Sanford School Department

At a recent practice at Sanford High School, the Unified Basketball team worked through drills, with partners organizing plays while athletes took shots at the basket. Unified Basketball partners students with developmental disabilities (Unified Student-Athletes) and students without disabilities (Unified Student-Partners) to train, compete, and represent Sanford. The program has grown to include approximately 10 athletes and 10 partners who practice together throughout the winter. For sophomore partner Andrew Boissonneault, the appeal is simple. "It's really fun. I mean, it's just great to see everyone have a good time," he said. The team plays eight games over the course of the season, with each athlete getting playing time every week. The season kicked off on January 22 with a game at Thornton Academy, followed by a matchup at Kennebunk High School on January 27. On Thursday, January 29, the team played its first home game of the season against Kennebunk. Sanford has five games remaining, including three home contests: February 10 against Wells, February 24 against York, and March 9 against Biddeford. The team will also travel to Massabesic on February 2 and play at the University of New England's Biddeford Gym on March 5. The commitment to the program runs deep. Despite juggling academics, other sports, and various obligations, the partners make Unified Basketball a priority. Coach Stephanie Boissoneault has seen that dedication grow stronger as each season progresses. "By the end of the season, we have all our partners showing up every week, and the athletes never miss," she said. During games, the partners play a crucial role in organizing the floor: setting up plays, creating spacing, and ensuring the flow of the game keeps moving. But it's the athletes who finish those plays, taking the shots and celebrating the baskets. Every athlete gets an opportunity to score during each game, creating special moments where they have the spotlight. At the first home game, athlete Jacob Cote took in the scene around him. "It's like an arena sort of thing," he said. Though the team came close in a tight contest, Cote's focus extends beyond the scoreboard. "I love to be our cheerleader. I like to cheer. I love to stay calm, and I like to cheer my friends on," he said. For the partners, witnessing the athletes' success creates unforgettable moments. Drew Vessels joined the team this year as a partner and has quickly embraced the experience. "I love it. I mean, it's just great to see everyone come together and participate in the games,” he said. The program has also drawn support from other athletic programs at Sanford, with members of the track and field team stepping in as partners throughout the season. As the season progresses, the Unified Basketball program continues to build connections that strengthen Sanford's culture of inclusion, one practice and one game at a time.

Dedication Runs Deep For Sanford High School's Unified Basketball Team

January 30, 2026

At a recent practice at Sanford High School, the Unified Basketball team worked through drills, with partners organizing plays while athletes took shots at the basket. Unified Ba...

SRTC Program Highlight: Digital Design

January 30, 2026

Students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Digital Design program spend their days bringing ideas to life on screen, designing logos, creating digital artwork, and crafting v...

Sanford Pride Elementary Fourth Graders Embrace Debate in Study of Julius Caesar

Sanford Pride Elementary Third Graders Embrace Debate in Study of Julius Caesar

January 30, 2026

Third graders in Mrs. Brannan’s class at Sanford Pride Elementary recently held a lively classroom debate on the historical legacy of the ancient Roman leader Julius Caesar. The d...

SHS Senior Balances Two Auto Jobs Through Extended Learning Opportunities

January 29, 2026

At 8 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, just as first period is starting at Sanford High School, SHS senior Lucas Barrow is already under the hood at Black Bear Automotive in Springvale. ...

Sanford High School had an impressive showing at the Maine Music Educators Association District Honors Festival at Noble High School last weekend, with 19 talented students selected to perform in the prestigious event. The District Honors Festival brings together top musicians from schools across the region for an intensive rehearsal and performance experience. Students are chosen through a competitive audition process based on their musical ability and dedication. Sanford was well-represented in both the Mixed Chorus and Treble Chorus ensembles. In the Mixed Chorus, seven students showcased their vocal talents: soprano Claire Davie, tenors Braeden Landry and Jack Van Gieson, and bass section members Logan Hamblin, Keaghan Gagnon, Ryan Kane, and Josiah Thoms. The Treble Chorus featured twelve Sanford students, including sopranos Kai Hamblin, Morgan Bailey, Callia Curtis, Ava Fagan, Meredith Schoenherr, and Ariana Young. Alto voices were represented by Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Avila Cyr, and Loretta Sanfason. Students participating in the District Honors Festival spent the weekend rehearsing challenging repertoire under the direction of guest conductors before presenting a final concert. This experience not only recognizes their individual accomplishments but also provides valuable opportunities to work with talented peers from other schools and learn from accomplished music educators. Congratulations to all the Sanford High School students who represented their school and community at this year's District Honors Festival.

