Sanford School Department

SRTC Achieves Elite Status at State SkillsUSA Competition

March 20, 2025

Sanford Regional Technical Center's SkillsUSA chapter was welcomed into the Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) at the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in Bangor. This unexpected hon...

The Sanford community came together on Tuesday, March 11th, to fill the stands of Partner's Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School for the 36th Annual Sanford Band Fest Concert. The evening showcased the musical journey of Sanford's student musicians from grades 5 through 12, highlighting their growth and dedication. The gymnasium buzzed with excitement as proud parents, siblings, grandparents, and community members gathered to support over 200 young musicians. Under the direction of Josh Hyssong, who led the 5th and 6th grade bands, Erica Scarano, who conducted the 7th and 8th grade ensembles, and Hailey Francoeur, who directed the high school musicians, students demonstrated impressive musical skill and enthusiasm. The 5th grade band opened the concert with three charming selections: the rhythmic "Rain, Rain," the playful "Itsy, Bitsy Spider," and the lively English folk song "Hot Cross Buns." For many of these young musicians, this performance marked their first major concert experience, yet they played with remarkable confidence. "I was proud to be a band director," reflected Hyssong. "My two groups played their hearts out and did a great job being flexible. An event of Band Fest's magnitude involves a lot of moving pieces and patience, and the kids really rolled with the punches to make it happen. Everyone's hard work really paid off and made for a special evening to remember." The 6th grade band followed with "Jubilant Spirit" by Carol Britton Chambers and "Alpha Dog" by Heather Hoefle, showcasing their developing technical abilities and ensemble skills. Scarano's 7th grade musicians delivered energetic performances of "Breakneck" by Tyler Arcari and "Cantina Band" by John Williams, arranged by Michael Kamuf. The 8th grade band continued the program with the dynamic "Brace for Impact" by Christina Huss and the inspiring "Amen!" by Frank Ticheli. "I am so proud of my 7th and 8th graders for their focus and attention to detail in the concert," said Ms. Scarano. "All of the hard work and preparation really came through and I could not be more proud of their performances! Both groups had me dancing on the podium and I couldn't have asked for anything better!" The evening concluded with all bands joining together for a moving rendition of "6 Note Folk Song Suite," arranged by Joseph Compello, creating a powerful visual and auditory representation of the musical journey from beginner to accomplished musician. "What makes Band Fest special is seeing the progression of our students' musical abilities from elementary through high school," said Mr. Hyssong. "It's inspiring for our younger students to hear the high school musicians and envision their own musical futures."

Musicians Shine at Sanford's 36th Annual Band Fest

March 20, 2025

The Sanford community came together on Tuesday, March 11th, to fill the stands of Partner's Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School for the 36th Annual Sanford Band Fest Concert. T...

The halls of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School came alive with music, learning, and collaboration on Saturday, March 15th, as the school hosted the first-ever Maine Adaptive Music Summit. The groundbreaking event brought together approximately 40 education professionals from across Maine and New Hampshire. "I was looking for professional development for adaptive music, for teaching music to students in our specialties programs," explained Hattie Skvorak, Carl J. Lamb's music teacher who spearheaded the event. "There's a few opportunities for just music teachers, but there's not really anything where music teachers and the ED techs and special education teachers are coming together." Carl J. Lamb Principal Sherri Baron praised Skvorak's initiative: "Ms. Hattie Skvorak demonstrates exceptional dedication to music education excellence. Recognizing a significant gap in music teacher preparation programs regarding special education methodologies, she took the initiative to address this statewide deficiency." The summit's schedule featured planned sessions addressing classroom needs. Participants could choose between tracks like "Beyond Notes and Rhythms: Strategies for Adaptive Music in K-5" and "Supporting Behavior in Specials." For families whose children experience sensory challenges, "Sensory Songs" with board-certified music therapist Stephanie Leavell provided strategies to help children feel confident and ready to learn. "There's a lot of collaboration between us, and especially in my adaptive classes, the Ed techs are super hands-on with their students, and they're always asking, 'Well, how can I support my student better?'" Skvorak noted. This summit aimed to answer those questions. Other sessions included "Emotional Regulation in the Classroom" and "The Power of Pre-Band BEYOND the Recorder," offering approaches to make music accessible for all students. The day concluded with an expert panel and roundtable discussions. The decision to hold the summit on a Saturday ensured that educational technicians could attend without disrupting students' routines. As Skvorak explained, "If we have this event that's catered towards Ed techs, and we make it on a Friday, well they can't come, because we can't get a sub for every ed tech in the district." The impact was immediately apparent. "Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback," Baron noted, "with many music educators specifically requesting annual continuation of the event. Several participants noted that this summit provided the most comprehensive professional development they had ever received on adaptive music education." What does this mean for children? As Skvorak puts it, it ensures "the students are getting the same message in all facets of the building. So what they're learning in speech applies here, or what they're working on in their classroom with their special ed teacher applies here." The summit, held during Music In Our Schools Month, highlighted the school's commitment to inclusive music education. "Ms. Skvorak's contributions to both our local educational community and music education throughout Maine are truly exceptional," Baron said. Following this successful inaugural summit, the school is gathering feedback with hopes of making this valuable gathering an annual tradition.

