Sanford School Department

Sanford School Department Seeks Community Input on Mission, Vision, and Graduate Portrait

July 10, 2025

Sanford School Department Families, We have completed our first feedback loop on updating the Sanford School Department's Mission, Vision, Core Principles & Beliefs on Learning ...

https://sanford-spotlight-newsle-bdv3f8m.gamma.site

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

July 7, 2025

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

Sanford Middle School Teacher to Research Pollinators in Costa Rican Cloud Forest

July 2, 2025

Diana Allen, a Sanford Middle School Life and Environmental Sciences teacher, will embark on a seven-day expedition to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica as an Earthwa...

SRTC Students Shine at SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta

July 1, 2025

SRTC student Myles Seckler from Traip Academy claimed first place in Technical Drafting at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing ho...

Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of hands-on career exploration. Campers rotated through six exciting program areas, learning directly from SRTC instructors in Precision Manufacturing, Video Production, Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Cosmetology, and Carpentry. Students gained valuable experience with equipment safety, built projects to take home, practiced with fire hoses, created short films, perfected nail art and hairstyling techniques, and tested their skills on a police cruiser driving simulator. The summer heat didn't slow down the fun, with special visits from Kona Ice of York County and a refreshing run through the fire truck sprinkler system. Current and former SRTC students volunteered throughout the week, serving as mentors and helping instructors connect with the younger campers. The week's success was evident in the campers' enthusiasm and the friendships they formed. When asked to share positive qualities about their new peers, students consistently described each other as "kind, fun, helpful, and cool," while expressing amazement at what they learned in SRTC's state-of-the-art facility.

SRTC Wraps Up 5th Annual Middle School Summer Camp

June 30, 2025

Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of ha...

Carl J. Lamb Elementary Students Make Their Mark at State Music Festival

June 26, 2025

Two Carl J Lamb Elementary students represented Sanford School Department with pride at the prestigious 2025 Maine American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) State Festival. C...

New Fishing Club Reels in Success at Sanford Middle School

June 24, 2025

Sanford Middle School's brand-new Fishing Club has wrapped up a successful inaugural season as the school year came to a close. The student-initiated club attracted more than 25 p...

The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. Click here to access the calendar. Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year: First Days of School: September 2 - First student day for grades 1-9 and SRTC; September 3 - First day for Kindergarten and grades 10-12; September 4 - First day of Pre-Kindergarten Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28 Winter Break: December 24 - January 2 (Christmas, New Year's and Break) President's Day Break: February 16-20 Spring Break: April 20-24 (Patriot's Day and Spring Break) Memorial Day: May 25 (No School) Sanford High School Graduation: June 3 Last Day of School: June 9 (if no snow days are needed) Sanford Community Adult Education Graduation: June 10 Storm Days: June 10-16 (5 storm days built into the calendar as needed)

2025-2026 School Calendar

June 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. Click here to access t...

The Sanford School Department has adjusted office hours for the summer months to better serve our community. Current Summer Schedule (June 16 - August 3): Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Fridays: CLOSED Please note the office will also be closed on Thursday, June 19th and Thursday, July 3rd in observance of holidays. Updated Hours Beginning August 4: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Regular School Year Hours Resume August 25: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Central Office Summer Hours

June 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department has adjusted office hours for the summer months to better serve our community. Current Summer Schedule (June 16 - August 3): Monday through Thursd...

