Sanford School Department

Summer Food Service Program Provides Meals to Children & Teens

May 22, 2025

The Sanford School Department’s School Nutrition Program is once again sponsoring the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. The program is open to all children and teens 18 and un...

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20th, celebrating student achievements in the program. The event was led by student co-presidents Alissa Letourneau and Emily Letourneau, beginning with a 2024-2025 JMG video presentation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by student Rylee LaPierre. Students Sophia DeVoe and Camille Decato recognized program volunteers, while Amber Campbell acknowledged Principal Tracy Gibson’s support. English teacher Mrs. Roy delivered a speech after being introduced by student Natalie Green. Roy emphasized how JMG equips students with essential life skills beyond the classroom, teaching them about finances, credit cards, loans, and job skills while building meaningful connections. "Consider your people, the last time you connected with them," Mrs. Roy advised, sharing a valuable teaching practice of taking inventory of relationships and following up with those who need connection most. SHS senior Kimberly Blanchard presented information on the Maine Career Exploration Model, noting an additional $10,000 was distributed to Sanford students this year, totaling $98,000. The program now includes a framework helping students earn credentials in job readiness, financial literacy, and leadership development. Senior Skyla Clarke shared how JMG transformed her future plans: "I continue working on going through steps of what it takes to enlist in the Air Force, and I am proud to say I have decided to do just that." She encouraged underclassmen to "listen to every adult who wants to share their career path." Senior Emily Letourneau reflected on Ms. Gifford's impact: "Miss Gifford has shaped me to be the person I am today. A mentor is someone who knows what you're capable of, and when you start to slip away from that, they're nearby to pick you back up and keep you on track." Senior Alissa Letourneau described her transformation from a freshman "sitting in the back, AirPods in, head down, trying to stay invisible" to becoming co-president of JMG. Through JMG, she discovered her leadership potential and competed at SkillsUSA winning a gold medal. "This fall, I'll be heading to the University of Southern Maine to study communications to become a NASCAR public relations specialist," she shared, adding, "This is coming from the girl who, just a few years ago, didn't want to leave home or even think about going to college." JMG Specialist Ms. Gifford presented senior spotlights highlighting each graduate's journey and future plans in fields ranging from early childhood education to fire science. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Izzy Mitchell, celebrating the strong community developed through JMG and its lasting impact on students' futures.

Sanford High School Honors JMG Students at Annual Closing Ceremony

May 22, 2025

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20th, celebrating student achievements in the program. The event wa...

'SUN BUCKS' Summer Grocery Aid For Low-Income Families

May 22, 2025

A federal program called SUN Bucks (Summer EBT for Children) will again help families purchase groceries when school is out for the summer. Eligible families can receive $120 in f...

The Sanford Springvale Rotary Club held its annual Scholarship Breakfast this morning, awarding a total of $15,000 to eight deserving local students. Five Sanford High School seniors were among the recipients, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of our community's youth. The five Sanford High School scholarship recipients included Tatiana Glavin, Lucas McLean, Timothy McGee, Anna Morgan, and Sadie Sevigny. Each student received significant financial support for their college education, with four students receiving $1,500 scholarships and Sadie Sevigny receiving a $2,500 scholarship. Additional scholarships were awarded to students from Noble High School and Massabesic High School. According to Mr. Thomas from the Rotary Club, the selection process focuses on several key factors. "We're looking for volunteer hours. That's very important to us," he explained. The committee also considers family financial situations, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement in activities like debate, chorus, drama, and athletics. What truly distinguished this year's recipients was their clear vision for the future. Lucas McLean, for example, plans to attend Thomas College to study finance with aspirations of becoming a CFO of a corporation. This forward-thinking approach impressed the selection committee. The Rotary Club members were particularly moved by the exceptional gratitude displayed by this year's scholarship recipients. "I've never seen a more appreciative group of students than we had this year," noted Mr. Thomas. After the ceremony, each student personally thanked the Rotary members

Sanford Springvale Rotary Awards Scholarships to SHS Students

May 20, 2025

The Sanford Springvale Rotary Club held its annual Scholarship Breakfast, awarding a total of $15,000 to eight deserving local students. Five Sanford High School seniors were amon...

SRTC Students Participate in Collaborative Emergency Services Training

May 20, 2025

Students at Sanford Regional Technical Center gained valuable hands-on experience during a collaborative emergency services training exercise held on Wednesday, May 14. The educa...

