SANFORD, Maine, – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristy Richards as the new Assistant Principal of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, effective July 29, 2024.  The selection committee was impressed by the pool of applicants, but Ms. Richards' background, experience, and commitment to student success and school improvement set her apart as the best fit for the Carl J. Lamb community.  Richards is no stranger to Sanford. She is a graduate of Sanford High School and has served the Sanford School Department in a variety of positions.  She will succeed Trish Leet, who retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.  "Kristy is well-suited for this important leadership position. Her knowledge, leadership skills and ability to build strong relationships are a great fit for Carl J. Lamb School" said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Sanford Schools. "She is well-respected, and her in-depth knowledge of student behavior, effective intervention strategies, and special education will serve Kristy well in her new role."  Kristy holds a Certificate of Advanced Study with a concentration in RTI (Behavior) from the University of Maine, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern Maine, focusing on Administration, and certifications for Building Principal, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Special Education Director.   She spent 16 years as a Special Education self-contained teacher, followed by three years as a Special Education resource room teacher at Carl J. Lamb School, and most recently, 6.5 years as an elementary behavior coach.  "I am honored to join Carl J. Lamb Elementary School as Assistant Principal" said Richards. "I share the school's commitment to developing the whole child and fostering a strong community. By setting high academic standards, addressing social-emotional needs, and building strong relationships among staff, students, and families, we can create an environment where every child thrives. I look forward to collaborating with the Carl J. Lamb team to build on our strengths and create new opportunities for success."  The Sanford School Department would like to congratulate Kristy Richards on her new role and continued dedication to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School and its students.
Spartans
SANFORD — Following the fantastic audience response to last season’s “100 Years of Broadway,” creator Neil Berg returns with an all-new show! Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center.  "101 Years of Broadway" is a sprawling revue of treasures from the best-loved musicals of all time. A stellar assembly of Broadway’s finest performers takes center stage, delivering electrifying show-stoppers from the musicals that defined their careers. Neil Berg and his accomplished band deliver exquisite arrangements.   From the classics to the newest hit shows, 101 Years of Broadway is an unforgettable evening of music that will keep Broadway buffs in a state of bliss for weeks to come!  Tickets for adults range in price from $29 to $49, with discounts for subscribers, students, seniors and military veterans. This performance was originally scheduled for April 6, 2024, and was postponed due to weather. Tickets for the April 6 date will be honored at the August 3 performance. Call the box office at (207) 206-1126, or visit in person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon. Online ticketing is available 24/7 at www.sanfordpac.org.
Sanford Regional Technical Center recently hosted an exciting and educational Middle School Summer Camp, bringing together students from its sending schools for a week of hands-on learning and new experiences.  Campers from Kittery, York, Wells, Marshwood, Noble, Kennebunk, Sanford, and Massabesic gathered to explore various Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at SRTC. The camp provided seven diverse program options, allowing students to dive into potential career paths and discover new interests. The available programs included:  Plumbing Carpentry Aviation Digital Design Early Childhood Education Law Enforcement Firefighting  Throughout the week, campers engaged in practical activities and learned valuable skills related to their chosen programs. The hands-on approach allowed students to gain insight into these professions and sparked curiosity about potential future careers.  One of the highlights of the camp was the chance for students to make new friends from different schools in the area. This social aspect of the camp fostered connections and helped build a sense of community among young learners interested in similar fields.
SSN
​​Sanford Middle Schooler Josh Fogarty was recently named the recipient of the Eighth Grade Secretary of State Citizenship Award.  The award program is an annual effort designed to honor Maine students for their civic awareness, scholastic achievements and community service.  In 2024, 116 schools recognized an eighth grader for outstanding citizenship qualities. This award seeks to inspire students to become active citizens.
