Sanford School Department

Stuff The Bus

August 6, 2025

A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 , Stuff the Bus Maine will hold it...

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1. Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems. She is trained in threat assessment and safety protocols, with extensive experience working in challenging situations at both the elementary and high school levels. "It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said. Edgar joins Sanford Middle School with four years of experience as Assistant Principal at Saco Middle School, where he worked in a comprehensive student support program designed to help all students succeed. Prior to his administrative role, Edgar served as a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Saco Middle School for 20 years and union representative. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the students of Sanford Middle School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year," Edgar said. "Lindsay brings a strong middle level background in special education and has demonstrated her ability to meet students where they are. She understands the importance of keeping students connected and involving all stakeholders when working with students," Sanford Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio said. "Michael stressed the importance of wanting students to feel heard and demonstrated a deep understanding of working within a community as a steady presence that others can rely on." Pendleton and Edgar replace Mastraccio, who was hired as the school's principal in June replacing Pam Crosby, and Michael Bailey, who recently left to become the Assistant Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The Sanford School Department congratulates Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Lindsay Pendleton, Michael Edgar Named New Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School

August 5, 2025

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle Sc...

New Sanford High School Athletics App

July 30, 2025

Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app...

The start of the Fall sports season is fast approaching. The Fall season will start August 18th. Have you registered online? https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/hs-fall-athletic-registration-2025 Items required to participate are a current sports physical and medical insurance. If you need a physical: Getting your student's physical scheduled is simple - just visit https://convenientmd.com/urgent-care/youth-physicals/ to book online, or give them a call at 207-850-5744. At just $25 per physical, it's an affordable way to keep your student ready for activities, and the best part is that each physical is good for two full years. We understand that even a $25 cost can sometimes be challenging for families. If the expense would create a financial hardship, don't let that stop you! Reach out to Becky Cleveland at 207-206-8782 or email her at bcleveland@sanford.org with respect to any questions about physical or medical insurance assistance.

Fall Sports Registration Information

July 22, 2025

The start of the Fall sports season is fast approaching. The Fall season will start August 18 th . Have you registered online? https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/hs-fa...

Sanford School Department Seeks Community Input on Mission, Vision, and Graduate Portrait

July 10, 2025

Sanford School Department Families, We have completed our first feedback loop on updating the Sanford School Department's Mission, Vision, Core Principles & Beliefs on Learning ...

https://sanford-spotlight-newsle-bdv3f8m.gamma.site

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

July 7, 2025

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

Sanford Middle School Teacher to Research Pollinators in Costa Rican Cloud Forest

July 2, 2025

Diana Allen, a Sanford Middle School Life and Environmental Sciences teacher, will embark on a seven-day expedition to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica as an Earthwa...

SRTC Students Shine at SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta

July 1, 2025

SRTC student Myles Seckler from Traip Academy claimed first place in Technical Drafting at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing ho...

Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of hands-on career exploration. Campers rotated through six exciting program areas, learning directly from SRTC instructors in Precision Manufacturing, Video Production, Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Cosmetology, and Carpentry. Students gained valuable experience with equipment safety, built projects to take home, practiced with fire hoses, created short films, perfected nail art and hairstyling techniques, and tested their skills on a police cruiser driving simulator. The summer heat didn't slow down the fun, with special visits from Kona Ice of York County and a refreshing run through the fire truck sprinkler system. Current and former SRTC students volunteered throughout the week, serving as mentors and helping instructors connect with the younger campers. The week's success was evident in the campers' enthusiasm and the friendships they formed. When asked to share positive qualities about their new peers, students consistently described each other as "kind, fun, helpful, and cool," while expressing amazement at what they learned in SRTC's state-of-the-art facility.

SRTC Wraps Up 5th Annual Middle School Summer Camp

June 30, 2025

Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of ha...

Carl J. Lamb Elementary Students Make Their Mark at State Music Festival

June 26, 2025

Two Carl J Lamb Elementary students represented Sanford School Department with pride at the prestigious 2025 Maine American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) State Festival. C...

New Fishing Club Reels in Success at Sanford Middle School

June 24, 2025

Sanford Middle School's brand-new Fishing Club has wrapped up a successful inaugural season as the school year came to a close. The student-initiated club attracted more than 25 p...

The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. Click here to access the calendar. Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year: First Days of School: September 2 - First student day for grades 1-9 and SRTC; September 3 - First day for Kindergarten and grades 10-12; September 4 - First day of Pre-Kindergarten Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28 Winter Break: December 24 - January 2 (Christmas, New Year's and Break) President's Day Break: February 16-20 Spring Break: April 20-24 (Patriot's Day and Spring Break) Memorial Day: May 25 (No School) Sanford High School Graduation: June 3 Last Day of School: June 9 (if no snow days are needed) Sanford Community Adult Education Graduation: June 10 Storm Days: June 10-16 (5 storm days built into the calendar as needed)

2025-2026 School Calendar

June 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. Click here to access t...

The Sanford School Department has adjusted office hours for the summer months to better serve our community. Current Summer Schedule (June 16 - August 3): Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Fridays: CLOSED Please note the office will also be closed on Thursday, June 19th and Thursday, July 3rd in observance of holidays. Updated Hours Beginning August 4: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Regular School Year Hours Resume August 25: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Central Office Summer Hours

June 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department has adjusted office hours for the summer months to better serve our community. Current Summer Schedule (June 16 - August 3): Monday through Thursd...

