Deb Rosa, Sanford's Technology Specialist spent time in Mrs. Arnold's second grade class at MCS teaching them about the importance of Mason Bees. The children researched bee houses and how creative they could be. The students along with volunteers and the teachers made bee houses to hang in their own yards.Eighth grade students in Ms. Sara Nason's class prepared... READ MORE >
Last Tuesday Margaret Chase Smith School's kindergarteners performed at their spring concert. With six kindergarten classes and limited space, three of the kindergarten classes had to perform at 5:30 p.m. and the other three classes performed at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hastings, our music teacher, directed the students as they enthusiastically sang for everyone in... READ MORE >
For the past two months all of our 1st graders have been receiving super hero training that supports the core vales of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. The students' training has been completed and the parents of our 1st graders are invited to see their child's superhero presentation. Parents and guardians of our 1st graders are invited to join us... READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith School's second graders performed the second of two concerts held tonight. This was our second grader's end-of-the-year music concert. Under the musical direction of Ms. Hastings, our music teacher, the students sang and demonstrated their ability to read basic music notes. The next picture is of our second graders performing their first... READ MORE >
This evening the first graders at Margaret Chase Smith School performed their end-of-the-year music concert to a packed house. Under the musical direction of Ms. Hastings, our music teacher, the students sang and demonstrated their ability to read basic music notes. The next picture is of our first grade students clapping out the rhythm to the notes on display. ... READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith School held its final "Do the Right Thing" rally for this school year. MCS has been conducting the "Do the Right Thing" rallies for several years where through songs and skits students learned how to appropriately handle everyday expectations such as how to ride the bus or walk down the hall. This year the rallies were used to introduce and... READ MORE >
Sanford's Kiwanis Club sponsors an annual essay contest where Sanford's third graders write about what the qualities are to be a Terrific Kid. Every third grader's essay explains how our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Courage and Compassion are the same values a Terrific Kid demonstrates or how he/she demonstrates these values. Then the essay... READ MORE >
Click within this article to view last night's K-8 Moving Plans Informational Meeting. https://youtu.be/vzRa3lkgRe8 READ MORE >
This morning all the kindergarten classes from Margaret Chase Smith School watched a series of short play at the Rochester Opera House. This was an amazing experience for our students as they viewed short plays based on several popular children stories. One of the plays was "Dragons Love Tacos". I know we do not judge a book by its cover, but this title... READ MORE >
Saturday, June 1, 2019 10:00 am starting at YMCA READ MORE >
An informational meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 5:00 pm in the Sanford Junior High School cafeteria to review available options regarding the placement of Sanford's elementary students for the 2019/2020 school year.For more information, please click here. READ MORE >
This morning I had the opportunity to go inside the addition to Margaret Chase Smith School. I was very excited to see the metal studs up and the amount of preparation for plumbing and electrical work that has been completed. I could see the progress that was being completed to the outside of our addition, but I am sharing pictures from my visit inside. You can... READ MORE >
The construction of Margaret Chase Smith School's addition continues to go well. You can see progress being made every day. Soon the exterior of the building will be enclosed the construction crews continue their work on the interior of the addition. Pictured above is photo of the frames that have been built for the windows to be installed. In the pictures... READ MORE >
On May 7th the students at Margaret Chase Smith School were treated to the musical sounds from the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO). As part of their Kinder Concerts members from the PSO visited Carl J. Lamb and Margaret Chase Smith Schools. All the students in grades Kindergarten through third grade from all of Sanford's public schools learned about some of the... READ MORE >
Mr. Thom Gagne, aka. Butterfly Guy,visited Margaret Chase Smith school's second graders to talk about monarch butterflies.He talked to the students about how important milkweed is for the monarch butterflies. Mr. Gagne encouraged our students to plant milkweed, not cut the milkweed plants down, and to plant lots of flower to attract the butterflies to them.Our... READ MORE >
