Sanford School Department

Sanford Performing Arts Center presents Catapult “Magic Shadows”

October 15, 2025

SANFORD — An America’s Got Talent finalist from Season 8 will stop by Sanford Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, with their magical production that features incre...

Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior Academy of Business

SRTC Program Highlight: Baking and Pastry Program

October 14, 2025

Photo Credit: Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior Academy of Business This is part of a series highlighting the career and technic...

On the first Friday of each month, elementary and middle school students from Sanford’s BRIDGE Program visit Summer Commons Nursing Home to play games and make crafts with senior residents. It’s a partnership that started last year and has quickly become a highlight for both the students and the residents. During last year’s visits, students prepared crafts in advance, then taught the residents how to make them – a process that built confidence and communication skills while bringing joy to the seniors. "This visit is part of helping them interact and learn appropriate social skills," said Sandra Hewitt, an Ed Tech at the BRIDGE program. On Friday, October 3, for the first trip of the school year, students brought a challenging game: plastic cups with strings attached. Students placed ping pong balls on top of the inverted cups, and then residents worked to pull their cups closer using the strings while trying to keep the ball balanced on top. "I was able to get mine all the way to the end of the table without it falling," said Wyatt, a BRIDGE student. The BRIDGE is a specialized program that recognizes some students face challenges that can interfere with their educational success. The program works with students who need additional support developing behavioral and social skills, offering specialized instruction, effective education, and counseling. These monthly visits to Summer Commons provide a real-world setting where students can practice appropriate social interactions, develop empathy, and learn to engage respectfully with others The structure of these visits—from preparing activities to teaching residents, maintaining line order, and using quiet voices in hallways—helps students build the foundational skills they need for success in traditional classroom settings. These visits represent more than just a field trip—they're an integral part of students' growth and development. The progress has been remarkable, according to Hewitt. Students who initially struggled with basic classroom expectations are now confidently leading activities and interacting appropriately with adults in the community. "The interaction between the residents and the students are amazing, and everyone benefits from this time together," Hewitt said.

BRIDGE Students Build Connections at Summer Commons

October 13, 2025

On the first Friday of each month, elementary and middle school students from Sanford’s BRIDGE Program visit Summer Commons Nursing Home to play games and make crafts with senior...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School music teacher Heather Hastings recently received national recognition for her work in music composition. Hastings recently traveled to Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, where her original piece "Unwavering" received its premiere performance by the school's top wind ensemble. During her visit, she had the opportunity to work directly with the student musicians, attending their rehearsal and offering feedback on their interpretation of the work. “Unwavering” was written as a dedication to Gladys Stone Wright, one of the very first female band directors in the United States. “For a composer, it is always a wonderful experience to have one’s music performed by a live ensemble and to hear the art come to life,” Hastings said. At the premiere performance, she was presented with her competition award by Dr. Pam Klena, President of the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). This December, Hastings will be honored at the WBDI luncheon with a lifetime membership to the organization and will have the opportunity to showcase her compositions to band and orchestra directors from across the country. “I am honored to receive this award and have my work recognized on a national level,” Hastings said. “The students in the Wootton Wind Ensemble gave a lovely premiere of Unwavering, and I hope that they enjoyed the performance as much as I did.

MCS Music Teacher Receives National Recognition for Original Composition

October 10, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School music teacher Heather Hastings recently received national recognition for her work in music composition. Hastings recently traveled to Thom...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

October 8, 2025

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

the School Committee welcomed a new student representative

Meet The New School Committee Student Representative

October 7, 2025

The Sanford School Committee has welcomed a new student representative, SHS junior Alessandra Castro, who brings a strong academic record and deep commitment to community service...

High School and Middle School Winter Season Sports Registration Info

October 7, 2025

The middle school has two winter seasons, the first includes boys’ and girls’ basketball and cheer for 7th and 8th graders. The second season which starts in February includes w...

SRTC Program Highlight: Engineering and Architectural Design

October 7, 2025

Photo Credit: Lulu Morris, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Autumn Liston, Sanford Senior Academy of Business This is part of a series highlighting the career and technic...

https://www.applitrack.com/sanford/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial

Sanford School Department Safety Informational Night

October 6, 2025

Please join our student resource officers and Central Office administration for an overview of school safety in our schools on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6 pm in the Sanford Per...

