Sanford School Department

Local Author Ashlee Ridlon Visits Sanford Community Adult Education

November 19, 2024

Sanford Community Adult Education recently hosted a community event featuring local author Ashlee Ridlon. On November 16th, more than 30 families gathered to meet the author and ...

Sanford Middle School joined communities across the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week recently, demonstrating their commitment to promoting drug-free living among youth. The school organized multiple engaging activities to reinforce this important message. Students had opportunities to make personal pledges toward living drug-free and show their support by adding stickers to a community pledge board. A highlight of this year's week was the vaping prevention panel designed specifically for sixth-grade students. The panel addressed critical issues facing today's youth, diving deep into why some students turn to vaping and how peer pressure influences these decisions. Experts discussed the science behind vaping's negative effects on developing brains, bodies, and emotional well-being. The interactive session also focused on positive alternatives, highlighting constructive ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as participating in sports, joining YMCA activities, and engaging in other healthy recreational pursuits. Students learned about available resources both within the school and the broader community, empowering them to seek help or support friends who might be struggling with substance use. Fifth-grade students participated in specialized classroom sessions focused on vaping prevention and developing strategies to respond to peer pressure, while seventh and eighth-grade students benefited from guest speaker presentations. Daily morning announcements shared messages about maintaining a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Students participated in interactive activities including word searches and an "Above the Influence" clouds project. The school also showed their solidarity by wearing red on Wednesday. The week culminated with a powerful presentation by nationally recognized youth advocate Rob Holla, who spoke to seventh and eighth-grade students about the serious health risks of vaping. Drawing from his background as an X-ray technician, Holla combined medical knowledge with engaging, real-world examples that resonated with students. His presentation included video testimonials, statistics about vaping-related health risks, and practical information about free, confidential resources for those seeking help to quit. Holla's tech-savvy approach and ability to connect with young audiences helped make serious medical information accessible and memorable for middle school students. The success of Red Ribbon Week was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the school counseling team, including Angela Avery and Reuben Christie, along with Brent Coleman and outreach worker Cecilia Sirianni, who worked together to coordinate these important awareness and prevention activities for Sanford's middle school students.

Red Ribbon Week at Sanford Middle School

November 19, 2024

Sanford Middle School joined communities across the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week recently, demonstrating their commitment to promoting drug-free living among youth. The s...

Sanford High School held its fall sports recognition night on Tuesday, November 12th, in the Performing Arts Center to recognize student-athletes and their teams' accomplishments. The event began with SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin recognizing student-athletes who maintained a cumulative GPA of 92.5 or higher. The school's Leadership Council members, who attended 70% of weekly Wednesday meetings, were also honored for their dedication. Following the leadership recognition, each fall coach had the opportunity to share their season highlights and present team awards. In Golf, Head Coach Rossie Kearson highlighted the team's progress throughout the season. "While the season didn't necessarily go as well as I would like, I can honestly say there's a lot of progress made," he said. Brayden Baron earned Second-Team All-SMAA Conference honors and was named Sanford's Most Outstanding Golfer, while Ethan Burns received Most Improved Player recognition for his dedication in his first year of golf. Noah Corliss earned the Coaches' Award for his positive attitude and perseverance. Cross Country Head Coach Nate Smith celebrated significant milestones for his team, including the boys' team winning the Class A Sportsmanship Banner for the first time in program history. The team achieved 42 personal records and met 23 personal and team goals. Team captains Sophie Therrien, Eliza Allen, Gabe Waterman, and Jack Van Gieson were recognized for their "superlative leadership." In girls' soccer, head coach Dave McCall said leadership led the team to steady improvement throughout the season. "Our varsity team was very competitive. We played against the top teams in the league and were right there with everybody," McCall shared. Sophie Olivo, Savannah Knight, Kya Duprey, Ava Hudson, and Adeline Fiandaca each received conference honors. Despite facing the third-toughest schedule in Maine, according to head coach Mark Boissonneault, the Football team showed tremendous heart. Rhylen Avery was named the team's Offensive MVP, accumulating 1,022 yards on 164 carries. Brady Boissonneault was named Defensive MVP, recording 63 tackles and demonstrating exceptional leadership as linebacker. Volleyball head coach Ryan Geary praised the team's growth and resilience throughout their challenging schedule. Emmy Chase was recognized as Most Improved Player, while Samone Gallagher was named Most Valuable Player. Field Hockey head coach Marti Kane celebrated the program's continued improvement, noting the team's best regular season record in recent years at 10-4. The team had five players earn All-Conference recognition, with Audrey Payeur receiving First-Team honors and consideration for All-American status. Hailey Payeur, Paige Sevigny, Sadie Sevigny, and Linda Rose Krol received the other conference recognitions. Boys' soccer head coach Bill Puffer maintained optimism despite a challenging season. "I'm extremely proud of all the boys, all the hours that they put in, the hard work and the dedication," Puffer celebrated a few standout players with Levi Mann earning Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference recognition for the second consecutive year. Cole Adawadkar and Gavin Hebler were also highlighted for their commitment and dedication. Cheerleading head coach Catrina Woodard recognized several outstanding members through awards voted on by the squad. Amelia Walker earned Most Improved Player, transforming from a timid sophomore to a confident athlete willing to try new skills. Madison Osborne received the Most Spirit award for her enthusiasm and energy, while Natalie Lam was voted Most Valuable Player. Taylor Coffey earned the Coaches' Award for going "above and beyond for the football players, for cheerleaders and for me and literally everybody," including taking a leadership role during homecoming week.

