Sanford School Department

September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September 11, 2025

Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine, and we are excited to join schools across our state in celebrating the importance of b...

Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

September 11, 2025

On December 10, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In accordance with ESSA, sc...

Sanford Spotlight

September 10, 2025

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter for the district.

The Sanford Backpack Program invites the community to attend its 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown, a fun event that raises funds to help fight student hunger in our district. Event Details: When: Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 PM Where: Sanford Performing Arts Center What: Teams perform lip sync renditions of their favorite songs Twenty local lip sync teams will compete to entertain audiences while supporting a great cause. The audience will help judge winners across multiple categories, making it an interactive community celebration where your participation matters! All proceeds from the event benefit the Sanford Backpack Program, which provides weekend food support for students in need throughout our school district.

2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown at the Performing Arts Center

September 9, 2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The date for the 2nd Annual Lip Sync Showdown at the Performing Arts Center has been changed to Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 7 pm . The Sanford Backpack Program...

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@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith nurse Melissa Phillips. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This will be my fifth year working in Sanford Schools. I was the district float nurse for 2 years and this will be my third year at MCS. What is your favorite part about working in Sanford? I love working with and taking care of all my elementary school students, but I think my favorite part about working here is the incredible team of people I work with. Everyone is respectful, supportive, and uplifting of one another. The people you work with have a significant impact on the day to day workplace experience. I appreciate the positive energy, transparency, and consistency that I see in the day to day. I truly enjoy coming in to work each morning! What’s your favorite TV show or movie? Shawshank Redemption or The Notebook If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Compassionate, Dependable, Athletic If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? I would go hiking in Switzerland. Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot Coffee Playlists or Podcasts? Podcasts- I love radio Theater Ocean or Lake? Lake Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Facebook or Instagram? Neither..haha

Employee Spotlight

September 5, 2025

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...

Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Back in January, Allen was one of 336 educators nationwide to receive the award, which is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can get from the U.S. government. Related: (Diana Allen Receives Presidential Teaching Award) Allen, who was initially selected as one of three Maine state finalists, completed an intensive application process that required demonstrating deep content knowledge and adaptability to diverse learning environments. Her application included a recorded teaching demonstration at a local brook, where she partnered with Maine Audubon to teach students about macroinvertebrates. The process required detailed analysis of teaching practices, addressing student misconceptions, managing classroom diversity, and demonstrating educational leadership at local, state, and national levels. During the MDOE summit, Diana was presented with her award by Tonya Prentice, joining an elite group of Maine educators who have earned this distinguished recognition. Her selection reflects not only her classroom excellence but also her commitment to fostering scientific thinking and discovery among her middle school students.

Diana Allen Honored at Maine Education Summit for Presidential Teaching Award

September 5, 2025

Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for ...

This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is expanding this fall to include staff from CJL and MCS, ensuring collaborative work reaches across all three elementary schools. The Maine DOE recently asked for a video highlighting First 10's work here in Sanford. Check it out below to see how community partnerships are making a real difference for our youngest learners and their families.

September First 10 News

September 3, 2025

This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is ...

Watch SHS Home Games on Hudl

September 2, 2025

Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed. ...

The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch. Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage. Following their musical presentation, each student introduced themselves, shared which schools they attended, and spoke about teachers who've had a lasting impact on their academic journey so far. School Committee Chair Amy Sevigny then delivered opening remarks that challenged both new and veteran staff members to be supportive colleagues. "I want you to all think about when you were that new person on the job, whatever job that was. Do you still remember the first person or the people that welcomed you and made you feel part of the team?" She challenged staff to be supportive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and positive colleagues. Whatever the day brings, be the coworker that you want to have. Because a strong school community thrives when each member feels valued and supported. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts throughout the district. "I want to thank you as our faculty and staff for all that you do for our students and what you do each and every day with them," Nelson said. A significant portion of the event welcomed new staff members joining the Sanford team across all district schools, including all elementary schools, middle and high school, SRTC and SCAE Adult Ed. The presentation also included Superintendent Nelson introducing the district's updated mission to "prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world" for the first time to staff after it was recently approved by the School Committee. This mission is supported by Core Principles and Beliefs on Learning that focus on creating safe learning environments, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access, adapting learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration. These principles work together to support the district's Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate vision, preparing students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, emotionally intelligent collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.