The Dungeons & Dragons Club at Sanford High School has been providing students with a creative and educational outlet for about five years, combining storytelling, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving in a structured, supervised environment. The club meets Tuesdays and Fridays in the cafeteria immediately after school. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. This year, the club is led by advisor Carrie Hathaway. "I wanted to make sure that these students got a chance to have the club because it is very important to them," Hathaway explains. Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game where students create characters and work together to navigate adventures guided by a student Dungeon Master. Far from the stereotypes some may remember, modern D&D emphasizes teamwork, creative thinking, and positive social interaction. Students develop characters with unique backgrounds and abilities, then use strategy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges presented in the story. The club has drawn about 30 students over the years, with a flexible, welcoming atmosphere that accommodates different participation levels. "I have a different and revolving crowd each time," notes Hathaway, emphasizing that newcomers can join at any point. Students of all experience levels are welcome - they can jump right in and learn as they play, with experienced members providing guidance and support. The creative possibilities are endless. As one SHS student explained, the campaigns can vary dramatically: "It's still D&D, but some do pop culture in their campaign. Some just do normal medieval times." This means stories can incorporate sports, history, science, or any subject that captures students' imaginations. Some campaigns even feature innovative twists as another SHS student explained: "you don't know what your character is... you start with a blank character sheet, and as you go on through the story, the master gives hints to what kind of character you want to play." Through these games, students practice communication skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. They develop mathematical skills through game mechanics, enhance creative writing abilities through character development, and strengthen critical thinking through strategic decision-making. The game requires players to work together toward common goals.

Dungeons & Dragons Club Offers Creative Outlet at Sanford High

October 3, 2025

The Dungeons & Dragons Club at Sanford High School has been providing students with a creative and educational outlet for about five years, combining storytelling, critical think...

Upcoming Free Flu Vaccinations

October 3, 2025

We are pleased to announce that the Sanford School Department is partnering with MaineHealth to offer free flu vaccinations for students this fall. Protecting our student's healt...

School Connected Play and Learns have started Weekly one kicked offlast week with 14 children in attendance! It was a wonderful opportunity for ourlittle learners to explore and grow together. Monthly one will start onOctober 6th, 2025 and run the first Monday of eachmonth! Joint Professional LearningOpportunity: Thismonth, stafffromour Sanford Public Pre-K classrooms will collaborate with community Early Learning Centers, including All Friends, Curtis Lake Church ELC,Headstart, Little World 2, and Kids Kove ELC. Together, we will engage in a day of collaborative learning around a new earlymath programcalled Young Mathematicians. Learnmore here.

October First 10 News

October 2, 2025

Welcome to the October edition of First 10 Sanford's newsletter! This month brings exciting developments as our School Connected Play and Learns kick off, welcoming families with ...

As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial and facilities team. October 2 marked National Custodian Appreciation Day—a perfect opportunity to recognize their commitment to creating welcoming learning environments. The Sanford School Department oversees an impressive array of properties, including multiple buildings that require year-round management for cleaning, maintenance, and grounds care. This summer marked a significant milestone as the team entered the season fully staffed for the first time in years, and the results speak for themselves. At the heart of the summer preparation efforts was the hardworking custodial team, who undertook comprehensive cleaning of all district buildings. Their work went far beyond routine maintenance, involving a process that touched every corner of each school. Staff completed deep cleaning throughout every building—tackling furniture, walls, windows, and light fixtures. They repaired walls, touched up paint, stripped and refinished floors, and thoroughly cleaned tiles and carpets. "It's exciting to hear how the work that the team has done directly impacts the students," shared Director of Facilities and Maintenance Jason Dudley at a recent school committee meeting. The custodial team faced and overcame challenges during their summer work, navigating scheduling conflicts with summer programs, food services, sports camps, and community events. They demonstrated flexibility in coordinating all this work while accommodating the busy summer schedule. While the custodial staff focused on deep cleaning, the maintenance team was equally busy with infrastructure upgrades that directly impact student safety and learning environments. At Sanford Middle School, they addressed wastewater drainage issues and upgraded the library with modern LED lighting that can be dimmed for Promethean board use. Sanford Pride Elementary School received new HVAC starter motors, with a complete rooftop unit replacement scheduled for October. At Carl J. Lamb School, the team replaced an HVAC expansion tank and painted fresh blue hallways on the first floor. Safety improvements were a major priority this summer. At Cobb Stadium, the crew upgraded five tiered aluminum bleachers and removed outdated home and away bleachers. Working alongside the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works, they transformed the space into a safer facility for student athletes and community members. At Carl J. Lamb, they installed a safety fence separating the parking area from the bus drop-off lane, directing everyone to use the designated crosswalk. Dudley emphasized the importance of this work: "Staff is able to monitor that and monitor when the buses are coming. So it's a definite safety upgrade for us." Margaret Chase Smith School received upgraded handicap bollards and repainted bus lane signage to improve traffic flow and safety. The team also supported expanding academic opportunities by retrofitting a classroom for the new sports medicine program at SRTC and extending compressed air lines in the welding and machine shops. They even helped the IT department modernize classroom technology by removing outdated display boards and installing new mounting brackets. Superintendent Matt Nelson shared his appreciation for the custodial work during the school committee meeting, emphasizing that "our facilities are the first step to having good education." The combined efforts of the custodial and maintenance staff ensured that Sanford schools were not only clean and safe but enhanced and improved for the new academic year. As students and staff returned, they found their spaces ready and welcoming, setting the stage for a successful year of learning and growth.

