The talented musicians of Sanford Middle School put on a fabulous show Thursday night at the Spring Concert held at the Performing Arts Center. The evening featured performances by the Jazz Band, 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and combined 6th-8th Grade Choir.  The concert kicked off with the Jazz Band, led by director Erica Scarano. They got things going with "Apache," featuring a solo from student Sophia O'Connell on saxophone. The lively sounds of "El Taco Rocko" followed, with solos from Emma Higgins, Xyla Kurz, Elyse White, Cierra McInerney, Kiana Kinsey and Evan Lynch showcasing the band's versatility.  Next up was the 7th Grade Band, taking the audience through pieces like "The Monster Under the Bed," "Chorale Elegant," and "Byzantine Dances." The 8th Grade Band followed with an impressive set including "Dance of the Shadows," "Loch Lomond," and the fast-paced "Mambo Cubano."  After a brief intermission, the combined 6th-8th Grade Choir, under the direction of Justin Pietruch, captivated with their vocal performances. They opened with an energetic rendition of "Africa" before shifting gears with the inspirational "Imagine," which featured solos from Emma Higgins and Victoria Lapert. The choir showcased their range on the folk song "Shenandoah," highlighted by solos from Ziva Green and Jaslinn Johnson. They closed out the night by rocking the crowd with "Heavy."  The musicians of Sanford Middle School clearly put in countless hours of practice and preparation. Their hard work and talents were on full display, making for a truly memorable evening of music and entertainment for the whole community.
Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on Wednesday, May 8th, in the Performing Arts Center.  The ceremony celebrated the achievements of these students in their Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, highlighting their dedication to skill development and academic excellence.  The evening commenced with opening remarks from NTHS Advisor Stephanie Emmons, followed by SRTC Director Matt Petermann, who made welcome remarks highlighting the significance of the night.  Deanna Farrell, Student Services Counselor for SRTC, was the guest speaker of the evening.  "I'm so impressed that we have several Eagle Scouts in the room," Farrell said in her speech. "We have SkillsUSA medalists, world travelers, Black Belt recipients, athletes. I'm so impressed by how many of you are giving back to our youth. And some of you are literally life savers."  The induction ceremony itself was a culmination of hard work and dedication, as Emmons, Petermann, and Farrell orchestrated the proceedings. Each student was individually recognized for their outstanding contributions, symbolizing their entry into a community committed to excellence.   Established in 1984, the NTHS is the premier honor society for CTE, extending its reach to high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, and universities. With a mission to recognize and empower students to pursue technical and academic skills essential for today's workforce, the society annually welcomes over 50,000 new members, fostering a community of skilled individuals poised to shape global industries.
Sanford High School’s choral and band ensembles performed its Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 7th.  Under the guidance of Ryan Geary, SHS Director of Choirs, the choral ensembles kicked off the evening’s festivities with an array of performances. The CCP Chorus set the stage with their rendition of “Put A Lid On It” by Alan Billingsley.  Following suit, the Select Treble Choir sang “Truth” by Andrea Ramsey.  The Sanford Chamber Singers continued with “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook. And finally, the SHS Chorale performed “What Do I Know?” by Audrey Snyder, the whimsical “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie, the reflective “What Was I Made For?” by Jennifer Lucy Cook, and  “How Can I Keep From Singing?” by Bradley Ellingboe.  It was then time for the Band Ensemble, under the baton of Director of Bands Hailey Francouer.  The Jazz Ensemble performed a rendition of “Big Swing Face” by William Potts, featuring standout solos by SHS students Joey Blanchette and Quang Lam.   SHS student Hannah Paterson was the featured soloist in the next song, “How High the Moon.” The Jazz Ensemble concluded its set with a performance of “Birdland” by Josef Zawinul.   The Wind Ensemble followed. The highlight of their set was the performance of “The Seal Lullaby”, with standout solos from students Samone Gallagher, Emma Janousek, Mikayla Adair, and George Westerlund.    And finally, they concluded their set with a thrilling performance of “Cool” from West Side Story.  The highlight of the night undoubtedly came from the Concert Band, who delivered a premiere of “The State of Maine March,” arranged and conducted by teacher Heather Hastings. The band’s rendition of “Air For Band” was nothing short of breathtaking, with each note resonating with emotion and precision. And finally, they brought the evening to a close with their performance of “The Machine Awakes.”
