Carl J. Lamb
As the new school year got underway, the Sanford School Department welcomed students and staff to clean, safe, and well-prepared facilities, thanks to the efforts of our custodial and facilities team over the summer months.   The Sanford School Department oversees an impressive array of facilities, including ten buildings that required management for cleaning, maintenance, and grounds care.  These facilities encompassed a total of 634,000 square feet of building space and spanned 262 acres of land.  At the heart of our school preparation efforts was our hardworking custodial team who took center stage this summer, undertaking a comprehensive cleaning of all facilities. Their work went far beyond routine maintenance, involving a process that touched every corner of our schools.  Staff moved and cleaned furniture, washed lights, walls, and windows, and conducted necessary room repairs. One of their most significant tasks was scrubbing and refinishing floors throughout the buildings, ensuring a fresh and welcoming environment for returning students and staff.  The custodial team faced and overcame challenges during their summer work. They navigated scheduling conflicts with summer programming and demonstrated remarkable flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes.   While the custodial staff focused on deep cleaning, our maintenance team was equally busy with crucial projects. They replaced the boiler at Willard School, installed new doors in the SMS Library and main stairwell, and added climate control to the SPE Library.   Other notable projects included: Installing playground equipment at Margaret Chase Smith School. Setting up an entry heater at Carl J Lamb School. Implementing sound deadening measures at Sanford High School  Our grounds care responsibilities expanded this year to include mowing and maintaining Sanford High School sports fields. This new task totaled 20 additional hours of work and was efficiently managed with the addition of a part-time seasonal staff member.  The combined efforts of our custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff ensured that Sanford schools were clean and safe and enhanced and improved for the new academic year.  As students and staff returned, they found their spaces ready and welcoming, setting the stage for a successful year of learning and growth. Thank you to our Facilities and Maintenance teams!
Fruit
Attendance Awareness
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The Sanford School Department launched its 2024-2025 school year in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 28th, with a powerful message: every student matters, and every adult is important.  Carl J. Lamb's Show Choir, under the direction of music teacher Hattie Skvorak, kicked off the morning with an uplifting performance. Thank you to Carl J. Lamb students Breyana Bolduc, Alanna Carter, Olan Clock, Maggie Green, Kinley Martineau, Aoife McGuckin-Welsch, Daisy Peters, Ivy Peters, and Kiara Rohner. Following the performance, School Committee Chair Paula Cote welcomed and thanked staff on behalf of the committee. Superintendent Matt Nelson then welcomed returning staff and new staff joining the Sanford School Department, expressing gratitude for everyone involved in preparing for the opening of school.  The Sanford School Department's three pillars for student success – student achievement, school climate and culture, and capacity building – set the stage for introducing the goals for the upcoming school year. In addition to the goals, school safety was emphasized as a continuing priority for the Sanford School Department. Mr. Nelson stressed the importance of engagement, prioritizing relationships, and encouraging staff to focus on making strong connections with students, colleagues, and families. He highlighted that these meaningful relationships help form the foundation for effective teaching and learning, creating an environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. Staff were also encouraged to "adjust their lens" heading into the 2024-2025 school year when facing new challenges to see the positives in their work. This adaptability ties with the district's focus on "spotlighting-the-right" and building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. The presentation concluded with a powerful metaphor: the dash between birth and death years on a tombstone. Staff were posed a thought-provoking question: "What does your dash stand for?" This dash, it was explained, represents the sum of one's work and the impact of their daily actions.  Mr. Nelson emphasized that one's legacy is measured by every life they touch. Relating this concept to the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, it was framed as the School Department's collective dash. Their shared goal is to ensure that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and prepared.
