We understand that the device pickup times did not or will not work for all families. We will be offering additional times for all grades tomorrow, Thursday 9/10 from 3-6pm. Grades 5/6 at the front entrance and Grade 7/8 at the back entrance at our new location--the old Sanford High School, now Sanford Middle School.
Important announcement regarding a change to the start date for Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center. Please access the letter using this link: https://5il.co/ko0b
“Good morning. This is an important announcement from Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools for the Sanford School Department regarding the opening of school for the converted Sanford Middle School. After an in-depth review of the facility, I have made the decision to have all students in grades 5-8 start the school year in full distance learning starting on Monday, September 14th for a minimum of two weeks. It is our plan to have in-person learning for students in grades 5-8 now start on Monday, September 28th. The reason for this change is that school construction is not completely finished and we have not been able to move into the entire facility. Our faculty and staff received permission to begin moving into the converted middle school last week and have been working hard with a goal to have in-person learning start as originally planned. Despite our best efforts, the facility will not be completely ready for us to meet the expectations in our Covid-19 reopening plan. The prudent decision at this time is to change the schedule and give families time to adjust and make the necessary arrangements as a result of this change. We realize the impact of this decision and the hardship it puts on families but our students and staff deserve a facility that is ready. This change is only for students in grades 5-8. Students will be able to pick up technology next week to be able to begin full distance learning on Monday, September 14th. Additional information and details will be forthcoming from Sanford Middle School by the end of this week. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.
“Good evening.
This is an important announcement from Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools for the Sanford School Department regarding the opening of school for the converted Sanford Middle School. After an in-depth review of the facility, I have made the decision to have all students in grades 5-8 start the school year in full distance learning starting on Monday, September 14th for a minimum of two weeks. It is our plan to have in-person learning for students in grades 5-8 now start on Monday, September 28th. The reason for this change is that school construction is not completely finished and we have not been able to move into the entire facility. Our faculty and staff received permission to begin moving into the converted middle school last week and have been working hard with a goal to have in-person learning start as originally planned. Despite our best efforts, the facility will not be completely ready for us to meet the expectations in our Covid-19 reopening plan. The prudent decision at this time is to change the schedule and give families time to adjust and make the necessary arrangements as a result of this change. We realize the impact of this decision and the hardship it puts on families but our students and staff deserve a facility that is ready. This change is only for students in grades 5-8. Students will be able to pick up technology next week to be able to begin full distance learning on Monday, September 14th. Additional information and details will be forthcoming from Sanford Middle School by the end of this week. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.
As parents get ready to send their children back to school, here's a link to an important health message from Sanford School Nurses: https://5il.co/kgxo
The Sanford School Department wants to remind parents to renew their Free and Reduced Meal Applications to avoid any break in eligibility. Paper applications are available by calling your child’s school or parents can use the new, secure online application available at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/ . If you have any questions about the process, please contact our Foodservice Office at 608-8762.
Families affected by the COVID 19 pandemic may be eligible for free or reduced priced school meals based on their current income. Families impacted are encouraged to submit an online application.
The Sanford School Department is asking all families to complete a Return to School Intentions Form for the 2020-21 school year. For planning purposes, we need a separate form for each child. We've designated Wednesday, August 19th as the deadline for responses to allow parents time to review their options. To access the appropriate form, go to: https://www.sanford.org/article/286488?org=sanford-school-department.
Sanford School Committee will meet Monday at 7 pm to discuss Sanford's Return to School Plan. Participation options include cable, live stream, Zoom video conference and limited in-person seating. FMI go to https://www.sanford.org/article/286096?org=sanford-school-department.
The Sanford School Committee will meet tonight at 6:30 and discuss Sanford's Return to School Plan. Watch on Metrocast Channel 26 or live stream at https://townhallstreams.com/towns/sanfordme , or email ldudgeon@sanford.org before 6:30 pm to join live via Zoom.
