PCPS Resiliency Education

10/13/2026

Stop by the PCPS Resiliency Education table for fun giveaways and ready-to-go information!

🌟 SAVE THE DATE

For 30 years, the Duke Energy Teacher to Teacher IDEA Expo has brought Polk educators together to share innovative practices, spark creativity, and strengthen classroom success. What began as a small network of teachers has grown into a powerful community where Developers and Adapters inspire one another and expand what’s possible for students across Polk County.

This fall, all PreK–8 teachers from Polk County public and charter schools are invited to drop in, connect with past and present Developers, and explore hands‑on ideas that have made a real difference in classrooms. It’s a chance to learn from peers, build new skills, and bring fresh energy back to your students.

💡 Lakeland: Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 3:30–6 PM
💡 Dundee: Thursday, Oct. 22 | 3:30–6 PM

Three decades of great ideas. One community of educators. 💙💛
More details to come soon.

10/08/2026

Something exciting is coming! Follow our page for updates.
PCPS School Counseling Services

10/07/2026

A huge thanks to all of our new followers! Garden Grove Elementary School wins with the most engagement and new followers.

Alta Vista School, Highlands Grove Elementary Heroes , Daniel Jenkins Academy of Technology, and Rochelle SOTA also had impressive showings.

Renee Waller and Amanda Board Bataille from Garden Grove - expect some goodies in the courier soon!

10/06/2026

09/30/2026

Today is the final day of our initial challenge!

PCPS School Counseling Services PCPS Teacher Engagement PCPS Teacher Engagement PCPS College and Career PCPS Polk RISE PCPS Family Engagement

09/23/2026

Resiliency is all about having the tools to meet and overcome challenges. To help our students build resiliency skills, we want to broaden our audience and we need your help!

Tell your friends, family, and school community members to join in on the fun and help your school win.

Polk County Public Schools Polk Schools Tassel Project PCPS School Counseling Services

09/22/2026

Our Senior Coordinator for Resiliency Education spent time with our school counselors, making sure they’re equipped with the standards, tools, and resources to bring resiliency education to their students! 🌱💙

✨ The New Counselor Squad is READY! ✨💙🎉

This past Friday, our newest elementary school counselors officially wrapped up 3 days of New Counselor Induction Training—and they are ready to hit the ground running! 👏

Over the three days, our counselor squad learned how to:

📊 Dig into data to identify students who need support and help close achievement gaps
⚖️ Navigate the legal and ethical responsibilities of school counseling
📚 Use the Student Progression Plan to support student success
🌱 Build a comprehensive, proactive counseling program for ALL students focused on academics, college & career readiness, and resiliency
📖 Explore research-based curricula for engaging classroom lessons and targeted small groups

But training is just the beginning! These counselors are bringing their knowledge, passion, and heart to their schools—and we can’t wait to see the difference they make for students. 💙✨

09/21/2026

Way to go, Cougars! It is great to see students who are such wonderful examples of our resiliency traits!

09/15/2026

What a beautiful example of building resiliency through connection!

We were tagged in a beautiful post by Sarah Warren, whose son, Levi, attends Alturas Elementary. Sarah had this to say about Kelly Defazio, a varying exceptionalities teacher at Alturas:

"Every morning, she is there waiting for him to get out of the car with a smile and a hug. If he needs a break, she makes sure he gets one. When he feels like no one is listening, she stands up for him. She has made him feel heard, safe, important, and cared for.

"Sometimes, one person who truly cares can change everything for a child. And for Levi, that person is Ms. Defazio."

Thank you for the kind words Sarah, and most importantly, thank you Kelly.

Alturas Elementary School
Alturas Elementary PTO