Sanford School Department

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 22, 2024

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

Sanford High School Music Director Honored as Outstanding New Educator

May 21, 2024

Sanford High School's music program is hitting all the right notes these days. SHS Music Director Hailey Francoeur was recently named the 2023-2024 Maine Music Educators Associati...

The Elks’ Junior Teens of the Year Awards

May 20, 2024

Ysebella Mitchell and Luke Gendron have been named the 2024 Grade 8 Elks Award recipients at Sanford Middle School. The annual award recognizes outstanding 8th grade students' a...

Sanford High School's Advanced Placement (AP) students showcased their research projects at the annual AP Capstone Symposium on Wednesday, May 15th, in the school's agora. The symposium allowed the students to present the findings from their year-long, college-level research endeavors. The AP Capstone program challenges high school students to engage in rigorous academic research and project work through two courses - AP Seminar and AP Research. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn the AP Capstone certificate in addition to potential college credit. Sally Quarles, the AP Capstone Research teacher, expressed pride that her AP Research students dedicated tremendous effort to complete their 2023 research projects and academic papers. The symposium provided an opportunity for the students to share the fruits of their labor. This year's student participants included Jenny Danis, Addie Fiandaca, Samone Gallagher, Jack Gendron, Izabella Goodrich, Quang Lam, Alex Lemay, Hannah Morgan, Andrew Morin, Madison Osborne, Rishi Patel, Tala Soule, and Rowan Winchell. The annual symposium is a unique tradition at Sanford High School, not a requirement from the College Board which oversees AP curricula. It showcases the exceptional student work while providing valuable experience in research presentation, similar to what they'll encounter at the university level and professionally. The event was made possible in part by community sponsors Baker Research Company and Edison Press, both local Sanford businesses that have supported the school's AP Capstone program.

Sanford High School AP Students Host Annual Symposium

May 17, 2024

Sanford High School's Advanced Placement (AP) students showcased their research projects at the annual AP Capstone Symposium on Wednesday, May 15th, in the school's agora. The sym...

A new federal program called SUN Bucks (Summer EBT for Children) will help low-income families purchase groceries when school is out for the summer. Eligible families with children aged 6-16 can receive $120 in food benefits for the summer period. The permanent SUN Bucks child nutrition program aims to address child food insecurity by providing funds that families can use to buy groceries during the summer months when kids don't have access to free or reduced-price school meals. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Family Independence (OFI) is implementing the program. Many families will automatically qualify based on their participation in programs like SNAP, TANF, MaineCare, or free/reduced school meals. However, families can also apply for SUN Bucks benefits separately. An application for benefits will be available on the OFI website, for families who feel they would qualify for the benefit but did not receive the NOD. Families who were automatically qualified via another program will receive their SUN Bucks on an EBT Card at the end of June. Families who apply later in the summer months, will receive their benefits at the end of the month in which their application is approved. Here is the link to the OFI website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services Here are some key details about eligibility and how the program will work in Maine this summer: Eligibility Children must meet USDA criteria set during the prior school year Kids automatically qualify if their household receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or their child is homeless, migrant, or in foster care Children approved for free or reduced-price school meals also automatically qualify MaineCare households with income below 185% of the poverty line are eligible Other families can apply online in late May Benefit Details Each eligible student will receive a one-time $120 payment for summer 2024 Benefits will be loaded onto existing SNAP/P-EBT cards if available, otherwise a new card will be issued Payments will be disbursed from late June through late October as applications are approved OFI has been working to implement the new SUN Bucks program quickly after its authorization. Families should watch for notices in mid-May about eligibility and application information later that month. The SUN Bucks benefits can provide vital grocery support to help families feed their school-aged kids nutritious meals throughout the long summer break. Officials encourage all eligible households to participate in this new child nutrition program. For the latest information and updates, families can visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi or call 1-855-797-4357.

'SUN Bucks' Summer Grocery Aid for Low-Income Families

May 17, 2024

A new federal program called SUN Bucks (Summer EBT for Children) will help low-income families purchase groceries when school is out for the summer. Eligible families with childre...

