Sanford School Department

On Tuesday, September 17, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School buzzed with excitement as it kicked off its participation in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The kick-off event took place in the MCS cafeteria at 11:00 a.m., serving as an introduction to the program for students. Students learned about FFVP and its benefits for their health and academic performance. “At the kickoff event students were excited to share feedback around their strawberry snack,” said David Boger, who is the School Nutrition Program Director for the Sanford School Department. “Students were overwhelmingly in favor of the sweet, juicy berries.” The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, a federally assisted initiative, provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools. This U.S. The Department of Agriculture program aims to improve children's overall diet and create healthier eating habits that impact their present and future well-being. Thanks to this new partnership, all 380 students at MCS are now invited to enjoy a daily fresh fruit or vegetable snack provided in their classrooms by the nutrition team throughout the entire school year. With the addition of Margaret Chase Smith to the program, all elementary schools in the district are now participating in FFVP. This means every elementary student in the district will receive a fresh fruit or vegetable snack daily between breakfast and lunch service.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Kick-Off at Margaret Chase Smith

September 18, 2024

On Tuesday, September 17, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School buzzed with excitement as it kicked off its participation in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The ...

Fall Athletic Schedules and Streaming

September 18, 2024

Are you looking to attend a Sanford High School or Middle School athletic event? Follow this link for the daily athletic schedules for both schools: https://www.mpaschedules...

How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This is my 7th year. What's your favorite part about working in Sanford? I love being involved and giving back to the wonderful community of Sanford where my kids and I live. What's your favorite TV show or movie? Currently - The Chosen If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Positive, loving, hardworking If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Europe Iced coffee or hot coffee? Iced coffee Lake or Ocean? Ocean Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

Employee Spotlight

September 17, 2024

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...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

September 12, 2024

Check out the latest news from the district in the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter by clicking here .

Fruit and Vegetable Program

September 12, 2024

All three of Sanford’s elementary schools were awarded a Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) USDA grant for the 2024-25 school year. The grant is administered through the Main...

Attendance Awareness

September 11, 2024

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time for individuals and organizations to learn about attendance issues and absenteeism. The Sanford School Department recognizes th...

Stay informed with news and updates by downloading the Sanford School Department app on your mobile device. The app allows parents to choose the school(s) they want to get notifications from. You can access the live feed, see sports schedules, check out the dining menu, access important documents, receive emergency notifications, and more. Just look up Sanford School Department, ME, in your app store.

Download the School's District Mobile App!

September 9, 2024

Stay informed with news and updates by downloading the Sanford School Department app on your mobile device. The app allows parents to choose the school(s) they want to get notifi...

Against a backdrop of trophies and awards, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation dedicated the Sanford High School Athletic Awards Showcase in honor of Bruce MacKinnon. “It’s an exciting day for us on behalf of the Sanford School Board, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation, the City of Sanford and community,” said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Sanford Public Schools, at the afternoon ceremony. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, stories of Coach MacKinnon “owned” the room, in true Coach MacKinnon style, as player after player shared their memories. “Things Bruce did built respect. When Bruce was coaching us, he commanded the room,” said John Roux, once a standout forward for Coach MacKinnon and later an insurance colleague. “He owned the room, and if you weren’t part of what he was preaching, you were out of the room very quickly. He was intense. It was tough, but it was good, and I really, really respect that.” John Dube recalled Coach’s intense style of coaching, but also the numerous things he did behind the scenes, such as sending him to basketball camps that would have been otherwise not an option for him. “He made me who I am today, he was my second dad,” said Dube, a standout forward for Sanford 1976-1980. The life skills he once taught these boys still remain with his players as men. “It took me years to realize all the lessons you were teaching us,” said former player Mark Caron. “Accountability, discipline and responsibility. So besides all of the other great (basketball) things he taught us, really those three things instilled a lot in my life.” Mr. MacKinnon came to Sanford in 1973 to teach U.S. history. He served as the boys varsity coach from 1973 to 1985, then served as Sanford High School Principal from 1985 to 1993. He also coached golf from 1978 to 1984, and retired from education in 1993 to serve as a state senator for four years. Coach MacKinnon was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Sanford Rep. Anne-Marie Mastracchio, who served on the Sanford School Committee when MacKinnon retired, was on hand to offer a congressional commendation on behalf of the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. Bruce MacKinnon’s legacy will live on now over the SHS Athletic Achievement Showcase at the Partner’s Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School.

Bruce MacKinnon Trophy Case Now Bears The Name of Legendary Sanford Coach

September 6, 2024

Against a backdrop of trophies and awards, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation dedicated the Sanford High School Athletic Awards Showcase in honor of Bruce MacKinnon. “It’s an...

