Sumter County School District

Mentor Program: Building Futures Together

The Sumter County School District Mentor Program connects caring, committed individuals from our community with students who benefit from consistent, one-on-one support. Mentors serve as positive role models, helping students build confidence, improve academic performance, and explore future career paths.

Who Can Be a Mentor?
Anyone with time, talents, and a desire to make a difference can become a mentor. This includes:

• Business leaders interested in shaping the future workforce
• Retirees eager to share life experiences
• Community members with a heart for helping youth

How Students Are Selected
Students are recommended by teachers and guidance counselors based on individual needs. Participation requires parental consent through a signed permission form.

Mentoring Sessions
Mentors and students meet weekly at the school site. Together, they work on:

• Improving academic performance
• Setting goals for attendance and behavior
• Exploring career interests

Training for Mentors
All mentors complete a two-hour training session covering:

• Volunteer policies
• School procedures
• Effective mentoring strategies

Program Impact
Mentoring makes a measurable difference. Students in the program:

• Improve attendance rates by 98%
• Reduce discipline referrals by 33%
• Report increased ability to resist peer pressure (78%)
• Show improved personal relationship skills (72%)
• Enhance networking abilities (54%)
• Feel more satisfied in their jobs (67%)

Mentors Help Students Develop:

• Self-confidence
• Academic competence
• A caring attitude toward others
• Strong reading and communication skills

For more information, please contact the Sumter County School District Office at 352-793-2315.

Interested in volunteering with Sumter County Schools? Our Volunteer Handbook provides essential information about volunteer roles, expectations, procedures, and guidelines to help you get started. Whether you're assisting in classrooms, mentoring students, or supporting school events, this resource will guide you through the process of becoming an approved volunteer.

📄 Download the Volunteer Handbook

For additional questions or support, please contact your school’s volunteer coordinator or the Sumter County School District office at 352-793-2315.

Take Stock in Children – Sumter County School District

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a mentoring and scholarship program designed to support low-income, academically motivated students in Sumter County. Established in 1995, TSIC works to break the cycle of poverty by providing students with the tools and guidance they need to succeed in high school and beyond.

Through the program, students receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from dedicated volunteers
• College and career readiness coaching
• Workshops focused on academic success and life skills
• Access to valuable resources throughout their high school journey

Each TSIC scholar signs a commitment to:

• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and a C average or higher
• Demonstrate good behavior and consistent attendance
• Remain drug- and crime-free in and out of school

Mentorship is at the heart of Take Stock in Children. Students meet with their mentors twice a month for 30 minutes, completing at least 15 sessions each school year. In addition, college success coaches provide regular support to help students prepare for life after high school.

Upon successful completion of the program, TSIC scholars earn a two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship, which can be used at any public accredited Florida college, university, or technical school.

Become a Mentor
By volunteering as a mentor, you’ll help a student set goals, build confidence, stay on track academically, and prepare for college — all while guiding them toward earning a life-changing scholarship.

To learn more, visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

Parent & Community Organizations – Sumter County School District

Parents and community members play a vital role in supporting Sumter County schools by participating in parent-led organizations. These groups collaborate with schools to organize events, fundraisers, and initiatives that help create engaging and supportive learning environments for students.

While these organizations work closely with school staff, they operate independently and must meet specific financial and legal requirements. All organizations are expected to:

• Comply with district audit guidelines
• Maintain liability insurance
• Register with the IRS and the Florida Department of Revenue
• Apply for a Florida sales tax exemption number

Types of Parent Organizations

PTA/PTSA – Parent Teacher Associations and Parent Teacher Student Associations are affiliated with both state and national PTA organizations.

• Florida PTA
• National PTA

PTO – Parent Teacher Organizations may be affiliated with national PTO networks.

• PTO Today
• National Parent Teacher Organization

Financial Reporting Requirements

Each organization must submit monthly financial reports to the school principal. These reports should include:

• A detailed transaction listing
• A copy of the current bank statement

Additional important documents include:

• Florida Department of Revenue – Sales Tax Exemption Information
• Checklist for Outside Organizations

When parents and teachers work together, they form a strong partnership that supports student success. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your parent-teacher conference is productive and meaningful.

Before the Conference

Prepare a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss. Consider asking:

• What subjects or activities does my child excel in?
• Where does my child face challenges?
• How does my child interact with peers?
• Does my child follow directions and classroom expectations?
• What can I do at home to support my child’s learning?
• Is my child performing at their full potential?
• Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
• Has my child missed any classes beyond those I’ve reported?
• Have you noticed any changes in behavior, such as tiredness, mood shifts, or signs of physical issues?
• What types of assessments are used, and what do they reveal about my child’s progress?
• How does my child handle test-taking?

Also, talk to your child beforehand. Ask what subjects they enjoy or struggle with, and if there’s anything they’d like you to discuss with the teacher.

During the Conference

• Arrange childcare for siblings so you can focus fully on the meeting.
• Arrive on time and allow enough time to get to the school.
• Share relevant information about your child’s personality, habits, interests, and any concerns.
• If another parent or guardian can’t attend, be sure to bring up any questions or concerns they may have.
• Take notes during the meeting to help you remember key points and follow-up actions.

