Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School is now recruiting for its enhanced criminal justice program that will begin in the 2012-13 school year.

Students will proceed through the program as a cohort, and local criminal justice professionals will teach scenario-based instruction.

“The student will be put in a real-life scenario depending on what aspect of criminal justice is being studied. For example, if it’s criminal investigations, students might be presented with evidence about a burglary. They would have to think like a detective to figure out what steps to take,” said Sgt. Christen Shea, the College’s coordinator of the Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Students at Polk State’s public, charter high schools – Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate – complete high school requirements while also earning college credit – all at no cost. In the case of the criminal justice program, high school students will earn credits toward their associate degree in criminal justice.

The College is also in the process of developing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. The proposed new degree must be approved by the State Board of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Polk State’s accrediting agency. Should it receive those approvals, the College is aiming to start the bachelor’s in the fall.

Though Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate has offered criminal justice since the school began in 2006, students were limited in how far they could take the program because they had to be 19 to study at the Polk State Institute of Public Safety’s Law Enforcement Academy. Since then, those limitations have been removed with the development of a criminal justice associate degree. The proposed bachelor’s just opens up even wider opportunities for those interested in the field.

“Before, there was a gap between high school graduation and when they turned 19, but now we don’t have that gap,” said Polk State Chain of Lakes Director Bridget Fetter.

Students in all Polk State collegiate high school programs – including Allied Health, Fine Arts, Information Systems and the general Associate in Arts degree – must complete work-based learning experiences that give them a real-life introduction to their field of interest.

“In the case of Criminal Justice, we will be able to place students with the different law enforcement agencies within Polk County,” Fetter said.

Fetter said the Criminal Justice program is being offered in response to student demand. The Polk County School Board has a criminal justice academy at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, but Fetter said students on the east side of the county were looking for a more convenient option.

Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply to Polk State’s collegiate high schools beginning in February. Requirements include a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and a passing score on the PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test).

Prospective students are encouraged to attend an information session at any of the following locations and times:

Polk State College Winter Haven Campus, 999 Ave. H N.E.
Student Center (WST) 126
Feb. 2, 7, 23
All at 6:30 p.m.

Polk State College Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland Technology Building (LTB) 1100
Feb. 6, 13, 20
All at 6:30 p.m.

Applications will be available at the information sessions or at the school offices. The application deadline for lottery admissions is March 2.

Those interested in the Criminal Justice program should indicate so on their applications.

For more information, visit www.polk.edu or call Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate at 863-298-6800 or Polk State Lakeland Collegiate at 863-669-2322.

The University of South Florida Polytechnic is accepting applications for the summer 2012 Central Florida Gifted and Talented Institute.  This non-residential day program runs for three consecutive weeks from July 9 to July 27 at USF Poly, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sponsored by USF Polytechnic and the Polk County School District, the Central Florida Gifted & Talented Institute is Polk County’s only summer day program for gifted and talented students. Featuring four separate programs, it offers innovative, challenging curriculum targeted at active learning for gifted students entering 7^th, 8th and 9th grade:

• The Hot 2 Bot Applied Robotics Academy immerses students in information technology and engineering robotic concepts as they build two different types of robots, design programming for these robots, explore simple and complex machines, create remote operation devices, discover robotic career opportunities and learn about the impact of robotics on society.
• Extreme Green Adventure, an exhilarating outdoor exploration program, lets students experience biodiversity in action and discover man’s impact on environmental sustainability. Hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling will provide many opportunities to interact with nature. Experts in the areas of the environment and technology will address a broad range of techniques used to promote sustainability. Students will build a model “Green City” and create public service announcements that promote sustainability through preservation and conservation. The Extreme Green Adventure is designed for students who prefer to step outside the walls of the classroom and into nature.
• CSI: If Evidence Could Talk lets students investigate crimes, gather evidence, analyze data, formulate conclusions and solve mysteries. Chemical analysis, blood typing, fiber and plant analysis, gathering and analyzing geological data are among the types of evidence that will be examined.
• New this year: Dr. Jekyll’s Lab: Survival of the Fictionist. If a mad scientist competed in a reality show, it would be called Dr. Jekyll’s Lab. Young “mad scientists” will explore the arts of filmmaking and fiction in a workshop that combines drama and technology. To survive Dr. Jekyll’s Lab, teams must design a video game and create their own avatars, invent a prototype to save the world from the “Looming Doom,” market it in a student directed infomercial, and finally, rock the runway in the “maddest” model competition ever. Along the way, teams will compete in a series of experiments that would test the survival skills of any mad scientist. Winning teams will earn a special “lab assistant”. This IGOR (Immunity’s Great Obstacle Remover) will be used to enhance the production of their video games, infomercials and prototypes. Experiments include the Search for the Immunity Talisman, Survivor: 2081, Exploding Elixir, Project: Lab Coat and will culminate in the final ceremony with the Monster Mash Bash!