Carl J. Lamb Hosts First Maine Adaptive Music Summit

March 19, 2025

The halls of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School came alive with music, learning, and collaboration on Saturday, March 15th, as the school hosted the first-ever Maine Adaptive Music S...

Sanford High School Theater Company is bringing the electrifying energy of Grease to the stage at the Sanford Performing Arts Center! Join us for a rockin’ good time as we travel back to the 1950s with this beloved musical, packed with unforgettable songs, high-energy dance numbers, and a few surprises along the way. The production stars Ben Terril as Danny Zuko and Ava Fagan as Sandy Dumbrowski, with Sanford High School Principal Tracy Gibson in the role of Ms. Lynch. SHS Senior Hope Abbott-Eaton, starring as Rizzo, is also the show’s principal choreographer. Under the direction of Brett Williams, this production features spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, and a few surprises that will make for an unforgettable theatrical experience! This special school edition of Grease is slightly abridged but still delivers all the fun, music, and nostalgia that have made it a favorite for generations. Featuring timeless hits like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and We Go Together, this production is suitable for younger audiences while retaining the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. Public Performances: Friday, March 28 – 7:00 PM Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 PM Tickets are $12 - $15 and may be purchased online at www.SanfordPAC.org or in person at Sanford Performing Arts Center (open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9 AM–Noon, and one hour before each performance). For more info, call 207-206-1126. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Pink Ladies and T-Birds in action—get your tickets now and be part of the excitement!

Sanford High School Theater Company Presents ‘Grease’ – March 28–30

March 19, 2025

Sanford High School Theater Company is bringing the electrifying energy of Grease to the stage at the Sanford Performing Arts Center! Join us for a rockin’ good time as we ...

Sanford Elementary Schools Unite with First Responders for Charity Basketball Game

March 18, 2025

The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was filled with excitement and community spirit last Thursday, March 13, as teachers and staff faced off against local first responders in ...

From Sap to Syrup: Carl J. Lamb Students Tap into Hands-On Learning

March 14, 2025

Students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School are getting a sweet lesson in science, math, and New England tradition through a school-wide maple sugaring project. The initiative tra...

SHS Athletes Honored at SMAA Basketball Awards Night

March 12, 2025

Seven Sanford High School athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances this season at the Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA) Basketball Awards Night. The...

Sanford Middle School's cafeteria transformed into a vibrant performance venue on Thursday evening as students, families, and staff gathered for the highly anticipated "Sanford's Got Talent 2025" talent show. Organized by the school's JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) students, the event highlighted the remarkable talents within the student community. The audience was treated to an impressive array of performances featuring singing, dancing, musical instruments, and more. Colorful stage lighting and festive decorations created an exciting atmosphere for both performers and spectators alike. After a series of outstanding acts, the judges announced this year's winners: 1st Place: Anthony Flayhan 2nd Place: Ivy Peters 3rd Place: Mercy Wilson and Dania Edwards 4th Place: Emma Higgins The event featured refreshments and a supportive atmosphere where students cheered on their classmates. The JMG students demonstrated impressive organizational skills, managing everything from auditions to stage setup and sound systems.