Sanford High School Students Shine at MMEA District Honors Festival

January 28, 2026

Sanford High School had an impressive showing at the Maine Music Educators Association District Honors Festival at Noble High School last weekend, with 19 talented students select...

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Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

January 27, 2026

Check out the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter below!

Carl J. Lamb Hosts Grade 2 Learning Showcase

January 27, 2026

Carl J. Lamb Elementary's 2nd grade students hosted a learning showcase today, welcoming families into their classrooms to share what they've learned in their Greek Gods/Goddesses...

On Friday, Margaret Chase Smith kindergarten students proudly participated in their first classroom showcase, sharing samples of their work and celebrating all they have learned in their Animals and Habitats unit. Families and staff had the opportunity to see students explain new vocabulary, discuss animal needs, and highlight the different center choices they have been exploring. Students confidently shared their thinking, demonstrating both academic growth and excitement for learning. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work and the curiosity they bring to the classroom each day.

Margaret Chase Smith Showcase Highlights Learning and Growth

January 26, 2026

On Friday, Margaret Chase Smith kindergarten students proudly participated in their first classroom showcase, sharing samples of their work and celebrating all they have learned i...

For the fourth year running, Sanford Middle School students are experiencing the thrill of winter through the school's popular Ski Club, and this year has seen the highest participation yet with 36 students. Sanford Middle School Math Teacher Penny Christie is the club's advisor, and has been passionate about bringing skiing back to Sanford schools since she arrived. "I've been wanting to start the ski club since I got here," Christie said. She previously taught at Willard, where Mr. Levasseur ran a similar program years ago. With strong support from administrators, Christie's vision became reality once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The club takes students to Pleasant Mountain for four trips throughout the winter, welcoming both skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. With nearly 40 students on the mountain, safety remains a top priority. The program employs a comprehensive buddy system and hourly check-ins using a tracking system. Eight adult volunteers participate each trip, with four teachers stationed in the lodge and four on the mountain. For students like Jaxson Tranchemontagne and Rylan Delafontaine, the ski club offers a chance to spend time with friends and classmates. "It's been fun because when you go on the bus, you have people you know," Delafontaine said. Tranchemontagne, who snowboards, shared that his favorite part is "just snowboarding at the mountain." Both students plan to continue with the club throughout middle school. When asked if it's scary going down the mountain, Delafontaine acknowledged the challenge. "Not on the bunny ones, but like, halfway up the mountain, it's kind of steep," he said. "It's just because you can see everything around." The program welcomes complete beginners who take their first lessons on the conveyor belt in the beginner area, as well as more experienced students who tackle challenging runs higher up the mountain. Christie finds special joy in watching newcomers discover the sport. "Just the pride in their face. Some will say 'oh, Miss Christie, come look and see what I'm doing,'" she said. "It's so cool." After students complete their lessons, Christie often joins them on the chairlift, sometimes even accompanying them all the way to the summit. All eight adults who make the trips possible are volunteers, something Christie doesn't take for granted. "We're all volunteers, so it's really great. I feel really lucky that we get to do it," she said. The trips also provide a welcome break during the winter months for both students and staff. "It's nice to see the kids in a different light," Christie explained. "It's different when you're skiing."

Sanford Middle School Ski Club Hits the Slopes

January 23, 2026

For the fourth year running, Sanford Middle School students are experiencing the thrill of winter through the school's popular Ski Club, and this year has seen the highest partici...

