Get Involved

AmeriCorps Polk Reads is a grant-funded reading tutoring program.

Members, also called tutors, provide one-on-one tutoring in reading to children in grades kindergarten through third at selected school sites. These sessions target the five components of effective reading instruction — phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency and reading comprehension strategies.

AmeriCorps Polk Reads is made possible through a partnership between the Polk Education Foundation, Polk County Public Schools, and Volunteer Florida, Inc., as well as local support from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation, GiveWell Community Foundation, and proceeds from the PEF’s Stepping Out for Education event.

For more information, visit americorps.gov, or call the Polk Education Foundation program manager at 863-519-8850.

Current and former members may check their Education Award balances online.

Take Stock in Children is an award-winning program that provides scholarships, mentors, and hope for a better future to Florida’s most deserving low-income, at-risk children.

The promise of a college scholarship is just one motivating factor for children participating in the program. Upon entering the Take Stock in Children program, students are matched with trained, caring adult mentors who meet with them once a week to help with academics, provide college and career guidance, and strengthen their social skills.

Mentors provide students with valuable guidance, motivation and life lessons that students carry with them beyond grade school and into college and the workforce.

A public-private partnership, this school-based mentoring organization has positively affected the lives of more than 11,000 children since 1995.

Visit the state website to learn more about Take Stock in Children.

To become a Take Stock in Children mentor, submit an application to the Polk Education Foundation at 1530 Shumate Drive, Bartow, FL. For more information, call the program coordinator at 863-519-8077, or the college success coach at 863-519-8076.

Help your child gain computer skills, or brush up on your own, by visiting a Polk County Public Schools Community Center. These locations offer computer services and training for both students and adults.

Contact the center for information and hours of operation. Click here for attendance login from a community center.

If you’d like to establish a community center, complete the Community Center Donation Agreement, and fax it to 863-647-4251.

If you need further information about becoming a Community Center, please contact Jenny Cramatte.

Parent and community members provide valuable resources and programs to Polk County Public Schools when they participate in parent organizations. These organizations collaborate with schools on events, fundraisers and numerous other initiatives that help to create engaging and supportive learning environments.

While these organizations work closely with the schools, they have separate financial requirements and obligations. All organizations must comply with district audit requirements, carry liability insurance, register with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue, and apply for a Florida sales tax number.

Types of parent organizations:

PTA/PTSA — Parent Teacher Associations/Parent Teacher Student Associations are affiliated with the state and national PTA/PTSA. For more information on Polk County PTA, call Janet Lamoureux at 863-899-7301.

• Purposes of PTA
• The PTA and our Schools: We are in this Together
• Florida PTA
• National PTA

PTO — Parent Teacher Organizations are affiliated with the national PTO.

• Procedures for Effective PTOs
• PTO Today
• National Parent Teacher Organization

All parent organizations participating in fundraisers must have the permission of the principal and complete required district forms.

• Fund Raising Activity Approval Form (form 00828)
• Financial Report for Fund Raising Activity (form 00829)

Monthly financial reports, including a detailed transaction listing and a copy of the bank statement, are to be submitted to the school principal. Other important financial documents include:

• Annual Financial Report
• Florida Department of Revenue – Sales Tax Exemption information
• Checklist for Outside Organizations

Learning shouldn’t end when the final bell rings. Here are some ways to create educational environments in your home, and to ensure your children are prepared for the next school day:

• Encourage reading in your home, and make story time an everyday habit.
• Ensure your child gets adequate sleep.
• Limit TV and video time.
• Provide a well-balanced healthy diet, even for teenagers.
• See that your child attends school regularly and is on time.
• Set aside a homework/study routine each school night.
• Encourage completion of all assignments.
• Attend all events in which your child participates.
• Talk and listen to your child about school activities each day.
• Ask for help or advice when your child is struggling or having a problem.
• Provide ongoing enrichment.
• Show respect and support for your child, the teachers and the school.
• Support the school in developing positive behaviors.
• Understand student expectations for each grade level and course.
• Know how to access scholarship and financial aid information for higher education.
• Make sure your school has your current address and phone number.
• Praise your child’s efforts.
• Schedule at least one teacher conference during each year.
• Read everything that comes home from school and check your child’s backpack regularly.
• Monitor test scores and performance carefully.
• Say “good job” and “I knew you could do it.”
• Ask, “What do you think?” — and really listen to your child’s answers.
• Say, “Tell me about it,” to encourage your child to talk about assignments.
• Show your child how his/her schoolwork applies to real-life situations.
• Visit local libraries regularly to introduce your child to information and resources.
• Talk with your child about his/her day.
• Set high but realistic standards and recognize that every child is different.

Each school has a School Advisory Council (SAC) whose members:

• Determine school improvement priorities.
• Publicize the School Improvement Plan.
• Support School Improvement Plan implementation.
• Evaluate the School Improvement Plan.
• Assist in the decision-making process and approval of expenditures of District Lottery Funds and School Recognition Funds, as well as review the school budget.

Adults aren’t the only ones who are encouraged to get involved! By engaging in community service projects, students can earn credits and recognition at graduation, and qualify for scholarships.

Students provide more than 100,000 hours of service to Polk County every year through the community service program. Community service coordinators at each high school coordinate the application process and approve the hours and locations where students serve.

Ready to get involved? Start by contacting your high school Community Service Coordinator to register with the community service program. Community service hours served before registering with the program coordinator will not be counted. Service hours must be pre-approved before students begin to log hours.

For more information, contact the district resource specialist trainer for 6-12 school counseling services at 863-534-0018 ext. 673

Important Links:

• Bright Futures Service Requirement

Important documents:

• Community Service Plan
• Community Service Hours Log
• Community Service Information Sheet
• Bright Futures Eligibility Handbook (Click on Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility)

Additional information:

For ideas on where to serve your community, visit Volunteer Polk or United Way of Central Florida.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been given to more than 80,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and serving their communities through many other volunteer activities. Click here for more information and to apply.

Your financial support can make a huge difference in the lives of Polk County’s students. For more information on supporting Polk County Public Schools, visit the Polk Education Foundation, call 863-534-0519.

Exempt Volunteer Application

Active and sworn law enforcement officers with arresting power, current Polk County Public Schools employees and registered Polk County Public Schools students and college students majoring in education are EXEMPT from paying the $25.00 background check fee, but must reapply yearly.

Attach a copy of verifying documentation, such as your badge number OR an employee/student ID badge when you submit your paper application to your school’s volunteer coordinator.

Download Exempt Volunteer Application (PDF)

Questions and Support

For questions related to the volunteer application process or exempt status please contact the Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships at
863-457-4708 then select option 2.