Sanford School Department

The SMS Times

May 26, 2026

Check out Sanford Middle School's Online Newspaper, The SMS Times May/June Edition!

When Chantel Coleman enrolled at Sanford Community Adult Education, she had a simple goal: finish what she started. This June, she'll do exactly that, walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma. And in a fitting tribute to how far she's come, she'll also be delivering the graduation speech. Chantel came to Sanford Adult Ed initially to pursue her HiSET, but after some reflection decided to go for the full diploma instead. It's a decision she hasn't looked back on. "I'm proud of myself for coming back to school and sticking it out," she said. "If I can go back to school, even after dropping out, anyone can." The experience has been about more than just earning a credential. Chantel credits her teachers with helping her grow in ways she didn't expect, particularly math instructor David Ramsay. "I don't look at him like a teacher. I look at him more like a friend who's willing to teach you what you need to know." Jayne Perkins, the Director of Sanford Community Adult Education, agreed. "David was maybe Chantel's biggest supporter through her journey," she said. Alongside her diploma coursework, Chantel has been completing mental health training certifications through Sweetser, a Maine-based behavioral health organization. The trainings cover topics including suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and Chantel says the knowledge has felt meaningful. "It helps me understand what people are going through, and what steps I can take to help them," she said. Perkins sees Chantel's full journey in context. "I've seen her self-confidence grow so much. It's truly inspiring what she's been able to do," Perkins said. "By the time she graduates this summer, she will have earned two free certifications through Sweetser, positioning her well for her long-term goal of working in healthcare. Her story reflects determination, community support, and the powerful impact of accessible workforce pathways." That confidence has opened new doors. Chantel has been accepted to York County Community College's pre-nursing program, a milestone that would have felt out of reach when she first walked back through the doors of Adult Ed. For Chantel, the diploma was never just about the past. It was always about what comes next. For anyone on the fence about coming back to school, her message is straightforward: "Don't give up. If I can do it, anyone can."

Sanford Adult Ed Student to Deliver SCAE Commencement Address

May 26, 2026

When Chantel Coleman enrolled at Sanford Community Adult Education, she had a simple goal: finish what she started. This June, she'll do exactly that, walking across the stage to ...

SRTC Students Recognized at Annual Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club Breakfast

May 21, 2026

Fourteen Sanford Regional Technical Center students were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club. The event, held in SRTC's café, featured a mea...

Two Sanford School Department Staff Members Honored For Youth Support Work

May 21, 2026

Two staff members of the Sanford School Department were recognized at the Maine Prevention Network of York County's Annual Community Meeting, held Tuesday, May 19, at the Nonantum...

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and recognizing graduates as they prepare for life after high school. The event was welcomed by JMG Leadership Council President Lulu Morris and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by student Essence Veilleux-Camara, followed by an opening statement from Izzy Mitchell. Vice President Tiffany Mitchell reflected on first joining the program in seventh grade, crediting JMG with giving her the confidence and interview skills to earn a spot in the early childhood SRTC program. "I could not imagine myself standing in front of all of you now more confident about myself and what I want to do for a career," she said. Students Fiona Zachko and Brooklyn Skaltsis recognized the many community volunteers and guest speakers who visited the JMG classroom throughout the year, while Landon Stone, Lucien Curry, and Michael Rodriguez highlighted a busy year of community service that included volunteering at Special Olympics events, distributing holiday toys locally, and field trips to three college campuses and Maine Health's medical simulation lab in Portland. Social studies teacher Mr. O'Brien delivered the keynote address, speaking on the theme of independence and encouraging students to keep pushing forward through life's challenges. Lacey Kimball, who introduced him, described O'Brien as someone who "always checks in on us about school and outside of school to make sure we're doing okay." Lulu Morris and Izzy Mitchell recognized students who earned digital badges through Maine's Career Exploration Model, a framework through which students demonstrate mastery in self-awareness and job attainment skills. Certificates of completion were also awarded to multi-year participants, with several students recognized for involvement stretching back to middle school. Underclassmen speaker Leah Lagueux honored JMG teacher Ms. Gifford ahead of the senior spotlights. "She doesn't just teach lessons from a textbook. She teaches us how to succeed in the real world," Lagueux said. "What makes her truly special is the way she connects with her students. Because of that, our classroom feels like a safe space where we can be ourselves, ask questions, and grow." Each graduating senior was recognized by JMG teacher Cheryl Gifford alongside a team of underclassmen readers, with seniors sharing their favorite JMG memories and future plans spanning fields from cosmetology and graphic design to criminal justice, social work, and the Coast Guard. Lulu Morris delivered the senior speaker address, reflecting on four years in the program. "She guided me through creating my very first resume, helped me apply for my first job, and encouraged me to enroll in the SRTC program," Morris said of Ms. Gifford. "But beyond all those accomplishments, what mattered even more was that she helped me believe in myself."

Sanford High Schools Holds Annual JMG Closing Ceremony

May 20, 2026

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and re...

SMS JMG Students Make Their Mark at Statewide Career Event

Sanford Middle School JMG Students Make Their Mark at Statewide Career Event

May 20, 2026

Sanford Middle School's 8th grade JMG students recently set off on their annual Adventure Trip, a two-day experience designed to bring leadership training, career exploration, and...