Sanford High School Fall Sports Recognition Night

November 15, 2024

Sanford High School held its fall sports recognition night on Tuesday, November 12th, in the Performing Arts Center to recognize student-athletes and their teams' accomplishments...

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Alumni Spotlight

November 15, 2024

The Sanford School Department is starting an Alumni Spotlight to feature graduates who have made strides in their careers, contributed to their communities, or achieved personal...

Employee Spotlight

November 15, 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...

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K Students Share Family Learning Journey at Special Showcase

November 14, 2024

Mrs. Devine's Pre-K class at Margaret Chase Smith welcomed families on Wednesday afternoon for their first showcase of the year. Students proudly presented their month-long explor...

Curriculum Newsletter

November 14, 2024

Click here for the Sanford School Department's Curriculum Newsletter. Each edition brings essential updates about district programming, assessments, and upcoming events. This...

Sanford High School Theater Company to Present “12 ANGRY JURORS” at Sanford Performing Arts Center

November 14, 2024

Sanford High School Theater Company is set to captivate audiences with a powerful production of “12 Angry Jurors” at Sanford Performing Arts Center from November 22-24, 2024. Thi...

Dear Sanford School Department Parents and Guardians, Happy November! As winter approaches, I want to remind everyone of our weather-related protocols. When there is inclement weather, we work closely with local authorities, public works, transportation services, meteorologists, and nearby school districts to make informed decisions about school delays, early dismissals, or cancellations. Ensuring our students and staff’s safety is our top priority.

Inclement Weather Protocols

November 13, 2024

Dear Sanford School Department Parents and Guardians, Happy November! As winter approaches, I want to remind everyone of our weather-related protocols. When there is inclemen...

Anti-Vaping Expert Rob Holla Speaks to Sanford Middle School Students

November 12, 2024

Nationally recognized youth advocate Rob Holla spoke to Sanford Middle School's 7th and 8th-grade students on Friday, November 8th, about the serious health risks of vaping and th...

Holiday Assistance For Sanford Families

November 12, 2024

Looking for help with holiday gifts and meals? Several local organizations in the Sanford area are stepping up to ensure every family can celebrate this holiday season. Here's wha...

Sanford Pride Fourth-Graders Honor Veterans Through Song at Local Nursing Home

November 9, 2024

Sanford Pride Elementary's fourth-grade chorus brought joy to Pinnacle Health and Rehab Nursing Facility Friday morning, uniting the school department's young musicians with loca...

Students, staff, and community members gathered at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School for a Veterans Day celebration that combined patriotic music, student performances, and a special recognition ceremony for local veterans. Under the direction of music teacher Hattie Skvorak, Carl J Lamb students delivered a musical tribute to honor those who have served our country. The school's cafeteria was transformed for the occasion with red, white, and blue balloon arrangements, patriotic banners, and American flags held proudly by students. "This is a really special day that we take as a school to honor and celebrate all of your sacrifices. I'm so appreciative of all the hard work and dedication our students have shown in preparing the musical performances for today's ceremony," Skvorak said. "They've grown musically through the process, all while learning an important message of gratitude and service. These songs are a small way for us to say thank you to those who have served." The celebration featured a moment when veterans were invited to the front of the room, where they stood before the assembled students and received heartfelt applause from the school community. The young performers, dressed in patriotic colors, demonstrated their appreciation through song. Students from various grade levels participated in the event, with many wearing special headbands and carrying small American flags to show their support. Concluding the celebration was an educational flag-folding demonstration, which served as both a learning opportunity and a tribute. Twenty students were selected to participate in this meaningful ritual alongside a military chief. Each precise fold of the flag was explained to the audience, representing values such as honor, courage, and sacrifice that are fundamental to military service. Students demonstrated remarkable respect and attention during this tradition, which required careful coordination. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our veterans while teaching the next generation about service, sacrifice, and the sacred traditions that help us remember and respect those who have served our country.

