Margaret Chase Smith School

Learning about fruits and how to identify items that we think are the BEST in Mrs. St. Laurent's classroom.

Hello MCS Families! It was great to see so many of you on Friday for our various community events. Here is a link to our weekly newsletter with updates and snap shots of some of our fun. It is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3qd3f

Mad Science has begun at MCS for all of curious scientists!

Hello MCS Families! Check out our Chase's Pack News with updates and details on what is happening throughout the weekend. This is the final weekend to purchase any Coyote Clothing to receive your 30% off discount from our school vendor. It is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3q1bf

Checkout our nominees for this week! Way to go coyotes!

We are excited to have you join us for our Lunch with a Loved One on September 26th. Please complete this request form to sign up to join your coyote during their lunch block. It is a great day to be a coyote! https://tinyurl.com/33n8pb67

A huge shout out to our PTA board members and some dedicated coyotes who came in over the weekend to help mix and pour concrete in our playground. We are one step closer to installing our basketball hoop!

Hello MCS Families! Check out our weekly newsletter with activities happening within our classrooms and upcoming events. Every day is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3pp9k

Congratulations to our first nominees for Mighty Cool Students of the 2025-2026 school year! Way to show respect in all that you do!

Mr. Brown’s "Neat Pack" Award celebrates the class that shows the most pride in keeping their learning space clean and organized each week. Students earn this award by working together to tidy up materials, care for classroom supplies, leave their areas ready for learning and clean up after themselves in the cafeteria. This recognition encourages responsibility, teamwork, and respect for our school environment. Congratulations to our fourth grade team who won the award for our first week of school!

Hello MCS Coyotes! Just a reminder that tomorrow is our first ERD of the school year. Students will be dismissed at 2:00 PM. All school buses will arrive one hour earlier to their bus stops. It is a great day to be a coyote!

This week, students are learning our school’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for walking safely in the hallways, joining assemblies respectfully, and using their work tools appropriately while in class. These routines help create a safe, focused, and welcoming learning environment for everyone. Thank you for reinforcing these positive habits with your child at home!

Employee Spotlight! Meet 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

Our students begin each day with a morning meeting, a time to build community and set a positive tone. Morning meetings help students practice social skills, share ideas, and strengthen connections with their classmates. Starting the day this way creates a sense of belonging and prepares students for learning. Check out some of our classes in action during our first week of school.

Hello MCS Families! We’re excited to share the latest edition of Chase’s Pack Newsletter with you! Inside, you’ll find updates, upcoming events, and highlights from our coyote community. Thank you for staying connected and being such an important part of our pack! It is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3pb7f

We are so grateful that Pratt and Whitney donated some back to school items for our coyotes! Our community partnership is ideal as students enter the next year prepared and ready to learn! Chase is excited to deliver the new items on Tuesday.

Dear MCS Families,

We are excited to welcome you to Open House tomorrow night! This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to get ready for the new school year, connect with staff, and take part in some fun activities.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

📝 Math Scavenger Hunt (bring a pencil!) – complete it to earn a prize

🐾 Say hello to Chase and receive a special “Welcome Back to School” gift

📸 Use our photo wall for family pictures

✍️ Sign up for Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts

💲 Meet representatives from the Finance Authority of Maine

🍎 Visit your classroom and meet your teacher

🚗 Pick up car placards & confirm transportation with the front office

💊 Visit the nurse & drop off medication

🍧 Enjoy popsicles on the playground with our PTA

💌 Parents: Write a positive message on our “Den Postcards” to inspire our students and staff

We can’t wait to see you soon and kick off a great school year together!

It is a great day to be a coyote!
Mrs. Hallissey

Hello MCS Coyotes! We hope you’ve received your Welcome Back to School letter. As we prepare for families who use Drop Off/Pick Up in grades K–4, we kindly ask that you take a moment to complete the placard request form if you haven’t already. This helps us ensure dismissal is safe and runs smoothly for everyone. https://forms.gle/CG1svH9FxzWQdMmM9