After the Conference

• Begin any action plan you and the teacher discussed.
• Talk with your child about the plan and let them know you and their teacher are working together to support them.
• Monitor your child’s progress and stay engaged with their schoolwork.
• Keep in regular contact with the teacher to track improvements or address ongoing concerns.

Additional Ways to Stay Involved

• Join your school’s PTA, PTSA, or PTO.
• Get to know your child’s teachers and school administrators early in the year.
• Participate in school events like plays, book fairs, and meetings.
• Volunteer for field trips, classroom activities, and fundraisers.
• Contact teachers or school staff with questions about assignments, grades, or policies.
• Notify the school when your child is absent and arrange to collect missed work.
• Keep your contact information up to date with the school.
• If you can’t attend a scheduled meeting, notify the school and request an alternative time.
• Begin discussing your child’s goals and interests early—don’t wait until senior year. Meet with school counselors to understand course options and post-graduation planning.
• Address concerns directly with school staff rather than in front of your child

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Families play a key role in supporting student success by creating a home environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, and academic growth. Here are some practical ways to help your child stay prepared and engaged:

Daily Habits for Success

• Make reading a regular part of your family’s routine.
• Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night.
• Limit screen time, including television and video games.
• Provide nutritious meals and snacks to support focus and energy.
• Encourage consistent school attendance and punctuality.
• Establish a dedicated time and space for homework and studying.
• Support your child in completing all assignments on time.
• Attend school events and activities your child participates in.
• Talk with your child daily about what they’re learning and experiencing at school.
• Reach out to teachers or counselors if your child is struggling or facing challenges.

Long-Term Support Strategies

• Offer enrichment opportunities through books, hobbies, and educational outings.
• Show respect and support for your child, their teachers, and the school.
• Reinforce positive behavior and help your child understand school expectations.
• Stay informed about grade-level academic standards and course requirements.
• Learn how to access scholarship and financial aid resources for college or career training.
• Keep your contact information up to date with the school.
• Praise your child’s efforts and progress regularly.
• Schedule at least one parent-teacher conference each school year.
• Read all communications from the school and check your child’s backpack often.
• Monitor academic performance, including test scores and report cards.

Encouraging Communication and Confidence

• Use phrases like “Great job!” and “I’m proud of you” to build confidence.
• Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think?” to encourage thoughtful responses.
• Invite your child to explain assignments by saying, “Tell me about it.”
• Help your child connect schoolwork to real-life situations.
• Visit local libraries to explore books, resources, and learning opportunities.
• Talk regularly with your child about their day and experiences.
• Set high but realistic expectations, and remember that every child learns differently.

Students in Sumter County are encouraged to make a difference in their communities through meaningful service. Participating in community service projects not only helps others—it also allows students to earn recognition at graduation, fulfill scholarship requirements, and build valuable life skills.

Why Community Service Matters

By engaging in approved service activities, students can:

• Earn hours toward graduation recognition
• Qualify for scholarships such as Bright Futures
• Develop leadership, responsibility, and civic awareness

Getting Started

To begin earning community service hours:

1. Contact your high school’s Community Service Coordinator to register with the program.
2. Do not begin service hours until your plan is approved. Hours completed before registration will not be counted.
3. All service activities must be pre-approved to ensure they meet district and scholarship guidelines.

Need More Information?

For questions or guidance, contact the Sumter County School District Counseling Services Office at 352-793-2315.

Important Links

• Bright Futures Handbook 

Required Documents

• Community Service Plan
• Community Service Hours Log
• Community Service Information Sheet
• Bright Futures Eligibility Handbook (See Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility)

Looking for Service Opportunities?

Explore local organizations such as:

• United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties
• Local libraries, food banks, shelters, and community centers

Each school in the Sumter County School District has a School Advisory Council (SAC) made up of parents, staff, community members, and administrators who work together to support school improvement and student success.

SAC Responsibilities:

• Identify and prioritize school improvement goals
• Promote awareness of the School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Support the implementation of the SIP throughout the school year
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the SIP and recommend adjustments as needed
• Participate in decision-making related to the use of District Lottery Funds and School Recognition Funds
• Review and provide input on the school’s annual budget

SAC members play a vital role in shaping the educational experience at their schools by ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the school community.

The District Advisory Council (DAC) serves in an advisory capacity to the Superintendent, focusing on district-wide goals for improving student achievement and overall school performance. DAC members help strengthen the connection between the district, individual schools, and the broader community.

DAC Membership

Membership includes a diverse group of stakeholders such as:

• Parents and guardians
• School Advisory Council (SAC) representatives
• Community leaders
• Business and faith-based partners

DAC members provide valuable input on strategic planning, district initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

Meeting Information

Meeting dates and locations for the current school year will be posted here once finalized. Please check back regularly for updates.

Interested in Joining?

If you are interested in serving on the District Advisory Council or would like more information, please contact the Sumter County School District Office at 352-793-2315.

Your financial support can make a meaningful impact in the lives of students across Sumter County. The Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching educational opportunities by:

• Providing incentives for academic achievement
• Assisting students in need
• Awarding scholarships to graduating seniors
• Supporting innovative programs and classroom initiatives

The Foundation works in partnership with community members, businesses, and families to promote student success and long-term achievement.

To learn more about how you can contribute or get involved, please contact the Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation at 352-793-2315, ext. 50211 or visit the Sumter County School District website.