Sanford School Department

Sanford Regional Technical Center Honors New CNAs at Annual Pinning Ceremony

May 28, 2025

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its Health Occupations Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, May 27th at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, celebrating a group of students who have...

Sanford Students Honored at SRTC Recognition Night

May 28, 2025

Sanford Regional Technical Center honored students and achievements at their annual Recognition Night ceremony held Thursday, May 22nd, at Partners Bank Gymnasium. SRTC Director ...

Sanford Middle School JMG Students Shine on Statewide Adventure

May 27, 2025

Fifteen eighth-grade students from Sanford Middle School's Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) program recently completed an exciting two-day adventure trip on May 21-22, showcasing ...

Building on Sanford Pride Elementary's Walking School Bus Program, Carl J. Lamb Elementary has launched its own version of this community-building initiative that's already transforming morning routines for local families. The program represents a collaborative effort between Carl J. Lamb and Pride Elementary, combining resources and volunteers to serve students in the carefully selected Brook Street and Lafayette Street neighborhood. The location was chosen based on two key factors: the number of students at the bus stop and the walkability and proximity of the neighborhood. "We decided to join forces and have it be like a combined site," explains Leah Marks, outreach worker from the Sanford School Department. "It's almost equal to Pride kids and CJL kids." "We are really excited to have chosen the Brook Street/Lafayette neighborhood," Marks said. For Marks, the location holds special significance. "This is full-circle for me as I started working on this program when I worked at Lafayette. Carol Lantagne is our site coordinator from Pride, and what we're trying to do is pull CJL volunteers," Marks said. The partnership makes practical sense, as Marks notes, "You really do need more adults, but it also makes it easier to get volunteers because there are so many duties that it's hard to get people who don't have a morning duty." Every morning, volunteers gather students from concentrated neighborhoods like Spruce Street, creating walking groups that promote both safety and community connection. The program serves families with working parents, those managing multiple bus stops and children, and students who benefit from a positive, structured start to their day. "We have some kids who just have rough mornings, and it's a good way for them to start their day," Marks explained. "We have a lot of working parents. We have parents who have multiple bus stops and multiple kids, but they're super receptive." The walking component naturally promotes healthy living, but the program goes beyond simple exercise. Students engage in activities like jump rope and hula hooping while waiting, with equipment donated by community supporters. "They can do their jump ropes and their hula hoop stuff, and I get a lot of donations like dodging balls and scarfs and things like that," Marks said. What sets the program apart is its focus on family engagement. Some parents choose to walk with the group, creating opportunities for school staff to build relationships with families. "As family engagement, I love the parents because it gives us an opportunity to know them," Marks said.

Walking School Bus Program Expands to Carl J. Lamb Elementary

May 27, 2025

Building on Sanford Pride Elementary's Walking School Bus Program, Carl J. Lamb Elementary has launched its own version of this community-building initiative that's already trans...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OqjUJ8qVlo

Watch Sanford Middle School's 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concert

May 23, 2025

Sanford Middle School Students Spread Hope Through Yellow Tulip Project Celebration

May 23, 2025

Sanford Middle School's Sources of Strength peer leaders recently brought together student leaders, Civil Rights Team members, JMG participants, and classes of sixth and seventh g...

Summer Food Service Program Provides Meals to Children & Teens

May 22, 2025

The Sanford School Department’s School Nutrition Program is once again sponsoring the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. The program is open to all children and teens 18 and un...

