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.
Carl J. Lamb Elementary Lights Up the Night with First Annual Glow Run
Kindergarten Exploration Event Draws Strong Turnout
BMX Stunt Star & Heart Health Heroes: Excitement at Carl J. Lamb Assembly!
The halls of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School came alive with music, learning, and collaboration on Saturday, March 15th, as the school hosted the first-ever Maine Adaptive Music Summit.  The groundbreaking event brought together approximately 40 education professionals from across Maine and New Hampshire. "I was looking for professional development for adaptive music, for teaching music to students in our specialties programs," explained Hattie Skvorak, Carl J. Lamb's music teacher who spearheaded the event. "There's a few opportunities for just music teachers, but there's not really anything where music teachers and the ED techs and special education teachers are coming together." Carl J. Lamb Principal Sherri Baron praised Skvorak's initiative: "Ms. Hattie Skvorak demonstrates exceptional dedication to music education excellence. Recognizing a significant gap in music teacher preparation programs regarding special education methodologies, she took the initiative to address this statewide deficiency." The summit's schedule featured planned sessions addressing classroom needs. Participants could choose between tracks like "Beyond Notes and Rhythms: Strategies for Adaptive Music in K-5" and "Supporting Behavior in Specials." For families whose children experience sensory challenges, "Sensory Songs" with board-certified music therapist Stephanie Leavell provided strategies to help children feel confident and ready to learn. "There's a lot of collaboration between us, and especially in my adaptive classes, the Ed techs are super hands-on with their students, and they're always asking, 'Well, how can I support my student better?'" Skvorak noted. This summit aimed to answer those questions. Other sessions included "Emotional Regulation in the Classroom" and "The Power of Pre-Band BEYOND the Recorder," offering approaches to make music accessible for all students. The day concluded with an expert panel and roundtable discussions. The decision to hold the summit on a Saturday ensured that educational technicians could attend without disrupting students' routines. As Skvorak explained, "If we have this event that's catered towards Ed techs, and we make it on a Friday, well they can't come, because we can't get a sub for every ed tech in the district." The impact was immediately apparent. "Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback," Baron noted, "with many music educators specifically requesting annual continuation of the event. Several participants noted that this summit provided the most comprehensive professional development they had ever received on adaptive music education." What does this mean for children? As Skvorak puts it, it ensures "the students are getting the same message in all facets of the building. So what they're learning in speech applies here, or what they're working on in their classroom with their special ed teacher applies here." The summit, held during Music In Our Schools Month, highlighted the school's commitment to inclusive music education. "Ms. Skvorak's contributions to both our local educational community and music education throughout Maine are truly exceptional," Baron said. Following this successful inaugural summit, the school is gathering feedback with hopes of making this valuable gathering an annual tradition.
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From Sap to Syrup: Carl J. Lamb Students Tap into Hands-On Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTdtQpJvYY
The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its first District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well-attended event transformed the school's cafeteria into a hub of activity as families with incoming kindergartners explored their first step into school. Staff members wearing red shirts were stationed at tables throughout the room, guiding families through the registration process. Parents and their children completed necessary paperwork while learning about the kindergarten program. Several children participated in craft activities set up specifically to engage them during the registration process.The school nutrition department also provided snacks for the children, giving families a taste of the healthy options available during the school year. What made the evening truly special was the community's enthusiastic support. Representatives from more than a dozen local organizations surrounded the room, ready to connect with families and offer resources. Community organizations included MaineHealth-Partners for a Healthier Community, Sanford Backpack Program, Help Me Grow, Kids Free to Grow, United Way, York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), Headstart, First4ME, Kids Kove Childcare and Learning Center, Curtis Lake Church Early Learning Center, Little World 2, and Girl Scouts of Maine. All three elementary school PTAs were also represented. Families also had the opportunity to meet with various school support teams, including counselors, social workers, nurses, and special education staff—putting friendly faces to the extensive network that will help nurture their children's growth. Missed the registration night? No need to worry! Families can still register their kindergartners by calling the Sanford School Department at 324-2810. Current Pre-K students are automatically registered but were welcome at the event to experience this exciting preview of their kindergarten adventure.
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Carl J. Lamb Elementary Celebrates Lunar New Year
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Week of Feb. 10th, 2025
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