
9/27/2020 | George Jenkins High | (1) One |
9/27/2020 | Frostproof Middle-Senior | (1) One |
9/26/2020 | Chain of Lakes Elementary | (1) One |
9/26/2020 | Horizons Elementary | (1) One |
9/26/2020 | Jesse Keen Elementary | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Jesse Keen Elementary | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Lake Gibson High | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Lake Alfred Elementary | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Lake Region High | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Valleyview Elementary | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Union Academy | (1) One |
9/25/2020 | Kathleen High | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Lake Gibson High | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Winter Haven High | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Ridge Technical College | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Auburndale High | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Palmetto Elementary | (1) One |
9/24/2020 | Kathleen High, Central Florida Aerospace Academy | (1) One |
9/23/2020 | Philip O’Brien Elementary | (1) One |
9/23/2020 | Lakeland Highlands Middle | (2) Two |
9/23/2020 | Lake Region High | (1) One |
9/23/2020 | Winter Haven High | (1) One |
9/23/2020 | Churchwell Elementary | (2) Two |
9/23/2020 | Wendell Watson Elementary | (1) One |
9/23/2020 | Valleyview Elementary | (1) One |
9/22/2020 | Polk City Elementary | (1) One |
9/22/2020 | Padgett Elementary | (1) One |
9/22/2020 | Ridge Community High | (1) One |
9/22/2020 | Scott Lake Elementary | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Lake Alfred Polytech Academy | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Auburndale High | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Ridge Community High | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Pinewood Elementary | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Mulberry Middle | (2) Two |
9/21/2020 | Kingsford Elementary | (1) One |
9/21/2020 | Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy | (1) One |
9/20/2020 | Horizons Elementary | (1) One |
9/20/2020 | Kathleen Elementary | (1) One |
9/20/2020 | Stambaugh Middle | (1) One |
9/20/2020 | Garner Elementary | (1) One |
9/20/2020 | Lakeland High | (1) One |
9/19/2020 | Tenoroc High | (1) One |
9/19/2020 | Padgett Elementary | (1) One |
9/18/2020 | Kingsford Elementary | (1) One |
9/17/2020 | Southwest Elementary | (1) One |
9/17/2020 | Auburndale High | (1) One |
9/17/2020 | Davenport Elementary | (1) One |
9/16/2020 | Frostproof Middle-Senior | (1) One |
9/16/2020 | Winter Haven High | (2) Two |
9/16/2020 | Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy | (1) One |
9/16/2020 | Lake Alfred Elementary | (1) One |
9/15/2020 | Boone Middle | (1) One |
9/15/2020 | Horizons Elementary | (1) One |
9/15/2020 | Churchwell Elementary | (1) One |
9/15/2020 | Roosevelt Academy | (1) One |
9/15/2020 | Elbert Elementary | (1) One |
9/14/2020 | Winter Haven High | (2) Two |
9/14/2020 | Sandhill Elementary | (1) One |
9/14/2020 | Lakeland Highlands Middle | (1) One |
9/14/2020 | Lake Alfred Elementary | (3) Three |
9/14/2020 | Highlands Grove Elementary | (2) Two |
9/14/2020 | Bartow Elementary Academy | (1) One |
9/13/2020 | Kathleen Middle | (1) One |
9/13/2020 | Lena Vista Elmentary | (4) Four |
9/13/2020 | Stambaugh Middle School | (1) One |
9/13/2020 | Garner Elementary | (3) Three |
9/12/2020 | Frostproof Elementary | (1) One |
9/12/2020 | Winston Academy | (1) One |
9/11/2020 | Sleepy Hill Elementary | (1) One |
9/11/2020 | Scott Lake Elementary | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Stephens Elementary | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Garner Elementary | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Kathleen High | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Bartow High, Summerlin Academy | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Lake Shipp Elementary | (1) One |