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20th, celebrating student achievements in the program. The event was led by student co-presidents Alissa Letourneau and Emily Letourneau, beginning with a 2024-2025 JMG video presentation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by student Rylee LaPierre. Students Sophia DeVoe and Camille Decato recognized program volunteers, while Amber Campbell acknowledged Principal Tracy Gibson’s support. English teacher Mrs. Roy delivered a speech after being introduced by student Natalie Green. Roy emphasized how JMG equips students with essential life skills beyond the classroom, teaching them about finances, credit cards, loans, and job skills while building meaningful connections. "Consider your people, the last time you connected with them," Mrs. Roy advised, sharing a valuable teaching practice of taking inventory of relationships and following up with those who need connection most. SHS senior Kimberly Blanchard presented information on the Maine Career Exploration Model, noting an additional $10,000 was distributed to Sanford students this year, totaling $98,000. The program now includes a framework helping students earn credentials in job readiness, financial literacy, and leadership development. Senior Skyla Clarke shared how JMG transformed her future plans: "I continue working on going through steps of what it takes to enlist in the Air Force, and I am proud to say I have decided to do just that." She encouraged underclassmen to "listen to every adult who wants to share their career path." Senior Emily Letourneau reflected on Ms. Gifford's impact: "Miss Gifford has shaped me to be the person I am today. A mentor is someone who knows what you're capable of, and when you start to slip away from that, they're nearby to pick you back up and keep you on track." Senior Alissa Letourneau described her transformation from a freshman "sitting in the back, AirPods in, head down, trying to stay invisible" to becoming co-president of JMG. Through JMG, she discovered her leadership potential and competed at SkillsUSA winning a gold medal. "This fall, I'll be heading to the University of Southern Maine to study communications to become a NASCAR public relations specialist," she shared, adding, "This is coming from the girl who, just a few years ago, didn't want to leave home or even think about going to college." JMG Specialist Ms. Gifford presented senior spotlights highlighting each graduate's journey and future plans in fields ranging from early childhood education to fire science. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Izzy Mitchell, celebrating the strong community developed through JMG and its lasting impact on students' futures.

Sanford High School Honors JMG Students at Annual Closing Ceremony

May 22, 2025

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20th, celebrating student achievements in the program. The event wa...

'SUN BUCKS' Summer Grocery Aid For Low-Income Families

May 22, 2025

A federal program called SUN Bucks (Summer EBT for Children) will again help families purchase groceries when school is out for the summer. Eligible families can receive $120 in f...

The Sanford Springvale Rotary Club held its annual Scholarship Breakfast this morning, awarding a total of $15,000 to eight deserving local students. Five Sanford High School seniors were among the recipients, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of our community's youth. The five Sanford High School scholarship recipients included Tatiana Glavin, Lucas McLean, Timothy McGee, Anna Morgan, and Sadie Sevigny. Each student received significant financial support for their college education, with four students receiving $1,500 scholarships and Sadie Sevigny receiving a $2,500 scholarship. Additional scholarships were awarded to students from Noble High School and Massabesic High School. According to Mr. Thomas from the Rotary Club, the selection process focuses on several key factors. "We're looking for volunteer hours. That's very important to us," he explained. The committee also considers family financial situations, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement in activities like debate, chorus, drama, and athletics. What truly distinguished this year's recipients was their clear vision for the future. Lucas McLean, for example, plans to attend Thomas College to study finance with aspirations of becoming a CFO of a corporation. This forward-thinking approach impressed the selection committee. The Rotary Club members were particularly moved by the exceptional gratitude displayed by this year's scholarship recipients. "I've never seen a more appreciative group of students than we had this year," noted Mr. Thomas. After the ceremony, each student personally thanked the Rotary members

Sanford Springvale Rotary Awards Scholarships to SHS Students

May 20, 2025

The Sanford Springvale Rotary Club held its annual Scholarship Breakfast, awarding a total of $15,000 to eight deserving local students. Five Sanford High School seniors were amon...

SRTC Students Participate in Collaborative Emergency Services Training

May 20, 2025

Students at Sanford Regional Technical Center gained valuable hands-on experience during a collaborative emergency services training exercise held on Wednesday, May 14. The educa...

Sanford High School Students Shine at Prestigious State Music Festival

May 19, 2025

Four talented chorus students from Sanford High School represented our community with distinction at the elite 2025 Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA) BOC All-State Music Fe...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Shines in Student Variety Show

May 15, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as 3rd and 4th grade students took to the stage for this year's variety show. The event showcased 15 outstanding...