Sanford School Department Welcomes Staff for 2025-26 Year

August 29, 2025

The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrat...

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

August 27, 2025

The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday, Au...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

August 20, 2025

Click here for the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter. This issue provides essential back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year. You'll find first day schedules ...

The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans. On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers. If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number. Please note, due to a bus driver shortage, some bus routes have been combined to begin the school year. This change will result in longer ride times for some students. We appreciate your patience as we continue to search for additional drivers. If you are interested in becoming a driver or monitor, contact Ledgemere, our transportation provider. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly or Ledgemere at 207-324-4888.

Bus Transportation For The 2025-2026 School Year

August 20, 2025

The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans . On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation i...

Leesa Joiner Named Sanford School Department's New IT Director

August 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department has appointed Leesa Joiner as its new IT director, bringing more than two decades of technology education experience to the role. Joiner impressed t...

Stuff The Bus

August 6, 2025

A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 , Stuff the Bus Maine will hold it...

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1. Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems. She is trained in threat assessment and safety protocols, with extensive experience working in challenging situations at both the elementary and high school levels. "It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said. Edgar joins Sanford Middle School with four years of experience as Assistant Principal at Saco Middle School, where he worked in a comprehensive student support program designed to help all students succeed. Prior to his administrative role, Edgar served as a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Saco Middle School for 20 years and union representative. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the students of Sanford Middle School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year," Edgar said. "Lindsay brings a strong middle level background in special education and has demonstrated her ability to meet students where they are. She understands the importance of keeping students connected and involving all stakeholders when working with students," Sanford Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio said. "Michael stressed the importance of wanting students to feel heard and demonstrated a deep understanding of working within a community as a steady presence that others can rely on." Pendleton and Edgar replace Mastraccio, who was hired as the school's principal in June replacing Pam Crosby, and Michael Bailey, who recently left to become the Assistant Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The Sanford School Department congratulates Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Lindsay Pendleton, Michael Edgar Named New Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School

August 5, 2025

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle Sc...

New Sanford High School Athletics App

July 30, 2025

Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app...

The start of the Fall sports season is fast approaching. The Fall season will start August 18th. Have you registered online? https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/hs-fall-athletic-registration-2025 Items required to participate are a current sports physical and medical insurance. If you need a physical: Getting your student's physical scheduled is simple - just visit https://convenientmd.com/urgent-care/youth-physicals/ to book online, or give them a call at 207-850-5744. At just $25 per physical, it's an affordable way to keep your student ready for activities, and the best part is that each physical is good for two full years. We understand that even a $25 cost can sometimes be challenging for families. If the expense would create a financial hardship, don't let that stop you! Reach out to Becky Cleveland at 207-206-8782 or email her at bcleveland@sanford.org with respect to any questions about physical or medical insurance assistance.

Fall Sports Registration Information

July 22, 2025

The start of the Fall sports season is fast approaching. The Fall season will start August 18 th . Have you registered online? https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/hs-fa...

Sanford School Department Seeks Community Input on Mission, Vision, and Graduate Portrait

July 10, 2025

Sanford School Department Families, We have completed our first feedback loop on updating the Sanford School Department's Mission, Vision, Core Principles & Beliefs on Learning ...

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Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

July 7, 2025

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight newsletter.

Sanford Middle School Teacher to Research Pollinators in Costa Rican Cloud Forest

July 2, 2025

Diana Allen, a Sanford Middle School Life and Environmental Sciences teacher, will embark on a seven-day expedition to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica as an Earthwa...