Sanford High School Students Shine at Prestigious State Music Festival

May 19, 2025

Four talented chorus students from Sanford High School represented our community with distinction at the elite 2025 Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA) BOC All-State Music Fe...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Shines in Student Variety Show

May 15, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as 3rd and 4th grade students took to the stage for this year's variety show. The event showcased 15 outstanding...

As these accomplished students prepare for their collegiate journeys, they carry with them the support and pride of their families, educators, and the entire Sanford community. Parents and community members in attendance expressed admiration for these young scholars whose dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead to continued success in their future endeavors.

Sanford High School's Top Students Recognized by Elks Lodge at Annual Youth Banquet

May 15, 2025

The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Thursday, May 8, honoring Sanford High School's top 50 academically ranked students. The evening celebrated scholastic ac...

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in career and technical education programs. SRTC Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles opened the evening, sharing the NTHS slogan: "Excellence in America's workforce begins with excellence in Workforce Education." The ceremony honored both returning members and welcomed new junior and senior inductees from various technical programs. Matt Peterman, Director of SRTC, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the honor society's motto: "Success favors the prepared mind." In his address, Peterman highlighted how each inductee has distinguished themselves in their chosen field through "perseverance, technical excellence, and visionary thinking." "The students before you represent America's next generation of leadership, individuals who combine technical mastery with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical judgment," Peterman told the audience. "These students are not merely learning skills. They're preparing to guide industries through the challenges of tomorrow." Harper Dragon, a 2024 NTHS inductee, delivered a speech about the seven core values that define NTHS membership: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, honesty, skill, and responsibility. "Becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society at SRTC means more than a line on a resume," Dragon explained. "It's a promise, a promise to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, and to pursue excellence in every corner of life." The ceremony recognized students from an impressive array of technical programs including Health Occupations, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Wiring, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Video Production, Digital Design, Engineering & Architecture, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Precision Manufacturing, Building Trades, Information Technology & Networking, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Cosmetology, Land & Horticulture, Plumbing, Auto Collision Repair, and Welding. The NTHS recognition validates students' commitment to technical excellence and professional values while highlighting the critical importance of skilled trades and technical professions to our economy and society. By honoring these students, NTHS helps bridge the skills gap in American industry and challenges outdated perceptions about technical careers.

111 Sanford Regional Technical Center students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

May 9, 2025

Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the ...

Talent Takes Center Stage at SHS Spring Concert

May 9, 2025

Sanford High School students showcased their musical talents at the annual Spring Concert held on May 6, 2025, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event featured performanc...

Broadway tunes take the stage in Sanford

May 8, 2025

SANFORD — Step into the spotlight with “102 Years of Broadway,” the highly anticipated sequel to last season’s hit, “101 Years of Broadway,” brought back by popular demand. Show...

Sanford Spotlight

May 8, 2025

Click here to check out the latest Sanford Spotlight district newsletter.

Three Sanford Middle School students recently participated in the prestigious Girls' Day at the State House event in Augusta on April 29th. Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta, and Sophia Guy joined other nominated girls from across Maine for this special educational opportunity. The program included both online preparatory sessions and a full day of in-person activities at the State House. Participants learned about the legislative process, including how bills become laws, and had valuable opportunities to speak with elected officials, policy professionals, activists, and organizers. "I really liked getting to know some other peoples thoughts on why or why not we should have high schools start later and just learn new things," said Sophia Guy about her experience. "I met a lot of leaders I would never have met!" The students appreciated the virtual portion as well. "We got to kind of know some of the people that were also going to be there and some of the group leaders that were going to be there ahead of time," Guy said. According to School Counselor Ms. Quartararo, "These girls were chosen through nominations from their teachers and staff at SMS. It was an impressive honor to be chosen and then of course they followed through with their leadership qualities during the virtual meetings and the powerful in-person day at the capitol. They made us all proud." The Girls' Day at the State House program provides young women with insights into government and leadership while fostering connections with peers and mentors across the state.

Sanford Middle School Leaders Shine at Girls' Day at State House

May 6, 2025

Three Sanford Middle School students recently participated in the prestigious Girls' Day at the State House event in Augusta on April 29th. Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta, and So...

