Sanford Middle School seventh graders experienced hands-on outdoor learning at The Ecology School in Saco last week, participating in an overnight, three-day program that combined hands-on learning with community building in ways that will positively impact students. The Ecology School has formed partnerships with seven other outdoor education providers across Maine to increase program availability and has made the study of ecology accessible and enjoyable for people since 1998. The school is designed for immersive programs where students learn about conservation, farming, ecology, and sustainability through hands-on, fun activities. The trip was the result of planning and collaboration spearheaded by SMS science teacher Diana Allen. The planning also involved careful investigation and getting approval from school administration and the school committee. This vision became reality through Maine's new Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program, recently signed into law by Governor Mills, which aims to increase access to outdoor learning programs. The Ecology School is part of this statewide initiative, and each network partner gets to select a Maine school to receive scholarships for students to attend. The Ecology School's first choice was Sanford Middle School. The only cost to the school department was for transportation to and from the Ecology School. The setting proved as important as the curriculum itself. The school's location right on the banks of the Saco River, complete with a granite amphitheater and open-air facilities, created a learning environment where natural sunlight and fresh air enhanced each lesson. "This is phenomenal experiential learning," said Sara Nason, a Sanford Middle School teacher who helped chaperone the trip. All classes took place outdoors in natural settings, with students moving between different ecological sites and building knowledge as they explored. During their stay, students participated in hands-on lessons that brought science standards to life. All lessons aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, but rather than feeling like traditional classroom work, each activity felt like discovery. In 'Battle of the Biotic,' they explored the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in forest ecosystems, discovering how organisms compete for survival and examining predator-prey relationships. The 'Watersheds' lesson had students investigating how water flows and changes landscapes as it travels from mountain to sea, learning about weathering and erosion. Through the 'ABCs of Ecology' lesson, students gained foundational knowledge about abiotic factors like soil and climate, biotic organisms like plants and animals, and the cycles and changes that shape ecosystems. While students certainly learned about ecology – as 7th grader Kaydence Adjutant shared, "I learned that mushrooms decompose acorns" – some of the most meaningful learning happened through relationships and life skills developed during their time together. Allen found the community-building aspect particularly meaningful. "The opportunity to spend these days with my students in nature, creating a sense of community, sharing laughter is something I will cherish throughout the school year," Allen said. When asked about the overnight experience, Adjutant captured the spirit perfectly: "It's really fun. Yeah, it's like one big sleepover with my class." "The comments that we're hearing are, 'Well, this is kind of cool,'" Nason explained. "'All sitting down together for a meal.'" Students also learned important life skills like cleaning up after themselves and taking care of shared spaces. Allen was moved by watching her students adapt to the environment: "Watching them play, set tables, help each other - it was just incredible to see and be a part of." These experiences translated into practical learning that students brought home with them. Students returned with practical awareness about waste management, understanding how much food they actually need and how their choices affect the community. The program was such a success that Allen hopes it will become an annual tradition for Sanford seventh graders. "We are incredibly grateful to Drew Demsch and The Ecology School staff for this generous opportunity for our students," Allen added. The shared experience also gives teachers valuable insights into their students and creates positive reference points for future success and learning. "We now have something very much in common, something tangible and meaningful that we can build from," Nason said.

Sanford Middle School 7th Graders Experience Outdoor Learning at The Ecology School