9/10/2020 | Pinewood Elementary | (1) One |
9/9/2020 | Wendell Watson Elementary | (1) One |
9/9/2020 | Highland City Elementary | (1) One |
9/9/2020 | Polk City Elementary | (2) Two |
9/8/2020 | Lena Vista Elementary | (1) One |
9/8/2020 | McLaughlin Middle | (1) One |
9/8/2020 | Kathleen High | (1) One |
9/8/2020 | Lakeland High | (1) One |
9/8/2020 | Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland High | (1) One |
9/8/2020 | Haines City High | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | George Jenkins High, Scott Lake Elementary | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | Wendell Watson Elementary | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | Lake Region High | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | Bartow IB | (1) One |
9/7/2020 | Auburndale Central Elementary | (1) One |
9/6/2020 | Fort Meade Middle-Senior | (1) One |
9/6/2020 | Jesse Keen Elementary | (2) Two |
9/6/2020 | North Lakeland Elementary | (1) One |
9/5/2020 | Winston Academy | (1) One |
9/5/2020 | Sleepy Hill Elementary | (1) One |
9/5/2020 | Stephens Elementary | (1) One |
9/5/2020 | Jean O’Dell Learning Center | (3) Three |
9/4/2020 | Mulberry Middle School | (2) Two |
9/4/2020 | Wendell Watson Elementary | (1) One |
9/4/2020 | Kingsford Elementary | (1) One |
9/4/2020 | Lakeland High, Harrison School for the Arts | (2) Two |
9/4/2020 | Fort Meade Middle-Senior | (2) Two |
9/3/2020 | Jean O’Dell Learning Center | (1) One |
9/3/2020 | Garner Elementary | (1) One |
9/3/2020 | Floral Avenue Elementary | (1) One |
9/3/2020 | Chain of Lakes Elementary | (1) One |
9/3/2020 | Spessard Holland Elementary | (2) Two |
9/3/2020 | Lake Alfred Elementary | (1) One |
9/3/2020 | Carlton Palmore Elementary | (1) One |
9/2/2020 | Jean O’Dell Learning Center | (1) One |
9/2/2020 | Fort Meade Middle-Senior | (1) One |
9/2/2020 | Dundee Ridge Middle | (1) One |
9/2/2020 | Boswell Elementary | (1) One |
9/2/2020 | Winter Haven High | (2) Two |
9/2/2020 | Garner Elementary | (3) Three |
9/2/2020 | Lakeland High, Harrison School for the Arts | (6) Six |
Date Message Sent | School Message Sent To | Number of Confirmed Positive Cases Reported in Message |
---|---|---|
8/31/2020 | McLaughlin Middle, Spook Hill Elementary, Summerlin Academy, Winter Haven High | (1) One |
8/31/2020 | Lake Gibson Middle | (1) One |
8/31/2020 | Sandhill Elementary | (1) One |
8/31/2020 | Lakeland High/Harrison School for the Arts | (4) Four |
8/31/2020 | Alturas Elementary | (1) One |
8/31/2020 | Jean O’Dell Learning Center | (1) One |
8/30/2020 | Lakeland High/Harrison School for the Arts | (2) Two |
8/30/2020 | Denison Middle | (1) One |
8/30/2020 | Alturas Elementary | (2) Two |
8/30/2020 | Tenoroc High | (1) One |
8/30/2020 | Garner Elementary | (1) One |
8/28/2020 | Alta Vista Elementary | (3) Three |
8/28/2020 | Bartow Middle | (1) One |
8/28/2020 | Palmetto Elementary | (1) One |
8/28/2020 | R. Clem Churchwell Elementary | (1) One |
8/28/2020 | Walter Caldwell Elementary | (1) One |
8/27/2020 | Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy | (1) One |
8/27/2020 | Purcell Elementary | (1) One |
8/26/2020 | Denison Middle, Chain of Lakes Elementary | (1) One |
8/26/2020 | Jewett School of the Arts | (1) One |
8/25/2020 | Bartow High, Bartow IB, Summerlin Academy | (1) One |
8/24/2020 | Boone Middle | (1) One |
**Note: Charter and private schools were responsible for their own communication procedures, and they are not included on this webpage.**

Additional Precautions
- The district continues to purchase and stockpile supplies of personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, face coverings, etc.
- Field trips and large-group gatherings will not be allowed until further notice.
- Visitors and volunteers will be limited.
Precauciones Adicionales (Espanol)
- El distrito continúa comprando y almacenando suministros de equipo de protección personal, desinfectante de manos, cubiertas faciales, etc.
- No se permitirán excursiones y reuniones de grupos grandes hasta nuevo aviso.
- Los visitantes y voluntarios serán limitados.