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First 10 May Newsletter

May 6, 2025

Students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School had the opportunity to learn about various careers during the school's Career Day held Friday, May 2nd. Throughout the day, local professionals visited classrooms to share information about their jobs and answer questions from students. The event featured a diverse group of presenters from the community, including School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain from the Sanford Police Department, who spoke with Pre-K and 1st grade students about law enforcement. When asked what he likes most about his job, Officer Jourdain explained, "My most favorite part of being a resource officer is helping people. When I can watch someone, if someone's having a bad day or something's really not going right, and I can help them, guide them through, and I get them where they need to be, then that's a good feeling." Officer Jourdain also highlighted the variety in his profession: "Being a police officer is really cool, because you just help people, and then there's different parts of being a police officer. You can be a detective and solve crimes, I do check for fingerprints and all those other things. You could be a resource officer like me, you could be a patrol officer that responds to different things." Brett Williams, Managing Director of the Sanford Performing Arts Center, engaged kindergarten students with an interactive presentation about careers in the performing arts. "We have all kinds of different shows. There's a lot of different performing arts... singing and making songs, acting, dancing - anybody who has their job in front of an audience are performing artists, and one of the fun things that we do is we help make the atmosphere," Williams explained. Williams demonstrated practical aspects of theater work with lighting equipment and props. "One of the tools I have for my job is lighting. Sometimes when we have plays, we have to have different things that are called props. Props are things that we hold on to in the show... nothing is as it appears on stage," he told the students. Mayor Becky Brink spoke with second-grade students about city government and leadership. Sam Brink, another presenter, discussed nonprofit leadership and her work with Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG). Classrooms hosted professionals from many different fields, giving students exposure to a wide range of career possibilities. Presenters included Rick Smith from Sanford Fire Department, Andrew Button from Southern Maine Aviation, Allie McCarthy from Animal Welfare Society, and many others. Students even participated in virtual sessions with Stephen Crowley from Facebook, who discussed coding and video game design with 3rd and 4th graders. The schedule arranged for professionals to rotate between different grade levels throughout the day, ensuring that students could learn about multiple careers. The presentations were interactive, allowing children to ask questions and learn about the education, skills, and daily responsibilities required for each profession.

Carl J. Lamb Elementary Welcomes Community Professionals for Career Day

May 2, 2025

Students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School had the opportunity to learn about various careers during the school's Career Day held Friday, May 2nd. Throughout the day, local prof...

Sanford High School Choirs All Earn Top Rating at Statewide Festival

May 2, 2025

On May 1st, the Sanford High School choral program participated in the Maine ACDA Adjudicated Festival at Scarborough High School. Under the direction of Ryan Geary, Chamber Sin...

Sanford Rotary Honors SRTC Student of the Year Nominees

May 2, 2025

Thirteen Sanford Regional Technical Center's students were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club. The event, held in SRTC's café, featured a ...

Sanford Spotlight

May 1, 2025

Click here to access the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter.

Two Sanford School District educators, Terri Gerrish of Pride Elementary and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary, were recently recognized as "Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals" during the Week of the Young Child, a celebration highlighting the importance of early childhood education and the professionals who nurture children during this critical developmental stage.

Two Sanford Educators Honored as Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals

May 1, 2025

(Terri Gerrish, left, and Kendra Marley, right) Two Sanford School District educators, Terri Gerrish of Pride Elementary and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary, were r...

Sanford Middle School music teacher Erica Scarano recently achieved a significant professional milestone by serving as guest conductor for the Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA) District 3 Honor Band for 7th and 8th graders. Selected by a vote of her peers from across the 33 school districts and private schools in MMEA District 3, Ms. Scarano was entrusted with the prestigious responsibility of conducting the talented young musicians who earned spots in this select ensemble through competitive auditions. After carefully selecting repertoire for the group during the fall, Scarano met with the student musicians for intensive rehearsals on April 4-5 at Lisbon High School. The two-day event culminated in a successful concert featuring four pieces performed to a capacity audience. "These two days were humbling, affirming, invigorating, fun, and emotional for me," said Ms. Scarano. "I had a great time working with the awesome students and teachers in District 3." The honor band performance was complemented by an honors chorus presentation, conducted by a guest director from Massachusetts. Ms. Scarano's selection as guest conductor highlights the high regard in which her musical expertise and teaching abilities are held by fellow educators throughout the region. Sanford Middle School can take pride in having such an accomplished music educator inspiring our students every day.

Sanford Middle School's Erica Scarano Selected to Conduct District 3 Honor Band

May 1, 2025

Sanford Middle School music teacher Erica Scarano recently achieved a significant professional milestone by serving as guest conductor for the Maine Music Educators Association (M...