On Monday our students and staff participated in practicing how to evacuate from a bus. Th expectation is that students practice how to evacuate a bus twice a year. Today was our second drill. Last fall, students practiced exiting the bus from the emergency exit located in the back of the bus, and on Monday students practiced exiting the bus from the front... READ MORE >
Thursday, May 9th, our PTA is having the Northern Star Planetarium set up in our cafeteria. This will be a fun family event where participants can enter and learn about constellations in the blow-up planetarium. There will also be activities where students can build "stomp rockets", straw rockets, draw constellations and more. There will be two sessions with the... READ MORE >
During my walk around the school one the great lessons I observed was of Mrs. Arnold introducing a lesson on Opinion Writing. The students were learning how to structure their writing where each students had to share their opinion of which of two books he/she prepared and why. Mrs. Arnold introduced to her students how to use a Venn diagram to help them organize... READ MORE >
We can see progress everyday to the addition at Margaret Chase Smith School. It is exciting to see that the school in almost enclosed. The next picture is of the wall being built for our gym by the masons. READ MORE >
Construction on the addition to Margaret Chase Smith School is moving right along. You can see noticeable progress every day as the construction workers add frames for exterior and interior walls; putting up sheathing to the outside walls; and securing various support beams. What cannot be seen is the plumbing and electrical conduits that are coming underground... READ MORE >
On the Thursday before our April Break our third graders celebrated their unit on character studies by recreating the party in the book, Because of Winn-Dixie. For examples of great character development in a book, all the 3rd graders read the book. The book concludes with all the major characters gathering for a special party and with each guest bringing a... READ MORE >
In preparation for Earth Day Mrs. Arnold challenged her second graders to create a sculpture from discarded materials. Mrs. Arnold named the projects "Trash Sculptures". READ MORE >
Ms. McGuiggin's 2nd graders invited parents, friends, and other students in the school to visit their Dinosaur Museum. The 2nd grade scientists were eager to share their knowledge and research with everyone. READ MORE >
Debi Hartford from Thurston and Peters Sugar House in Shapleigh visited MCS second graders to share the process of making maple syrup. The kids learned the different ways sap is collected and that it takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup! The students also tasted maple syrup and learned the difference between store bought syrup and real maple... READ MORE >
This year our kindergarten teachers are piloting a phonics program by Lucy Calkin. This program fits in well with her reading and writing programs that we use. Part of what our students are learning to do is to quickly recognize high frequency words. The quick recognition of these high frequency words or "Snap Words" enables readers to quickly read and then... READ MORE >
What a delight it was when Mrs. Ackroyd brought her students to visit the office today. Her students have been learning how words work and their latest victory was leaning about the word part "ing". Mrs. Ackroyd's kindergarten students demonstrated for us that by knowing "ing" they were able to create new words when they add "ing" to the end such as run -... READ MORE >
The Sanford Schools Annual Art Show will be held at the new Sanford High School/Sanford Regional Vocational Center on Friday and Saturday, April 5th and 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. On Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th, the show will run from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith School held their annual “ Reading Under the Stars” event on the evening of March 26th. Upon arrival, each family received a bag filled with a variety of wonderful books to enjoy at home. Each bag contained an assortment of genres and interest. Students and their families had a fun filled evening of reading, participating in a book swap... READ MORE >
1st graders have been learning about different reading strategies they can use and to add these strategies to their "reading tool box". This Thursday I had the opportunity to hear some of Mrs. Morrison's 1st graders read. When I asked them which strategy they were using, the students were excited to share that they might have been using a "running start",... READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith School's PTA hosted a Family Paint Night this Thursday. For a very low cost students and their family came to MCS and had the chains to express their creativity through painting. The event was limited to only 40 participants and everything went smoothly. It was noted that we had many creative painters attend this great event. READ MORE >
