Sanford School Department

When Sanford Regional Technical Center launched its new Sports Medicine Program, it opened a door that one Sanford High School senior was ready to walk right through. Now a senior with plans to study exercise science at St. Joseph's College next fall, Isabella McCall has become one of the program's standout participants, pairing her classroom learning with a hands-on internship at Maine Health's Sports Performance Center in Sanford. Isabella admits she wasn't always sure what direction she wanted to take after high school. It was through conversations with teachers and some soul-searching that exercise science started to feel like the right fit. When she spotted the Sports Medicine Program, she jumped, though not without some self-doubt about whether she could handle the realities of a medical setting. "I just was like, no, I'm just going to go for it," she said. "The program was a great way for me to see if I can handle injuries and stuff like that. And it's been good so far." The program had originally been two years, which gave her pause as a senior, but when it was condensed to one year the decision became easy. "And then they switched it to one and I was like, I'll do it," she said. Through the program's Extended Learning Opportunities, Isabella arranged an internship at Maine Health's Sports Performance Center, where she spends two to three days a week observing treatments and supporting staff. The classroom curriculum, covering muscle anatomy, health terminology, and movement mechanics, has translated directly to the gym floor. At the Sports Performance Center, Isabella observes treatments, helps explain exercises to clients, and occasionally sets up workouts under the guidance of staff. She recalled one moment when a client was working through an exercise involving internal rotation with one arm and external rotation with the other. "The person was like, 'I have no clue what this is,'" Isabella said. "And I said, ‘I bet it's going to be like this,’ and then the strength and conditioning specialist demonstrated and it was exactly what I was thinking." A three-sport athlete currently running outdoor track, Isabella has a natural connection to the field and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Her instructor and track coach, Jess Giordano, says it has been "truly an honor" having Isabella in the program, pointing to her outstanding academic performance and her ability to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. What stands out most, though, is the effect she has on those around her. "She leads by example and her peers gravitate to her insights because she demonstrates how to think critically and problem solve things that may be encountered in the field," Giordano said. "I am excited to see what her future brings."

Sanford Senior Excels in New Sports Medicine Program

April 15, 2026

When Sanford Regional Technical Center launched its new Sports Medicine Program, it opened a door that one Sanford High School senior was ready to walk right through. Now a senio...

For the third consecutive year, Sanford High School and the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) opened their doors to welcome early childhood professionals from across Maine for the York County Early Childhood Coalition's (YCECC) Early Childhood Education Conference. On Saturday, April 4, more than 200 attendees gathered under one roof for a full day of professional growth, including registrants, presenters, vendors, and SRTC's own Early Childhood Education students. Hosting the conference has become a point of pride for Sanford, and this year was no exception. The school's Performing Arts Center, classrooms, café, and Agora were all put to use throughout the day, giving the event a true sense of place and community. From registration through the final door prize drawing, Sanford provided the space and support that made the conference possible. Held under the theme "Seeds of Inspiration: Growing Educators and Young Children with Heart and Guidance," the conference offered seven hours of professional training for those who work directly or indirectly with children from birth through the third grade. The day began in the Performing Arts Center with a welcome and an opening panel discussion titled "Mentorship, Compassion, and Growth," bringing together perspectives from both mentors and mentees and inviting questions from the audience. Attendees then had time to network and explore more than 20 vendor tables before the first of three breakout sessions. Topics across the day included Language and Literacy Strategies, Reframing Behavior as Communication, Universal Design for Learning, and the Regulated Classroom. A catered lunch by local caterer Above and Beyond was served in the café, giving participants a chance to recharge and connect before the afternoon sessions. The day wrapped up in the Agora with door prize drawings featuring items generously donated by vendors and the distribution of certificates recognizing each attendee's seven hours of training. The York County Early Childhood Coalition is dedicated to strengthening the network of professionals and services that support young children and families throughout the region.

Sanford High School Hosts York County Early Childhood Education Conference

April 14, 2026

For the third consecutive year, Sanford High School and the Sanford Regional Technical Center opened their doors to welcome early childhood professionals from across Maine for the...

Sanford Middle School Seventh Graders Research, Build, and Present in Biomes Unit

April 13, 2026

Sanford Middle School seventh graders recently wrapped up a seven-week science unit focused on global biomes, blending ecology research with hands-on building and real-world probl...

The Sanford High School math team turned in a strong performance at Tuesday's state math meet, finishing 10th out of 88 competing teams and placing 6th among all Class A schools. More than 800 students participated in the event. Three Sanford students earned individual recognition. Junior Nathan Maloney placed 16th in the state in his grade division, while fellow juniors Yashvi Patel and Eli Laurendeau each finished 20th. The strong showing capped off a successful regular season in which Sanford placed 3rd in the Pi-Cone South league — the southern Maine regional competition for large schools.