Sanford's Got Talent 2025

March 12, 2025

Sanford Middle School's cafeteria transformed into a vibrant performance venue on Friday, March 7th, as students, families, and staff gathered for the highly anticipated "Sanford'...

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Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

March 12, 2025

Click here to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight District Newsletter. In this issue of the Sanford Spotlight, celebrate our students' achievements across academics, arts, an...

Curriculum Corner

March 11, 2025

Welcome to this month's Curriculum Newsletter from Sanford, featuring our comprehensive Visual Arts program. This edition highlights the upcoming District Art Show (schedules avai...

Sanford High School Senior Benjamin Terril earns the MPA Principal’s Award

March 11, 2025

Benjamin Terril, a senior at Sanford High School, has been selected to receive the 2025 Principal's Award, Principal Tracy Gibson announced today. The award, sponsored by the Ma...

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Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center

March 11, 2025

The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with families and friends on Wednesday, March 5th, as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Si...

Sanford High School Athletics Hosts Winter Sports Banquet

March 7, 2025

Sanford High School held its Winter Sports Recognition Night at the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 4, where coaches of each winter sport took the stage to reflect on the...

SRTC Nursing Students Find Their Calling at Pinnacle Health & Rehab

March 7, 2025

In an innovative partnership between Sanford Regional Technical Center Health Occupations Program and Pinnacle Nursing Home, student Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are gaini...

Sanford Technical Center's Captain Harold Smith Honored with Prestigious Firefighting Award

March 7, 2025

Captain Harold Smith, longtime Fire Science instructor at Sanford Regional Technical Center, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award,...

Young Journalists Take the Lead at Sanford Middle School

March 6, 2025

A new wave of young journalists are making their mark at Sanford Middle School with the launch of the school’s student newspaper. Started in early February, “The SMS Times” is gi...

Sanford Backpack Program and Student Leaders Deliver 950 Food Boxes in Community-Wide Relief Effort

March 3, 2025

The Sanford Backpack Program recently hosted its fourth annual food distribution event at Sanford High School, showcasing the leadership and community spirit of the school's stud...

Sanford High School will be holding an informational evening for parents and guardians of the Class of 2029 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The event will focus on course selection options for incoming freshmen. The session will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, located on the school campus. Following the discussion, tours of the high school facilities will be available from 7:00-7:30 PM for students and their families. This event provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn about academic pathways and course offerings before their children begin high school in the fall.

Sanford High School Hosts Course Selection Event for Incoming Freshmen

March 3, 2025

Sanford High School will be holding an informational evening for parents and guardians of the Class of 2029 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The event will focus on course selection op...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

February 28, 2025

The latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter is now available with a fresh new design! Our newly revamped newsletter features a modern layout that makes it easier to stay informed abou...

The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its first District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well-attended event transformed the school's cafeteria into a hub of activity as families with incoming kindergartners explored their first step into school. Staff members wearing red shirts were stationed at tables throughout the room, guiding families through the registration process. Parents and their children completed necessary paperwork while learning about the kindergarten program. Several children participated in craft activities set up specifically to engage them during the registration process.The school nutrition department also provided snacks for the children, giving families a taste of the healthy options available during the school year. What made the evening truly special was the community's enthusiastic support. Representatives from more than a dozen local organizations surrounded the room, ready to connect with families and offer resources. Community organizations included MaineHealth-Partners for a Healthier Community, Sanford Backpack Program, Help Me Grow, Kids Free to Grow, United Way, York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), Headstart, First4ME, Kids Kove Childcare and Learning Center, Curtis Lake Church Early Learning Center, Little World 2, and Girl Scouts of Maine. All three elementary school PTAs were also represented. Families also had the opportunity to meet with various school support teams, including counselors, social workers, nurses, and special education staff—putting friendly faces to the extensive network that will help nurture their children's growth. Missed the registration night? No need to worry! Families can still register their kindergartners by calling the Sanford School Department at 324-2810. Current Pre-K students are automatically registered but were welcome at the event to experience this exciting preview of their kindergarten adventure.

Sanford School Department Welcomes Future Kindergartners at Registration Night

February 27, 2025

The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its first District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well...