Carl J. Lamb Elementary School Honors Veterans with Student Musical Tribute and Flag Ceremony

November 9, 2024

Students, staff, and community members gathered at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School for a Veterans Day celebration that combined patriotic music, student performances, and a specia...

The gymnasium at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary was filled with pride, gratitude and patriotic spirit Thursday morning as students and staff welcomed dozens of veterans for their annual Veterans Day breakfast celebration. The morning brought together generations of service members from military branches, creating a memorable experience for both the veterans and their young family members. Students had spent weeks preparing special performances to honor their special guests. The gymnasium, decorated in patriotic blue tablecloths and American flag accents, became a stage for multiple grade-level presentations that showcased both learning and gratitude. The school's Den Ambassadors, a group of fourth-grade student leaders, led the ceremony by sharing important facts about Veterans Day and its significance. In a display of recognition, veterans were asked to stand and be acknowledged for their service. The morning's performances included heartfelt presentations from multiple grade levels. Mrs. Morrison's first-grade class delivered a touching poem expressing their appreciation for veterans' sacrifices. Second graders shared insights from their recent studies about veterans' impacts on our country, demonstrating how even young students can grasp the importance of military service and sacrifice. Following the breakfast and performances, families gathered around the "Our MCS Heroes" wall, which displayed a tribute of military photographs showcasing the proud service history of students' family members beneath service branch emblems and decorative stars. The collection of images spanning different eras of military service provided a visual reminder of the continuing legacy of military service within the Sanford community. Principal Tracie Hallissey expressed the school's gratitude for the veterans' service and emphasized the importance of helping students understand the significance of Veterans Day. The morning offered students a personal connection to military service through their interaction with family members who had served.

Veterans Honored at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary's Annual Breakfast Celebration

November 8, 2024

The gymnasium at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary was filled with pride, gratitude and patriotic spirit Thursday morning as students and staff welcomed dozens of veterans for thei...

The SRTC / SHS annual College and Career Fair took place on November 7th for juniors and seniors in booth schools. This event gives students an opportunity to visit with both employers and institutions as post-secondary options. Students came prepared to ask employers or colleges relevant questions that could impact their future. While this is a major undertaking, this is crucially beneficial to our students. The connections made here could be the groundwork for a career in the future or an opportunity to attend additional training / schooling after high school. To see photos of College and Career Fair prep and of the event itself, click HERE.

SRTC/SHS Career and College Fair Highlights

November 8, 2024

The SRTC / SHS annual Career and College Fair took place on November 7th for juniors and seniors in booth schools. This event gives students an opportunity to visit with both em...

From Student to Mentor: Sanford Alum Creates Broadcasting Opportunities for SRTC Students

November 7, 2024

Every time Andy Austin drives through Sanford, he feels a familiar spark—a connection that's drawn him back to his hometown after a successful broadcasting career that's taken hi...

Video Production seniors thrilled audiences with the premiere of their haunting short films at a special Halloween screening event. Complete with popcorn and special guests, the intimate gathering featured four ambitious student productions: "Echo," "Malaise," "Terror Cards," and "Class Clown." The screening even featured a surprise acting debut from SRTC Director Mr. Petermann, adding to the festive atmosphere of the showcase. Each film demonstrated the technical skill and creative storytelling abilities of the program's senior students. Students transformed the classroom into an impromptu theater for the occasion, creating the perfect backdrop for their spine-tingling productions. The event marked a successful milestone for the Video Production program's emerging filmmakers.

SRTC Video Production Students Showcase Spooky Cinema at Halloween Watch Party

November 6, 2024

Video Production seniors thrilled audiences with the premiere of their haunting short films at a special Halloween screening event. Complete with popcorn and special guests, the i...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

November 6, 2024

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

November is alive with the sound of music at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School as students across all grades explore various instruments in their music classes and clubs. Our youngest musicians in Kindergarten and first grade are developing their rhythm skills with colorful Boomwhackers and percussion instruments. These hands-on experiences help build their musical foundation while having fun making music together. Second graders have an exciting opportunity this year with the Drumming Club. To accommodate the enthusiastic response, seven sessions are planned to ensure every interested student can participate. Moving up to third grade, students are beginning their unit on the glockenspiel, learning to play this melodic percussion instrument. Fourth graders are stretching their musical abilities as they start their ukulele instruction. Our dedicated Ukulele and Chorus Clubs are preparing for upcoming performances. The Chorus will make its debut performance of the school year at the Veterans Breakfast.

Making Music at Margaret Chase Smith

November 5, 2024

November is alive with the sound of music at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School as students across all grades explore various instruments in their music classes and clubs. Ou...

Alumni Spotlight

November 1, 2024

The Sanford School Department is starting an Alumni Spotlight to feature graduates who have made strides in their careers, contributed to their communities, or achieved personal...