Monday we were treated to a wonderful lesson on how maple syrup is made. High school students Julia, Kayla, and Lindsay read a story about making maple syrup, brought us REAL maple syrup to try and made us maple syrup scented play dough that was made in the colors of the natural grade of the syrup. The high schools students are from SRTC ‘s Horticulture... READ MORE >
Students from the SRTC Landscaping program and the Early Childhood Education program visited several classrooms at MCS and read the book "Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse", by Laurie Lazarro Knowlton and illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. After the read aloud, the students were able to taste test two types of maple syrup (real and fake), and then the students charted... READ MORE >
To bring some sunshine into this cold, long winter Mrs. Carman's First graders decided it would be fun to read at the beach. We had a big sun, a picture of the beach on the board, and our beach was complete with the sound of waves crashing on to the shore. The first graders spread out their beach towels, put on their sun glasses, and grabbed a good book to read. ... READ MORE >
After reading the book, Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler, Mrs. Deschambault's students had a homework assignment to do 5 acts of kindness at home each night for 3 nights. The rainbow is a collection of their acts of kindness. READ MORE >
The Green and Yellow Rooms read non-fiction books about penguins. There are 17 species of penguins; one being the crested penguin like these Rockhoppers.Mrs. Parker’s classMs. Michaud’s class READ MORE >
As I was walking through the building I came upon Mrs. Werner's kindergartners learning about "Force and Motion" through our Mystery Science. I watched as Mrs. Werner's students heard a story about a student bowling with his family and then the students Ade the connection that the further a ball is moved back, it is released with more force. One students was... READ MORE >
Our second graders are starting or getting ready to start their next unit in writing which is about poetry. One of the skills being taught is to look at the world around us through a different lens or perspective. Mrs. Longfish provided her students with some fancy eyewear so, that her students could get the idea of looking through a different lens. READ MORE >
On Friday afternoon the students and staff gathered at the new addition to watch the last beam being lifted into position. READ MORE >
During the early half of February our PTA had a Coin Clash Challenge. The Challenge was for every class to decorate a jug to collect coins and to see which class could collect the most money. It was a fun challenge and our school raised $741.67 The winner for the BEST DECORATED COLLECTION JUG was Mrs Morrison's class! They won a basket full of art supplies. ... READ MORE >
Second graders in Mrs. Arnold’s room celebrated Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Friday by participating in Read Across America. Families joined and read with the children, listened to poetry they wrote, and enjoyed projects they made in Celebration of Dr. Seuss books. He would have been 115 years old this year. READ MORE >
Before our February break the students and staff at our school were participating in Kindness Activities. As a school, students and staff were sending notes, cards and snacks to the workers assigned to the construction of our new addition. The project is progressing and the construction crew is getting ready to hang the last major beam to the additions’ frame. ... READ MORE >
The Kindergartener’s celebrated the 100th day of school in different ways. Mrs. Parker’s class made crowns that said “100 days smarter” Mrs. Civiello’s class made trail mix by counting 10 of 10 different snacks to make 100. Students in Ms. Michaud’s class decorated t-shirts with 100 dots and made crowns.Mrs. Ackroyd’s students also made crowns. The pictures... READ MORE >
We are pleased to see the progress that is being made with the construction to the addition to Margaret Chase Smith School. Additional steel has been hung that has expanded to the back of our school. When looking at the construction project from a distance you can really see the outline of the school's addition taking shape. READ MORE >
Last week brought in the phase where the process of hanging steel began. It is exciting to see the shape of the addition take place. Pictured is steel being hung for our new gym. READ MORE >
Today is the 100th day of school for our students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades. To celebrate this benchmark in the school year students and staff were encouraged to dress up to look like they wee 100 years old. Some of our students and staff members got right into the spirit of the day. We even had two students dress up; one as Jackie Robinson since he would have... READ MORE >
Last week I posted some pictures from a lesson where our 3rd graders were linking the Maine Learning Result standard about weaving to the work by artist Gustav Klimpt. Above is an example of Gustav Klimpt's work comparing a model's portrait to his version using weaves and symbols. Below are some pictures of our 3rd graders' art work in this style. Enjoy! ... READ MORE >