Two Sanford School Department staff members stepped onto the baseball diamond to receive recognition.  On Monday, June 17th, Dennis Wilson, the school department's technology support specialist for elementary schools, took center stage at Goodall Park.   As part of the Sanford Mainers' Education Week celebration, Wilson was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch before the game.   The following day, June 18th, saw another Sanford staff member in the spotlight, this time at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs.   Cheryl Gifford, a Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Specialist at Sanford High School, joined fellow JMG Specialists from across the state in a special recognition ceremony.   The group was honored for their exceptional work on the Maine Career Exploration Badge, a program designed to help students navigate potential career paths.  Gifford's moment in the sun included throwing out a first pitch before the Sea Dogs game.   She also received a personalized Portland Sea Dogs jersey.
Sanford High School juniors Brooklynn Verdejo and James Allen-Chaplick were recently named state recipients of the Horatio Alger Scholarship.  Out of just five students chosen from across the entire state of Maine, Sanford High School had an impressive two winners.  The Horatio Alger Scholarship is one of the most coveted awards for high school students in the United States. It recognizes young people who have demonstrated incredible determination and perseverance in overcoming significant adversity in their lives.
Carl J. Lamb held its annual "CJL's Got Talent" on the last day of school.  This past May, second, third, and fourth graders had the exciting opportunity to audition and showcase their unique skills and talents.  The audition process was competitive, with students putting their best foot forward across various performance categories. From powerful singing voices to intricate dance routines to hilarious comedy acts, the panel of judges was thoroughly impressed by the talents on display.  After the audition round, rehearsals kicked into high gear. The chosen performers worked tirelessly to polish their acts, all in preparation for the big show on the last day of school.  Finally, the day arrived for CJL's Got Talent to take the stage. An enthusiastic audience of first through fourth graders packed the school auditorium, buzzing with excitement. One by one, the student performers stormed the stage with confidence.  The acts did not disappoint. They delivered a spectacular variety show, and the audience frequently erupted in cheers, laughter, and applause.
"Go do good things."  Advice from a father to his graduating daughter decades ago became a message for adult learners as they celebrated their own educational milestone.   Jayne Perkins, Director of Sanford Community Adult Education, passed on her father's words of wisdom at SCAE's graduation ceremony, urging the Class of 2024 to carry this simple yet powerful message into their futures on Wednesday, June 12th, in the school’s library.  "You are examples of what hard work and determination can do," she said. "Do not stop now. Keep working. Keep pushing yourself forward. Lead by example."  Superintendent Matt Nelson opened the ceremony with words of welcome. He highlighted the Class of 2024's ability "to do hard things." The students graduating on Wednesday had each taken different paths, embraced obstacles, and tackled challenges.  "Everyone has a story," Nelson said. "And the stories of our graduates tonight are some of the best stories with some of the happiest endings."  Following Nelson's remarks and Pledge of Allegiance, SCAE graduates Alina Randall and Savana Summers took the podium to give speeches on their journeys.  Randall recognized the challenges each student had to face and overcome in her speech.  "Our journey has been anything but easy," Randall said. "It has been a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of perseverance."  Summers discussed her struggles growing up and how her life changed when she became a mother. She knew she had to rewrite her story entirely and said returning to school to earn her HiSet wasn't just a goal but a mission. It was an opportunity to pave a new path for her and her family.  "I had to become the person my children look up to," she said. "I was focused not only for my family, but also to pursue my dream of becoming a cosmetologist."  Following student speeches, Perkins and Operations Manager Lisa Merlin presented scholarships to students. Caitlyn Beane, Randall, and Paul Peck received scholarships generously donated by Senior College and Sanford-Springvale Rotary. Summers received the Patricia A. Hughes Scholarship, given by the Maine Adult Education Association to students who seek to further their education beyond high school.   Peck received another scholarship donated from Central Maine Community College. Peck, Beane, Randall, Summers, Brett Smith, Elliot Osmer, Aubrey Robinson, Christian King, Shantell Johnson, and Kaydynce Dunlap also received scholarships donated by the University of Maine at Augusta.  Summers also received a special scholarship from Mainely Characters, donated by Ed Gardner and Marsha Weston, who are both on the organization's Board of Directors.   State Office Representative Pamela Buck then spoke to deliver a comment from U.S. Senator Susan Collins.   "The diploma each of you receive is proof of your ability to discipline yourself, to set clear goals, and drive towards those goals," Collins said in a statement.  Congratulations to the following graduates: Caitlyn Beane, Thomas Bereshny, Stephen Briggs, Ryan Conley, Logan Delzell, Kaydynce Dunlap, Aidden Hayward, Chloe Hilton, Shantell Johnson, Christian King, Isaac Millington, McKenzie Nell, Elliot Osmer, Joshua Ouellette, Paul Peck, Alina Randall, Deshaun Severe, Brett Smith, Jordan Stuart, Savana Summers, John Ward, and Ann-Marie Varnell.