Check out the latest news from the district in the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter by clicking  here.
Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K students held another showcase on Monday, April 29th, highlighting their new knowledge in Unit 5: Shadows and Reflections.  The students learned how to explore the properties of light and the ways it benefits people and animals.  Children learned the science of shadows and reflections through hands-on investigations and exploration.  In small groups and centers, children explored how light conveys feelings, emotions, and ideas in art and design.  The students demonstrated some of their new learning by modeling how to use centers with their siblings and parents.
Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center JMG students attended a career day event at UNUM in Portland, where they learned about various careers and career paths from employees.  Guest speaker Dajuan Eubanks spoke about the journey that led him to become the Maine Celtics President.  To date, 172 SHS and SRTC students have participated in the Maine Career Exploration Badge.
Carl J. Lamb Hosts Concerts and Arts Nights
The Performing Arts Center was alive with music and melody on Thursday, May 2nd, as Sanford Middle School’s 5th and 6th-grade students took to the stage for their highly anticipated Spring Concert. The evening began with the  performance of the 5th-grade band, under the direction of Band Director Dee Ames. The young musicians treated the audience to renditions of "Miramar Fanfare" by Brian Balmages and "Bulger's Dream (Olympic Fanfare)" by Paul Lavender.  Continuing the musical journey, the spotlight then shifted to the 6th-grade band, still under the guidance of Dee Ames. The band delivered performances of "Armory" by Randall Standridge and "Wellerman" by Johnnie Vinson.  After a brief intermission, it was time for the chorus to take center stage, with music teacher Katie Spagnolo at the helm. Students delivered interpretations of "The Banana Boat Song" by Roger Emerson and "Golden Hour" by Emily Drum.  Throughout the evening, it was evident that the success of the concert was the result of countless hours of practice and dedication from the students. Their hard work and commitment to their craft were truly commendable, and they deserved every moment of applause and recognition. A special shoutout goes to all the students for their unwavering dedication in preparing for this night. Their passion for music and performance shone brightly on stage, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness their talents. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to Joanna Hamblin for her invaluable service accompanying the student performances.
SRTC Graduate Thriving at University of Maine
A few Sanford Middle School students recently presented to 3rd and 4th graders at Margaret Chase Smith’s Wellness Day. Eighth graders Mattea Peters, Leah Lagueux, and Kyla Robinson, alongside seventh grader Madi Dulle, stepped up to present valuable insights on coping skills and encouraging healthy friendships to Margaret Chase Smith students. These students are also in the school’s Jobs for Maine Graduates program (JMG). They shared practical strategies for managing stress, dealing with challenges, and nurturing meaningful connections with peers.  Their efforts went beyond the classroom, extending into the realm of mentorship and role modeling. By sharing their own experiences and insights, these young leaders inspired their peers to prioritize mental health and cultivate positive relationships. These students showed great leadership in the community!
An Assistant Fire Chief from the Sanford Fire Department recently made a captivating visit to the Multi-Language Learners classes at Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE).  During the interactive session, the Assistant Fire Chief delved into crucial topics beyond basic fire safety, engaging learners with practical insights on navigating emergencies effectively.   Participants gained invaluable knowledge on initiating contact with emergency services, deciphering the pertinent questions they might encounter, and understanding the sequential procedures emergency personnel implemented upon arrival.  The impact of the visit extends beyond mere instruction. As part of the ongoing commitment to empowering learners, the Assistant Fire Chief announced plans to return to SCAE with a fire engine and firefighters clad in their protective gear.   This hands-on experience will provide an immersive learning opportunity, enabling participants to familiarize themselves with emergency responders and equipment, thus further fortifying their confidence and preparedness in real-life scenarios.
MCS Pride PTA hosted a Plant and Play family engagement opportunity on Sunday afternoon! Thank you to all the families who showed up to plant new bulbs and clean up around the school. Thank you to Eldredge Lumber, who donated the mulch to make this project happen.
