Get Involved!

Whether they’re assisting in classrooms, mentoring children on a one-on-one basis, or lending their time and efforts to district-wide initiatives, volunteers play a vital role in Polk County Public Schools’ mission of delivering a high-quality education to every student.

Ready to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children?

Here’s how to become an approved Polk County Public Schools volunteer:

There are Many Ways to Get Involved

Whether you’re seeking to become an approved volunteer to help multiple children, you’re a parent interested in being more active in your child’s education, or you’re a student seeking community service hours, Polk County Public Schools has lots of options for you to get involved.

Here are some of the ways you can get involved in Polk County Public Schools. For more information, contact the Public Relations Department at 863-457-4708, or the Polk Education Foundation at 863-534-0803.

The mentor program brings together positive role models from the community and students who can benefit from one-on-one attention.

Share your life experiences and inspire children to begin thinking about their futures.

Work one-on-one with children to help them improve their reading skills.

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Speak During the Great American Teach-In

The Great American Teach-In is an annual event coordinated by the Polk County Public Schools’ Department of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships to celebrate American Education Week.

During this event, members of the community are invited to speak to students about their careers, travel and hobbies, and how their early educational experiences relate to their current lives.

Students enjoy the opportunity to hear real stories from real community members. Each year Teach-In volunteers inspire students to stay focused and keep looking ahead to the future. In previous years, volunteers have come in costume, shown students their work-related equipment, performed songs, dances and plays, offered potentially life-saving information, showed off their pets, discussed career options, shared precious souvenirs, talked about other parts of the world, cooked delicious meals, stepped down from the pedestal of celebrity to meet students at their level, or simply read a story.

The Teach-In introduces students to career options they might never have considered, hobbies they might never have discovered, and activities they might never have experienced.

Want to join the fun? Contact the school of your choice and offer to be part of this exciting and meaningful event.

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

These locations provide valuable resources for both parents and students.

Parent organizations raise funds and deliver other means of support to their schools.

One of the most important ways you can get involved is by communicating effectively with your child’s teacher.

There are lots of ways you can support the learning your child does at school.

Students can earn credit, scholarships and graduation recognitions by getting involved in the school district or other facets of our community.

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Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

When you and your child’s teacher work together, you are a powerful team. Here are some tips to help you make the most of parent-teacher conferences.

Before the conference, make a list of your questions and concerns, such as:

  • What kinds of activities does my child do well in at school?
  • Where does my child have difficulty?
  • Does my child get along with other children?
  • Does my child follow the directions and guidance of adult leaders?
  • What can I do from home to assist and support my child?
  • Is my child working up to his/her ability?
  • Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
  • Has my child missed any classes other than the ones I contacted the school about?
  • Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts? For example, have you noticed any squinting, tiredness, or moodiness that might be a sign of physical or other problems?
  • What kind of tests are being done? What do tests tell about my child’s progress?
  • How does my child handle taking tests?
  • Also, ask your child if he/she has any questions about school. Find out what subjects your child likes most and least, and why. Ask your child if there is anything he/she would like you to discuss with the teacher.

On the day of the parent-teacher conference, arrange childcare for your other children so you can give your undivided attention to the conference. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the school, and be on time. Share information about your child, including personality traits, problems, habits and hobbies; the better the teacher knows your child, the better your child’s experience in school will be. If your spouse can’t attend the conference, make sure you ask any questions or address any concerns he/she may have as well. Also make sure to take notes to remind yourself of important points later.

After the conference, immediately start on the action plan you and the teacher developed, if applicable. Discuss the plan with your child, and make sure he/she knows that you and the teacher care. Monitor your child’s behavior, and check your child’s classwork and homework to make sure the action plan is working. Stay in regular touch with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress.

Other tips for establishing good communication with your child’s teacher and school include:

  • Join the PTA, PTSA or PTO.
  • Get acquainted with the school principal and your child’s teachers early in the school year.
  • Take part in school activities, such as PTA meetings, school plays and book fairs.
  • Volunteer to help with field trips, class parties, fundraisers and other school events.
  • Call teachers or school officials if you have questions about assignments, grades or school policies.
  • Be sure to notify the school when your child is absent. Make arrangements to pick up homework during long absences.
  • Notify the school promptly of changes to your address or phone number.
  • Notify the school in advance if you cannot attend parent-teacher conferences or other meetings. If necessary, make special appointments to meet with teachers.
  • Don’t wait until your child is in the 12th grade to start thinking about his/her goals and interests. Get acquainted with the school counselors and know what courses your child should be taking to prepare for college or the workforce.
  • Avoid criticizing school officials in front of your child; handle complaints directly with the appropriate school personnel.

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Attend the Community Involvement Conference

The Community Involvement Conference is an annual event that includes a series of workshops focusing on topics of interest to parents, community members and school leaders. The event also includes a guest speaker and panel, and features a variety of program, fundraising and community resource vendors. Information about each year’s Community Involvement Conference will be posted here prior to the event.

School Advisory Councils develop and help to implement school improvement plans.

District Advisory Council members help influence district-wide decisions.

Your financial support can make a huge difference in the lives of Polk County’s students.

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Attend or Serve on the District Advisory Council

DAC members serve in an advisory role to the Superintendent and pay particular attention to the district’s strategic plan goals for improving student performance and overall district improvement. Members also serve as a link between the district, schools and the community. Membership encompasses a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, business partners, faith-based leaders, parents and school advisory council (SAC) representatives

DAC meetings take place at the Jim Miles Professional Development Center at 2:00 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Sept. 21, 2022
  • Nov. 16, 2022
  • Jan. 18, 2023
  • April 19, 2023

For more information on DAC, contact the Director of Strategic Planning & Partnerships at 863-457-4708 ext. 828.

Exempt Volunteer Application for active and sworn law enforcement officers with arresting powers.