Sanford School Department

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. Noelle is a junior in the program and, by most measures, a full business partner in her family's landscaping company. "She's basically her dad's business partner," Coverdale said. "I send an email to him, and she's the one who checks the email. She is involved in all of the work that he's doing." That level of involvement is something Noelle has built steadily over the past three years, learning the business from the ground up. From talking to clients and planning job sites to managing equipment and running crews, she has taken on responsibility at an age when most of her peers are still figuring out what they want to do after graduation. For Noelle, the appeal of the work has always been clear. "I certainly like the career, and being outside," she said. "It suits me." Running a landscaping business means no two days look the same, and that's exactly how she likes it. At AHN Landscaping, she isn't just showing up to mow lawns. She's learning how to build and run a business, one job at a time. "We've done many jobs," she said. "It's something I really want to continue to pursue." This winter marked her first season handling snow removal on her own, and it tested her early. During her very first storm, her plow broke down twice in the same spot before losing power entirely. It was the kind of night that reminds you how unpredictable this work can be. But Noelle took it in stride, and she kept going. “I had been on the sidelines of storms before and this was my first time being on the frontlines,” Noelle said. “That plow didn’t want to work at all.” Back in the classroom, Coverdale says Noelle's real-world experience makes her a natural leader among her peers. She's not the loudest voice in the room, but she's the one others look to. "She leads by example," Coverdale said. "If there's a heavy pile that needs to be moved, she's the first person on it. She's not doing it to look cool or to be the person who's right. She just cares about the end product, and the other students respect her for that." The Agriculture program at SRTC has given Noelle additional tools to bring to her work at AHN Landscaping. Plant identification, horticultural science, and a deeper understanding of what she's installing and why have all sharpened the way she communicates with clients. "It gives me more background knowledge and makes me more professional," she said. "Clients want someone who knows what they're doing." Noelle's story is also part of something bigger happening at SRTC, where extended learning opportunities allow students across programs to earn school credit while working in their chosen fields. She is one of many students bridging the classroom and the real world, building skills and experience that will carry them well beyond graduation.

Junior Noelle Dennis Brings Real-World Leadership to SRTC's Agriculture Program

March 12, 2026

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. N...

Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center

March 12, 2026

The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with families and friends on Wednesday, March 4, as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Sing ...

Sanford High School's Performing Arts Center was filled with student-athletes, families, and coaches Monday evening as the school celebrated its winter athletic season at the annual Winter Athletic Recognition Night. Sanford Athletic Director Zach Lemelin opened the evening with a reflection on what the night meant for the athletic department. “The Winter Awards Night was a great night, which highlighted the success of our individuals and teams at Sanford High School,” Lemelin said. “I am extremely proud of our student-athletes and coaches for a successful season, and it’s a perfect way to wrap up the winter.” Several Spartans earned individual conference and state honors. On the girls basketball side, Mollie Puffer was named SMAA First Team All and selected as the program’s Most Outstanding Player, while Paige Sevigny earned SMAA Second Team All honors and Jaslinn Johnson was named to the SMAA All Defensive Team. Dylan Gendron led the boys basketball program with SMAA First Team All honors and the Most Valuable Player award, with Luke Gendron earning SMAA Third Team All and Ryan Alexander receiving an SMAA Honorable Mention. In indoor track, junior Mattea Peters had an outstanding season, earning All State Second Team recognition in the 400m dash and SMAA First Team honors in the 200m dash, 400m dash, and high jump. Competition cheer’s Mariah Provencher was named SMAA First Team. Dozens of student-athletes earned spots on the SMAA All Academic Team by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 92.5 or higher, with honorees representing girls basketball, boys basketball, indoor track, swimming, competition cheer, wrestling, and both co-op ice hockey programs. The evening also highlighted the school's Leadership Council program, which met weekly throughout the winter with mental performance coach Megan Hamilton of Stride Mental Performance. Athletes who participated across multiple seasons received special recognition, notably Isabella McCall, who was honored for her commitment as a four-time member of the council, the highest level of recognition in the program One highlight of the evening was the recognition of two coaches. Rossie Kearson was named SMAA Girls Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Spartans to a 16-2 regular-season record, a perfect 9-0 home record, a second-place league finish, and a run to the Class A South semifinals. John Morgan was recognized as the Maine Basketball Coaches Association Class A South Coach of the Year, leading the boys team to a 17-1 regular-season record and an appearance in the Class A South semifinals. The night also recognized several Sanford student-athletes who competed through co-op programs this winter. Kenzie Provencher joined the Biddeford/Wells/Kennebunk/Sanford girls ice hockey team, contributing an assist on a double-overtime playoff-winning goal as the team finished 13-5 and reached the semifinals. Drew Vessels, Carter Wood, and Max Lapointe represented Sanford on the Marshwood/Traip/Noble/Sanford co-op boys hockey team, while the Sanford/Marshwood/Massabesic co-op swim team, which doubled in size this season, sent Sanford’s Katie Szymbor to the state meet. Coaches from each program took the stage to reflect on their season and recognize standout athletes with special team awards for leadership, improvement, and dedication. (Click here for a complete list of Sanford award winners.)