Sanford Middle School's 7th Grade Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) students and the SMS Student Leadership Team recently traveled to the University of New England for the annual Middle School Leadership Summit. The event brought together students from across southern Maine to tackle real issues affecting their schools and communities. SMS students had the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, brainstorm creative solutions, share what has and hasn't worked in their own school, and exchange ideas for positive change. The experience didn't end when students returned to Sanford — those who attended will be carrying their new ideas and insights into next year, working to identify what can be implemented right here at home. On May 11th, SMS students did an incredible job representing their school and community with enthusiasm, collaboration, and school pride.

Sanford Middle School Seventh Graders Attend UNE Leadership Summit

May 20, 2026

Sanford Middle School's 7th Grade Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) students and the SMS Student Leadership Team recently traveled to the University of New England for the annual M...

Sanford Fourth Graders Visit Moody's Collision, Sanford Airport

Sanford Fourth Graders Visit Moody's Collision, Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport

May 18, 2026

Fourth grade students from Carl J. Lamb Elementary, Sanford Pride Elementary, and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Schools stepped outside the classroom Friday morning for an excit...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 18, 2026

Click here to read the latest edition of the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter.

SRTC Health Occupations Students Earn CNA Credentials at Annual Pinning Ceremony

May 15, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its Health Occupations Pinning Ceremony at the Sanford Performing Arts Center Wednesday, May 13, celebrating 56 students who have achieved a...

Sanford Middle School Students Build Outdoor Equipment Shed from the Ground Up

May 14, 2026

Sanford Middle School marked a major milestone this week with the ribbon cutting of a brand-new outdoor equipment shed, one that students designed and constructed themselves. Me...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its annual Variety Show last Thursday, and the evening was nothing short of spectacular. More than 40 third and fourth grade students took to the stage, treating the audience to an impressive showcase of dancing, singing, gymnastics, comedy sketches, and clogging performances. The event was a testament to weeks of dedicated preparation and the spirit of encouragement students showed one another throughout the process. Their hard work, creativity, and courage were on full display from the first act to the last.

Margaret Chase Smith students steal the spotlight at annual Variety Show

May 13, 2026

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its annual Variety Show last Thursday, and the evening was nothing short of spectacular. More than 40 third and fourth grade students took to ...

Sanford Students Shine at Annual Elks Youth Banquet

May 8, 2026

The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Wednesday, May 6, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating aca...

SRTC Inducts More Than 80 Students into National Technical Honor Society

May 7, 2026

More than 80 Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Wednesday, May 6, at the San...

Sanford Regional Technical Center Administrative Assistant Darlene Breton has been named the 2026 Maine Principals' Association Administrative Assistant of the Year. The award recognizes school administrative professionals across Maine who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to their school communities. Breton has served SRTC since November of 1983, making her one of the longest-serving staff members in the center's history. Over that time, she has worked alongside every director the school has had and has witnessed SRTC grow from approximately 300 students to nearly 800 today, serving families across eight partner communities throughout York County. "I am deeply honored to receive the MPA Administrative Assistant of the Year award. I am sincerely grateful to be part of the Sanford Regional Technical Center, where I have proudly served since 1983," Breton said. "This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative spirit and dedication of my colleagues. Most importantly, I remain thankful for the students we serve, who continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of our work." In his nomination letter, SRTC Director Matthew Petermann credited Breton with keeping the school's complex day-to-day operations running seamlessly across all 25 of its programs. "Her leadership is steady, reliable, and indispensable," Petermann wrote. "She does so without fanfare, ensuring that every teacher, every student, and every program has what it needs to succeed. That is leadership in its truest form." Petermann also spoke to the personal qualities that make Breton such a valued member of the SRTC community. "She is an exceptional listener who takes the time to truly hear the needs of those around her — whether it is a staff member navigating a difficult situation, a student seeking support, or an administrator working through a challenge. Her patience is remarkable, and her ability to remain calm and composed in the face of a demanding, fast-paced environment sets a tone of stability and trust throughout our building." "The Sanford Regional Technical Center is a better school because of Darlene Breton," Petermann added, "and Maine's students are better served because of people like her."

SRTC's Darlene Breton Named 2026 MPA Administrative Assistant of the Year

May 6, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center Administrative Assistant Darlene Breton has been named the 2026 Maine Principals' Association Administrative Assistant of the Year. The award rec...

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First 10 May Newsletter

May 4, 2026

Check out First 10's May Newsletter below!

BRIDGE Program Elementary Students Tour Hannaford's in Sanford

May 4, 2026

Students in the Sanford School Department's BRIDGE Program elementary division traded their classrooms for the aisles of Hannaford's in Sanford for a fun and educational field tri...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 1, 2026

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter.

Sanford Middle School JMG students step outside the classroom for career exploration

April 30, 2026

Over the past six weeks, 7th and 8th grade Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) students at Sanford Middle School took part in three career exploration experiences, giving them a firs...

Three Sanford Middle School Students Place in Top 11 of State Stock Market Game

April 30, 2026

Sanford Middle School had another strong showing in this year's statewide SIFMA Stock Market Game, with three students finishing in the top 11 in Maine. Billy Chaplain led the way...