Volunteers sought by Sarasota County School District

Tutors needed for summer programs, especially

Photo contributed by the Sarasota County Schools

The Sarasota County Schools District is seeking volunteers “interested in helping shape and promote positive social and emotional learning and academic success” for third-grade and middle-school students this summer and during the 2018-19 school year, the district has announced.

The responsibilities of a volunteer may vary, ranging from one-on-one tutoring to assisting in classrooms at schools, a news release explains.

Two programs in which Sarasota County Schools especially needs volunteer assistance are the Third-Grade Summer Reading Camp and the Summer Middle School, the release adds.

The camp for third-graders is designed for youngsters who have not reached grade-level reading proficiency, the release notes. It is held at Lamarque Elementary in North Port, Gocio Elementary in North Sarasota and Gulf Gate Elementary in central Sarasota County, the release says.

Tutors will work one-on-one with the same two students each week; a commitment of at least an hour a week is preferred, the release points out. “No experience is necessary, just a love of reading and children,” the release adds. Free training is provided.

The second program is conductedat Heron Creek Middle in North Port and Brookside Middle in Sarasota, the release continues. Summer Middle School is for middle-school students who failed one or more classes during the previous school year, the release explains. Volunteers will work with multiple students to motivate and support them as they strive to pass the class, the release says. A commitment of at least two hours per week is preferred, the release adds. No experience or training is required.

Both programs will start in early June and end in mid-July, the release points out.

Volunteer programs for the 2018-19 school year will begin in August and take place at all schools across the district.

“Becoming a volunteer is a rewarding and enriching experience,” said Lyndsey Cantees, program coordinator for the district’s Volunteer and Partnership Office, in the release. “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,” she added in the release

“Sarasota County Schools has a robust volunteer and community partnership program,” the release continues. In April, the district recognized its outstanding student, individual and corporate volunteers during an annual dinner and recognition program, the release adds.

For more information about the programs or to sign up to be a summer volunteer, a person may contact the Volunteer and Partnership Office at 927-9000, Ext. 31500, or visit the Sarasota County Schools website.

All applicants will need to pass a background check before becoming a volunteer, the release explains. “In some cases, professional development and training may be needed,” the release says.