Dear Panther Nation,

Welcome back to what promises to be an exciting and impactful new school year! As we open
the doors to another chapter in our shared journey, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and pride. Our theme this year, “Building a Championship Culture: A New Beginning,” invites us to embrace fresh opportunities with the passion, excellence, and unity that define the heart of Sumter County Schools.

At the core of our work is our shared story:

We ignite pride and possibility by creating a safe, thriving community where every student is
known, supported and inspired to achieve greatness. We honor our legacy and build our future through strong partnerships with families, staff, and community – united in our belief that every child deserves an excellent education and a place to belong.

Each of you plays a critical role in bringing this story to life. Over the summer, many of you
went above and beyond—working diligently to prepare classrooms, support operations, plan
lessons, and attend professional learning opportunities. Your dedication and commitment to our students and to your craft do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your investment in continuous growth, innovation, and excellence.

This year, as we build a championship culture, let’s remember that greatness is achieved through collaboration, consistency, and belief in one another. We must continue to foster environments where our students—and each other—feel empowered, supported, and inspired to achieve at the highest levels.

As the educator Rita Pierson once said:

“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands
the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”

Let us be those champions for our students and for one another.

Here’s to a year filled with meaningful progress, joyful learning, strong partnerships, and bold
accomplishments. Let’s embrace A New Beginning with hope, pride, and the championship
mindset that defines Sumter County Schools. We are Panther Strong!

With sincere appreciation and excitement,

Walter Knighton, Eds.
Superintendent
Sumter County Schools