Lakeland Student Excels In STEM, Sports And Unique Hobbies

From a brand partner: Payton loves math, plays soccer and volleyball and travels nationwide for Hot Wheels shows with family.

Teacher Also Life Coach For Students: Winter Haven Teacher Shout-Out

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

'She Is A Great Teacher': Teacher Spotlight In Lakeland

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers like Mary Garrabrant and show them how much they're valued and appreciated.

'Advocate For The Rights Of All People': Lakeland Graduation Shoutout

A Drake University graduate in musical theatre and directing from Lakeland is an advocate for everyone's rights, says a proud grandmother.

Back To School: Polk County 2023-24 School Calendar

Students head back to Polk County public schools on Friday. Parents can find the 2023-24 back-to-school guide on the district's website.

South Pipkin Road Closure To Be Extended Through Feb. 3

The extension is needed to finish the installation of a 48-inch stormwater drainage pipe as part of the ongoing West Pipkin Road widening.

Polk County Public Schools Launch Teacher-Led Tutoring Program

The new partnership with Varsity Tutors provides tutoring as an extension to the classroom curriculum.

AdventHealth To Provide $1.7 Million For Polk State Nursing

The donation will provide resources to enhance the college's nursing program.

See How Lakeland Universities Rank Nationally

More than 70 Florida colleges and universities made the 2023 U.S. News & World Report list of best colleges.

Iconic Florida Poly Building Featured On Smithsonian Channel

The Innovation, Science, and Technology Building was featured on the international TV show “How Did They Build That?"

2022-23 Polk County Public School Calendar Highlights

Keep track of days off and early-release days for Polk County public schools with this 2022-23 calendar.

Random Student Searches Planned At Secondary Polk Public Schools

Here is a parent's guide to the 2022-23 school year at Polk County public schools.

School Zone Safety To Be Emphasized By Polk County Firefighters

From Wednesday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 12, Polk County Fire Rescue will be at school safety zones to remind drivers to slow down.

Polk County Schools To Conduct Random Weapons Checks

School and district staff will conduct the screenings, Polk County Public Schools Superintendent​ Fred Heid said.

Under Armour Becomes Official Provider For Polk State Athletics

The company will provide apparel as well as uniforms for each of Polk State's five athletic programs.

$6.5M In Funds To Develop Civic Academies To Train New FL Leaders

Funds will go to Polk State College, Broward College and Florida State College at Jacksonville to develop civic academies.

School Crossing Guards Needed For Upcoming School Year: Sheriff

Substitute school crossing guard positions are open in Fort Meade, Haines City, Highland City, Lakeland and Lake Wales, the sheriff said.

Young Adults Can Get Paid While Earning GED, Work Skills: City

YouthBuild-Lakeland has opened applications for its 6-month program that helps residents earn work certificates and a high school diploma.

School Crossing Guards Needed For 2022-2023 School Year: Polk County

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has openings for substitute school crossing guards throughout the county.

Lakeland High Senior Killed In Crash Got A Seat On Graduation Day

A Lakeland teacher and seniors painted an old oak chair a bright yellow color so that a student they lost could still be at graduation.

Media Center Named After Polk Educator, Army's 1st Black Paratrooper

Jordan Jerome Corbett taught math and science in Bartow following his return from World War II.

16 Books Face Removal From Schools, Group Considers Them Pornographic

County Citizens Defending Freedom contends 16 books on topics from 9/11 to LGBTQ+ themes may contain content harmful material for students.

eSports Provide Competitive Sportsmanship At Polk Area Schools

Six schools in Polk County are trying the growing-globally video gaming option of playing sports, known as eSports.

New North Lakeland Area Liaison Hired By Polk County Schools

Kylia Carswell, an experienced partnership builder for the Children's Home Society, will help establish community relationships for schools.

Weight Room At Haines City High Dedicated To Coach Olin Gee

A retired coach at a Polk County school who guided many students while coaching for about 40 years received an official dedication Friday.

Future Winter Haven School To Be Discussed At Public Meeting

Polk County Public Schools is hosting a public meeting at Chain of Lakes Elementary to talk about the boundary zone of an elementary school.

College Fair At Florida Southern To Host In-Person Event

The Polk County District College Fair will have its first ever face-to-face function since 2019 in March. Businesses will also be there.

Scholarship Applications Open For Polk County Students

Students majoring in business, political science and journalism can apply online for $1,200 assistance to help with college.

Polk Schools Names 2022 Teacher Of The Year, School-Related Staff

A curriculum coach at Karen M. Siegal Academy was honored with a new car after the school district announced her as "Teacher of the Year".

Polk County School Relief Funds Survey, COVID-19 Effects

As PCPS applies for a federal grant that helps with operational changes, staff wants the community to give feedback through a survey.

Open Enrollment For 2022-2032 School Year To Begin Soon

Polk County Public Schools District said it urges parents to submit applications by February for priority consideration in upcoming year.

College Financial Aid Applications In Lakeland Area: Compare To FL

See how FAFSA applications changed for Lakeland area high schools.

District 4 Finalists Announced Thursday: Teacher Of The Year

A teacher at Karen M. Siegel Academy and a staff member at Brigham Academy were told they are finalists in 2022 Polk County Teacher awards.

2 More Finalists Announced In County Teacher Of The Year Award

Each of the seven school districts will receive a visit from Polk County Public Schools staff announcing finalists in the Inspire Awards.

Pay Raise Approved For Paraeducators, Clerical Personnel In Polk

Polk Education Association reached a two-year agreement regarding salaries and health care benefits for certain school employees.

50,000 Desk Shields Ordered For Elementary Polk Students: School

Many students will attend class with desk shields to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The plastic shields will be issued to K - 5.

Free College Fair To Have More Than 70 Participating Institutes

The upcoming Polk District College Fair gives families the opportunity to learn more about colleges their kids are interested in, and more.

Polk County Schools Hiring For Crossing Guards

Schools in Lakeland, Lake Wales and Davenport are accepting applications for part-time and substitute crossing guards.

Rockestra Program's Popularity Earns Polk County Teacher Award

George Jenkins High School teacher Shelby Montgomery was honored for a creative program that blends orchestral and rock music into one.

Tribute To Haines City High School's All-Star Track Athletes

Two-time Olympian, Arthur Blake, a Bartow native, who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics was part of this record-history group.