The Chamber Singers performed “Keep your Lamps” arranged by Andre Thomas and “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook. They had an outstanding showing; receiving a “Superior with Distinction”, the highest honor for an ensemble.
Sanford Regional Technical Center Students Honored by Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club
Sanford Middle School Theatre Troupe Presents Annie Jr. This Weekend
Check out the latest news from the district in the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter by clicking   here.
Sanford Pride Elementary School hosted a Celebration of Learning, showcasing the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and artistic exploration the week before April Vacation.  At the heart of this celebration were the Art Show, Music Concerts, and classroom displays, each offering a glimpse into the talents and accomplishments of Sanford Pride's students.  Since the start of the year, our students, along with our dedicated staff, have been actively involved in integrated projects, each one intricately linked to various curriculum topics.  The classroom displays were a window into the student's academic journey, showcasing projects that integrated learning across various subjects, from science and history to language arts and mathematics. The music concerts were a big hit for students and their families.   The week kicked off the kindergarten and first-grade concerts on Monday, April 8th. Those students focused on laying the foundational stones of musical expression.  Second and third graders performed on Tuesday. Second graders delved deeper into rhythm, decoding patterns verbally and through percussion instruments, while third graders put on an interactive performance and strummed on ukuleles.  The concerts concluded on Thursday, April 11th, with fourth graders displaying dynamics and notation and performing written music on glockenspiels.  The Art Show was no less impressive, featuring various creative works spanning various mediums, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed-media creations. Each piece was a testament to the student's imagination and artistic prowess, reflecting a depth of creativity beyond their years.
On Friday, April 12th, Margaret Chase Smith students participated in another fantastic health and wellness fair.   There were many opportunities for students to engage in activities that promoted their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.  From personal safety and CPR training sessions to hands-on activities like planting seeds and practicing meditation, students had the chance to explore various aspects of wellness in a fun and interactive environment.   Additionally, they learned about the importance of the 5-2-1-0 principles for healthy living while enjoying coloring, face painting, and card decorating activities.
Sanford High School's National Honors Society (NHS) showcased the talents of its students during the annual Variety Show held on Wednesday, April 10th, in the Performing Arts Center. Each year, the Variety Show provides a platform for students to shine and share their artistic abilities with the school community. This year, 15 acts took the stage, featuring a diverse range of performances including singing, guitar solos, drumming, and piano compositions, all presented by SHS students. Among the standout performances was Ariana Spiller's rendition of an original piece on guitar, Julian Garcia-Mostko's performance of "I Remember You" by Frank Ifield, and Kris Bataran drumming to Pink Floyd's iconic "Another Brick in the Wall." Adding to the excitement of the evening were raffles offering prizes generously donated by local businesses. A round of applause is also due to the talented students who graced the stage: Wyatt Flinkstrom, Jillian Garcia-Mosko, Anthony Cosme, Allyssa Mallock, Connor Kingsbury, Beckett Barlow, Emma Adawadkar, Katrina Randall, Valerie Randall, Liv Caudill, Dan Williams, Sam Sprague, Braden Landry, Arriana Speranza, and Lillian Poto. The funds raised from the event contribute to the National Honor Society's ongoing service projects, benefiting both the school community and beyond.
Sanford Middle School received a boost to its safety measures on Thursday, April 11th, as Cintas, a leader in workplace safety solutions, generously donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the school. The donation was attended by Cintas General Manager Drew Hormann and Service Manager Scott Bellerose.  Sanford Middle School Principal Pam Lydon, SMS Nurse Katelyn Gray, Superintendent Matt Nelson, and Assistant Superintendent Steve Bussiere were there to receive the donation. AEDs are crucial devices designed to aid individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, a condition that can strike without warning. These portable devices analyze the hear’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to restore normal heart function. SMS is planning to place the AED outside the gym doors as its main home both during and after school hours.  With a diverse range of outdoor sports, SMS is dedicated to providing a safe environment for its students.  Coaches will also be equipped with the AED during practices during practices and games to reduce the response time in case of a cardiac emergency.