YMCA Celebrates First-Ever Pre-K Graduation in Partnership with Sanford School Department

June 16, 2025

The Sanford-Springvale YMCA recently celebrated a milestone with its very first Pre-K graduation ceremony on Tuesday June 10th, marking the successful completion of the inaugural...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

June 16, 2025

Click here to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School for the past 10 years, will officially assume his new role effective July 1st. The selection process included input from the entire school community, with surveys sent to both staff and families, as well as student focus groups, to identify the qualities most important for the next principal. Seven candidates applied for the position, and four were interviewed by a comprehensive committee that included teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents. Mastraccio's career in the Sanford School Department spans nearly two decades. He served as a Math Teacher at Sanford Junior High from 2006-2015, where he also led the Math Team as advisor for those same nine years and taught summer school mathematics from 2006-2011. His transition into administration began with an Administrative Internship at Sanford Junior High from 2010-2015, where he assisted with the administration of a 700-student middle school, followed by his decade of service as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School. During his tenure as Assistant Principal, the school has expanded to over 900 students in grades 5-8, and his commitment to school safety and student development has remained a priority throughout this growth. “Following an extensive process including input from stakeholders, I am certain that Joe Mastraccio is the right person to lead Sanford Middle School,” Sanford Superintendent of Schools Matt Nelson said. “He is a man of the highest integrity and has been preparing for this position his whole career. He bleeds Sanford red and knows our community and what our students need to continue to move forward and succeed.” Beyond his administrative duties, Mastraccio has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and athletics throughout his tenure in the district, serving in various coaching positions. Mastraccio earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine in May of 2015. "I am honored to be a part of the Sanford Middle School team and look forward to continuing my work with students, staff, and the community,” Mastraccio said. “We will strive to create a safe and fun learning environment for our students while also placing an emphasis on academic achievement. Sanford has a long standing sense of pride and I look forward to further building a positive climate and culture at Sanford Middle School.” Mastraccio will succeed Pam Crosby, who recently left to become Principal of Freeport Middle School. The Sanford School Department congratulates Joe Mastraccio on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Joe Mastraccio Named New Principal of Sanford Middle School

June 13, 2025

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served...

Sanford Community Adult Education celebrated its Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th, marking a milestone achievement with over 30 graduates —their largest class in five years. The evening brought together families, friends, educators, and community members to honor the perseverance and dedication of students who refused to give up on their educational dreams. The ceremony opened with a performance of the national anthem by graduate Isabella Verissiomo. Superintendent Matt Nelson welcomed attendees and praised the graduates for their "toughness"—not physical strength, but the resilience to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. "Your experience at SCAE has helped you build that toughness and move toward your goals," Nelson told the graduates. "Everyone has a story and has taken a different path. Be proud that your story is the result of taking action." Three graduates shared their personal journeys with the audience. Tyler Phillips spoke about returning to education, crediting the supportive SCAE staff for helping him succeed. "To be honest, when I started here, I wasn't sure that I could make it work," Phillips admitted. "There was so much reading at first. I knew it had to be done, so eventually I did it." He encouraged his fellow graduates. "Being here today was not an overnight thing for any of us. We showed up, we put the work you needed to make this happen." Verissiomo dedicated her achievement to her son Grayson. "I want him to know that every goal is achievable and every thing you put your mind to is very possible." The evening's final student speaker, Kelly McLean, demonstrated that it's truly never too late to pursue your dreams. Describing her determination to complete her education after an 18-year journey, "I never gave up," McLean shared. "I kept reassuring myself with the help of family and friends and amazing staff that I could do it." Now 36, she fulfilled a promise to her sons to graduate before or with them—achieving her diploma just a week after her eldest son graduated from Sanford High School. "As a Sanford graduate at 36 years old, I can definitely say anything is possible.” The ceremony also featured a special presentation by Elias Thomas from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club, who honored Director Jayne Perkins with the Paul Harris Fellow award for her exceptional community service and dedication to education. The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievement, with Tyler Phillips receiving the Student of the Year award for his exceptional dedication and leadership. Several graduates received $500 scholarships from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club and free course scholarships from the University of Maine at Augusta, providing pathways for continued education. To conclude the ceremony, Perkins challenged graduates with her father's words: "Go do good things." She reminded them that graduation isn't an ending but a beginning, encouraging them to continue growing, learning, and lifting others as they climb.

Sanford Community Adult Education Celebrates Record-Breaking Class of 2025

June 13, 2025

Sanford Community Adult Education celebrated its Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th, marking a milestone achievement with over 30 graduates —their largest ...

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VCzvxzQAapYuHe1RLAfFd_tBAm9WsF9xsttxVvxrWD0/edit?slide=id.g360f8321929_0_10#slide=id.g360f8321929_0_10

ESEA Public Comment

June 11, 2025

The Sanford School Department accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, the Sanford School Department is required to provide a r...

Spring Sports Awards Night Celebrates Sanford High School Athletes

June 11, 2025

Sanford High School recognized dozens of student-athletes for academic achievement, leadership, and athletic performance at its Spring Sports Awards Recognition Night on Monday, J...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFfi5wK5kA

Watch Margaret Chase Smith's Spring Concerts

June 9, 2025

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Concerts will be uploaded shortly!