Message from Sanford School Department Superintendent Matt Nelson
Hope all is well and everyone is enjoying summer. It was our intention to present our fall reopening of school plans to the School Committee this Monday, August 10th for formal action. We were hoping to make this timeline to allow all stakeholders time to make the necessary arrangements in advance of the starting of school. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to make a decision this Monday. Our plan is to present our latest plan / information to the School Committee this Monday to allow them an opportunity for feedback and to ask questions with the goal of formally making this important decision if possible the following Monday, August 17th at another School Committee meeting. It is a very fluid situation and we are in unchartered waters. We are trying to balance providing as much notice as possible to our stakeholders for planning purposes while also opening school safely under circumstances we have never experienced previously. It is very complex and we want to make the best decisions possible. We appreciate your understanding and continued patience. The agenda for this Monday's School Committee meeting will be released later today. We will be holding the meeting via zoom and there will be an opportunity for public comment. Specific information to access Monday's meeting will be forthcoming. Please stay safe and healthy.
Special Distribution Event of No-Cost Fresh Food
Thursday, 7/30/20
3:00 – 5:30 pm
Willard and Lafayette Schools
Additional information available at: https://www.sanford.org/article/277300?org=sanford-school-department
Reminder - Return to School Information Night tonight from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Please use this link to watch live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0qKBZyzjM0.
E-mail questions to Schoolinfo@sanford.org
Good Evening. Join Superintendent Matt Nelson on Monday, July 27 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Sanford Performing Arts Center for a Return to School Family Information Night. Superintendent Nelson will outline the most recent reopening guidance from the Maine DOE, and the plans that the Sanford School Department is currently considering for returning to school in the fall. Tickets required - Limited tickets available due to COVID-19 restrictions. This will also be broadcast live on YouTube. More information, including the video link and ticket link, can be found at https://www.sanford.org/article/274482?org=sanford-school-department.
Attention Families. Last opportunity to take the latest Sanford School Department return to school survey. The deadline is tonight. Find the link here: https://www.sanford.org/article/270847?org=sanford-school-department
Dear Sanford Families,
I hope everyone is safe, healthy and still finding ways to enjoy summer. Thanks to everyone who voted on the school budget. We are grateful and appreciative of the continued support from the Sanford community.
I wanted to let you know that the Sanford School Department is actively working on our school reopening plans. We are continuing to follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and the state of Maine to develop a safe return to school and the highest quality-learning environment for our students whether that is a traditional in-classroom model, a virtual model, or a hybrid model that allows both face-to-face instruction and remote learning. While we are uncertain what the future will look like at this time, the health and safety of our students and staff will continue to be our highest priority.
Our goal is to have a decision by early August to give everyone time to plan accordingly. I also anticipate a change to our school calendar to better align with Governor Mills Executive Order and other York County schools by moving our first day of school for students from August to after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 8th.
Thanks to everyone who has completed our latest survey to assist our planning. If you have not completed the survey, there is still time. It will be open through this Sunday. The link to the survey is: https://www.sanford.org/article/270847?org=sanford-school-department
Thank you again for your assistance and patience as we work together to find the best way to meet the educational needs of our students during this unprecedented time.
Sincerely,
Matt Nelson
Superintendent
Good Evening. The Sanford School Department is continuing our planning for the reopening of school in the fall. Please assist us by completing an important survey that can be found at this link:
https://www.sanford.org/article/270847?org=sanford-school-department
Please complete the survey by this Sunday, July 19th. Thank you in advance.
A reminder to eligible Sanford/Springvale residents to be sure to vote today on the school budget validation.
Polls will be open until 8:00 PM or you can vote absentee at City Hall if that is your preference.
The Sanford School Department reminds you that there’s an important budget vote on Tuesday. The School Committee has worked diligently to present a proposed school-year budget that is reasonable and responsible in unprecedented times. Above all, it keeps kids first. Please encourage your family and friends to vote this Tuesday!
A reminder to Sanford/Springvale residents that the school budget validation and the state of Maine primary election is scheduled for next Tuesday, July 14th. Due to the current health pandemic, absentee voting is strongly encouraged. Request on-line or call the City Clerk’s office at 324-9125 between 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Mon. - Fri. Absentee voting will be allowed right up through voting day, July 14th until 8:00 PM. Every vote counts so please be sure to vote.
Equity, Inclusion, Respect and the acceptance of Diversity are important for a positive climate and culture in the Sanford School Department. We have established a resources page to help all of us with the challenging, but necessary, work of being free of discrimination and bias. We plan to add resources but in the meantime check out what we have established. The link can be found here: https://www.sanford.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion