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Sanford Alumni Association Hosts Ticket Booth Dedication

September 14, 2025
The Sanford Alumni Association dedicated several major improvements to Alumni Stadium on Friday, September 12, highlighting years of collaborative effort between the school distri...
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Sanford High Marching Band Ready for Another Strong Season

Sanford High Marching Band Ready for Another Strong Season

September 11, 2025
Sanford High School's marching band is positioned for another standout season. The program, which has nearly 60 members, continues to set the standard in Maine's marching band co...
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https://5il.co/3plog

After-School Activity Bus Schedule

September 11, 2025
Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School will begin offering an after-school activity bus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning Monday, September 15th. Please view ...
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Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills that will shape their futures. For SRTC Director Matt Petermann, having the Governor visit was "an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the transformative work we do every single day.” The handshakes started before Governor Janet Mills even entered the building. Law Enforcement students lined up by the student gardens at Sanford Regional Technical Center Wednesday morning, each introducing themselves to Maine's governor. Mills got to see the student gardens before heading into the SRTC Café, where students truly took center stage. Culinary Arts students prepared and served food while instructors and students from the Baking and Pastry, Video Production, Cosmetology, Digital Design, Academy of Business, Information Technology and Networking, Skills USA, and Cooperative Education programs presented their work directly to the Governor. What stood out was how confidently students explained their programs and shared their experiences. One of those students, Anderson White, is in his third year studying precision manufacturing at SRTC. When Governor Mills asked about his experience, Anderson had exciting news to share - he'd landed a paid internship over the summer at a local company. "I'm only 16 years old," he told the Governor, explaining how "the internship program helped me to get out into the workforce early on and just gain experience, become more of an asset to companies." During the café visit, Governor Mills had the chance to hold a gold medal that SRTC graduate Myles Seckler won at the national SkillsUSA competition last spring. SRTC student Leah Glidden spoke with Mills about the school's success at SkillsUSA competitions at both state and national levels, and even presented the new SkillsUSA logo, which was designed by SRTC graduate Deanna Watson. Watson won the state competition for the logo design, showcasing yet another way SRTC students excel in their fields. Watching these interactions between students and the Governor reinforced what matters most to the school Petermann said. "This visit isn't about us—it's about our students," he explained. "The young people who discovered their passion and purpose within our 25 programs." Video Production students followed along, documenting the visit and gaining real experience, while Law Enforcement students provided security support. Mills visited nearly every program - from Early Childhood Education to Automotive Technology to Building Trades - and even tried out the new driving simulator in the Law Enforcement program. What seemed to impress Governor Mills most was seeing students actively engaged in their learning. The state has invested significantly in SRTC, providing money in new equipment through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan as part of $20 million invested statewide in career and technical education. "We put over $117,000 into this school for equipment, and I got to see some of that equipment at work, and that's really kind of moving seeing how excited kids are, young people are at exploring these opportunities," Mills said. “I am very impressed with just the diverse career opportunities that these kids have from eight different high schools. From culinary arts to automotive to robotics and everything in between and beyond.” The visit highlighted how SRTC serves as more than just a school - it's where students discover what they're passionate about and build skills for their futures. "Students who may have struggled to find their place in traditional settings have found their home here, developing real-world skills that will launch them directly into meaningful careers," Petermann said. "We are building Maine's new workforce and future."

Governor Janet Mills Tours SRTC, Praises Student Programs

September 11, 2025
Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills...
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September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September 11, 2025
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine, and we are excited to join schools across our state in celebrating the importance of b...
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Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

September 11, 2025
On December 10, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In accordance with ESSA, sc...
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https://sanford-spotlight-newsle-dd03hpe.gamma.site

Sanford Spotlight

September 10, 2025
Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter for the district.
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The Sanford Backpack Program invites the community to attend its 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown, a fun event that raises funds to help fight student hunger in our district. Event Details: When: Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 PM Where: Sanford Performing Arts Center What: Teams perform lip sync renditions of their favorite songs Twenty local lip sync teams will compete to entertain audiences while supporting a great cause. The audience will help judge winners across multiple categories, making it an interactive community celebration where your participation matters! All proceeds from the event benefit the Sanford Backpack Program, which provides weekend food support for students in need throughout our school district.