YMCA Celebrates First-Ever Pre-K Graduation in Partnership with Sanford School Department

June 16, 2025

The Sanford-Springvale YMCA recently celebrated a milestone with its very first Pre-K graduation ceremony on Tuesday June 10th, marking the successful completion of the inaugural...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

June 16, 2025

Click here to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School for the past 10 years, will officially assume his new role effective July 1st. The selection process included input from the entire school community, with surveys sent to both staff and families, as well as student focus groups, to identify the qualities most important for the next principal. Seven candidates applied for the position, and four were interviewed by a comprehensive committee that included teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents. Mastraccio's career in the Sanford School Department spans nearly two decades. He served as a Math Teacher at Sanford Junior High from 2006-2015, where he also led the Math Team as advisor for those same nine years and taught summer school mathematics from 2006-2011. His transition into administration began with an Administrative Internship at Sanford Junior High from 2010-2015, where he assisted with the administration of a 700-student middle school, followed by his decade of service as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School. During his tenure as Assistant Principal, the school has expanded to over 900 students in grades 5-8, and his commitment to school safety and student development has remained a priority throughout this growth. “Following an extensive process including input from stakeholders, I am certain that Joe Mastraccio is the right person to lead Sanford Middle School,” Sanford Superintendent of Schools Matt Nelson said. “He is a man of the highest integrity and has been preparing for this position his whole career. He bleeds Sanford red and knows our community and what our students need to continue to move forward and succeed.” Beyond his administrative duties, Mastraccio has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and athletics throughout his tenure in the district, serving in various coaching positions. Mastraccio earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine in May of 2015. "I am honored to be a part of the Sanford Middle School team and look forward to continuing my work with students, staff, and the community,” Mastraccio said. “We will strive to create a safe and fun learning environment for our students while also placing an emphasis on academic achievement. Sanford has a long standing sense of pride and I look forward to further building a positive climate and culture at Sanford Middle School.” Mastraccio will succeed Pam Crosby, who recently left to become Principal of Freeport Middle School. The Sanford School Department congratulates Joe Mastraccio on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Joe Mastraccio Named New Principal of Sanford Middle School

June 13, 2025

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served...

Sanford Community Adult Education celebrated its Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th, marking a milestone achievement with over 30 graduates —their largest class in five years. The evening brought together families, friends, educators, and community members to honor the perseverance and dedication of students who refused to give up on their educational dreams. The ceremony opened with a performance of the national anthem by graduate Isabella Verissiomo. Superintendent Matt Nelson welcomed attendees and praised the graduates for their "toughness"—not physical strength, but the resilience to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. "Your experience at SCAE has helped you build that toughness and move toward your goals," Nelson told the graduates. "Everyone has a story and has taken a different path. Be proud that your story is the result of taking action." Three graduates shared their personal journeys with the audience. Tyler Phillips spoke about returning to education, crediting the supportive SCAE staff for helping him succeed. "To be honest, when I started here, I wasn't sure that I could make it work," Phillips admitted. "There was so much reading at first. I knew it had to be done, so eventually I did it." He encouraged his fellow graduates. "Being here today was not an overnight thing for any of us. We showed up, we put the work you needed to make this happen." Verissiomo dedicated her achievement to her son Grayson. "I want him to know that every goal is achievable and every thing you put your mind to is very possible." The evening's final student speaker, Kelly McLean, demonstrated that it's truly never too late to pursue your dreams. Describing her determination to complete her education after an 18-year journey, "I never gave up," McLean shared. "I kept reassuring myself with the help of family and friends and amazing staff that I could do it." Now 36, she fulfilled a promise to her sons to graduate before or with them—achieving her diploma just a week after her eldest son graduated from Sanford High School. "As a Sanford graduate at 36 years old, I can definitely say anything is possible.” The ceremony also featured a special presentation by Elias Thomas from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club, who honored Director Jayne Perkins with the Paul Harris Fellow award for her exceptional community service and dedication to education. The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievement, with Tyler Phillips receiving the Student of the Year award for his exceptional dedication and leadership. Several graduates received $500 scholarships from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club and free course scholarships from the University of Maine at Augusta, providing pathways for continued education. To conclude the ceremony, Perkins challenged graduates with her father's words: "Go do good things." She reminded them that graduation isn't an ending but a beginning, encouraging them to continue growing, learning, and lifting others as they climb.

Sanford Community Adult Education Celebrates Record-Breaking Class of 2025

June 13, 2025

Sanford Community Adult Education celebrated its Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th, marking a milestone achievement with over 30 graduates —their largest ...