Sanford High School Hosts Winter Athletics Recognition Night

March 11, 2026

Sanford High School's Performing Arts Center was filled with student-athletes, families, and coaches Monday evening as the school celebrated its winter athletic season at the annu...

'Pandemonium Strings' takes the stage April 4

March 11, 2026

SANFORD — Sanford Performing Arts Center presents a show like no other at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4! Get ready for a jaw-dropping blend of music, acrobatics and unforgettable fun ...

First 10's Play and Learn Program Connects Sanford Families Through Hands-On Learning

March 11, 2026

When Shana Palmer, First 10 Coordinator for the Sanford School Department, launched her Play and Learn sessions, she designed them with the youngest learners in mind: children fro...

Eight Sanford students and two staff members recently traveled to Camden-Rockland, Maine, to participate in the 39th Annual Camden Conference. The conference is a prestigious, nationally recognized event that brings together global leaders, journalists, and policy experts for three days of thoughtful discussion and learning. This year’s theme was Today’s Middle East: Power, Politics, Players. Representing Sanford were: Alexandra Herring, Alivia Caudill, Elizabeth Hylton, Liana Viroch, Owen Westerlund, Thalinda Hengthal, Ax Courtney, and Afia Amoakonene. The group was accompanied by staff members Heidi Whitney and Kelly Jewell. This year, 16 high schools from across Maine participated, along with 5 colleges and universities — as well as members of the general public, who always welcome the fresh perspective that young people bring to the conversation. The conference was moderated by NPR’s Meghna Chakrabarti, and the keynote address was delivered by Vali Nasr — a Johns Hopkins professor, former Senior Advisor to Ambassador Holbrooke, and accomplished author. On Friday evening, Professor Nasr opened the conference with a compelling talk on the connections and history of conflict in the Middle East. Over the course of the weekend, Ms. Chakrabarti led a distinguished group of speakers — including journalist Robyn Wright, Ambassador Jeffery Feltman, and Professor Omar Dajani — on a journey through the modern Middle East, with special focus on Iran, Israel, Syria, and Libya. Each presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the audience. Sanford students had thoughtful questions ready, and several were eager to participate — with Mrs. Whitney’s question making it to the floor! The weekend wrapped up with a panel discussion that left attendees with both deep concern and genuine hope for the region’s future.

Sanford Students Attend 39th Annual Camden Conference

March 9, 2026

Eight Sanford students and two staff members recently traveled to Camden-Rockland, Maine, to participate in the 39th Annual Camden Conference. The conference is a prestigious, ...

The Sanford School Department hosted its second District-Wide Kindergarten Registration event on Wednesday, March 4th at Sanford Pride Elementary School, welcoming incoming kindergarten families from across the community. The event provided families with the opportunity to register their child for kindergarten while also connecting directly with school staff who will play an important role in their child’s school experience. Staff members in red shirts were stationed throughout the room to guide families through the registration process and answer questions. Additionally, members of Sanford High School’s new Interact Club volunteered their time to help. Parents had the chance to speak with Kindergarten teachers, administrators, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and special education staff, making it easier to ask questions and begin building relationships before the first day of school. In addition to completing registration, families were able to learn about a wide range of resources available throughout the Sanford community. Representatives from more than a dozen local organizations attended to share information and connect with families, including MaineHealth – Partners for a Healthier Community (HEAL Team), the Sanford Backpack Program, Kids Free to Grow, United Way, Springvale Library, SSYAA, Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE), York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), Head Start, Kids Kove Childcare and Learning Center, Curtis Lake Church Early Learning Center, YMCA, and all three Sanford elementary school PTAs. The Sanford School Department thanks these community partners for helping make the evening such a valuable experience for families. Children were also welcomed into the event, enjoying a snack provided by the school nutrition team and leaving with a book from Sanford’s 10 High Quality Book Campaign to take home, helping make the evening a positive first step toward their kindergarten experience. Families who were unable to attend registration night can still register their incoming kindergartner by calling the Sanford School Department at (207) 324-2810. Current Pre-K students are automatically registered but are always welcome to attend events like this for an early glimpse of what lies ahead. The next stop on the Kindergarten Trail is the Kindergarten Exploration on Wednesday, April 9th, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. at each elementary school, where students will have the opportunity to visit a kindergarten classroom and get a hands-on look at what’s ahead.