2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown at the Performing Arts Center

September 9, 2025
The Sanford Backpack Program invites the community to attend its 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown, a fun event that raises funds to help fight student hunger in our district. Event D...
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The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey (sbonsey@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith nurse Melissa Phillips. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This will be my fifth year working in Sanford Schools. I was the district float nurse for 2 years and this will be my third year at MCS. What is your favorite part about working in Sanford? I love working with and taking care of all my elementary school students, but I think my favorite part about working here is the incredible team of people I work with. Everyone is respectful, supportive, and uplifting of one another. The people you work with have a significant impact on the day to day workplace experience. I appreciate the positive energy, transparency, and consistency that I see in the day to day. I truly enjoy coming in to work each morning! What’s your favorite TV show or movie? Shawshank Redemption or The Notebook If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Compassionate, Dependable, Athletic If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? I would go hiking in Switzerland. Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot Coffee Playlists or Podcasts? Podcasts- I love radio Theater Ocean or Lake? Lake Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Facebook or Instagram? Neither..haha

Employee Spotlight

September 5, 2025
The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey ( sbonsey@san...
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Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Back in January, Allen was one of 336 educators nationwide to receive the award, which is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can get from the U.S. government. Related: (Diana Allen Receives Presidential Teaching Award) Allen, who was initially selected as one of three Maine state finalists, completed an intensive application process that required demonstrating deep content knowledge and adaptability to diverse learning environments. Her application included a recorded teaching demonstration at a local brook, where she partnered with Maine Audubon to teach students about macroinvertebrates. The process required detailed analysis of teaching practices, addressing student misconceptions, managing classroom diversity, and demonstrating educational leadership at local, state, and national levels. During the MDOE summit, Diana was presented with her award by Tonya Prentice, joining an elite group of Maine educators who have earned this distinguished recognition. Her selection reflects not only her classroom excellence but also her commitment to fostering scientific thinking and discovery among her middle school students.

Diana Allen Honored at Maine Education Summit for Presidential Teaching Award

September 5, 2025
Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for ...
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This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is expanding this fall to include staff from CJL and MCS, ensuring collaborative work reaches across all three elementary schools. The Maine DOE recently asked for a video highlighting First 10's work here in Sanford. Check it out below to see how community partnerships are making a real difference for our youngest learners and their families.

September First 10 News

September 3, 2025
This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is ...
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Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed. To watch Sanford games, visit https://fan.hudl.com/usa/me/sanford/organization/12561/sanford-high-school on your phone, tablet, or computer. You'll need to sign up for a free Hudl account to access the streams. You can bookmark this link for easy access to all upcoming streams. The Hudl platform provides a convenient way to support our student-athletes from anywhere, whether you're traveling, at work, or simply can't make it to the game in person. Games are typically available for viewing shortly after they conclude as well.

Watch SHS Home Games on Hudl

September 2, 2025
Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed. ...
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The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch. Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage. Following their musical presentation, each student introduced themselves, shared which schools they attended, and spoke about teachers who've had a lasting impact on their academic journey so far. School Committee Chair Amy Sevigny then delivered opening remarks that challenged both new and veteran staff members to be supportive colleagues. "I want you to all think about when you were that new person on the job, whatever job that was. Do you still remember the first person or the people that welcomed you and made you feel part of the team?" She challenged staff to be supportive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and positive colleagues. Whatever the day brings, be the coworker that you want to have. Because a strong school community thrives when each member feels valued and supported. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts throughout the district. "I want to thank you as our faculty and staff for all that you do for our students and what you do each and every day with them," Nelson said. A significant portion of the event welcomed new staff members joining the Sanford team across all district schools, including all elementary schools, middle and high school, SRTC and SCAE Adult Ed. The presentation also included Superintendent Nelson introducing the district's updated mission to "prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world" for the first time to staff after it was recently approved by the School Committee. This mission is supported by Core Principles and Beliefs on Learning that focus on creating safe learning environments, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access, adapting learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration. These principles work together to support the district's Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate vision, preparing students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, emotionally intelligent collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.

