There's only one week left to nominate a teacher for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 Teacher of the Year! Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools among everyone in the Sanford community. Nominations can be made through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website from now until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2025. Here is the link to the form: https://educatemaine.wufoo.com/forms/r1j4ry7j09it0gv/
They are accepted by students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Recognize an educator today who has continued to inspire, educate and care for their students!
🏃♂️ From Sanford High three-sport athlete to record-breaking collegiate sprinter! Proud to share the journey of 2020 graduate Ethan Shain, now holding FOUR University of Southern Maine track records. His path from "cruise control" to All-American honors shows what dedication and perseverance can achieve. Read the full story of how this Spartan's journey led to tears of joy at nationals ⬇️
https://www.sanford.org/article/1982035
Photos: James Liebowitz, Deja Driscol Smith


Margaret Chase Smith students created good-luck cards for their Sanford High School peers taking final exams. SHS peer helpers were there bright and early yesterday morning to distribute these messages. What a wonderful way to show community support!

📚 Proud moment for Sanford Pride Elementary! Michelle Payeur was nominated for the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll, selected from over 1,000 New England educators!
A Sanford High grad turned hometown teacher, Michelle's dedication to our students caught the attention of a parent and colleague who witnessed her impact firsthand. She joined other outstanding educators at Fenway Park for this historic bowl game celebration! Read more about it here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1978953

Exciting news! Sanford Pride Elementary School was featured by the Maine Department of Education for their innovative work connecting local childcare programs with elementary school teachers. They're creating seamless transitions for our youngest learners and their families. Great job Sanford Pride! Read more about it here: https://mainedoenews.net/2025/01/16/maine-schools-implement-first-10-community-schools-model-using-maine-preschool-development-grant/
Good evening. here is the link to the Sanford School Department's newsletter - the 'Sanford Spotlight' - https://bit.ly/42svBxF. It includes stories on the Spartan Wrestling Tournament, teacher receiving a Presidential Teaching Award, Curriculum Newsletter, Indoor Track and more. Enjoy!
Congratulations to Sanford Middle School's Diana Allen, who has been selected for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching! Read more here to learn about her incredible journey and this prestigious national recognition: https://www.sanford.org/article/1977727

Nominations are now open for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools among everyone in the Sanford community.
Nominations can be made through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website from now until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2025. Here is the link to the form:
https://educatemaine.wufoo.com/forms/r1j4ry7j09it0gv/
They are accepted by students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Recognize an educator today who has continued to inspire, educate and care for their students!
Meet Paityn, the 7th grader making sure no student goes hungry at Sanford Middle School! Her "SnackDash" project just won a national grant to help provide free snacks between meals. Talk about student leadership in action! 💪
Through the school's JMG program, Paityn noticed some classmates struggling to focus between breakfast and lunch. Her solution? Create a program ensuring every student has access to healthy snacks throughout the day. Read more about it here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1961590

Sanford Middle School 5th graders participated in an informative session this morning about managing everyday challenges that come with growing up.
SMS staff led thoughtful discussions with students about handling different types of stress - from homework and friendships to community safety.
The best part? Students learned practical, healthy ways to handle tough moments, like exercise, reading, spending time with pets, and other positive activities.
Today's high school athletic schedule:
Boys First Team Basketball @ 4PM @ SHS
Girls JV Basketball @ 4:30PM @ Cheverus HS
Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30PM @ SHS
Girls Varsity Basketball @ 6PM @ Cheverus HS
Boys Varsity Basketball @ 7PM @ SHS
Big news from Sanford Middle School’s library! Librarian/Media Specialist Julie Williams has been selected for the prestigious School Library Journal's Mock Newbery Committee! She'll join librarians nationwide in evaluating 2024's best children's literature. Read more about it here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1962603

Alumni Spotlight: Isabella Kimball (Class of 2024)
What’s your current occupation?
Early Childhood Education
How did your experiences at Sanford help you to reach your educational/professional goals?
SRTC definitely helped me find/get my job and also allowed me to get a higher up position. I also think my teachers helped a ton. They were all so supportive of my goals.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned while a student at Sanford?
Don’t take anything for granted.
What is your fondest memory during your time at Sanford?
Meeting some long life friends.
Is there anyone in particular who had a major impact during your time at Sanford?
All the teachers in Sanford were amazing!
What advice do you have for current Sanford students?
Four years of high school go by in a blink of an eye. Get involved in club sports and my favorite was always participating in spirit week.
Fill out our form to be considered for our Alumni Spotlight feature. Selected spotlights will be featured on our social media channels and district newsletter. Here is the link to the form: https://www.sanford.org/forms/8224

🏃♂️ From 17 to 50+ athletes in just two years - Sanford High School's indoor track & field program is soaring to new heights!
Read the full story about how our Spartans are building something special on the track ➡️
https://www.sanford.org/article/1955161
The SHS girls basketball team defeated Thornton Academy 55-49 last night. And while it didn't count, the highlight of the game came from Paige Sevigny, who hit a shot from beyond half court just after the halftime buzzer. Check out the highlights at the following link (Sanford's game starts at 3:50): https://www.wmtw.com/article/hoops-8-january-9-1736483569/63388527
The Sanford School Committee welcomes Lisa Blanchette and Jonathan Stimmell, who bring decades of combined experience serving our community. Lisa brings 40 years of dedicated service in the Sanford School Department, while Jonathan contributes 20 years of community advocacy and program leadership experience. Read more here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1945003

Today's high school athletic schedule:
Boys First Team Basketball @ 4PM @ SHS
Indoor Track & Field Meet @ 4PM @ USM Field House
JV Girls Basketball @ 4:45PM @ Thornton Academy
JV Boys Basketball @ 5:30PM @ SHS
Girls Varsity Basketball @ 6:15PM @ Thornton Academy
Boys Varsity Basketball @ 7PM @ SHS
Here is the link to the latest edition of the Sanford School Department's newsletter, the 'Sanford Spotlight' - bit.ly/42svBxF. It includes news items on our 2 new School Committee Members and County Teacher of the Year nominations. Enjoy!
Coming off a strong showing at the 49th Annual Spartan Tournament, where six wrestlers placed and Alden Treadwell earned the Ken Hover Memorial Outstanding Wrestler award!
Tournament Highlights:
Canton Hill: 2nd place (215 lbs)
Alden Treadwell: 3rd place (285 lbs)
James Chaplick: 4th place (144 lbs)
Connor Pickering: 5th place (150 lbs)
Ricky Callis: 5th place (165 lbs)
Richie Simpson: 6th place (190 lbs)
🚨 TONIGHT 🚨 at 6 PM, come support our seniors as they take to the home mat.
(Photos from Gabriel Roberge)
Today's high school athletic schedule:
Boys First Team Basketball @ 4PM @ Deering HS
Girls JV Basketball @ 5:30PM @ Noble HS
Boys JV Basketball @ 5:30PM @ Deering HS
Girls Varsity Basketball @ 7PM @ Noble HS
Boys Varsity Basketball @ 7PM @ Deering HS