This Friday will be the 100th day of school for students in grades 1-3. To celebrate, students and staff are encouraged to dress up like they are 100 years old. The tooth day of kindergarteners will be the Tuesday after winter break, February 26th. Pictured are some of Mrs. Arnold's second graders where she used an app that shows what someone looks like when... READ MORE >
Kindergarten Welcome to Sanford Public Schools! We are excited to have your child join us for Kindergarten. If your child turns 5 on or before October 15, 2019, you are welcome to register him/her for school beginning February 14th. To register please call the elementary school closest to your home address. Lafayette School: Principal Sharon Remick at... READ MORE >
Here is the list of Terrific Kids for the week ending on February 8th. Terrific Kids: Kindergarten – Dylan Thomas, Lily Burnell, Ian Wells, Gabriella Bradwell 1stgrade– Yanellis Escobar, Brasin Harriman 2nd grade – Michael Scofield, Cael Gagne, Austin Frazier, Jayden Attardi Trinity White 3rdgrade– Jackson Stimmell, Gen McInerney, Olivia... READ MORE >
This a reminder that our PTA is sponsoring a "Coin Clash" between the classrooms. All coins collected will help the PTA in their efforts to support enrichment activities for our students via: field trips, guest speakers, family events and more. The challenge begins February 1st and ends this Tuesday, February 12th. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated... READ MORE >
Students are already mid-way through this years Chickadee Award book nominees. Students will submit their vote for favorite book and the winner will be announced this spring. The annual Chickadee Award began back in 2005 and is named after Maine’s state bird. The goal of the award is for children to develop an appreciation of outstanding writing and illustration in... READ MORE >
Second graders at MCS enjoyed a lesson about hedgehogs and then created a fused glass animal with Mrs. Cheryl Rhoda from Glasworx in Sanford. The day before, the students watched a Mystery Science lesson about glassmaking. The hedgehog has to be baked at over 1,500 degrees before it's complete. Did you know that they have 5,000-6,000 spikes on their back and a... READ MORE >
Even with the adverse weather conditions construction on the addition to Margaret Chase Smith School continues. Last week brought below zero days and a snow storm. However, the crews working on the project kept plugging along. Enjoy the next two photos. One of the photos shows the rebar work that has been placed on one of the structural pads. The other photo... READ MORE >
As I was walking around the school I came upon a third grade art lesson. The art standard was to learn about weaving. Mrs. Lewin-Grover, our art teacher, had the students learn about weaving and then create their own paper weave. To expand upon this standard the students then learned about an artist whose technique was to draw portraits of people and their hands... READ MORE >
With the Super Bowl just days away, many of our students (and staff) are thinking about the New England Patriots playing in the big game. To build on this exciting time, students and staff had the chance to wear their favorite NFL team's apparel. It was not surprising to see that the most popular team apparel worn was for the Patriots. READ MORE >
While I was walking through classroom I came upon Mrs. Werner's kindergarten class. What drew me in was the discussion the class was having about dinosaurs. Mrs. Werner was reading the book "Dinosaur, Dinosaur" aloud to the class. after each page Mrs. Werner would prompt the students to notice the special feature each dinosaur had such as spikes, horns or... READ MORE >
This a reminder that our PTA is sponsoring a "Coin Clash" between the classrooms. All coins collected will help the PTA in their efforts to support enrichment activities for our students via: field trips, guest speakers, family events and more. The challenge begins February 1st and ends February 12th. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated coin collection... READ MORE >
The second grade science unit is Material Magic this trimester. The science unit develops the idea that by taking advantage of the properties of materials we can solve many problems in our lives. Through this unit students have been exploring the material properties involved in meeting basic needs. In this lesson the students used materials to invent something that... READ MORE >
In an effort to help her students become better readers and writers, Mrs. Arnold invited Mrs. Butler, our speech teacher, to speak to her students about hearing and recording sounds. Mrs. Butler led the students through several exercises where students not only recognized sounds auditory but by how their mouths were formed when making the sounds. The students... READ MORE >
During MCS's Christmas event, one of the raffle prizes was a lunch date with our mayor. Emma (pictured standing next to Mayor Cote) was the winner of this raffle prize. Today Mayor Cote arrived at MCS and provided lunch for Emma and three of her friends. When I asked Emma what was her favorite part of her lunch with Mayor Cote. She said the smile on his face... READ MORE >
