Margaret Chase Smith School

Sanford School Department to Host Pre-K Information Sessions

December 17, 2025

The Sanford School Department will hold a series of informational sessions in January for parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Pre-K program for the...

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First 10 January Newsletter

January 5, 2026

Bus Safety Reminders as Students Return from Holiday Break

December 31, 2025

As students return to school following the holiday break, we want to remind families that winter conditions make bus stop safety more important than ever. School bus safety is one...

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. 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 are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. To nominate, please fill out this form. Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be accepted. 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!

Nominations open for Maine Teacher of the Year

December 29, 2025

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire stude...

MCS Students Make Music Across All Grade Levels

Margaret Chase Smith Students Make Music Across All Grade Levels

December 15, 2025

Students across all grade levels at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary are making wonderful music this season! The youngest learners in PreK are getting creative with songs like "Aik...

Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competitions, generous community partnerships, and welcoming gatherings, the initiative exemplified the compassion and generosity that define Sanford. At Sanford High School, the Peer Helpers program's annual food drive provided complete Thanksgiving dinners for 50 families — feeding more than 250 people in the Sanford community. The effort was fueled by a friendly competition among the classes, with each grade assigned specific items to collect. Freshmen brought instant potatoes, sophomores contributed turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, juniors gathered canned vegetables, and seniors provided stuffing. Collection bins at the bottom of the Grey Wing steadily filled as students rallied to support their neighbors. "My favorite thing about this program is seeing the appreciation on students' and families' faces, as well as getting the entire school involved in doing a good thing," said Mrs. Letourneau, school counseling director and Peer Helpers organizer. But the students didn't do it alone. Marc Motors donated $1,000 to help provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings for families in need. The Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce continued its multi-year tradition of support by raising $650 from its members to purchase 50 turkeys — one for each family receiving a food box. Hannaford Supermarkets coordinated the turkey pick-up and delivery, bringing all the pieces together for complete holiday meals. At Sanford Middle School, students participated in the annual Holiday Food Drive Competition, organized by the school's Jobs For Maine Graduates (JMG) Program and coordinated by JMG Specialist Tara Houle. The spirited competition, which launched Nov. 4, pitted homerooms against each other for coveted turkey crowns and the glory of becoming champions. The food collected served a dual purpose: providing Thanksgiving meals for Sanford families and stocking the SMS Food Closet, which provides students with easy-to-prepare meals for evenings, weekends, and school breaks throughout the year. The pantry remains accessible to all SMS students and families as a vital community resource. Margaret Chase Smith Elementary took a different approach to the season of giving, hosting "The Heart of Sanford Community Dinner" on November 25 in the school cafeteria. The event welcomed families with children enrolled in Sanford Schools for an evening of good food, laughter, and local hospitality. Across the district, the efforts of students, staff, and community partners ensured that Sanford families could gather around tables filled with Thanksgiving meals. From the student-led competitions to local business support and welcoming community dinners, these initiatives demonstrated that when neighbors need neighbors most, Sanford answers the call.

Sanford Schools Unite to Feed Families This Thanksgiving

November 26, 2025

Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competition...

Margaret Chase Smith School welcomed 65 veterans to their annual Veterans Day Breakfast, creating a morning filled with performances, poetry, and meaningful connections across generations. The celebration featured presentations from students across all grade levels. The Den Ambassadors, a ten-member fourth grade student leadership team, opened with an original poem honoring the courage and sacrifices of veterans. "Veterans are brave men and women who are still alive today. We thank them for their service and the price they choose to pay," the students recited. Second graders each shared poetry and performances they had practiced throughout the week. Fourth graders distributed handmade bookmarks to each veteran as keepsakes to remind them of the school's appreciation. The fourth grade chorus, under the direction of Miss. Hastings, performed a song about sacrifice and service, despite having only four practices since chorus began in mid-October. The entire school then joined together to sing the MCS school song. A particularly touching moment came when the school connected via video call with a father of two MCS students who is currently deployed in Saudi Arabia. Despite the time difference, he was able to join the breakfast virtually and see the presentations honoring his service and that of his fellow veterans. Among the 65 veterans in attendance was Sarge, a beloved Ledgemere bus driver, adding to the sense of community and connection throughout the morning.

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Honors Veterans at Annual Breakfast

November 13, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School welcomed veterans to their annual Veterans Day Breakfast, creating a morning filled with performances, poetry, and meaningful connections ac...

Making Every Day Count: Attendance During the Holiday Season

November 10, 2025

Dear Families, As we approach the busy holiday season, we want to remind you of the importance of regular school attendance. We know this time of year brings many celebrations, f...