Sanford Pride Elementary Hosts District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Event

March 6, 2026

The Sanford School Department hosted its second District-Wide Kindergarten Registration event on Wednesday, March 4 at Sanford Pride Elementary School, welcoming incoming kinderga...

Margaret Chase Smith First Graders Share Their Love of Space with Families

March 6, 2026

Margaret Chase Smith first grade students proudly welcomed families for a special Learning Showcase to celebrate their knowledge from the CKLA Space unit on Wednesday. Students...

Most Mondays at 6 pm, a group of Sanford High School students meet in the Agora at the school, the open staircase near the cafeteria. Not for practice or tutoring, but to figure out how they can make their community a little better. They're members of Key Club, the school's oldest club, which has been around since 1959. Key Club is an international student-led organization focused on community service and leadership, sponsored by Kiwanis International. At Sanford High School, membership is open to all students throughout the entire school year. SHS senior Braeden Landry has been showing up to meetings since before he was even a high school student. This year's biggest undertaking was the Lighthouse project: a large, student-designed display on the Agora wall created in partnership with Erika's Lighthouse, an organization focused on youth mental health awareness. The display points toward the guidance office, and students are invited to share tips on staying mentally healthy and how to get help, giving a voice to struggles that can be hard to talk about. Members spent hours carefully planning and executing it. "The Lighthouse is one of our biggest projects we've done. That was really cool," Braeden said. "We also set up an ornament painting station and got like 40 different presents. That was awesome." Members focus on hands-on community service projects, preferring to try new things rather than repeat the same events each year. This year's standout was the Lighthouse project. "They spent like five hours figuring out how they wanted it set up and what they wanted it to say," said co-advisor Payton Orino. "They worked really hard on it." Other highlights included assembling and distributing "Boo Bags" around Halloween and running babysitting nights at the school. One of the biggest events on the calendar is DECON — the District Convention — coming up at the end of March in Springfield, Massachusetts, where members get to compete and represent Sanford High on a regional stage. DECON is one of the most exciting parts of the Key Club year. Students travel to compete in events including a talent show, an advertising competition, and a poster competition. Last year the club had a strong showing, taking first place in both the Talent Contest and Club Video competition, second place in the Oratorical Contest, and earning an Advisor Award for Kyle Landry. Landry is in his 10th year advising the club, which has around 40 members on its roster. Kyle remains enthusiastic about growing it. “I would love to figure out how to get 30 or 40 more kids,” he said. Landry and Orino are supportive in their roles. "We're here to guide them when they need it, but this is really their club. They take a lot of pride in what they do," Orino said. Students who love the experience can continue through Circle K International, Key Club's college equivalent. Those interested in joining Key Club can reach out to the advisors or ask at the main office.

Sanford High School's Key Club Makes Impact on Community

March 6, 2026

Most Mondays at 6 pm, a group of Sanford High School students meet in the Agora at the school, the open staircase near the cafeteria. Not for practice or tutoring, but to figure ...

Sanford Middle School's seventh graders had a powerful and meaningful learning experience when they connected via Zoom with Ruth Wade, the daughter of Holocaust survivor Sydney Finkel. During the hour-long session on Wednesday, March 4, Ms. Wade shared her father's remarkable story of survival. From his childhood in Poland when Germany invaded, through the horrors of the concentration camps, to his eventual liberation. Students watched a documentary video featuring Mr. Finkel telling his story in his own words, and then had the opportunity to speak directly with Ms. Wade in a live question-and-answer discussion. What made the experience especially impactful was the conversation that followed the video. Ms. Wade guided students to reflect on the many individual choices — large and small — that shaped her father's survival: the family members who protected him, the strangers who took great personal risks to help, and even the simple acts of kindness that helped sustain him through unimaginable hardship. Students engaged thoughtfully, identifying specific moments from the video and connecting them to a broader message about the choices we all make in our daily lives.

Sanford Middle School Seventh Graders Participate in Holocaust Education Event

March 4, 2026

Sanford Middle School's seventh graders had a powerful and meaningful learning experience when they connected via Zoom with Ruth Wade, the daughter of Holocaust survivor Sydney Fi...

Four Sanford High School Students participate in the ACDA All-Eastern Honor Choir

March 3, 2026

Four Sanford High School vocalists represented our community this past week at the ACDA All-Eastern Honor Choir Festival, one of the most elite high school choral events in the ea...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEteL7uUTtI

WMTW Weather At Your Schools Visits Sanford Middle School

March 3, 2026

WMTW Meteorologist Ted McInerney visited Sanford Middle School this morning for his "Weather At Your Schools" segment. He then presented to fifth graders in the cafeteria and le...

