Thank you for your interest in the public schools of Sumter County. Our schools aggressively pursue the goal of helping each student reach their potential and follow their dreams as we continue to expand college and/or career opportunities for all. The pattern of academic success demonstrated by our students can be clearly identified as Sumter has been designated several times as an "Academically High Performing" school district.

 Our fiscal responsibility to our constituents is evident as well. Your Sumter schools are rated A by Standard and Poor's for our financial stability and responsibility, and A1 by Moody's - a particularly high achievement for a small district. Additionally, the district's fiscal and environmental responsibilities are also evident through its energy management program, where the district is recognized as an Energy Star Partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 The Sumter District's exemplary qualities are the result of all the concerted efforts and wide ranging support provided by teachers, staff, parents, Board Members, the community, and of course the best students in the world! Without everyone pulling together, none of this would be possible.

We welcome your interest, support and involvement with one of the best school systems in Florida.

Sincerely,
 Richard A. Shirley
Superintendent of Schools

Great Things are Happening in the Sumter District Schools!

WELCOME BACK!
The new school year is just around the corner! Teachers return August 1st & Students return August 7th!
Please Click Here to Access Back to School Information!

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
The District School Board of Sumter County will soon consider a budget for 2014-2015.
A public hearing to make a DECISION on the budget AND TAXES will be held on July 29, 2014 at 5:30 p.m., in the Sumter County School District Board Room, 2680 WC 476, Bushnell, Florida 33513.
Budget Summary
Notice of Tax for School Capital Outlay

Coming Soon - A Brand New Web Site Especially for You!
Over the next few weeks major changes will be occurring to our district and school websites. Please pardon our virtual "dust" during this transition.

AVID TUTORS NEEDED!
AVID is not just a program, but a philosophy of preparing ALL students with the skills and strategies to be successful in a college setting. As part of this process our students engage in inquiry based learning through a tutorial process. We are in search for college students interested in being a facilitator to guide students toward developing critical thinking skills.
We are currently in need for tutors for the 2014-2015 school year. Training will be provided in late August and will begin in September.
Questions? Contact: Summer Bisignano 352-793-2315 x 50214
Click Here to Apply

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR HAS BEEN REVISED
With the arrival of official notice that Sumter District Schools were still designated as an Academically High-Performing School District, Our schools once again had the option of an earlier start date. Teachers will begin their 2014-2015 school year on August 1st and students will return on August 7th. By having the earlier start time, students will have additional instructional time before they take important state assessments as well as several other educational benefits. “I truly believe this will be better academically for kids, schools, and staff,” said Superintendent, Rick Shirley.
Additional Information
Revised School Year Calendar

Sumter County Schools are Designated as Academically High-Performing
Sumter joined only 10 other districts in the state that met the criteria to be designated Academically High-Performing. Superintendent Rick Shirley offered congratulations to the teachers, students, and staff for a job well done and another successful year.
Additional Information

The 30th Annual Sumter School District Scholarship Golf Tournament
Saturday, April 26th found golfers helping students further their education while enjoying a competitive round of golf, food and camaraderie with others. During the past twenty-nine years, this scholarship tournament has assisted hundreds of students with the continuation of their education at Lake-Sumter State College, formerly Lake-Sumter Community College. Under the direction of School Board Member, Linda Winchester, the Scholarship Golf Tournament continues to benefit students.

The Sumter County School District sincerely thanks our golfers, individuals and business sponsors for making the 30th Annual Sumter Scholarship Golf Tournament a huge success for our students!
Sponsors

Pictured above are golfers Chris Huddleston and Marc Johnson visiting with School Board member and organizer of the Scholarship Golf Tournament, Linda Winchester.

Thank you for attending the 7th Annual Earth Day Celebration!
For those that had their picture taken, you can now view and download your photograph! Please visit:
http://www.sumter.k12.fl.us/EarthDay.html

Time for Sumter Voluntary Prekindergarten Registration is Here!
Calling all 4 year olds! It is time to register for VPK.
Additional Information  

Math is as Easy as Pi for Sumter Students!
The 17th annual Math Field Day, held March 28th, encouraged students to develop an interest in mathematics through friendly competition.
Additional Information

Emily Keeler Named Sumter County Teacher of the Year!

Emily Keeler (Center) of South Sumter High School has been named Sumter County's 2015 Teacher of the Year. Hannah Huggins (left) from South Sumter Middle School and Karen VandeMark (right) from Webster Elementary School, were finalist.

Big Springs brings Big Winners!
The 2014 Big Springs Regional Science Fair brought out the best and brightest middle and high school students to discuss their research, experimental designs, and conclusions with a host of judges from a variety of professions.
Additional Information

AVID Students Perfect the Art of Public Speaking!
The second annual Sumter AVID Speech Competition was held on February 18th. AVID means " Advancement Via Individual Determination" and students shared how they have become individually determined to succeed.
Additional Information

Sumter Odyssey of the Mind Team Places First!
On Saturday, February 15th, Sumter County's Odyssey of the Mind team competed at the regional competition at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, placing first in their division.
Additional Information

Sumter Super Spellers Named
The Sumter County Spelling Bee was held on February 26, 2014 with Allen Chan-Pong from The Villages Charter School named overall winner.  1st runner up was Tiffany Liu, also from The Villages Charter School with Taylor Salerno from Wildwood Middle High School also placing.  Congratulations to all the students!
Additional Information

Amanda Figueroa Named Sumter County's School Related Employee of the Year
The Florida School Related Employee of the Year Program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Sumter County School Board is proud to recognize Amanda Figueroa, from South Sumter Middle School, as our 2014 district winner.
Additional Information

South Sumter Middle School Receives National FFA Recognition!
The Future Farmers of America chapter at South Sumter Middle School has been recognized as a finalist for the National Outstanding Middle School Chapter Award. The chapter will participate in the final process at the national convention to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Additional Information

Sumter District Schools Partner with other Community Organizations to Form the Sumter County Partnership for Workforce Innovation and Education
State, regional and county organizations will be working together to meet the needs of Sumter County citizens and businesses.
Additional Information

Character Education at South Sumter Middle School
Receives National Recognition
The Washington, DC based Character Education Partnership announced that South Sumter Middle School's anti-bullying program will be awarded their Promising Practices Award.
Additional Information