Sanford Fire Department Visits Margaret Chase Smith Elementary

November 3, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Kindergarten and Pre-K students received an exciting fire safety education visit from the Sanford Fire Department this week! During the visit, firefighters ta...

Sanford schools came together to celebrate Halloween with a series of community events that brought families, students, and staff together for evenings of fun and festivities. On Thursday, October 23, Sanford Middle School hosted their annual JMG Haunted Woods, offering students a thrilling walk through the shadows. That same evening, Sanford Pride Elementary welcomed families for Trick or Treat in their gymnasium, providing a safe and festive environment for young students to collect candy. Carl J. Lamb Elementary rounded out the night with their Trunk or Treat event, where creatively decorated car trunks delighted students and families alike. On Thursday, October 30, Margaret Chase Smith School hosted their PTA Halloween event, continuing the week of Halloween celebrations across the district. These events showcase the strong sense of community across the Sanford School Department, with staff and volunteers working together to create memorable experiences for our students and their families.

Sanford Schools Celebrate Halloween in Style

October 31, 2025

Sanford schools came together to celebrate Halloween with a series of community events that brought families, students, and staff together for evenings of fun and festivities. O...

Dear Families, We're reaching out today because we know that many families in our community may have questions about how the recent federal government shutdown could affect household resources. Please know that our school is here to support you, and we want to make sure you have the most current information and know where to turn for help if you need it. If you or your family are worried about food during the government shutdown, help is available. School Meals will Remain Available for All Students All students can still get free breakfast and lunch at school every day. Find Local Food Assistance If your family needs food support, call 211, or visit the Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Pantry Locator to find help near you. Visit www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map or scan the QR code. General Assistance Families can apply for General Assistance, which can help meet basic needs including food, housing, utilities, medical costs and more. Visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/general-assistance. Continue to Apply or Renew SNAP Benefits You can still apply for or renew SNAP during the shutdown. If you qualify, doing this now will help make sure your benefits are ready as soon as funding resumes. Apply or renew at: www.mymaineconnection.gov. For Federal Employees: If you or someone in your household is a federal employee impact by the shutdown, additional resources and support information are available at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/bdzdsu2p We understand this news may be stressful, and we are here to support our students and families however we can. Sanford Schools will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s school counselor, outreach staff or administrative office if you need help connecting to local resources.

Resources During the Government Shutdown

October 30, 2025

Dear Families, We're reaching out because we know that many families in our community may have questions about how the recent federal government shutdown could affect household ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I9PNpy6gh0

Sanford School Department Hosts Safety Information Night

October 30, 2025

The Sanford School Department hosted a Safety Night in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 21, offering families and community members an opportunity to learn about the...

Flu shots

October 21, 2025

Get your free Flu vaccine at MCS on November4th. Complete the consent form and return to the School nurse by Monday October 27th.

Teachers Invest in Professional Learning During In-Service Day

October 16, 2025

On Friday October 10, while students enjoyed a day off, Sanford School Department teachers and staff were hard at work—investing in their own learning to better support our studen...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School music teacher Heather Hastings recently received national recognition for her work in music composition. Hastings recently traveled to Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, where her original piece "Unwavering" received its premiere performance by the school's top wind ensemble. During her visit, she had the opportunity to work directly with the student musicians, attending their rehearsal and offering feedback on their interpretation of the work. “Unwavering” was written as a dedication to Gladys Stone Wright, one of the very first female band directors in the United States. “For a composer, it is always a wonderful experience to have one’s music performed by a live ensemble and to hear the art come to life,” Hastings said. At the premiere performance, she was presented with her competition award by Dr. Pam Klena, President of the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). This December, Hastings will be honored at the WBDI luncheon with a lifetime membership to the organization and will have the opportunity to showcase her compositions to band and orchestra directors from across the country. “I am honored to receive this award and have my work recognized on a national level,” Hastings said. “The students in the Wootton Wind Ensemble gave a lovely premiere of Unwavering, and I hope that they enjoyed the performance as much as I did.

MCS Music Teacher Receives National Recognition for Original Composition

October 10, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School music teacher Heather Hastings recently received national recognition for her work in music composition. Hastings recently traveled to Thom...

https://www.applitrack.com/sanford/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial

Sanford School Department Safety Informational Night

October 6, 2025

Please join our student resource officers and Central Office administration for an overview of school safety in our schools on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6 pm in the Sanford Per...

Upcoming Free Flu Vaccinations

October 3, 2025

We are pleased to announce that the Sanford School Department is partnering with MaineHealth to offer free flu vaccinations for students this fall. Protecting our student's healt...