September 26, 2025
Sanford Middle School seventh graders experienced hands-on outdoor learning at The Ecology School in Saco last week, participating in an overnight, three-day program that combine...
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Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reality experience on Wednesday, September 24th. This mobile demonstration, which has been traveling up and down the coast for about a year, made a stop at SHS to provide JMG students and Civics class participants with hands-on exposure to advanced military technology and potential career pathways. The experience used state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to immerse students in realistic Navy scenarios. Students worked together in teams of five, wearing special headsets to coordinate aircraft launches on a Navy aircraft carrier, explored global humanitarian missions through interactive mapping, and piloted fighter jets in full-motion flight simulators. "If you can see it, you can be it," said JMG Specialist Cheryl Gifford, who helped coordinate the event. This philosophy drove the hands-on approach that allowed students to experience military technology firsthand rather than just learning about it in traditional classroom settings. Sanford senior Essence Veilleux-Camara, who is in the SRTC law enforcement program and is pursuing a military career after graduation, was particularly enthusiastic about the flight simulator experience. "I really love the flight simulator," she shared. "You get controls and you start to kind of learn about what they have to do, especially with targeting." She appreciated how the hands-on simulations provided actual experience rather than just classroom discussion, drawing parallels to the driving simulators used in her law enforcement classes. "I'm actually going to be meeting with a recruiter today and go over questions for the ASVAB.” she said. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that helps determine which military career fields a person might be best suited for. The interactive experience included a badge system where students earned recognition for participating in each component. Students also received performance scores on activities like the flight simulator, giving them concrete feedback on their skills and abilities. With discussions underway to potentially bring the program back to Sanford High School on November 17, more students may have the chance to benefit from this opportunity.

Sanford High School Students Get Hands-On Look at Navy Technology

September 26, 2025
Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reali...
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Sanford High Schoolers Inspire New Middle School Jazz Musicians

Sanford High Schoolers Inspire New Middle School Jazz Musicians

September 25, 2025
On Monday, September 22nd, the high school jazz class visited Sanford Middle School to perform for 7th and 8th grade band students and share their experiences with jazz music. T...
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Sanford Pride Elementary School PTA is hosting a Halloween event on Oct. 23rd. 5-6PM. We are looking for groups to join us with decorated tables to hand out candy. If you are a group/team/business or a HS student in need of volunteer hours, please contact: Tricia Boivin, tboivin@sanford.org Looking for volunteers to help with this years’ annual Spree of Trees in December. The Sanford Alumni Association is looking for people to help as many hours as possible for set-up, during the event, and pick-up on the last day. Hours will be available from 12/1 through 12/7. If interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in A237. Carl J Lamb School is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Event on October 23rd! You could help run games or a table for the trick or treaters. This event will run from 5-7 and please email lydiaclehoux@gmail.com if interested. SSYAA football has some volunteer availabilities for home games on Oct. 5 and 25th. If interested, email kpulley@sanford.org St. Thomas School is seeking an energetic individual to help with our after-school program. This can start as a volunteer opportunity and turn into employment. Available times are Monday-Friday 3:00pm-5:30pm. You can choose one day a week, multiple days per week, or Monday-Friday. If interested, please reach out to Principal Angela Madigan at (207) 324-5832 or angela.madigan@portlanddiocese.org. Find out more information about St. Thomas School at stsme.org. The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is looking for people willing to help with many administrative needs throughout the year to earn community service hours. If this interests you please reach out to Patricia Violette-Adams @ 207-490-1028 or go to www.sanfordhistory.org Attention All Students! Looking for an opportunity to earn community service hours while helping your local newspaper? The Sanford Springvale News is looking for student volunteers with a vehicle and a driver’s license to serve as substitute newspaper delivery drivers. This role involves delivering newspapers on a specific route on Fridays in the late morning or early afternoon, as needed. It’s a simple 1 to 2-hour commitment on weeks you’re available. If you’re interested in joining our team and making a difference in the community, email Kendra at kendra.williams9@icloud.com today! Sanford Alumni Association is looking for individuals willing to spray paint roughly 150 wire plant cages. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in A237 There is a local elderly couple looking for students willing to help move and stack wood. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Pattershall in the Assistant Principals office (A237). A local elderly couple is looking for someone to commit to helping with doing yard work and shoveling. If interested please see Mrs. Pattershall for contact info.