Sanford High School Math Team Cracks Top 10 at State Meet Among 88 Teams

April 10, 2026

The Sanford High School math team turned in a strong performance at Tuesday's state math meet, finishing 10th out of 88 competing teams and placing 6th among all Class A schools. ...

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center.

SRTC Program Highlight: Precision Manufacturing

April 9, 2026

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Walk into the Precision Manufacturing program at...

Sanford High School junior Yashvi Patel has been selected as the Southern Regional Representative for the Maine National Honor Society (NHS) state chapter, putting Sanford in statewide conversations for the first time. Earning the position required an application, an essay, and sign-off from advisors Liz White and Heather English and principal Tracy Gibson. The final step was a speech in front of approximately 300 attendees at the NHS state convention. In it, she spoke to what the four core values of NHS (scholarship, service, leadership, and character) mean to her personally, and how Sanford's chapter has lived those values out in real, tangible ways. "There were 300 people, so it was definitely nerve-wracking," Yashvi said. "But then I got up there, and I kind of knew what to say. It kind of came naturally after a bit." Sanford's NHS chapter has been busy. Under the scholarship pillar, the chapter launched a tutoring initiative called Study Buddies, an after-school program designed to create a welcoming academic support environment for students who need it. The chapter has also taken on a range of service projects, including community car washes, writing Christmas letters, and organizing blood drives. For Patel, these efforts reflect something bigger than just checking boxes. They speak to what NHS membership is actually supposed to mean. The position carries real significance for Sanford's chapter. Last year was actually the first year the chapter attended the state convention at all. Ms. White said the timing felt right. "Since taking over, we really wanted to try to build our chapter and kind of reach out as much as possible," she said. "So we thought this is a great opportunity for not only that, but also to see what other schools are doing in their chapters." This year, Gorham joined Sanford at the convention, but Yashvi hopes to grow that number further. As Southern Regional Representative, she wants to reach out to other schools in the area, including Wells and Massabesic, which have active NHS chapters, and encourage them to participate in future conventions. "I want to hopefully get those schools and even more schools than that to come up and share their ideas," she said. The role also keeps Sanford more connected at the state level. Being on the board means the chapter will be in the loop on events and campaigns that might otherwise pass them by. “Now we are more involved,” Patel said. “It’s nice to know what other people are doing.” Yashvi will officially transition into her new role in mid-April, when outgoing and incoming officers will meet to hand off responsibilities. As a state officer, she will help plan the annual NHS convention, selecting themes, organizing events, and coordinating a statewide project for all chapters to contribute to. Closer to home, Sanford's NHS chapter will hold its spring ceremony on May 26, where four juniors will be inducted as the chapter's new officers for the upcoming school year.

Sanford High School Junior Earns Spot on Maine NHS State Board

April 9, 2026

Sanford High School junior Yashvi Patel has been selected as the Southern Regional Representative for the Maine National Honor Society (NHS) state chapter, putting Sanford in stat...

Sanford Pride Elementary Hosts Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony

April 9, 2026

Sanford Pride Elementary School honored its dedicated volunteers last Friday during the school's monthly assembly, held in the school cafeteria. The second annual Volunteer Apprec...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

April 8, 2026

Click the following link to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter for the district: https://tinyurl.com/y893beb5

Kathy McCall Named Assistant Special Education Director for Sanford School Department

April 8, 2026

The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathy McCall as Assistant Special Education Director, effective April 27, 2026. McCall's connection to the...

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Sanford School Department is honored to recognize it alongside our students, families, and community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences, communicates, and interacts with the world. It's a spectrum, which means it looks a little different for everyone. Most importantly, it's not an illness to be cured. It's a form of human diversity, and one that deserves recognition and respect. Throughout April, our staff will be wearing special shirts that highlight acceptance as a show of support for our students and all individuals impacted by autism. When you spot the shirts around our schools this month, know that they represent exactly what we're all about: a community where every student belongs.

Sanford School Department Recognizes Autism Awareness Month

April 8, 2026

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Sanford School Department is honored to recognize it alongside our students, families, and community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life...