School Connected Play and Learns have started Weekly one kicked offlast week with 14 children in attendance! It was a wonderful opportunity for ourlittle learners to explore and grow together. Monthly one will start onOctober 6th, 2025 and run the first Monday of eachmonth! Joint Professional LearningOpportunity: Thismonth, stafffromour Sanford Public Pre-K classrooms will collaborate with community Early Learning Centers, including All Friends, Curtis Lake Church ELC,Headstart, Little World 2, and Kids Kove ELC. Together, we will engage in a day of collaborative learning around a new earlymath programcalled Young Mathematicians. Learnmore here.

October First 10 News

October 2, 2025

Welcome to the October edition of First 10 Sanford's newsletter! This month brings exciting developments as our School Connected Play and Learns kick off, welcoming families with ...

As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial and facilities team. October 2 marked National Custodian Appreciation Day—a perfect opportunity to recognize their commitment to creating welcoming learning environments. The Sanford School Department oversees an impressive array of properties, including multiple buildings that require year-round management for cleaning, maintenance, and grounds care. This summer marked a significant milestone as the team entered the season fully staffed for the first time in years, and the results speak for themselves. At the heart of the summer preparation efforts was the hardworking custodial team, who undertook comprehensive cleaning of all district buildings. Their work went far beyond routine maintenance, involving a process that touched every corner of each school. Staff completed deep cleaning throughout every building—tackling furniture, walls, windows, and light fixtures. They repaired walls, touched up paint, stripped and refinished floors, and thoroughly cleaned tiles and carpets. "It's exciting to hear how the work that the team has done directly impacts the students," shared Director of Facilities and Maintenance Jason Dudley at a recent school committee meeting. The custodial team faced and overcame challenges during their summer work, navigating scheduling conflicts with summer programs, food services, sports camps, and community events. They demonstrated flexibility in coordinating all this work while accommodating the busy summer schedule. While the custodial staff focused on deep cleaning, the maintenance team was equally busy with infrastructure upgrades that directly impact student safety and learning environments. At Sanford Middle School, they addressed wastewater drainage issues and upgraded the library with modern LED lighting that can be dimmed for Promethean board use. Sanford Pride Elementary School received new HVAC starter motors, with a complete rooftop unit replacement scheduled for October. At Carl J. Lamb School, the team replaced an HVAC expansion tank and painted fresh blue hallways on the first floor. Safety improvements were a major priority this summer. At Cobb Stadium, the crew upgraded five tiered aluminum bleachers and removed outdated home and away bleachers. Working alongside the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works, they transformed the space into a safer facility for student athletes and community members. At Carl J. Lamb, they installed a safety fence separating the parking area from the bus drop-off lane, directing everyone to use the designated crosswalk. Dudley emphasized the importance of this work: "Staff is able to monitor that and monitor when the buses are coming. So it's a definite safety upgrade for us." Margaret Chase Smith School received upgraded handicap bollards and repainted bus lane signage to improve traffic flow and safety. The team also supported expanding academic opportunities by retrofitting a classroom for the new sports medicine program at SRTC and extending compressed air lines in the welding and machine shops. They even helped the IT department modernize classroom technology by removing outdated display boards and installing new mounting brackets. Superintendent Matt Nelson shared his appreciation for the custodial work during the school committee meeting, emphasizing that "our facilities are the first step to having good education." The combined efforts of the custodial and maintenance staff ensured that Sanford schools were not only clean and safe but 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.

Celebrating Sanford's Custodial Team

October 2, 2025

As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School hosted its first-ever "Lunch with a Loved One" event last Friday, bringing families together for a celebration of community and connection. An impressive 71% of families joined in, making the picnic burst with smiles, laughter, and special moments. Families and friends arrived with picnic blankets and lunches ready to share quality time with their students. As a special reward for reaching 100 positive referrals, Principal Hallisey and Assistant Principal McGuckin wore their pencil costumes at lunch. They will continue to wear them to boost their theme this year and reward students for their hard work. Each grade level had a dedicated half-hour lunch period to spend with their families. Student Den ambassadors helped direct students to their loved ones, and families checked in with staff to make the event run smoothly. When asked about their favorite part of the lunch, one of the den ambassadors summed it up perfectly: "We’re having fun and spending time with family." The feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing, "We'd like to do this in the spring too!" This event was a beautiful way to promote family engagement and create lasting memories

Lunch With a Loved One at Margaret Chase Smith

September 29, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School hosted its first-ever "Lunch with a Loved One" event last Friday, bringing families together for a celebration of community and connection....