Sanford School Department Unveils Mission, Vision, Core Principles & Beliefs on Learning, and Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate

January 21, 2026

The Sanford School Department has completed a months-long, community-driven process to update its Mission, Vision, Core Principles & Beliefs on Learning, and Portrait of a Future-...

Johnathan Rideout's Design Chosen as Official Brand For The Sanford School Department

January 20, 2026

Johnathan Rideout, a Sanford High School senior in the Sanford Regional Technical Center Digital Design program, never expected to be in the spotlight, but his talent and creativi...

The Sanford Regional Technical Center's café reopened to the public in January, offering community members a chance to enjoy quality meals while supporting hands-on learning for culinary students. Chef Jethro Loichle, in his first year teaching the Culinary Arts program, brings over 30 years of cooking experience to SRTC. "I learned in the field, so I have to show the students how to do it," he explained. His students cook three times daily, preparing meals that help them master essential techniques while serving the community. The café currently operates for lunch service on Wednesdays and Thursdays in January, featuring a French-themed menu with appetizers and desserts at $5 each and entrees for $10. Reservations must be made online through the SRTC website, as phone bookings are not available. The system accommodates parties of one to four people, and the café accepts cash or check only. Lunch service will pause in February and early March while seniors prepare for ProStart and SkillsUSA competitions, but the café will remain open for breakfast service during this time, when juniors will step up to run the morning operation, offering fresh pastries prepared by baking students. Second-year student Finnegan Lee describes the experience as transformative. "This program has already gotten me a job," he said, adding that classmates have landed positions at high-end restaurants in Portsmouth and beyond. Students rotate between front-of-house service and back-of-house cooking, gaining comprehensive hospitality experience. "We're like a small family in the classroom," said Lee, who is one of seven seniors, which includes Jaxson Condon, Jayden Doyle, Bowie McEllin, Sean Rioux, Azure Shrubsall, and Greg Warlo. In the baking and pastry program, second-year student Andre Roy is preparingFrench desserts for the café. "We start completely from scratch," Roy explained. "It was a French-themed menu, so we thought of French desserts and came up with a tart and a pancake. Then it takes about two days to prep." Roy plans to pursue culinary careers. The hands-on experience extends beyond regular service. Warlo, who works at York River Landing, appreciates how the program prepares students for real restaurant environments. "This is definitely a very high-action program," Finnegan explains. "You've got to be on your feet, ready to go." Chef Kristen Perry leads the new Baking and Pastry program, bringing experience from York County Community College and her own bakery in Wells. "Nowhere around here can you get baking and pastry training," she notes. Her students collaborate with culinary arts students, creating a dynamic learning environment where nearly 30 students cook together daily. The café also caters special events throughout the region, with all proceeds supporting student scholarships and program materials.

SRTC Cafe Open For Business

January 20, 2026

The Sanford Regional Technical Center's café reopened to the public in January, offering community members a chance to enjoy quality meals while supporting hands-on learning for c...

Double-shot weekend at SPAC

January 20, 2026

SANFORD — When winter settles in and cabin fever sets in, Sanford Performing Arts Center turns up the heat with a double-shot weekend of live shows on Saturday night and Sunday. ...

Letter To The Community

January 16, 2026

Dear Families and Community, The Sanford School Department is aware of the news reports about immigration enforcement activity in Maine. We understand that this news may evoke...