Sanford High School Kaitlyn Gardner (Admin Assistant to the Principal) 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)
SANFORD, Maine, – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristy Richards as the new Assistant Principal of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, effective July 29, 2024.  The selection committee was impressed by the pool of applicants, but Ms. Richards' background, experience, and commitment to student success and school improvement set her apart as the best fit for the Carl J. Lamb community.  Richards is no stranger to Sanford. She is a graduate of Sanford High School and has served the Sanford School Department in a variety of positions.  She will succeed Trish Leet, who retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.  "Kristy is well-suited for this important leadership position. Her knowledge, leadership skills and ability to build strong relationships are a great fit for Carl J. Lamb School" said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Sanford Schools. "She is well-respected, and her in-depth knowledge of student behavior, effective intervention strategies, and special education will serve Kristy well in her new role."  Kristy holds a Certificate of Advanced Study with a concentration in RTI (Behavior) from the University of Maine, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern Maine, focusing on Administration, and certifications for Building Principal, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Special Education Director.   She spent 16 years as a Special Education self-contained teacher, followed by three years as a Special Education resource room teacher at Carl J. Lamb School, and most recently, 6.5 years as an elementary behavior coach.  "I am honored to join Carl J. Lamb Elementary School as Assistant Principal" said Richards. "I share the school's commitment to developing the whole child and fostering a strong community. By setting high academic standards, addressing social-emotional needs, and building strong relationships among staff, students, and families, we can create an environment where every child thrives. I look forward to collaborating with the Carl J. Lamb team to build on our strengths and create new opportunities for success."  The Sanford School Department would like to congratulate Kristy Richards on her new role and continued dedication to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School and its students.
Carl J. Lamb held its annual "CJL's Got Talent" on the last day of school.  This past May, second, third, and fourth graders had the exciting opportunity to audition and showcase their unique skills and talents.  The audition process was competitive, with students putting their best foot forward across various performance categories. From powerful singing voices to intricate dance routines to hilarious comedy acts, the panel of judges was thoroughly impressed by the talents on display.  After the audition round, rehearsals kicked into high gear. The chosen performers worked tirelessly to polish their acts, all in preparation for the big show on the last day of school.  Finally, the day arrived for CJL's Got Talent to take the stage. An enthusiastic audience of first through fourth graders packed the school auditorium, buzzing with excitement. One by one, the student performers stormed the stage with confidence.  The acts did not disappoint. They delivered a spectacular variety show, and the audience frequently erupted in cheers, laughter, and applause.
Carl J. Lamb held its first-ever Special Olympics event on Monday, June 3rd, bringing smiles and athletic achievement to students with disabilities. The event was the culmination of months of planning by teachers and staff.
Public Comment
Carl J. Lamb Elementary School hosted an exciting Career Day assembly on Friday, May 17th, inviting professionals from various fields to share insights about their careers with eager students.   The event aimed to inspire and enlighten young minds, introducing them to various career possibilities.  Sanford School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain, Samantha Brink of Chiropractic Clinic, and Nurse Amy were among the representatives. There were also representatives from the Sanford Fire and Police Departments, Southern Maine Aviation, Moody’s Collision Center, Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society, Northeastern University’s The Roux Institute, Caron Engineering, and Everything In Between.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra's talented String Quartet paid a special visit to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Margaret Chase Smith School this past Thursday, May 9th. The musicians treated students to a lively performance that blended music, storytelling, and interactive elements.  The centerpiece of the presentation was Leo Lionni's children's book Swimmy. As a member of the quartet narrated the tale of the brave little fish, the other musicians underscored the story with excerpts from classical compositions. The sounds of the violin, viola, and cello evoked the mysteries of the deep blue sea, which served as the setting for Swimmy's adventures.  The quartet encouraged students to join in on the fun by performing hand motions mimicking the movements of the fish characters. Children waved their hands to depict Swimmy swimming, the larger fish chasing him, and other events from the beloved story.  The musicians also introduced their orchestral instruments to the young audience members. They demonstrated the unique tones produced by plucking, bowing, and striking the strings in different ways.
Carl J. Lamb Hosts Concerts and Arts Nights
Kindergarten Registration
On Friday, March 15th, Carl J. Lamb welcomed sixteen classes to the music room to learn about Irish music in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Musicians learned about Irish instruments, learned to speak Irish, and even got to try the fiddle and accordion.
The Sanford community shined brightly for the school department’s annual Spring Sing Choral Showcase at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 6th.
New Kindergarten Student Early Registration Event
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 at sbonsey@sanford.org. This spotlight is on Carl J. Lamb Music Teacher Hattie Skvorak