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Sanford High School held its 131st Commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, inside Partners Bank Gymnasium, marking another milestone for the graduating Class of 2024. The event featured inspiring speeches from a distinguished guest and student leaders.
Carl J. Lamb held its first-ever Special Olympics event on Monday, June 3rd, bringing smiles and athletic achievement to students with disabilities. The event was the culmination of months of planning by teachers and staff.
Sanford High School Class of 2024 Senior Awards Night
At her core, even through challenging budgets and especially disciplinary measures as principal, Sharon Remick exemplified love: Love for children, loving support for her colleagues, passion for community, and a penchant for clicky shoes and fun-loving fashion!
Over the past week, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its concert series, with performances by students in grades K-4. The performances culminated with the 4th grade concert on Thursday, May 30th, also serving as the 4th grade promotion ceremony.  Each grade performed a repertoire of songs they had been practicing, displaying the musical skills they had developed over the year.   The music selections were carefully chosen by music teacher Heather Hastings to be both fun and educational.  "I listen to and evaluate lots of songs in early and mid-February and choose the final list of contenders by the time vacation rolls around," Hastings said. "While I do look for 'fun and catchy,' I also seek out songs that support current learning and are developmentally appropriate for students."  In addition to singing, the concerts showcased other musical skills the students have been developing. Pieces like "Follow My Rhythms" demonstrated their growing rhythm literacy, with more complex rhythms for older grades.   Other performances incorporated movement to visually represent the music or warmups that highlighted skills like ensemble listening.  A highlight was the 4th grade chorus performance of a song they voted on themselves. The song was a culminating musical experience before their promotion to middle school.  The concerts did not just exhibit performance skills, but provided a window into the well-rounded music curriculum at MCS.   "Our performances are only a small window into what happens in the music classroom daily," Hastings said. "I'm always looking for ways to better showcase all that we learn and do."  The promotion ceremony following the 4th grade concert celebrated the students' accomplishments over their elementary years. An end-of-year video highlighted memories; students were recognized for their achievements and participation.
SRTC Director Matt Petermann named 2024 Friend of the Sanford Backpack Program
Sanford High School and Middle School will be hosting a sports physical clinic on Monday, August 5th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the School Nurse's Office (D105) at Sanford High School. The clinic is available for Sanford students entering grades 6 through 12. To access the School Nurse's Office, enter Sanford High School through the Community Retail Center entrance near the greenhouse. The cost for the sports physical is $20. Checks should be made payable to York Hospital. Students must register in advance using the following link: https://forms.gle/rXYk3oXkLfq16AHd8 Students must be accompanied by their parent/guardian or have the Limited Sports Exam form signed by their parent/guardian. https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/296476/Physical_Form.pdf All physicals are valid for two years from the date of the physical.  If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Signore, RN at Sanford High School -- 207-206-1708 -- lsignore@sanford.org.
Sanford Middle School Celebrates Student Growth and Achievement at JMG Closing Ceremony