Students at Sanford Middle School were treated to a visit from New York Times bestselling author Sarah Albee, who shared her passion for nonfiction writing. Albee, who has written numerous books for middle grade readers including Poop Happened, Why'd They Wear That?, and Accidental Archaeologist, met with each grade level in the gymnasium for 50-minute sessions. During these presentations, she pulled back the curtain on her writing process, demonstrating how writers make countless choices about what to include, where to start a story, and how to make complex topics accessible to young readers. Using her biography of George Washington as an example, Albee invited student volunteers to become "human note cards," arranging them to show how she structures her books. The demonstration revealed that good writing isn't just about gathering facts, it's about deciding which details matter most and organizing them in a compelling way. Students were surprised to learn that her 24-page picture book required just as much research as her longer works, but demanded even more careful decision-making about what to include. The presentation sparked plenty of curiosity from students. "How do you go to the bathroom in a suit of armor?" one student asked, referencing Albee's book about historical fashion and daily life. Another wanted to know, "What's your name?" in Arabic, after learning about Albee's year living in Cairo. Later in the afternoon, Albee met with student medallion holders in the library for two half-hour question and answer sessions. These gatherings allowed students to dive deeper into both her writing life and personal experiences. Questions ranged from practical inquiries about how long it takes to write a picture book to personal questions about what it was like living in Egypt. When asked about her favorite book to write, Albee shared her enthusiasm for Fairy Tale Science, which allowed her to work with fifth grade classes across the country who tested her experiments. Students also learned that she's currently juggling multiple projects at once—a necessity in children's publishing where illustrators may take months or even years to complete artwork. One student wanted to know what it's like being an author. Albee explained that while people don't recognize her on the street, the job comes with its own challenges, including rejections and the frustrations of the long publishing timeline.. Throughout the day, Albee emphasized the importance of revision, showing students that professional writers often produce many drafts before sharing their work. She encouraged students to view teachers' feedback as a gift, explaining that detailed comments show teachers care enough to invest time in helping students improve.

New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah Albee Visits Sanford Middle school

January 16, 2026

Students at Sanford Middle School were treated to a visit from New York Times bestselling author Sarah Albee, who shared her passion for nonfiction writing. Albee, who has writt...

Winter Two & Spring Sports Registration Now Open

Spring Sports & Winter Two Registration Now Open

January 15, 2026

The Middle School Winter Two Season is now open for registration. The sports offered during Season Two are Girls Volleyball for grades 7 and 8 and Wrestling for grades 6, 7, 8. ...

We are excited to share information with you regarding the Sanford Public School Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs for the 2026-2027 school year. In September, we expect to continue offering full-day Pre-K programming at Carl J. Lamb School, Margaret Chase Smith School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, Sanford Regional Technical Center, Sanford-Springvale YMCA and a new partnership with Kid’s Kove Early Learning Center. Sanford and Springvale families with children 4 years old on or before October 15, 2026 and not of kindergarten age are eligible. Children who are 5 years old by October 15th, 2026 and not enrolled in Sanford’s Pre-K program can enroll in kindergarten by calling one of our elementary schools. The Pre-K program is free and will include free breakfast, lunch and transportation. We anticipate 128 Pre-K slots will be available for the 2026-2027 school year. To provide equal opportunity for families to enroll their children, students will be chosen using a lottery system. Here is the link to the form that you will need to complete in order to be considered for admittance to our Pre-K program: Registration Link - The lottery registration will close at the end of the day on Friday, February 13, 2026.. If you have any questions about how to fill out the form, please contact our central office at 324-2810. Our goal is to make program notifications the week of March 6th. All students that are placed in a district Pre-K program will need to complete registration prior to Pre-K screening. Once all openings have been filled by lottery, the remaining names will be drawn to create a waiting list, should space become available. If you know of any families who may have an eligible student, please feel free to share this information. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Sanford School Department’s Central Office at 324-2810.

Pre-K Lottery Information

January 13, 2026

We are excited to share information with you regarding the Sanford Public School Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs for the 2026-2027 school year. In September, we expect to contin...

Margaret Chase Smith Kindergarteners Explore Animal Habitats with Chewonki Visit

January 12, 2026

Kindergarten students at Margaret Chase Smith capped off their Animal Habitats unit with an exciting in-house field trip on Friday. Chewonki brought a variety of animals to the s...

Broadway’s biggest hits… stolen & skewered

January 12, 2026

SANFORD — Fresh from its smash New York run, Gerard Alessandrini’s Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song will take the stage at Sanford Performing Srts Center at 7 p.m. Sa...

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Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

January 12, 2026

Check out the latest Sanford Spotlight District Newsletter below!