Instructors have extensive experience in the content and associated skills and represent middle school, high school, and university expertise. Students enjoy weekly field trips appropriate to the curriculum. On July 26, the Exhibition of Excellence features a robotic competition and lets students showcase their final creations to family, friends and community members.
A limited number of spots are available. For more information, including an online application, visit http://www.poly.usf.edu/gt/ or contact Kathy Sebeny (863) 667-7059 or ksebeny@poly.usf.edu.

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County invites you to join in a fun-filled evening celebrating LRC’s successful education and tutoring programs. The annual “For the Love… of Learning” event will this year honor the commitment of Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities to the academic success of Polk County students.

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County helps students maximize their learning potential by providing personalized educational programs, consultative services for parents, and programs to accommodate community needs.

The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, from 7 until 10 p.m. at the Scott Lake home of Dr. Lynn Grady. Guests at the event will be treated to specacular hors d’ouerves from Chef Terrie Lobb, valet parking, silent and live auctions and live entertainment. Tickets begin at $50 per person.

For more information, call (863) 688-9477 or visit LRCPolk.com

Lakeland Regional Medical Center invites the public to attend Matters of the Heart on Friday, February 10 from 2 until 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland. A health fair will be held prior to the program from 1:30 until 2 p.m.

Attendees will meet the newest member of LRMC’s Heart Center Team – Andres Medina, MD, board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, as he presents “Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) — A Life-Saving Opportunity for Non-Surgical Candidates.” Dr. Medina is one of only two surgeons in Florida with experience in percutaneous valve placement. He served as one of four investigators (in Florida) in the pivotal PARTNERS trial that led to the successful FDA approval of this device. Lakeland Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Medina to its Heart Center Team and to offer his expertise to the community.

In addition, guests will see a presentation from Rajesh Lall, MD, board-certified interventional cardiologist, entitled “Give Us Your Arm, Not Your Leg — Radial Access for Cardiac Catheterization.” This innovative cardiac catheterization technique reduces recovery time and bleeding and may provide a less stressful option for patients who need the procedure. The development of smaller catheters and stents that are easier to manipulate has now made the radial approach possible for most catheter-based procedures.

Andrea Oliver of Hall Communications will be the emcee for the afternoon.

Refreshments will be provided. Registration is free, but is required by calling (863) 687-1400.

Lakeland Chamber e-News January 24, 2012

Concentric Marketing Planning for the Future

January’s SCORE Business Roundtable will be held on January 26 at 7:30 a.m. This informal gathering of business owners and entrepreneurs is free and open to everyone – but seating is limited. This week, Gary Martin will join us to discuss “Concentric Marketing Planning for the Future”, a topic that will resonate with even the most seasoned business professionals.

Call Terry for more information at (863) 688-8551, Ext. 231 or click here for reservations.

Creating a Recipe for Success

The Board of Directors of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join in celebrating Lakeland’s outstanding businesses and entrepreneurial spirit at the 2011 Annual Meeting!

Celebrate a great Chamber year with fellow members and guests and hear Keynote Speaker Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels, the world’s largest mall-based pretzel franchise.

You won’t want to miss hearing Anne’s inspiring “Recipe for Success” and an exciting evening of celebration with the Chamber!

Click here to register!

News From Our Members

Public Sale of Rare Roses Supports FSC – Jan 28

The Horticulture Department at Florida Southern College will host a plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 28 that will feature rare “heritage” roses available nowhere else in the country.[...Read More...]

Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame Seeking Nominations

The Polk County Public Schools Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the community. Nominees should be individuals who attended a Polk County public school and made significant professional and career contributions in the arts, business, clergy, education, entertainment, government, law, military, media, medicine, science, sports or other fields. [...Read More...]

New L.E.D. Lights for LRMC Mean Safety & Savings

More than 500 L.E.D. lights were recently installed in Lakeland Regional’s parking garage, making the area brighter and safer for patients, visitors and employees. In addition, the new lights will allow LRMC to realize an annual cost-savings of up to $100,000 and reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint.[...Read More...]

2012 State of the Workforce Summit January 26

On January 26, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., PolkWorks invites you to their annual State of the Workforce Summit. Keynote speaker Monica Wofford presents Make Difficult People Disappear an engaging and informative presentation designed with each audience member in mind.
[...Read More...]

Lakeland’s Citizens Academy Begins Feb 23, Sign Up Now

The City of Lakeland is offering its 11th Annual Citizens Academy to area residents with the first session starting February 23, 2012. The Citizens Academy is a free, hands-on, interactive public information program that familiarizes citizens with City services and the functions of City Departments. [...Read More...]

What’s Happening

Tuesday, January 24

8:00 a.m.

Hats Off to Chamber Members

Thursday, January 26

7:30 a.m.

SCORE Business Roundtable

Monday, January 30

9:00 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting for Options for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic, Inc.

Tuesday, February 7

5:30 p.m.

2011 Annual Meeting