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VCzvxzQAapYuHe1RLAfFd_tBAm9WsF9xsttxVvxrWD0/edit?slide=id.g360f8321929_0_10#slide=id.g360f8321929_0_10

ESEA Public Comment

June 11, 2025

The Sanford School Department accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, the Sanford School Department is required to provide a r...

Spring Sports Awards Night Celebrates Sanford High School Athletes

June 11, 2025

Sanford High School recognized dozens of student-athletes for academic achievement, leadership, and athletic performance at its Spring Sports Awards Recognition Night on Monday, J...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFfi5wK5kA

Watch Margaret Chase Smith's Spring Concerts

June 9, 2025

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Concerts will be uploaded shortly!

Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to celebrate another successful year of career development and academic achievement. The evening event showcased the program's commitment to helping Maine students graduate, pursue post-secondary education, and build meaningful careers. The ceremony began with a welcome and pledge, led by JMG students Khloe Herbert, Isabella Burns, and Melayna Bolduc. Following dinner, the program featured opening remarks from students Alana Perez and Aubrey Fifield, who shared their experiences and growth throughout the year. SMS student Matthew Bourassa introduced guest speaker Steve Hughes, Chief Technology Officer at Kennebunk Savings Bank. Hughes, a JMG alumnus from the program's early days in 1994, shared his personal journey from a high school student unsure of his direction to a successful technology leader. He credited his JMG specialist with guiding him toward military service, which became a pivotal decision that shaped his career path. Hughes offered practical wisdom to the students, emphasizing three key principles: "Be a good person. Be a good person to your other classmates, be there for your teachers, be there for your family, be there for your friends, and work hard... Make good choices... learn from mistakes." Following Staff Appreciation Awards, student voices took center stage as five JMG participants delivered presentations about their transformative experiences. "JMG has brought me such a long way. When I started JMG, I was missing a good amount of school, which was making my grades suffer," Aubrey Shaw said. "JMG has made me actually want to come to school... I never really realized how much it was helping me get through the school year." Katie Waters spoke about overcoming her fear of public speaking and discovering new abilities: "JMG helped me so much with school that it gave me options on how to do things, and also gave me special skills and helped me be a better person... JMG also taught me some skills I didn't even know I had, such as communication and professionalism, which are two main skills I'll take with me throughout my lifetime." Isabella Burns, reflecting on her two years in the program, emphasized JMG's deeper purpose: "It's not just about your friends or the cool people you meet. It's also about the future. It's about the path you get on for the rest of your life." She shared how the program helped her step out of her comfort zone during a recent trip where she found herself "talking to others and taking a step out of my comfort zone." Aya Bissell-Moores spoke about discovering her leadership potential: "I've learned a great deal about my leadership abilities. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be in JMG, because I don't think I'd be as confident and open minded as I am now." SMS JMG Specialist Tara Houle expressed deep gratitude to parents for their unwavering support throughout the year, acknowledging the commitment required when students participate in early morning trips and late evening events. She also thanked the school administration for trusting the program's vision and supporting its ambitious activities, noting that the program offered an impressive 22 different guest speakers, events, and trips over nine months.

Sanford Middle School Students Celebrate Growth at JMG Ceremony

June 9, 2025

Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to cel...

Sanford High School Celebrates 132nd Commencement Ceremony

June 5, 2025

A warm and sunny evening provided the perfect backdrop as Sanford High School held its 132nd Commencement Ceremony at Alumni Stadium on Wednesday, June 4th, celebrating over 200 ...

Sanford Middle School Student Wins Secretary of State's Citizenship Award

June 5, 2025

Sanford Middle School student Xyla Kurz has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Secretary of State's Eighth Grade Citizenship Award. This honor recognizes students through...

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First 10 June Newsletter

June 5, 2025

First 10 engages communities in building partnerships and creating systems that help collaborate to improve teaching and learning, coordinate comprehensive services, and partner w...