The Sanford School Department launched its 2024-2025 school year in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 28th, with a powerful message: every student matters, and every adult is important. Carl J. Lamb's Show Choir, under the direction of music teacher Hattie Skvorak, kicked off the morning with an uplifting performance. Thank you to Carl J. Lamb students Breyana Bolduc, Alanna Carter, Olan Clock, Maggie Green, Kinley Martineau, Aoife McGuckin-Welsch, Daisy Peters, Ivy Peters, and Kiara Rohner. Following the performance, School Committee Chair Paula Cote welcomed and thanked staff on behalf of the committee. Superintendent Matt Nelson then welcomed returning staff and new staff joining the Sanford School Department, expressing gratitude for everyone involved in preparing for the opening of school. The Sanford School Department's three pillars for student success – student achievement, school climate and culture, and capacity building – set the stage for introducing the goals for the upcoming school year. In addition to the goals, school safety was emphasized as a continuing priority for the Sanford School Department. Mr. Nelson stressed the importance of engagement, prioritizing relationships, and encouraging staff to focus on making strong connections with students, colleagues, and families. He highlighted that these meaningful relationships help form the foundation for effective teaching and learning, creating an environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. Staff were also encouraged to "adjust their lens" heading into the 2024-2025 school year when facing new challenges to see the positives in their work. This adaptability ties with the district's focus on "spotlighting-the-right" and building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. The presentation concluded with a powerful metaphor: the dash between birth and death years on a tombstone. Staff were posed a thought-provoking question: "What does your dash stand for?" This dash, it was explained, represents the sum of one's work and the impact of their daily actions. Mr. Nelson emphasized that one's legacy is measured by every life they touch. Relating this concept to the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, it was framed as the School Department's collective dash. Their shared goal is to ensure that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and prepared.

Sanford School Department Kicks Off 2024-2025 Year with Focus on Student Value and Staff Impact

August 30, 2024

The Sanford School Department launched its 2024-2025 school year in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 28th, with a powerful message: every student matters, ...

Sanford High School Kaitlyn Gardner (Admin Assistant to the Principal) Michael Gauthier (Physics Teacher), Matthew Guertin (Math Teacher), Linden Hollins (Chemistry/Physics Teacher), Anna Silva (Social Studies Teacher), Charlene Foss (SpEd Tech), Megan Kiley (Virtual Learning Ed Tech), Matthew Ouellette (Support and Transition Ed Tech) Sanford Middle School Abigail Hanson (6th Grade Teacher), Joshua Hyssong (Instructional Band Teacher), Deborah Leclerc (Seal Team) Sanford Regional Technical Center Shawnda Williams (Health Occupations Teacher), Jenna Holmes (Health Occupations Teacher) Carl J. Lamb Beth Baldarelli (SpEd-Self Contained Teacher), Holly Brown (2nd Grade Teacher), Denise Bergeron (SpEd Ed Tech), Jessica Harmon (Self-Contained Ed Tech), Laurie Morse (K Literacy Ed Tech), Alethea Pettine (Library Ed Tech), Aaliyah Studer (SpEd Ed Tech) Margaret Chase Smith Ayla Alrich (3rd Grade Teacher), Pamela Legere (1st Grade Teacher), Taylor Nygren (4th Grade Teacher), Lee Paula Perkins (4th Grade Teacher), Ashley Brochu (Self Contained Ed Tech), Angela Kepner (K Literacy Ed Tech), Suzi MacDonald (Behavior Ed Tech) Sanford Pride Lindsey Jenkins (1st Grade Teacher), Haley Kennedy (3rd Grade Teacher), Makenzie Smith (Art Teacher) BRIDGE Eric Stephens (Social Studies Teacher), Sara Tremblay (Ed Tech)

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers at Orientation

August 28, 2024

The Sanford School Department kicked off the new academic year with a bang, hosting a comprehensive and engaging orientation day for its newest teachers in the district at Sanfor...

Sanford High School Athletics Hall of Honor Committee Announces First Class of Inductees

August 23, 2024

After months of deliberation, The Sanford High School Athletics Hall of Honor Committee (established in 2023) is pleased to announce its first class of inductees. These nine induc...

Bus Transportation for the 2024-2025 School Year

August 21, 2024

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school Year! The 2024-2025 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans . On Wednesday, August 21th, emails were sen...

SPAC 'proud' to present Tina Turner tribute Aug. 21

August 13, 2024

SANFORD — Experience the electrifying energy of Tina Turner live with this sensational stage production, "Proud Tina"! Relive the magic of Tina’s greatest hits from the '60s, '7...

https://students.arbitersports.com/sanford-high-school-and-middle-school/sanford-middle-school-athletic-registration-fall-2024

Fall Sports Registration for Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School

August 6, 2024

Sanford High School and Middle School Fall sports seasons are approaching quickly. High school sports start Monday, August 19th. Middle school sports will start during the firs...

Maine Counselor Shares Expertise on Suicide Prevention and Group Counseling at National Conference

Sanford Middle School Counselor Shares Expertise on Suicide Prevention and Group Counseling at National Conference

July 30, 2024

Sanford Middle School Counseling Department Head Angela Avery recently took center stage at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national conference in Kansas City, Mi...

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Increased Partnership With YMCA And Sanford School Department

July 25, 2024

The Sanford-Springvale YMCA held its ribbon-cutting and open house on Tuesday, July 23rd, for its newly expanded childcare facility with Governor Janet Mills in attendance. The...

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.

Kristy Richards Named New Assistant Principal at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School

July 23, 2024

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, effecti...

Tracy Gibson Named New Principal at Sanford High School

July 18, 2024

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Gibson as the new Principal of Sanford High School, effective July 22, 2024. During...

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.

Broadway classics on stage in Sanford

July 15, 2024

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...

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.

Sanford Regional Technical Center's Summer Camp was a hit!

July 8, 2024

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-o...