As these accomplished students prepare for their collegiate journeys, they carry with them the support and pride of their families, educators, and the entire Sanford community. Parents and community members in attendance expressed admiration for these young scholars whose dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead to continued success in their future endeavors.

Sanford High School's Top Students Recognized by Elks Lodge at Annual Youth Banquet

May 15, 2025

The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Thursday, May 8, honoring Sanford High School's top 50 academically ranked students. The evening celebrated scholastic ac...

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in career and technical education programs. SRTC Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles opened the evening, sharing the NTHS slogan: "Excellence in America's workforce begins with excellence in Workforce Education." The ceremony honored both returning members and welcomed new junior and senior inductees from various technical programs. Matt Peterman, Director of SRTC, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the honor society's motto: "Success favors the prepared mind." In his address, Peterman highlighted how each inductee has distinguished themselves in their chosen field through "perseverance, technical excellence, and visionary thinking." "The students before you represent America's next generation of leadership, individuals who combine technical mastery with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical judgment," Peterman told the audience. "These students are not merely learning skills. They're preparing to guide industries through the challenges of tomorrow." Harper Dragon, a 2024 NTHS inductee, delivered a speech about the seven core values that define NTHS membership: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, honesty, skill, and responsibility. "Becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society at SRTC means more than a line on a resume," Dragon explained. "It's a promise, a promise to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, and to pursue excellence in every corner of life." The ceremony recognized students from an impressive array of technical programs including Health Occupations, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Wiring, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Video Production, Digital Design, Engineering & Architecture, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Precision Manufacturing, Building Trades, Information Technology & Networking, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Cosmetology, Land & Horticulture, Plumbing, Auto Collision Repair, and Welding. The NTHS recognition validates students' commitment to technical excellence and professional values while highlighting the critical importance of skilled trades and technical professions to our economy and society. By honoring these students, NTHS helps bridge the skills gap in American industry and challenges outdated perceptions about technical careers.

111 Sanford Regional Technical Center students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

May 9, 2025

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the ...

Talent Takes Center Stage at SHS Spring Concert

May 9, 2025

Sanford High School students showcased their musical talents at the annual Spring Concert held on May 6, 2025, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event featured performanc...

Broadway tunes take the stage in Sanford

May 8, 2025

SANFORD — Step into the spotlight with “102 Years of Broadway,” the highly anticipated sequel to last season’s hit, “101 Years of Broadway,” brought back by popular demand. Show...

Sanford Spotlight

May 8, 2025

Click here to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight district newsletter.

Three Sanford Middle School students recently participated in the prestigious Girls' Day at the State House event in Augusta on April 29th. Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta, and Sophia Guy joined other nominated girls from across Maine for this special educational opportunity. The program included both online preparatory sessions and a full day of in-person activities at the State House. Participants learned about the legislative process, including how bills become laws, and had valuable opportunities to speak with elected officials, policy professionals, activists, and organizers. "I really liked getting to know some other peoples thoughts on why or why not we should have high schools start later and just learn new things," said Sophia Guy about her experience. "I met a lot of leaders I would never have met!" The students appreciated the virtual portion as well. "We got to kind of know some of the people that were also going to be there and some of the group leaders that were going to be there ahead of time," Guy said. According to School Counselor Ms. Quartararo, "These girls were chosen through nominations from their teachers and staff at SMS. It was an impressive honor to be chosen and then of course they followed through with their leadership qualities during the virtual meetings and the powerful in-person day at the capitol. They made us all proud." The Girls' Day at the State House program provides young women with insights into government and leadership while fostering connections with peers and mentors across the state.

Sanford Middle School Leaders Shine at Girls' Day at State House

May 6, 2025

Three Sanford Middle School students recently participated in the prestigious Girls' Day at the State House event in Augusta on April 29th. Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta, and So...

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First 10 May Newsletter

May 6, 2025