Celebrating Sanford's Custodial Team

October 2, 2025

As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial...

https://spartan-times.com/2025/09/25/students-gear-up-for-homecoming-spirit-week-2025/

SHS Homecoming Parade Information

October 1, 2025

Sanford High School's annual Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, October 10, at 4:00 PM, starting and finishing at the tennis courts on Alumni Boulevard. Community member...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School hosted its first-ever "Lunch with a Loved One" event last Friday, bringing families together for a celebration of community and connection. An impressive 71% of families joined in, making the picnic burst with smiles, laughter, and special moments. Families and friends arrived with picnic blankets and lunches ready to share quality time with their students. As a special reward for reaching 100 positive referrals, Principal Hallisey and Assistant Principal McGuckin wore their pencil costumes at lunch. They will continue to wear them to boost their theme this year and reward students for their hard work. Each grade level had a dedicated half-hour lunch period to spend with their families. Student Den ambassadors helped direct students to their loved ones, and families checked in with staff to make the event run smoothly. When asked about their favorite part of the lunch, one of the den ambassadors summed it up perfectly: "We’re having fun and spending time with family." The feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing, "We'd like to do this in the spring too!" This event was a beautiful way to promote family engagement and create lasting memories

Lunch With a Loved One at Margaret Chase Smith

September 29, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School hosted its first-ever "Lunch with a Loved One" event last Friday, bringing families together for a celebration of community and connection....

Sanford Middle School seventh graders experienced hands-on outdoor learning at The Ecology School in Saco last week, participating in an overnight, three-day program that combined hands-on learning with community building in ways that will positively impact students. The Ecology School has formed partnerships with seven other outdoor education providers across Maine to increase program availability and has made the study of ecology accessible and enjoyable for people since 1998. The school is designed for immersive programs where students learn about conservation, farming, ecology, and sustainability through hands-on, fun activities. The trip was the result of planning and collaboration spearheaded by SMS science teacher Diana Allen. The planning also involved careful investigation and getting approval from school administration and the school committee. This vision became reality through Maine's new Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program, recently signed into law by Governor Mills, which aims to increase access to outdoor learning programs. The Ecology School is part of this statewide initiative, and each network partner gets to select a Maine school to receive scholarships for students to attend. The Ecology School's first choice was Sanford Middle School. The only cost to the school department was for transportation to and from the Ecology School. The setting proved as important as the curriculum itself. The school's location right on the banks of the Saco River, complete with a granite amphitheater and open-air facilities, created a learning environment where natural sunlight and fresh air enhanced each lesson. "This is phenomenal experiential learning," said Sara Nason, a Sanford Middle School teacher who helped chaperone the trip. All classes took place outdoors in natural settings, with students moving between different ecological sites and building knowledge as they explored. During their stay, students participated in hands-on lessons that brought science standards to life. All lessons aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, but rather than feeling like traditional classroom work, each activity felt like discovery. In 'Battle of the Biotic,' they explored the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in forest ecosystems, discovering how organisms compete for survival and examining predator-prey relationships. The 'Watersheds' lesson had students investigating how water flows and changes landscapes as it travels from mountain to sea, learning about weathering and erosion. Through the 'ABCs of Ecology' lesson, students gained foundational knowledge about abiotic factors like soil and climate, biotic organisms like plants and animals, and the cycles and changes that shape ecosystems. While students certainly learned about ecology – as 7th grader Kaydence Adjutant shared, "I learned that mushrooms decompose acorns" – some of the most meaningful learning happened through relationships and life skills developed during their time together. Allen found the community-building aspect particularly meaningful. "The opportunity to spend these days with my students in nature, creating a sense of community, sharing laughter is something I will cherish throughout the school year," Allen said. When asked about the overnight experience, Adjutant captured the spirit perfectly: "It's really fun. Yeah, it's like one big sleepover with my class." "The comments that we're hearing are, 'Well, this is kind of cool,'" Nason explained. "'All sitting down together for a meal.'" Students also learned important life skills like cleaning up after themselves and taking care of shared spaces. Allen was moved by watching her students adapt to the environment: "Watching them play, set tables, help each other - it was just incredible to see and be a part of." These experiences translated into practical learning that students brought home with them. Students returned with practical awareness about waste management, understanding how much food they actually need and how their choices affect the community. The program was such a success that Allen hopes it will become an annual tradition for Sanford seventh graders. "We are incredibly grateful to Drew Demsch and The Ecology School staff for this generous opportunity for our students," Allen added. The shared experience also gives teachers valuable insights into their students and creates positive reference points for future success and learning. "We now have something very much in common, something tangible and meaningful that we can build from," Nason said.