Sanford School Department Welcomes Staff for 2025-26 Year

August 29, 2025
The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrat...
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Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

August 27, 2025
The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday, Au...
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Click here for the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter. This issue provides essential back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year. You'll find first day schedules by grade level, open house and orientation dates for all schools, and important upcoming events including the Stuff the Bus supply distribution. The newsletter also introduces new leadership team members, highlights transportation updates with bus route information, and showcases digital resources including the Sanford School Department app and new athletics app.

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

August 20, 2025
Click here for the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter. This issue provides essential back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year. You'll find first day schedules ...
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The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans. On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers. If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number. Please note, due to a bus driver shortage, some bus routes have been combined to begin the school year. This change will result in longer ride times for some students. We appreciate your patience as we continue to search for additional drivers. If you are interested in becoming a driver or monitor, contact Ledgemere, our transportation provider. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly or Ledgemere at 207-324-4888.

Bus Transportation For The 2025-2026 School Year

August 20, 2025
The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans . On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation i...
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Leesa Joiner Named Sanford School Department's New IT Director

Leesa Joiner Named Sanford School Department's New IT Director

August 18, 2025
The Sanford School Department has appointed Leesa Joiner as its new IT director, bringing more than two decades of technology education experience to the role. Joiner impressed t...
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A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Stuff the Bus Maine will hold its annual school supplies distribution event at Curtis Lake Church on Westview Drive in Sanford. No pre-registration is required. Please arrive at (not before) your designated time slot based on your child's last name: T through Z: 9:00 AM N through S: 10:00 AM H through M: 11:00 AM A through G: 11:30 AM If you have children with different last names, use the last name of your youngest school-aged child to determine your arrival time for all children. *If you arrive without your children, please come at 11:00 AM (no exceptions). A volunteer will fill a bag for your child/children. Please prepare a separate 3x5 index card for each child before you arrive. On each card, print: Your first and last name (top of card) Your child's first and last name The grade your child will be entering in fall 2025 Having these cards ready will help the line move efficiently and reduce wait times. The event continues while supplies last as we work hard to ensure every child is served. Stuff the Bus is proud to help get kids excited and prepared for the new school year ahead. Sincerely, Wanda Parent Director, Stuff the Bus Maine

Stuff The Bus

August 6, 2025
A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 , Stuff the Bus Maine will hold it...
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SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1. Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems. She is trained in threat assessment and safety protocols, with extensive experience working in challenging situations at both the elementary and high school levels. "It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said. Edgar joins Sanford Middle School with four years of experience as Assistant Principal at Saco Middle School, where he worked in a comprehensive student support program designed to help all students succeed. Prior to his administrative role, Edgar served as a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Saco Middle School for 20 years and union representative. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the students of Sanford Middle School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year," Edgar said. "Lindsay brings a strong middle level background in special education and has demonstrated her ability to meet students where they are. She understands the importance of keeping students connected and involving all stakeholders when working with students," Sanford Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio said. "Michael stressed the importance of wanting students to feel heard and demonstrated a deep understanding of working within a community as a steady presence that others can rely on." Pendleton and Edgar replace Mastraccio, who was hired as the school's principal in June replacing Pam Crosby, and Michael Bailey, who recently left to become the Assistant Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The Sanford School Department congratulates Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Lindsay Pendleton, Michael Edgar Named New Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School

August 5, 2025
SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle Sc...
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Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The new app, powered by Snap! Mobile technology serves as a comprehensive hub for Spartans fans, students, families, and community members. Key features include: Real-time game information and schedules - Never miss an important matchup with up-to-date scheduling Team updates and news - Follow your favorite Spartans teams throughout their seasons Push notifications - Sign up for alerts about games, events, and important announcements Ticket purchasing capabilities - Convenient mobile ticketing for home games and events Athletics website integration - Direct access to the school's athletics information Hall of Honor section - Celebrating Spartans athletic achievements and history The Sanford Spartans app is available as a free download from both major app stores. The school has also provided QR code access for quick downloading and setup.

New Sanford High School Athletics App

July 30, 2025
Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app...
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