SRTC Auto Tech Students Secure Third Place in Statewide Ford ACE Contest

May 16, 2024

On Wednesday, May 8th, Automotive Technology students Max Jones from Sanford and Dylan Baker from Massabesic went to CMCC in Auburn to compete in the 2024 Maine Ford ACE State con...

A group of Sanford Middle School students were recognized for their outstanding work in raising awareness about the dangers of drug use. 8th graders Adeline Fraser, Joshua Fogarty, and Allison Horton took home the top prize at the state level for their video, "Be Kind to Your Mind." The video contest, organized by the Maine Elks Association, challenged students across the state to create short films addressing the vital issue of drug awareness and prevention. On Saturday, May 4th, the triumphant trio attended the state Elks Banquet in Augusta, where they were honored for their remarkable achievement. During the event, their award-winning video, "Be Kind to Your Mind," was screened, allowing attendees to witness the students' powerful message and exceptional filmmaking skills.

Sanford Middle School 8th Graders Win State Drug Awareness Video Contest

May 16, 2024

A group of Sanford Middle School students were recognized for their outstanding work in raising awareness about the dangers of drug use. 8th graders Adeline Fraser, Joshua Fogart...

Two dozen students from Sanford Middle School in grades 5-8 recently had the opportunity to attend the 6th annual Middle School Student Leadership Summit at the University of New England in Biddeford. The summit allowed students to discuss important issues and develop leadership skills. Angela Avery, the SMS School Counseling Department Head, and 6th grade teacher Jenn Brown, the Student Leadership Team's Adviser, chaperoned students. "Our team of student leaders is incredible," Brown said. "They had a fantastic experience this year focusing on what motivates children and how it can influence their schools positively. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson was also part of a panel that met with students during the summit to hear their concerns, discuss important issues students felt were happening in schools and brainstorm ideas on how to improve their school experiences. "The presence of Mr. Nelson, who listened to them attentively, made them feel valued and validated their concerns," Brown said. "They felt proud of being from Sanford and were eager to create a positive impact. This year, they left with a sense of empowerment." The students joined peers from schools across southern Maine, including Saco, Thornton Academy Middle School, Kennebunk, Brunswick, Scarborough, Lisbon, and Biddeford. The summit included breakout sessions about motivation and goals for the future that helped our empower our students who attended. They participated in full group and breakout sessions on topics like "The Magic of Motivation," explored the UNE campus, and ate in the dining hall.

Sanford Middle School Students Attend UNE Leadership Summit

May 16, 2024

Two dozen students from Sanford Middle School in grades 5-8 recently had the opportunity to attend the 6th annual Middle School Student Leadership Summit at the University of New ...

'Menopause' ladies stop in Sanford

May 16, 2024

SANFORD — All aboard, sisters! Get ready for the hysterical sequel to the hit show "Menopause The Musical®." The North American Premiere Tour docks in Maine for a single, unmissab...

Fourth graders at Sanford Pride Elementary (SPE) recently had the opportunity to explore a wide range of potential career paths during the school's Career Day on Friday, May 10th. The event allowed students to engage with professionals from various fields, planting seeds about the many avenues for future success. This wasn't about choosing a career but rather an opportunity for students to realize there are many different opportunities in the future. The event exposed students to professionals from various fields, planting seeds of inspiration about the many avenues to future success. The idea for Career Day stemmed from discussions among the fourth-grade teaching team - Jason Stone, Kristan Curtis, and Tricia Boivin. To make the most of the enriching opportunity, students rotated through seven different career sessions in small groups, with teachers helping to facilitate each rotation. The hands-on approach allowed students to hear personal stories and ask questions that sparked their curiosity.

Sanford Pride Career Day

May 15, 2024

Fourth graders at Sanford Pride Elementary (SPE) recently had the opportunity to explore a wide range of potential career paths during the school's Career Day on Friday, May 10th....

Sanford Elks Honor Top Students at Annual Youth Banquet

May 15, 2024

The Sanford Elks Lodge held its annual Youth Banquet on Wednesday, May 8th, to celebrate the academic excellence of Sanford High School’s top 50 students. The event recognized ...

