The Sanford School Department kicked off the new academic year with a bang, hosting a comprehensive and engaging orientation day for its newest teachers in the district at Sanford High School on Tuesday, August 27th. The event set the stage for a successful school year ahead.
The day began with a welcome from Superintendent Matt Nelson, accompanied by introductions from administrators.
Following the welcome, new teachers participated in community-building circles, an innovative approach to creating bonds among colleagues. The morning continued with a technology orientation led by Technology Director Kerry Hanson, ensuring that all educators are well-equipped to navigate the district's digital landscape.
Business Manager Cheryl Fournier guided new staff through essential human resources topics, from workers' compensation to tuition reimbursement, demonstrating the district's investment in its educators' well-being and professional growth.
The day was packed with valuable information sessions, including an introduction to Infinite Campus, the district's student information system, and a walkthrough of the New Teacher Handbook. The district is also setting up New Teacher Support Groups, ensuring ongoing assistance throughout the year.
Recognizing the importance of student well-being, Director of School Counseling Beth Letourneau led a session on suicide prevention, equipping educators with vital knowledge to support their students. The training was designed to be informative and practical, covering various essential topics.
Teachers learned to recognize warning signs, and they also gained strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment that promotes an inclusive and empathetic atmosphere where students feel safe and valued.
Following a lunch hosted by the Sanford Federation of Teachers in the cafeteria, Superintendent Nelson delivered closing remarks before new staff had the opportunity to spend time in their respective school buildings with their assigned mentors and building administrators.
Below is a list of new teachers organized by school:
Sanford High School
Michael Gauthier (Physics Teacher), Matthew Guertin (Math Teacher), Linden Hollins (Chemistry/Physics Teacher), Anna Silva (Social Studies Teacher), Charlene Foss (SpEd Tech), Megan Kiley (Virtual Learning Ed Tech), Matthew Ouellette (Support and Transition Ed Tech)
Sanford Middle School
Abigail Hanson (6th Grade Teacher), Joshua Hyssong (Instructional Band Teacher), Deborah Leclerc (Seal Team)
Sanford Regional Technical Center
Shawnda Williams (Health Occupations Teacher), Jenna Holmes (Health Occupations Teacher)
Carl J. Lamb
Beth Baldarelli (SpEd-Self Contained Teacher), Holly Brown (2nd Grade Teacher), Denise Bergeron (SpEd Ed Tech), Jessica Harmon (Self-Contained Ed Tech), Laurie Morse (K Literacy Ed Tech), Alethea Pettine (Library Ed Tech), Aaliyah Studer (SpEd Ed Tech)
Margaret Chase Smith
Ayla Alrich (3rd Grade Teacher), Pamela Legere (1st Grade Teacher), Taylor Nygren (4th Grade Teacher), Lee Paula Perkins (4th Grade Teacher), Ashley Brochu (Self Contained Ed Tech), Angela Kepner (K Literacy Ed Tech), Suzi MacDonald (Behavior Ed Tech)
Sanford Pride
Lindsey Jenkins (1st Grade Teacher), Haley Kennedy (3rd Grade Teacher), Makenzie Smith (Art Teacher)
BRIDGE
Eric Stephens (Social Studies Teacher), Sara Tremblay (Ed Tech)