Community Service Opportunities for Sanford High School Students

September 22, 2025
Sanford Pride Elementary School PTA is hosting a Halloween event on Oct. 23rd. 5-6PM. We are looking for groups to join us with decorated tables to hand out candy. If you are a...
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SHS Counselors Launch New "Senior Sessions" Program for Post-Graduation Planning

SHS Counselors Launch New "Senior Sessions" Program for Post-Graduation Planning

September 19, 2025
Sanford High School seniors filled the Performing Arts Center Wednesday, September 17, as school counselors presented essential information about post-secondary planning. The ...
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Over twenty Sanford High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society Wednesday, September 17, in the Performing Arts Center. The induction ceremony honored students who have demonstrated commitment to the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. The ceremony brought together families, faculty, and friends to celebrate these students' achievements. The evening featured the traditional candle lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the commitment these students make to uphold the values of NHS. "The evening was truly amazing. It is such a privilege to honor and work alongside such an extraordinary group of students," NHS Advisor Liz White said. To qualify for National Honor Society membership, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate significant involvement in school and community service activities. Beyond academic excellence, candidates undergo a selection process that evaluates their leadership roles, character references, and service contributions. The newly inducted members represented a diverse group of students with achievements across many areas. The inductees include dedicated performers in theater, marching band, and choir and varsity athletes in soccer, baseball, tennis, and track and field, as well as Many are pursuing specialized programs through Sanford Regional Technical Center, including welding, health occupations, and engineering design. Their post-graduation plans are equally impressive, ranging from aerospace engineering and medicine to musical theater and education, demonstrating the breadth of talent and ambition within this exceptional group. "The students' unwavering support for one another truly shines through," White reflected. "Moments like this reveal the remarkable caliber of character that defines our chapter. Their actions speak louder than any speech could, and honestly, it doesn't get much better than that." Following the ceremony, families and inductees gathered in the cafeteria for refreshments, celebrating this achievement together. Congratulations to the following inductees: Eliza Allen, Morgan Bailey, Alessandra Castro, Adam Cote, Tyler Do, Gavin Ericson, Ava Fagan, Keaghan Gagnon, Kaylee Gauthier, Addison Hoenig, Ami Kane, Michael Kiley, Nathan Maloney, Levi Mann, Hazel Marcinowski, Zoey McCann, Yashvi Patel, Lily Peters, Belinda Rivard, Paige Sevigny, Veerasak Sungvean.

Sanford High School Inducts Over 20 Students into National Honor Society

September 19, 2025
Over twenty Sanford High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society Wednesday, September 17, in the Performing Arts Center. The induction ceremony honored stud...
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https://tinyurl.com/43seyrw4

Sanford Spotlight

September 18, 2025
Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight district newsletter.
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From meeting the governor to landing full-time careers, Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center students are turning classroom learning into real-world success through the Extended Learning Opportunities Program. Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO’s) provide students with the chance to have meaningful learning experiences at local businesses, community organizations, or with community experts in particular fields. ELO Coordinator Sally MacDougal helps students navigate four distinct types of opportunities: internships, co-op programs which allow students to earn credit for existing jobs, job shadowing experiences, and structured extended learning opportunities that function like additional classes. “A lot of students are excited to know that this is available to them,” MacDougal said. The program, which spans all 25 programs offered between SHS and SRTC, is showing early results this school year. Currently, 18 students have completed their paperwork and are actively participating in various ELO opportunities, with many more applications still in progress. Over the summer, eight students continued their internships, demonstrating the program’s year-round potential and the strong relationships built between students and employers. Several local businesses have embraced their role as educational partners for SHS and SRTC students. Rubb Building Systems has been particularly instrumental in supporting students, especially those in welding programs. SRTC junior Anderson White began working with Rubb at just 16 years old and he even got to share his experience with Governor Janet Mills when she toured the technical center last week. “Anderson is a rock star,” MacDougal said. The program's impact on career outcomes is already becoming evident. Several welding students from the Regional Technical Center have transitioned seamlessly from classroom learning to full-time employment, often with the same companies where they completed their ELOs. Plumbing students have similarly moved from their technical center programs into professional positions. Current opportunities showcase the program's diversity. Students are pursuing nursing experience at Goodall Hospital, exploring education through hands-on teaching experience, and gaining library science exposure across multiple school districts. SHS student Rory White completed a summer staff writer position with the Sanford Springvale News and is continuing that work through an internship this school year. Understanding that not every placement is perfect from the start, the program builds in checkpoints at each semester to evaluate whether students and employers are a good fit. This approach ensures students get the most from their experience while maintaining positive relationships with community partners. “If it is a good fit, we continue with it,” MacDougal said. “If it's not, we'll look for another business or let the student settle where they need to be in their classes." We will soon be highlighting individual student ELO's in future editions of the 'Sanford Spotlight' District Newsletter.