On Thursday, March 19th, members of the Sanford Middle School Environmental Club traveled to Wolfe's Neck Farm for a hands-on look at sustainable farming. The tour began with a walk from the main lodge to the dairy farm area, taking in the ocean views and open fields along the way. Right away, the baby cows stole the show. Students learned that calves on the farm are separated by gender, with females given names and males assigned numbers. The reason? The females stay on to join the dairy herd, while the males eventually move on. There's even a fun naming tradition: when a calf is born, its name begins with the same letter as its mother's. So if mom is named Jasmine, her calf might be called Jane. From there, the group made their way to the milking room, where they watched the entire milking process from start to finish, including how the equipment works, how the milk is cleaned and collected, and how the operation runs so smoothly that the cows know their own spots and walk right to them each day. After leaving the dairy barn, students watched the calves being fed using a "Milk Bar," a device designed to mimic nursing from their mothers. The tour wrapped up with a visit to a greenhouse, where several beds of seeds were already beginning to sprout, and then to the petting barn. There, students mingled with goats, sheep, chickens, and a resident barn cat, all accompanied by the cheerful chirping of sparrows and starlings nesting among the rafters. The club would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Mastraccio for covering the entry fees to Wolfe's Neck Farm, and to Mr. Peterman for providing the van and gas for the trip. None of it would have been possible without their generosity!

Sanford Middle School Environmental Club Visits Wolfe's Neck Farm

April 6, 2026

On Thursday, March 19th, members of the Sanford Middle School Environmental Club traveled to Wolfe's Neck Farm for a hands-on look at sustainable farming. The tour began with a wa...

Laugh it up with The Second City on April 17

April 6, 2026

SANFORD — LIVE in Sanford, The Second City presents 65 years of legendary laughter at 7 p.m. Friday, Apriil 17 at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. For 65 years, The Second Ci...

Sanford Middle School reached a historic milestone recently, hosting its first-ever Unified Basketball scrimmage. Unified Sports is a Special Olympics program that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates. This is the program's first year at Sanford Middle School. The team practiced once a week, with 17 athletes and 11 partners, 28 participants in all, spanning grades 6 through 8. Sanford’s scrimmage against Massabesic Middle School was the team's first time competing, with Massabesic edging out a close 82-80 win. Massabesic accepted the invitation to play after school administration reached out to neighboring schools, and their coach provided valuable guidance as coach Meagan Collupy worked to get the program off the ground. Collupy said the effort involved coordination with administrators, Special Olympics Maine, life skills teachers, service providers, wellness teachers, and school counselors. "I was a little nervous going into game day, but then actually seeing it unfold, I was like this was awesome," said Collupy. "Talking to some of the other staff members, they said it was hard not to cry watching it, seeing the crowd and the families." Sixth grader Blake Russell said the atmosphere on the court captured what the program is all about. "Everyone was happy for everybody," he said. Collupy shared that sentiment. "Two partners walked by the morning after the game and said, 'Why does it have to be over? Why can't we still practice?'" she recalled. "That was actually the sweetest thing I'd heard." Principal Joe Mastraccio credited the work of several staff members in getting the program launched. "Sanford Middle School's Unified Basketball program was many years in the making. This year, we were able to get it off the ground. Meagan wrote a proposal that included equipment, staff oversight, practice and game logistics, and athlete/partner requirements. Many meetings later between Meagan, Sanford Middle School Athletic Liaison Josh Allen, and Joe Mastraccio, in collaboration with SHS Unified coach and Special Education Teacher Stephanie Boisonnault, we were given the green light by SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin to have a pilot year to see the interest in the program, and it really took off!" Lemelin echoed that enthusiasm. "The opportunity for our middle school student-athletes to participate in and experience a unified basketball game will be one of the best things that happens in the Athletic Department this year," he said. "It is a special event that I hope will continue, and I appreciate having dedicated staff and coworkers willing to give our students a great experience." The future of the program looks bright. Lemelin has already approved Unified Basketball as an official winter sport next year, with a full schedule of regular games against other middle schools. Fellow sixth grader Luke Levesque is already looking ahead. "Next year we're going to have a full season. We're very excited about that," he said. In the meantime, the team plans to continue building connections through activities like lunch buddies and outdoor play as the weather improves. "We're really happy to have it here," Collupy said. "We're very excited it all worked out."

Sanford Middle School Unified Basketball takes the court for the first time

April 2, 2026

Sanford Middle School reached a historic milestone recently, hosting its first-ever Unified Basketball scrimmage. Unified Sports is a Special Olympics program that pairs stude...

Sanford Senior Finds His Shot Behind the Camera with the Mainers

April 2, 2026

When Braeden Landry first joined the Sanford Mainers' broadcast production crew, he admitted he didn't know much about baseball and wasn't sure he knew enough about cameras either...

