Raising the next generation is a shared responsibility. When families, communities and schools work together, students are more successful and the entire community benefits. For schools and districts across the U.S., family engagement is becoming an integral part of education reform efforts.

Check out the resources on this webpage supporting the framework for building greater support and capacity in schools, homes and communities, so all students have the chance to succeed. Get ideas for how to bring your passion, talents, and energy to help students and to make your neighborhood schools stronger. You can make a difference. You can help young people in your neighborhood have a strong start and prepare for college and for their careers.

There are many ways to get involved! Whether you’re seeking to become an approved volunteer to help multiple children, you’re a parent interested in being more active in your child’s education, or you’re a student seeking community service hours, Sumter District Schools have lots of options for you to get involved. Here are some of the ways you can get involved in Sumter District Schools.

Become a Mentor
The mentor program brings together positive role models from the community and students who can benefit from one-on-one attention. Anyone can become a mentor, including business leaders who want to help develop the future workforce, retirees who want to share their life experiences, and those who have time, talents, and patience to give. Students are selected by teachers and guidance counselors. Parents sign a permission form for participation in the program. Students and mentors work together weekly at the school site to improve grades, set goals for improved attendance and behavior, or to explore the student’s career interests. Mentors help students develop self-confidence, academic competence, a caring attitude toward others, and reading skills that will help them be successful in school so they can be successful in life. When students are mentored they:

Volunteer with Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is an award-winning program that provides scholarships, mentors, and hope for a better future to Florida’s most deserving low-income, at-risk children. The promise of a college scholarship is just one motivating factor for children participating in the program. Upon entering the Take Stock in Children program, students are matched with trained, caring adult mentors who meet with them once a week to help with academics, provide college and career guidance, and strengthen their social skills. Mentors provide students with valuable guidance, motivation and life lessons that students carry with them beyond grade school and into college and the workforce. A public-private partnership, this school-based mentoring organization has positively affected the lives of more than 11,000 children since 1995. Visit the state website to learn more about Take Stock in Children.

Join a Parent Organization
Parent and community members provide valuable resources and programs when they participate in parent organizations. These organizations collaborate with schools on events, fundraisers and numerous other initiatives that help to create engaging and supportive learning environments. While these organizations work closely with the schools, they have separate financial requirements and obligations. All organizations must comply with district audit requirements, carry liability insurance, register with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue, and apply for a Florida sales tax number.

Procedures for Effective PTOs
PTO Today
National Parent Teacher Organization

Earn Community Service Hours
Adults aren’t the only ones who are encouraged to get involved! By engaging in community service projects, students can earn credits and recognition at graduation, and qualify for scholarships. Students provide more than 100,000 hours of service to Sumter County every year through the community service program. Community service coordinators at each high school coordinate the application process and approve the hours and locations where students serve. Ready to get involved? Start by contacting your high school Community Service Coordinator to register with the community service program. Community service hours served before registering with the program coordinator will not be counted. Service hours must be pre-approved before students begin to log hours.

Bright Futures Service Requirement
Community Service Plan
Community Service Hours Log
Community Service Information Sheet
Bright Futures Eligibility Handbook 

The Sumter School District is committed to providing a rigorous and relevant standards-based education in a safe environment.  Through a partnership of students, parents, staff and community, students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and contributing members of society.