Sanford's ELO Program Bridges Classroom and Career

September 17, 2025
From meeting the governor to landing full-time careers, Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center students are turning classroom learning into real-world success through ...
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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@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Sanford Pride 2nd Grade Teacher Sami Creech. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This is my first year at Sanford Pride, and I taught 4th grade at Margaret Chase Smith during the 2023-2024 school year (so 2 years). What is your favorite part about working in Sanford? Throughout the schools, I have seen a genuine love for working with kids and wanting them to succeed from the staff. I am thankful to work in a district that puts students first and does what they can to support each student and their individual needs. What’s your favorite TV show or movie? My favorite tv shows are Law and Order, Bob's Burgers, and The Office. I've loved The Incredibles since I was a kid. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Sassy, talkative, and inquisitive. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? I would love to visit Italy and explore the historical architecture and relax! Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Iced coffee, even during a blizzard. Playlists or Podcasts? Music playlists for sure, podcasts for long rides. Ocean or Lake? Even though I grew up in Kennebunk, I have to go with lakes... the ocean is too cold! Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset, I am a night owl. Facebook or Instagram? Instagram.

Employee Spotlight

September 15, 2025
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...
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Sanford Alumni Association Hosts Ticket Booth Dedication

September 14, 2025
The Sanford Alumni Association dedicated several major improvements to Alumni Stadium on Friday, September 12, highlighting years of collaborative effort between the school distri...
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Sanford High Marching Band Ready for Another Strong Season

Sanford High Marching Band Ready for Another Strong Season

September 11, 2025
Sanford High School's marching band is positioned for another standout season. The program, which has nearly 60 members, continues to set the standard in Maine's marching band co...
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https://5il.co/3plog

After-School Activity Bus Schedule

September 11, 2025
Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School will begin offering an after-school activity bus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning Monday, September 15th. Please view ...
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Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills that will shape their futures. For SRTC Director Matt Petermann, having the Governor visit was "an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the transformative work we do every single day.” The handshakes started before Governor Janet Mills even entered the building. Law Enforcement students lined up by the student gardens at Sanford Regional Technical Center Wednesday morning, each introducing themselves to Maine's governor. Mills got to see the student gardens before heading into the SRTC Café, where students truly took center stage. Culinary Arts students prepared and served food while instructors and students from the Baking and Pastry, Video Production, Cosmetology, Digital Design, Academy of Business, Information Technology and Networking, Skills USA, and Cooperative Education programs presented their work directly to the Governor. What stood out was how confidently students explained their programs and shared their experiences. One of those students, Anderson White, is in his third year studying precision manufacturing at SRTC. When Governor Mills asked about his experience, Anderson had exciting news to share - he'd landed a paid internship over the summer at a local company. "I'm only 16 years old," he told the Governor, explaining how "the internship program helped me to get out into the workforce early on and just gain experience, become more of an asset to companies." During the café visit, Governor Mills had the chance to hold a gold medal that SRTC graduate Myles Seckler won at the national SkillsUSA competition last spring. SRTC student Leah Glidden spoke with Mills about the school's success at SkillsUSA competitions at both state and national levels, and even presented the new SkillsUSA logo, which was designed by SRTC graduate Deanna Watson. Watson won the state competition for the logo design, showcasing yet another way SRTC students excel in their fields. Watching these interactions between students and the Governor reinforced what matters most to the school Petermann said. "This visit isn't about us—it's about our students," he explained. "The young people who discovered their passion and purpose within our 25 programs." Video Production students followed along, documenting the visit and gaining real experience, while Law Enforcement students provided security support. Mills visited nearly every program - from Early Childhood Education to Automotive Technology to Building Trades - and even tried out the new driving simulator in the Law Enforcement program. What seemed to impress Governor Mills most was seeing students actively engaged in their learning. The state has invested significantly in SRTC, providing money in new equipment through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan as part of $20 million invested statewide in career and technical education. "We put over $117,000 into this school for equipment, and I got to see some of that equipment at work, and that's really kind of moving seeing how excited kids are, young people are at exploring these opportunities," Mills said. “I am very impressed with just the diverse career opportunities that these kids have from eight different high schools. From culinary arts to automotive to robotics and everything in between and beyond.” The visit highlighted how SRTC serves as more than just a school - it's where students discover what they're passionate about and build skills for their futures. "Students who may have struggled to find their place in traditional settings have found their home here, developing real-world skills that will launch them directly into meaningful careers," Petermann said. "We are building Maine's new workforce and future."