The Portland Symphony Orchestra's talented String Quartet paid a special visit to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Margaret Chase Smith School this past Thursday, May 9th. The musicians treated students to a lively performance that blended music, storytelling, and interactive elements. The centerpiece of the presentation was Leo Lionni's children's book Swimmy. As a member of the quartet narrated the tale of the brave little fish, the other musicians underscored the story with excerpts from classical compositions. The sounds of the violin, viola, and cello evoked the mysteries of the deep blue sea, which served as the setting for Swimmy's adventures. The quartet encouraged students to join in on the fun by performing hand motions mimicking the movements of the fish characters. Children waved their hands to depict Swimmy swimming, the larger fish chasing him, and other events from the beloved story. The musicians also introduced their orchestral instruments to the young audience members. They demonstrated the unique tones produced by plucking, bowing, and striking the strings in different ways.

Portland Symphony Orchestra's String Quartet Visits Carl J. Lamb, Sanford Pride, and Margaret Chase Smith

May 13, 2024

The Portland Symphony Orchestra's talented String Quartet paid a special visit to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Margaret Chase Smith School ...

The talented musicians of Sanford Middle School put on a fabulous show Thursday night at the Spring Concert held at the Performing Arts Center. The evening featured performances by the Jazz Band, 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and combined 6th-8th Grade Choir. The concert kicked off with the Jazz Band, led by director Erica Scarano. They got things going with "Apache," featuring a solo from student Sophia O'Connell on saxophone. The lively sounds of "El Taco Rocko" followed, with solos from Emma Higgins, Xyla Kurz, Elyse White, Cierra McInerney, Kiana Kinsey and Evan Lynch showcasing the band's versatility. Next up was the 7th Grade Band, taking the audience through pieces like "The Monster Under the Bed," "Chorale Elegant," and "Byzantine Dances." The 8th Grade Band followed with an impressive set including "Dance of the Shadows," "Loch Lomond," and the fast-paced "Mambo Cubano." After a brief intermission, the combined 6th-8th Grade Choir, under the direction of Justin Pietruch, captivated with their vocal performances. They opened with an energetic rendition of "Africa" before shifting gears with the inspirational "Imagine," which featured solos from Emma Higgins and Victoria Lapert. The choir showcased their range on the folk song "Shenandoah," highlighted by solos from Ziva Green and Jaslinn Johnson. They closed out the night by rocking the crowd with "Heavy." The musicians of Sanford Middle School clearly put in countless hours of practice and preparation. Their hard work and talents were on full display, making for a truly memorable evening of music and entertainment for the whole community.

Sanford Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Spring Concert

May 10, 2024

The talented musicians of Sanford Middle School put on a fabulous show Thursday night at the Spring Concert held at the Performing Arts Center. The evening featured performances b...

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on Wednesday, May 8th, in the Performing Arts Center. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of these students in their Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, highlighting their dedication to skill development and academic excellence. The evening commenced with opening remarks from NTHS Advisor Stephanie Emmons, followed by SRTC Director Matt Petermann, who made welcome remarks highlighting the significance of the night. Deanna Farrell, Student Services Counselor for SRTC, was the guest speaker of the evening. "I'm so impressed that we have several Eagle Scouts in the room," Farrell said in her speech. "We have SkillsUSA medalists, world travelers, Black Belt recipients, athletes. I'm so impressed by how many of you are giving back to our youth. And some of you are literally life savers." The induction ceremony itself was a culmination of hard work and dedication, as Emmons, Petermann, and Farrell orchestrated the proceedings. Each student was individually recognized for their outstanding contributions, symbolizing their entry into a community committed to excellence. Established in 1984, the NTHS is the premier honor society for CTE, extending its reach to high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, and universities. With a mission to recognize and empower students to pursue technical and academic skills essential for today's workforce, the society annually welcomes over 50,000 new members, fostering a community of skilled individuals poised to shape global industries.

101 SRTC Students Inducted Into National Technical Honor Society

May 9, 2024

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on Wednesday, May 8th, in the Performing Arts Center. T...