This is a list of our Terrific Kids from last Friday, January 19th.Terrific Kids: Kindergarten – Jordan Charlton, Baylaa Allen, Abe Plumer, Ben Fowler, Tommy Watkins, Henry Neil 1stgrade– Emma Higgins, Remington Marshall, Eamon McGuckin-Welsch 2nd grade – Michael Scofield, Carter Skahan, Avery Wedge, Tyler Otis, ... READ MORE >
Even with the cold weather the work continues on the addition to our school. Pictured below are construction workers setting reinforcing rods for the foundation. The next picture is of construction workers pouring concrete for another structural pad. READ MORE >
Despite the cold weather, snow and ice progress is happening for the foundation to our new addition. Pictured is one of the pads that was poured. A poured pad for our addition. READ MORE >
Here is the list of last week's Terrific Kids.Terrific Kids: Kindergarten – Owen Janousek, Sydney Antkowski, Andrew Purdy, Zariah Ricker, Drew Werner, Crew Chasse 1st grade – Vivian Olivo, Heyden Van Nest, Caleb Smith, Tyler Termath Evalynn Christovao, Carson Lester, Camden Randall 2nd grade – Daivik Chase, Tucker Bailey, Raven Cormiea,... READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith first graders celebrated the end of their Learning About the World nonfiction reading unit by becoming teachers. They worked on reading their books, marking interesting spots, and adding drama into their read alouds. They planned their expert read alouds for a kindergarten class. First graders took their job very seriously, and the ... READ MORE >
In kindergarten, the students learn strategies that all good readers use. In our reading program these strategies are referred to as super powers. The picture is of Mrs. Ackroyd's kindergarten class's bulletin board where the students are asking everyone to inquire about their super powers. READ MORE >
Students in Mrs. Hussey's class were counting, comparing, and adding sets using the appropriate math symbols in their project based learning activity. This student is explaining his math problem to Willow. READ MORE >
Mrs. Parker’s kindergarten class was studying “capacity” during their math lesson. They used different containers and water to show which has more capacity. READ MORE >
Kindergarten at Margaret Chase Smith School received a visit from Wildlife Encounters out of Barrington, NH on Friday. Derek, the presenter introduced 6 animals to the students, discussed their habitats and the adaptations the animals use to survive. Students were given the opportunity to touch two of the animals. What a great experience for all! READ MORE >
Mr. Potter read the book "Over the Snow, Under the Snow" to all the students. Mrs. Butler and Mr. Pickering led the school in singing holiday songs. READ MORE >
Tuesday, Ms. McGuiggin's second grade students invited family and friends to see their Space Museum. Ms. McGuiggin's had to research and find facts about a planet they selected. Her students worked on how to use secondary research resources; take down notes; work collaboratively; and organize their writing to educate the visitors to their museum. Ms. McGuiggin's... READ MORE >
While I was walking about the building I came upon Mr. Bell's kindergarten students working on their stories. I watched as Mr. Bell and his ed tech, Mrs. Smith, go to each table to assist students in organizing their thoughts for their stories, how to use their SNAP words (High frequency words) to help them write the words in their stories; and to help students... READ MORE >
I had the opportunity to watch Mrs. Werner's kindergarten students retell the story, The Gingerbread Man. During this unit students practiced retelling a story identifying characters and settings. The students also learned to sound like the characters, feel what the characters are feeling and thinking of punctuation to figure these things out. Pictured is the... READ MORE >
Mrs. Longfish’s second graders shared their “How to” writing with their parents and guests. This event was a celebration for finishing their non-fiction writing unit. Each student wrote and illustrated a book that shared facts about a chosen topic or how to do something such as make a PB&J sandwich. It was great to see so many adults taking an interest in the... READ MORE >
Margaret Chase Smith School Weekly Update December 17, 2018 Hello, this is the last week of school before the holiday break. Students will be off from school from December 24th to January 1st. Everyone returns on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. This will also be the last newsletter too. When we return I will be posting all our updates on the new Sanford School... READ MORE >
That was the theme for last Friday’s “Do The Right Thing” rally. Led by Ms. Perrin’s third grade students, everyone learned several ways to be kind. Students also had the opportunity to observe an experiment that was led by Marvin aka. Steve Butler, where he used candy Skittles and hot water to show us how kindness can be spread to everyone. He then challenged... READ MORE >