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The SMS Times

March 2, 2026

Check out the latest SMS Times below! The SMS Times is Sanford Middle School's student-run online newspaper.

More than 140 third and fourth graders participated in the Student Health Fair at Sanford Pride Elementary School earlier this month, spending the day exploring health, nutrition, and mindfulness through interactive, hands-on activities. MaineHealth educators Casey Marcotte (HEAL) and Stephanie Masters-Plamondon (SUPS) led engaging lessons tailored to the elementary audience. Marcotte's "Sugar Shocker" demonstration challenged students to read nutrition labels, compare food choices, and recognize how marketing shapes perceptions of what's healthy — along with the reminder that water is always the best thirst quencher. Masters-Plamondon drew on the MindUP curriculum to introduce students to mindfulness strategies, helping them understand how their brains work and building skills in focus and self-regulation. A highlight of the day was the Smoothie Bike, where students cheered each other on as they pedaled to power their own smoothies during lunch. Community partners also joined the fair, offering additional lessons on health, safety, and wellness.

Sanford Pride Hosts Student Health Fair

March 2, 2026

More than 140 third and fourth graders recently participated in Sanford Pride Elementary School's first annual Student Health Fair and it was a huge success. Students spent the...

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March First 10 Newsletter

March 2, 2026

Check out the latest updates from First 10 below!

U.S. Navy Sea Chanters stop by Sanford March 5

February 27, 2026

SANFORD — Don’t miss this unforgettable evening with The Navy Band Sea Chanters, the U.S. Navy’s premier chorus, performing a FREE concert at the Sanford Performing Arts Center ...

Sanford Regional Technical Center culinary students made their mark this week, competing for the first time in the Maine State ProStart Competition. The milestone event brought together students from career and technical education centers across the state to showcase their culinary skills and hospitality management knowledge in front of industry judges. SRTC joined fellow competitors from Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, with all three programs earning praise from judges for their impressive performances. Capital Area Technical Center took top honors and will advance to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, representing Maine on the national stage. For SRTC culinary students, this first-ever appearance at the state competition marks an exciting chapter for the program. As the saying goes in competition — participating is winning — and these students demonstrated that the future of hospitality in Maine is in good hands.

Sanford Regional Technical Center Culinary Students Compete in ProStart Maine State Competition

February 26, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center culinary students made their mark this week, competing for the first time in the Maine State ProStart Competition. The milestone event brought t...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

February 26, 2026

Check out the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter below!

Sanford Middle School's Doctor Who Club has quickly become one of the most popular after-school activities this year and the enthusiasm speaks for itself. The club got its start during the 2024-2025 school year by sixth-grade teacher Abby Hanson, a longtime Doctor Who fan who wanted to share something she loved with her students during her first year of teaching. After showing the British sci-fi series in class, the response was hard to ignore. "I got 10-plus kids interested right away," she said, "So I was like, okay, I'll start it." The club launched with around 15 members and has since doubled this year. I have 30 students signed up,” Hanson said. Every Tuesday after dismissal until 4 p.m., members get together to watch episodes of Doctor Who in order. Hanson brings a lot to the table beyond just hitting play. She keeps the conversation going with discussions about plot, storytelling, and production history, drawing on her deep knowledge of the show's behind-the-scenes world. "We talk about how the show has had an influence on sci-fi, whether it's film, television, or literature," she explained. "Doctor Who has had a huge influence, and the kids are really into exploring that." One of the best things about the club is that no prior knowledge of Doctor Who is required. Some students came in already familiar with the show, while others were discovering it for the first time. Either way, the welcoming atmosphere and the excitement of watching together has been enough to get everyone invested. The students are clearly hooked. Sixth-grader Zoey Bolduc, returning for her second year, was one of the kids who pushed for the club to exist in the first place. After Hanson introduced the show in class, Zoey thought it was a no-brainer. "I told her that she should make a club about this. I thought that would be really cool." Now, her favorite part is simple: "Mostly just hanging out, watching Doctor Who, and talking about the show." Fellow member, sixth-grader, Ana Grant, put it best: "The show is very fun,” Grant said. “You can't look away, because you're going to miss whatever's happening."

Doctor Who Club at Sanford Middle School Keeps Growing

February 25, 2026

Sanford Middle School's Doctor Who Club has quickly become one of the most popular after-school activities this year and the enthusiasm speaks for itself. The club got its start ...

Sanford Middle School Celebrates the Great Kindness Challenge

February 25, 2026

Sanford Middle School recently wrapped up a wonderful week of kindness. Students and staff participated in the Great Kindness Challenge, a national movement that empowers students...