Governor Janet Mills Tours SRTC, Praises Student Programs

September 11, 2025
Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills...
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September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September 11, 2025
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine, and we are excited to join schools across our state in celebrating the importance of b...
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Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

September 11, 2025
On December 10, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In accordance with ESSA, sc...
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https://sanford-spotlight-newsle-dd03hpe.gamma.site

Sanford Spotlight

September 10, 2025
Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter for the district.
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The Sanford Backpack Program invites the community to attend its 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown, a fun event that raises funds to help fight student hunger in our district. Event Details: When: Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 PM Where: Sanford Performing Arts Center What: Teams perform lip sync renditions of their favorite songs Twenty local lip sync teams will compete to entertain audiences while supporting a great cause. The audience will help judge winners across multiple categories, making it an interactive community celebration where your participation matters! All proceeds from the event benefit the Sanford Backpack Program, which provides weekend food support for students in need throughout our school district.

2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown at the Performing Arts Center

September 9, 2025
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The date for the 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown at the Performing Arts Center has been changed to Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 7 pm . The Sanford Backpack Program...
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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@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith nurse Melissa Phillips. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This will be my fifth year working in Sanford Schools. I was the district float nurse for 2 years and this will be my third year at MCS. What is your favorite part about working in Sanford? I love working with and taking care of all my elementary school students, but I think my favorite part about working here is the incredible team of people I work with. Everyone is respectful, supportive, and uplifting of one another. The people you work with have a significant impact on the day to day workplace experience. I appreciate the positive energy, transparency, and consistency that I see in the day to day. I truly enjoy coming in to work each morning! What’s your favorite TV show or movie? Shawshank Redemption or The Notebook If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Compassionate, Dependable, Athletic If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? I would go hiking in Switzerland. Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot Coffee Playlists or Podcasts? Podcasts- I love radio Theater Ocean or Lake? Lake Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Facebook or Instagram? Neither..haha

Employee Spotlight

September 5, 2025
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...
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Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Back in January, Allen was one of 336 educators nationwide to receive the award, which is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can get from the U.S. government. Related: (Diana Allen Receives Presidential Teaching Award) Allen, who was initially selected as one of three Maine state finalists, completed an intensive application process that required demonstrating deep content knowledge and adaptability to diverse learning environments. Her application included a recorded teaching demonstration at a local brook, where she partnered with Maine Audubon to teach students about macroinvertebrates. The process required detailed analysis of teaching practices, addressing student misconceptions, managing classroom diversity, and demonstrating educational leadership at local, state, and national levels. During the MDOE summit, Diana was presented with her award by Tonya Prentice, joining an elite group of Maine educators who have earned this distinguished recognition. Her selection reflects not only her classroom excellence but also her commitment to fostering scientific thinking and discovery among her middle school students.

Diana Allen Honored at Maine Education Summit for Presidential Teaching Award

September 5, 2025
Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for ...
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This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is expanding this fall to include staff from CJL and MCS, ensuring collaborative work reaches across all three elementary schools. The Maine DOE recently asked for a video highlighting First 10's work here in Sanford. Check it out below to see how community partnerships are making a real difference for our youngest learners and their families.

September First 10 News

September 3, 2025
This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is ...
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