Hello MCS Families! Check out our weekly newsletter with updates about our upcoming events. Our PTA is looking for help with our candy collection and sponsoring a table at our Halloween event on October 30th if you are able to support our school. It is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3r1r6
We're proud to celebrate Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School music teacher Heather Hastings, who recently received national recognition for her original composition "Unwavering."
Her piece premiered at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Maryland, where she worked directly with student musicians to bring her work to life. The composition honors Gladys Stone Wright, one of the first female band directors in the United States.
Heather was presented with her award by the President of Women Band Directors International (WBDI) and will be honored this December with a lifetime membership to the organization. Read more here: https://www.sanford.org/article/2477021
Her piece premiered at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Maryland, where she worked directly with student musicians to bring her work to life. The composition honors Gladys Stone Wright, one of the first female band directors in the United States.
Heather was presented with her award by the President of Women Band Directors International (WBDI) and will be honored this December with a lifetime membership to the organization. Read more here: https://www.sanford.org/article/2477021
Join us for our Safety Informational Night on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6 PM at the Sanford Performing Arts Center!
Our Student Resource Officers and Central Office Administration will provide an important overview of school safety measures and protocols in place to protect our students.
Our Student Resource Officers and Central Office Administration will provide an important overview of school safety measures and protocols in place to protect our students.
Hello MCS Families! We hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Please check out our weekly newsletter with updates and upcoming events. The theme students are working on this month is responsibility. It is a great day to be a coyote! https://5il.co/3qpud
Last Friday's "Lunch with a Loved One" event at Margaret Chase Smith was unforgettable! Most families came out with picnic blankets and lunches to spend quality time with their students. Each grade had a special half-hour together. A huge thank you to Margaret Chase Smith for putting on the event.
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
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