While walking around the building I stopped into Mrs. Leigh's second grade class. Her students were working on their nonfiction writing. The boys and girls wrote facts about a topic or a "How to" book about a topic they know well. Pictured are some of Mrs. Leigh's students sharing their writing with her. READ MORE >
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Michaud's and Mrs. Parker's classes practiced following directions and their fine motor skills by cutting and folding to make these festive Christmas trees. READ MORE >
Mrs. Suratt’s students were working on patterns, following directions, and having fun so, the student created their own sweaters. READ MORE >
Exciting news. Yesterday PC Construction started having concrete poured for the foundation to our addition. READ MORE >
Pictured is Mr. Wilson who is one of Sanford School Department's technology experts making a teaching point to Mrs. Arnold's second grade students. READ MORE >
Above is one of Mrs. Arnold's second grade students using an Osmo for practicing skills learned in class. READ MORE >
Students in second grade had an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience the amazing Osmo learning games. Mr. Wilson, one of the district’s technology experts, set up Osmos for the students to practice coding, counting money, spelling, creative thinking and drawing, as well as adding and subtracting. Submitted by Mrs. Arnold. READ MORE >
On Friday, Ms Badger's kindergarten students were learning how to read and write the number 9. READ MORE >
Pictured is Mr. Wilkins, one of our P.E. and health teachers, teaching some kindergarten students about nutrition. READ MORE >
During a walk-through Mrs. Daly came upon Mrs. Parker's kindergarten students who were reviewing what syllables are. READ MORE >
The K students in Mrs. Werner’s class we’re learning about the uppercase letter P. READ MORE >
Pictured is one of the sections for the foundation of our school's addition. READ MORE >
Progress is occurring for Margaret Chase Smith School's addition. For the last two weeks the site for the addition has had work to prepare for the pouring of the footings and foundation. The footings have been framed; the ground prepared; steel tied in; and since there has been winter like temperatures the ground has to be heated and a heating blanket placed over... READ MORE >
Sanford’s kindergarten teacher are piloting a phonics program by Lucy Calkins that dovetails well with the writing and reading strategies her programs teach. One of the phonic units has students learning to be “Word Scientists”. This is where students explore letter sounds and how words work. Sophia and Amelia are Kindergarten “word scientists" from Ms. Badger's... READ MORE >
Mrs. Ackroy’s kindergarteners are using their iPads to practice their rhyming. READ MORE >
Our kindergarten students are learning to be Super Readers. Their teachers are teaching them some strategies to help their students become readers. One of the first strategies students are taught is to point and match each word on the page with a word that he/she reads. Pictured is one of Mrs. Ackroyd's student practicing his one to one matching as he reads. READ MORE >
Mrs. Daly's 3rd graders introduced to our kindergartners all about our "The Right Thing to Do" Rally. READ MORE >
Building Construction Update: The construction of our addition has slowed down. PC Construction has been looking for a company that can put in the footing and foundation for our school. The good news is that PC Construction has found a company and they are projecting that work on the foundation will begin after Thanksgiving. Shaw’s Brothers continues to... READ MORE >
Ms. Hastings, Margaret Chase Smith's music teacher, led the third graders through a variety of songs that celebrated our veterans' service to our country. READ MORE >
Pictured are some of the decorations students made for the school's Veteran's Day Ceremony. READ MORE >
Wednesday, November 7th, Margaret Chase Smith School honored military personnel during their annual Veteran's Day Ceremony. Pictured is all of MCS's students, faculty and honored guests outside and in front of the school's flagpole to watch the raising of our U.S., State of Maine and M.I.A./P.O.W. flags raised by SAD 57's ROTC students. After everyone recited the... READ MORE >
MCS students honor our veterans at a ceremony held at the school on Wednesday, November 7th. Watch the video by clicking here. READ MORE >
Please see the links below for drone videos of construction at the MCS site produced by Sarah Schnell at WSSR-TV and part of the video production class at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Sarah produces these videos about every two weeks. Click this link to watch video READ MORE >
First Day of Kindergarten at MCS Submitted by MCS Principal Chuck Potter. Last Thursday was the first day of school for our kindergarteners. The day before was an Open House at Margaret Chase Smith School which was just for our kindergarten students and their parents. The Open House allowed students and parents to meet their teachers for the year and start to... READ MORE >