Sanford Middle School 7th Graders Experience Outdoor Learning at The Ecology School

September 26, 2025

Sanford Middle School seventh graders experienced hands-on outdoor learning at The Ecology School in Saco last week, participating in an overnight, three-day program that combine...

Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reality experience on Wednesday, September 24th. This mobile demonstration, which has been traveling up and down the coast for about a year, made a stop at SHS to provide JMG students and Civics class participants with hands-on exposure to advanced military technology and potential career pathways. The experience used state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to immerse students in realistic Navy scenarios. Students worked together in teams of five, wearing special headsets to coordinate aircraft launches on a Navy aircraft carrier, explored global humanitarian missions through interactive mapping, and piloted fighter jets in full-motion flight simulators. "If you can see it, you can be it," said JMG Specialist Cheryl Gifford, who helped coordinate the event. This philosophy drove the hands-on approach that allowed students to experience military technology firsthand rather than just learning about it in traditional classroom settings. Sanford senior Essence Veilleux-Camara, who is in the SRTC law enforcement program and is pursuing a military career after graduation, was particularly enthusiastic about the flight simulator experience. "I really love the flight simulator," she shared. "You get controls and you start to kind of learn about what they have to do, especially with targeting." She appreciated how the hands-on simulations provided actual experience rather than just classroom discussion, drawing parallels to the driving simulators used in her law enforcement classes. "I'm actually going to be meeting with a recruiter today and go over questions for the ASVAB.” she said. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that helps determine which military career fields a person might be best suited for. The interactive experience included a badge system where students earned recognition for participating in each component. Students also received performance scores on activities like the flight simulator, giving them concrete feedback on their skills and abilities. With discussions underway to potentially bring the program back to Sanford High School on November 17, more students may have the chance to benefit from this opportunity.

Sanford High School Students Get Hands-On Look at Navy Technology

September 26, 2025

Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reali...

Sanford High Schoolers Inspire New Middle School Jazz Musicians

September 25, 2025

On Monday, September 22nd, the high school jazz class visited Sanford Middle School to perform for 7th and 8th grade band students and share their experiences with jazz music. T...

Sanford Pride Elementary School PTA is hosting a Halloween event on Oct. 23rd. 5-6PM. We are looking for groups to join us with decorated tables to hand out candy. If you are a group/team/business or a HS student in need of volunteer hours, please contact: Tricia Boivin, tboivin@sanford.org Looking for volunteers to help with this years’ annual Spree of Trees in December. The Sanford Alumni Association is looking for people to help as many hours as possible for set-up, during the event, and pick-up on the last day. Hours will be available from 12/1 through 12/7. If interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in A237. Carl J Lamb School is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Event on October 23rd! You could help run games or a table for the trick or treaters. This event will run from 5-7 and please email lydiaclehoux@gmail.com if interested. SSYAA football has some volunteer availabilities for home games on Oct. 5 and 25th. If interested, email kpulley@sanford.org St. Thomas School is seeking an energetic individual to help with our after-school program. This can start as a volunteer opportunity and turn into employment. Available times are Monday-Friday 3:00pm-5:30pm. You can choose one day a week, multiple days per week, or Monday-Friday. If interested, please reach out to Principal Angela Madigan at (207) 324-5832 or angela.madigan@portlanddiocese.org. Find out more information about St. Thomas School at stsme.org. The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is looking for people willing to help with many administrative needs throughout the year to earn community service hours. If this interests you please reach out to Patricia Violette-Adams @ 207-490-1028 or go to www.sanfordhistory.org Attention All Students! Looking for an opportunity to earn community service hours while helping your local newspaper? The Sanford Springvale News is looking for student volunteers with a vehicle and a driver’s license to serve as substitute newspaper delivery drivers. This role involves delivering newspapers on a specific route on Fridays in the late morning or early afternoon, as needed. It’s a simple 1 to 2-hour commitment on weeks you’re available. If you’re interested in joining our team and making a difference in the community, email Kendra at kendra.williams9@icloud.com today! Sanford Alumni Association is looking for individuals willing to spray paint roughly 150 wire plant cages. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in A237 There is a local elderly couple looking for students willing to help move and stack wood. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in the Assistant Principals office (A237). A local elderly couple is looking for someone to commit to helping with doing yard work and shoveling. If interested please see Mrs. Pattershall for contact info.

Community Service Opportunities for Sanford High School Students

September 22, 2025

Sanford Pride Elementary School PTA is hosting a Halloween event on Oct. 23rd. 5-6PM. We are looking for groups to join us with decorated tables to hand out candy. If you are a...

SHS Counselors Launch New "Senior Sessions" Program for Post-Graduation Planning

September 19, 2025

Sanford High School seniors filled the Performing Arts Center Wednesday, September 17, as school counselors presented essential information about post-secondary planning. The ...