NORTH PORT, May 16, 2018 – Sarasota County schools in North Port seek volunteers interested in helping shape and promote positive social and emotional learning and academic success for our third-grade and middle-school students for the summer. The responsibilities of a volunteer may vary and can range from one-on-one tutoring and interactions with students to assisting in classrooms at district schools.

There are currently two programs in which Sarasota County Schools can use volunteer assistance in the North Port area. The first program is Summer Middle School at Heron Creek Middle in North Port. Summer Middle School is for middle-school students who failed a class or classes during the previous school year. Volunteers will work with multiple students to motivate and support them as they work to pass the class; a commitment of at least two hours per week is preferred. No experience or training is required, but confidence in tutoring in either math, science, English, or social studies is preferred. The second program is the Third-Grade Summer Reading Camp. This camp is for third-graders who have not reached grade-level reading proficiency and is being held at Lamarque Elementary in North Port. Tutors will work one-on-one with the same two students each week; a commitment of at least an hour a week is preferred. No experience is necessary, just a love of reading and children. Free training is provided. Both programs start in early June and continue for four or five weeks depending on the program. 

“Becoming a volunteer is a rewarding and enriching experience,” noted Lyndsey Cantees, program coordinator for the district’s Volunteer and Partnership Office. “We have found that student lives are richer because of the dedication and commitment of our volunteers who work with our students to promote personal and academic achievement.”

For more information about the programs or to sign up to be a summer volunteer, please contact the Volunteer and Partnership Office at 941.927.9000 x31500 or online at the Sarasota County Schools website. All applicants will need to pass a background check before becoming a volunteer.

About Sarasota County Schools
Dedicated to academic excellence, Sarasota County Schools is home to 53 schools, 43,000 students and 5,000 employees. The Sarasota County School District is one of only two Florida school districts to consistently earn an “A” grade since 2004. Learn more: SarasotaCountySchools.net.