SMS 8th Grade JMG Students Shine at Statewide Leadership Conference

Sanford Middle School 8th Grade JMG Students Shine at Statewide Leadership Conference

April 1, 2026

On March 19th and 20th, 8th grade JMG students from Sanford Middle School traveled to Central Maine Community College in Auburn to take part in the Maine Youth Action Network Lead...

Every Thursday afternoon, a group of Sanford High School students gather with sketchbooks in hand to slow down, step outside, and connect with the natural world around them. Welcome to the Nature Journal Club offered at the high school. The club was started two years ago by wildlife biology teacher Lindsay Strout, who noticed that a handful of her students had a genuine hunger for nature observation that extended beyond the classroom. She wanted to give students an outlet that wasn't sports, theater, or traditional art club. "There's got to be somewhere, something else for them," she said. This year, the club has seen its largest group yet, with students ranging from freshmen to seniors. On any given Thursday, you might find students sketching insects, pressing leaves onto light-sensitive paper to create cyanotype prints, carving rubber stamps, or following the trail behind Sanford High School to check on local beaver activity along the river. In the fall and spring, the group ventures outside to explore the school's trails, catch frogs near the vernal pool, or simply sit quietly and observe. Nature journaling is less about artistic skill and more about observation and recording. "It's not about the pretty pictures," Lindsay explains. "It's more about connecting with nature, observing, and recording." Students are encouraged to write down what they see and what catches their eye, with no required format and no wrong answers. Lindsay brings that same passion to her own practice, regularly connecting with a wider nature journaling community and attending conferences to deepen her craft. SHS student Esther Bronwyn spoke to the sense of community Strout has built. "Her room is awesome, all the things that she's made and collected are fun to look at," she said. "It's really cool that she brings kids in." Students also help shape what happens in the club. When one student came in working on a rubber block printing project, Lindsay immediately invited them to teach the technique to the whole group. No one is told what to draw or how to draw it, and students can even create their own handmade journals, giving each member a sense of ownership over their work. The club is open to any Sanford High School student and meets every Thursday after school. No prior art experience or science background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to spend some time outside. Fellow club member Emma Cormier put it simply: "This is a club that I really adore. I'm probably going to come back as long as Ms. Strout continues the club."

Sanford High School's Nature Journal Club Gives Students a Place to Explore and Create

April 1, 2026

Every Thursday afternoon, a group of Sanford High School students gather with sketchbooks in hand to slow down, step outside, and connect with the natural world around them. Welco...

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The SMS Times April Newsletter

April 1, 2026

Check out Sanford Middle School's SMS Times April Newsletter below!

Sanford High School Students Honored at Portland Museum of Art

March 30, 2026

March is Youth Art Month, and three Sanford High School students had reason to celebrate! Charlotte Fuentes Hood (2D Design, grade 9), Parker King (Drawing, grade 9), and Olivia F...

Youth health advocate Robb Holla visited Sanford Middle School last Friday to speak with 6th and 7th graders about the very real dangers of vaping. Known for his ability to connect with young audiences across North America, Holla brought his signature blend of straight talk, humor, and hard-hitting facts to engage students on one of today's most pressing health issues. Principal Joe Mastraccio was enthusiastic about the visit: "We are excited to share an impactful visit from our guest speaker this past Friday! Robb's message was empowering and aimed to help students realize the power they have to be healthy, successful and happy. We are incredibly grateful to Robb for taking the time to speak with our students and for sharing such an important and motivating message. His words truly make an impact!" Holla, who has dedicated his career to empowering teens to make smart, independent choices, drew on real stories to drive his message home. His presentation covered the science behind why developing brains are especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction, how vaping restricts blood flow and hurts athletic performance, and why products marketed as "safe alternatives" are anything but — producing harmful aerosol particles and metals rather than harmless vapor. Throughout, Holla kept the focus on empowering students to think for themselves. "I'm not here to scare you or give you one little answer," he told students. "I want you to make it your own mind, your own life." Holla also reminded students that help is available and free. Those looking to quit can text DITCH VAPE to 88709 for confidential, research-backed support shown to increase quit rates significantly. Parents are encouraged to keep the conversation going at home. Ask your child what resonated with them, and remind them that trusted adults — whether a parent, teacher, nurse, or counselor — are always there to help

Nationally Recognized Youth Advocate Robb Holla Visits Sanford Middle School

March 30, 2026

Youth health advocate Robb Holla visited Sanford Middle School last Friday to speak with 6th and 7th graders about the very real dangers of vaping. Known for his ability to connec...

Kindergartners Shine at K for ME Learning Showcase at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary

March 30, 2026

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary recently welcomed families into classrooms for the K for ME Learning Showcase: Unit 3 – Construction, and the results were nothing short of impress...