News Highlights from Polk County Public Schools - July 24

FREE MEALS: With the start of the PCPS school year delayed to Aug. 24, Polk County Public Schools is extending its summer meals program to Thursday, Aug. 6.

The meals program was originally scheduled to end July 23. Food sites will now continue distributing meals on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. through Aug. 6. Please see polkschoolsfl.com/lunchlocations for a complete list of sites and other details.

Book donation

BOOK DONATIONS: The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program of Polk County will donate more than 2,000 books to Polk County Public Schools at 11 a.m. on July 30 at 1915 S. Floral Ave., Bartow.

The books are being provided through the Toys for Tots Foundation and corporate sponsors. They will be distributed to Title 1 students throughout the district. This effort is the result of the Foundation developing a plan to support families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and lessen the fear and anxiety of children. Nationally, the total for the Title I COVID response by the Toys for Tots Foundation is 170,032 books to 121,050 children.

For more information, contact Toys for Tots Polk County Coordinator David Waller at [email protected].

HEAD START: PCPS offers the Head Start program at many locations throughout Polk County.

Head Start helps prepare young children to succeed in school - and in life beyond school - with services focusing on early learning, health, and family well-being.

Parents can apply online now for the 2020-21 school year. For complete details and a list of Head Start locations, please visit polkschoolsfl.com/headstart