The CJL Bell Choir is composed of ten enthusiastic second graders who demonstrate a shared passion for music and performance. This newly-formed after-school club met weekly for five sessions leading up to the winter break, dedicating their time to furthering their musical skills. Student demonstrated excellence in both musical skill and character, serving as role models in the school community with their exceptional demonstration of our core values (safe, respectful, responsible, honest, courageous) and school attendance.  Music literacy serves as the cornerstone of our second-grade music curriculum. Students are actively learning to read notes on the staff, transitioning from iconic representations to standard notation, and applying their understanding of pitch in innovative ways aligned with notation reading. Handbells and desk bells play a pivotal role in this progression, as the color-coded, pitch-specific instruments labeled with letter names provide a tactile and visual bridge into music literacy. The Bell Choir participants have exhibited exceptional teamwork and collaboration throughout their rehearsals. Furthermore, they have displayed remarkable leadership in their general music classes, eagerly sharing their growing knowledge
Community Boot Donation Supports Sanford Students
Screens lit up across Sanford on Monday evening as more than 50 elementary school families joined the district's first-ever Virtual Family Math Night.  Under the guidance of three title math teachers and the elementary math coach, what could have been a routine video call transformed into an interactive mathematical playground, with parents and children collaborating on engaging puzzles and games. The evening featured engaging activities that encouraged mathematical thinking and family collaboration. Students exercised their problem-solving skills with "Be Curious," a creative dice pattern activity, and participated in an interactive number guessing game using colorful visuals and strategic clues.  One particularly popular activity involved a mystery number game where students used clues to eliminate numbers and narrow down possibilities – a perfect blend of logic and mathematics. The teaching team also introduced families to PIG, an exciting dice game that reinforced number sense and strategic thinking.  Each activity was thoughtfully adapted to suit different grade levels, ensuring that every student could participate and learn at their appropriate level. Throughout the evening, students eagerly shared their answers and mathematical thinking with the group. The enthusiasm was evident right up to the final moments, with one student asking hopefully, "Are you going to do these every month?" Ms. Daniels happily confirmed that monthly sessions are indeed the plan.
Virtual Family Math Night
Nominations are now open for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 Teacher of the Year.  Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools among everyone in the Sanford community.  Nominations can be made through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website  from now until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2025. (Click here for the form) They are accepted by students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Recognize an educator today who has continued to inspire, educate and care for their students!
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Students from Carl J. Lamb Elementary School experienced a festive day of learning and fun at Sanford Regional Technical Center's annual holiday celebration.  The event, hosted by SRTC's SkillsUSA students, featured a variety of hands-on activities including cookie decorating, ornament making, and wreath crafting. A highlight of the day was the opportunity for elementary students to explore emergency vehicles, including SRTC's fire truck, ambulance, and police cars.  This interactive experience allowed young learners to connect with technical education in an engaging, age-appropriate way. The annual event showcases SRTC's commitment to community engagement while providing elementary students with an exciting introduction to technical education programs.
The cafeteria at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School transformed into a festive performance venue on Friday, December 20, as students, teachers, and staff came together for their Holiday Classic Variety Show. The event showcased the diverse talents of the entire school community, from the youngest Pre-K students to the dedicated teaching staff. The Spartan Show Choir opened the show with a magical rendition of "The Polar Express" and later returned to dazzle the audience with energetic performances of "Trepak" and "Run, Run, Rudolph." The school's accomplished Bell Choir delivered a heartwarming medley featuring "Somewhere in my Memory," traditional favorites "Dreidel" and "Deck the Halls." Young performers from every grade level brought their unique charm to the stage. The Pre-K team led everyone in the interactive "Gingerbread Cookie Dance," while the First Grade team orchestrated a delightful "Reindeer Sing-a-Long." The Second Grade team entertained with "The Wrappers," a playful present-wrapping contest that brought laughter to the audience. The Third Grade team presented the whimsical "Jolly Snowman Marshmallow Act," and the Fourth Grade Chorus touched hearts with their rendition of "Walking in the Air." The Fourth Grade teaching team also contributed their own creative "Jingle Bells Remix." Staff members showed their festive spirit too, with performances including Ms. Deb's "Winter Jokes," Ms. Heidi Camire's rendition of the classic "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and the Special Education team's cheerful performance of "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree."
Carl J. Lamb’s Pre-K community came together today for a holiday celebration that brought out everyone's festive spirit. The morning began in their Music and Art Rooms, where children's voices joined in harmony for a delightful sing-along of beloved holiday tunes.  The joy was contagious as the music filled the air, creating magical moments that brought smiles to every face. After our musical celebration, everyone enjoyed some sweet treats, sharing cookies and conversation in a wonderful display of holiday fellowship.  The festivities then moved to Pre-K classrooms, where creativity took center stage. Each child became an architect of their own miniature winter wonderland, crafting charming gingerbread houses from milk cartons.  Armed with icing, candies, and boundless imagination, our young artists decorated their creations with impressive detail and enthusiasm.
CJL's Vision Statement SY 24-25
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Spirit Week at CJL Week of Dec. 16th, 2024
PTA Holiday Shopping Fair
Gr2 Bell Choir at CJL
 Leanne Giberti
Students, staff, and community members gathered at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School for a Veterans Day celebration that combined patriotic music, student performances, and a special recognition ceremony for local veterans. Under the direction of music teacher Hattie Skvorak, Carl J Lamb students delivered a musical tribute to honor those who have served our country. The school's cafeteria was transformed for the occasion with red, white, and blue balloon arrangements, patriotic banners, and American flags held proudly by students. "This is a really special day that we take as a school to honor and celebrate all of your sacrifices. I'm so appreciative of all the hard work and dedication our students have shown in preparing the musical performances for today's ceremony," Skvorak said. "They've grown musically through the process, all while learning an important message of gratitude and service. These songs are a small way for us to say thank you to those who have served." The celebration featured a moment when veterans were invited to the front of the room, where they stood before the assembled students and received heartfelt applause from the school community.  The young performers, dressed in patriotic colors, demonstrated their appreciation through song. Students from various grade levels participated in the event, with many wearing special headbands and carrying small American flags to show their support. Concluding the celebration was an educational flag-folding demonstration, which served as both a learning opportunity and a tribute. Twenty students were selected to participate in this meaningful ritual alongside a military chief.  Each precise fold of the flag was explained to the audience, representing values such as honor, courage, and sacrifice that are fundamental to military service. Students demonstrated remarkable respect and attention during this tradition, which required careful coordination. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our veterans while teaching the next generation about service, sacrifice, and the sacred traditions that help us remember and respect those who have served our country.
Carl J. Lamb students just wrapped up the first part of their reading unit about Ancient Asia, and they had such a wonderful time.  They recently focused on learning about Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.  The kids dove right into this special celebration, and their creativity really shined through. Students made their own Diwali-inspired candle light to take home.   They were so excited to share what they learned about the holiday with their families.  It was heartwarming to see how engaged the students were as they connected their reading lessons to real-world traditions.   They not only practiced their reading skills but also learned about different cultures and celebrations around the world.
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 Carl J. Lamb Food Service Manager Debra Mello. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? 17 Years What's your favorite part about working in Sanford? My first impression of Sanford 24 years ago was that it is very family friendly. That is still the case. I love working with the kids.  What's your favorite TV show or movie? Mostly watch a lot of football!  If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? I asked friends and co-workers for help with this and the three that came up the most are funny, kind and talkative (but in a good way).  If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? England Podcasts or Playlists?  Playlists  Lake or Ocean? Ocean Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Facebook or Instagram? Facebook