Sanford High School’s choral and band ensembles performed its Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 7th. Under the guidance of Ryan Geary, SHS Director of Choirs, the choral ensembles kicked off the evening’s festivities with an array of performances. The CCP Chorus set the stage with their rendition of “Put A Lid On It” by Alan Billingsley. Following suit, the Select Treble Choir sang “Truth” by Andrea Ramsey. The Sanford Chamber Singers continued with “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook. And finally, the SHS Chorale performed “What Do I Know?” by Audrey Snyder, the whimsical “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie, the reflective “What Was I Made For?” by Jennifer Lucy Cook, and “How Can I Keep From Singing?” by Bradley Ellingboe. It was then time for the Band Ensemble, under the baton of Director of Bands Hailey Francouer. The Jazz Ensemble performed a rendition of “Big Swing Face” by William Potts, featuring standout solos by SHS students Joey Blanchette and Quang Lam. SHS student Hannah Paterson was the featured soloist in the next song, “How High the Moon.” The Jazz Ensemble concluded its set with a performance of “Birdland” by Josef Zawinul. The Wind Ensemble followed. The highlight of their set was the performance of “The Seal Lullaby”, with standout solos from students Samone Gallagher, Emma Janousek, Mikayla Adair, and George Westerlund. And finally, they concluded their set with a thrilling performance of “Cool” from West Side Story. The highlight of the night undoubtedly came from the Concert Band, who delivered a premiere of “The State of Maine March,” arranged and conducted by teacher Heather Hastings. The band’s rendition of “Air For Band” was nothing short of breathtaking, with each note resonating with emotion and precision. And finally, they brought the evening to a close with their performance of “The Machine Awakes.”

Sanford High School Choral and Band Ensembles Spring Concert

May 8, 2024

Sanford High School’s choral and band ensembles performed its Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 7th. Under the guidance of Ryan Geary, SHS Director of ...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 8, 2024

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

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K students held another showcase on Monday, April 29th, highlighting their new knowledge in Unit 5: Shadows and Reflections. The students learned how to explore the properties of light and the ways it benefits people and animals. Children learned the science of shadows and reflections through hands-on investigations and exploration. In small groups and centers, children explored how light conveys feelings, emotions, and ideas in art and design. The students demonstrated some of their new learning by modeling how to use centers with their siblings and parents.

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K Showcase

May 6, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K students held another showcase on Monday, April 29th, highlighting their new knowledge in Unit 5: Shadows and Reflections. The students learned how to ...

Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center JMG students attended a career day event at UNUM in Portland, where they learned about various careers and career paths from employees. Guest speaker Dajuan Eubanks spoke about the journey that led him to become the Maine Celtics President. To date, 172 SHS and SRTC students have participated in the Maine Career Exploration Badge.

Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center Students Explore Career Paths at UNUM Event

May 6, 2024

Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center JMG students attended a career day event at UNUM in Portland, where they learned about various careers and career paths from empl...

Carl J. Lamb Hosts Concerts and Arts Nights

May 3, 2024

The halls of Carl J. Lamb School were buzzing with excitement as students prepared to showcase their artistic and musical talents during the Spring Concert and Arts Nights. Art ...

The Performing Arts Center was alive with music and melody on Thursday, May 2nd, as Sanford Middle School’s 5th and 6th-grade students took to the stage for their highly anticipated Spring Concert. The evening began with the performance of the 5th-grade band, under the direction of Band Director Dee Ames. The young musicians treated the audience to renditions of "Miramar Fanfare" by Brian Balmages and "Bulger's Dream (Olympic Fanfare)" by Paul Lavender. Continuing the musical journey, the spotlight then shifted to the 6th-grade band, still under the guidance of Dee Ames. The band delivered performances of "Armory" by Randall Standridge and "Wellerman" by Johnnie Vinson. After a brief intermission, it was time for the chorus to take center stage, with music teacher Katie Spagnolo at the helm. Students delivered interpretations of "The Banana Boat Song" by Roger Emerson and "Golden Hour" by Emily Drum. Throughout the evening, it was evident that the success of the concert was the result of countless hours of practice and dedication from the students. Their hard work and commitment to their craft were truly commendable, and they deserved every moment of applause and recognition. A special shoutout goes to all the students for their unwavering dedication in preparing for this night. Their passion for music and performance shone brightly on stage, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness their talents. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to Joanna Hamblin for her invaluable service accompanying the student performances.

Sanford Middle School 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concert

May 3, 2024

The Performing Arts Center was alive with music and melody on Thursday, May 2nd, as Sanford Middle School’s 5th and 6th-grade students took to the stage for their highly anticipat...