Margaret Chase Smith School

Screens lit up across Sanford on Monday evening as more than 50 elementary school families joined the district's first-ever Virtual Family Math Night. Under the guidance of three title math teachers and the elementary math coach, what could have been a routine video call transformed into an interactive mathematical playground, with parents and children collaborating on engaging puzzles and games. The evening featured engaging activities that encouraged mathematical thinking and family collaboration. Students exercised their problem-solving skills with "Be Curious," a creative dice pattern activity, and participated in an interactive number guessing game using colorful visuals and strategic clues. One particularly popular activity involved a mystery number game where students used clues to eliminate numbers and narrow down possibilities – a perfect blend of logic and mathematics. The teaching team also introduced families to PIG, an exciting dice game that reinforced number sense and strategic thinking. Each activity was thoughtfully adapted to suit different grade levels, ensuring that every student could participate and learn at their appropriate level. Throughout the evening, students eagerly shared their answers and mathematical thinking with the group. The enthusiasm was evident right up to the final moments, with one student asking hopefully, "Are you going to do these every month?" Ms. Daniels happily confirmed that monthly sessions are indeed the plan.

Virtual Math Night Brings Sanford Elementary Families Together for Fun and Learning

January 14, 2025

Screens lit up across Sanford on Monday evening as more than 50 elementary school families joined the district's first-ever Virtual Family Math Night. Under the guidance of thr...

Nominations are now open for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 Teacher of the Year. 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 can be made through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website from now until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2025. (Click here for the form) 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

January 6, 2025

Nominations are now open for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 Teacher of the Year. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate e...

First 10 January Newsletter

January 2, 2025

First 10 Sanford's January newsletter announces its 2025-2026 Kindergarten Trail, beginning with a Community-Wide Registration Night on February 26th from 5:30-6:00 PM at 790 Main...

PTA Santa Night

December 18, 2024

Thursday December 19th , Enter through Cafeteria doors Pictures with Santa 5:00-5:30- Pre K and Kindergarten 5:30-6:00- 1st & 2nd Grade 6:00-6:30- 3rd & 4th Grade Free 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 (sbonsey@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith Literacy Ed Tech Angela Kepner How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? Since August of this year What is your favorite part about working in Sanford? How welcoming everyone is, being close to home and working in the same district as my daughter. What’s your favorite TV show or movie? It's a toss up between Friends and Dawson's Creek If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Loving, optimistic and energetic If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Italy Hot Coffee or Iced Coffee? Iced Coffee Podcasts or Playlists? Playlists Lake or Ocean? Ocean Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Facebook or Instagram? Facebook

Employee Spotlight

December 13, 2024

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 ( sbonsey@san...

First 10 December Newsletter

December 11, 2024

First 10 Sanford's December newsletter spotlights early childhood initiatives that help our youngest learners thrive. From free Play and Learn sessions to brain-boosting activitie...

Turkey Trot

November 20, 2024

November 23rd at 12PM, Cobb Stadium. Pease sponsor our Coyotes!

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School’s music teacher Heather Hastings has been named winner of the prestigious Women Band Directors Commission Competition. Hastings’ original compositions for the concert band, submitted in August, emerged victorious after two rounds of blind judging. Her music won against 53 other submissions. As the winner, she will create a new musical piece honoring Gladys Stone Wright, who is the founding president of Women Band Directors International (WBDI). “I am honored to be chosen to write this work in honor of Gladys Stone Wright, an incredible and groundbreaking woman in the field of music education,” Hastings said. The new composition will debut next school year at a special world premiere performance. As part of a consortium project, multiple ensembles across the country will then present regional performances. Hastings will receive her honorary WBDI membership at a ceremony next winter in Chicago, where she will also attend the premiere.

Margaret Chase Smith Music Teacher Wins National Band Composition Award

November 20, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School’s music teacher Heather Hastings has been named winner of the prestigious Women Band Directors Commission Competition. Hastings’ original ...

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K Students Share Family Learning Journey at Special Showcase

November 14, 2024

Mrs. Devine's Pre-K class at Margaret Chase Smith welcomed families on Wednesday afternoon for their first showcase of the year. Students proudly presented their month-long explor...

Holiday Assistance For Sanford Families

November 12, 2024

Looking for help with holiday gifts and meals? Several local organizations in the Sanford area are stepping up to ensure every family can celebrate this holiday season. Here's wha...

The gymnasium at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary was filled with pride, gratitude and patriotic spirit Thursday morning as students and staff welcomed dozens of veterans for their annual Veterans Day breakfast celebration. The morning brought together generations of service members from military branches, creating a memorable experience for both the veterans and their young family members. Students had spent weeks preparing special performances to honor their special guests. The gymnasium, decorated in patriotic blue tablecloths and American flag accents, became a stage for multiple grade-level presentations that showcased both learning and gratitude. The school's Den Ambassadors, a group of fourth-grade student leaders, led the ceremony by sharing important facts about Veterans Day and its significance. In a display of recognition, veterans were asked to stand and be acknowledged for their service. The morning's performances included heartfelt presentations from multiple grade levels. Mrs. Morrison's first-grade class delivered a touching poem expressing their appreciation for veterans' sacrifices. Second graders shared insights from their recent studies about veterans' impacts on our country, demonstrating how even young students can grasp the importance of military service and sacrifice. Following the breakfast and performances, families gathered around the "Our MCS Heroes" wall, which displayed a tribute of military photographs showcasing the proud service history of students' family members beneath service branch emblems and decorative stars. The collection of images spanning different eras of military service provided a visual reminder of the continuing legacy of military service within the Sanford community. Principal Tracie Hallissey expressed the school's gratitude for the veterans' service and emphasized the importance of helping students understand the significance of Veterans Day. The morning offered students a personal connection to military service through their interaction with family members who had served.

Veterans Honored at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary's Annual Breakfast Celebration

November 8, 2024

The gymnasium at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary was filled with pride, gratitude and patriotic spirit Thursday morning as students and staff welcomed dozens of veterans for thei...

November is alive with the sound of music at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School as students across all grades explore various instruments in their music classes and clubs. Our youngest musicians in Kindergarten and first grade are developing their rhythm skills with colorful Boomwhackers and percussion instruments. These hands-on experiences help build their musical foundation while having fun making music together. Second graders have an exciting opportunity this year with the Drumming Club. To accommodate the enthusiastic response, seven sessions are planned to ensure every interested student can participate. Moving up to third grade, students are beginning their unit on the glockenspiel, learning to play this melodic percussion instrument. Fourth graders are stretching their musical abilities as they start their ukulele instruction. Our dedicated Ukulele and Chorus Clubs are preparing for upcoming performances. The Chorus will make its debut performance of the school year at the Veterans Breakfast.

Making Music at Margaret Chase Smith

November 5, 2024

November is alive with the sound of music at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School as students across all grades explore various instruments in their music classes and clubs. Ou...

Margaret Chase Smith's Weekly Newsletter

October 29, 2024

Click here for Margaret Chase Smith's weekly newsletter.

Margaret Chase Smith's Weekly Newsletter

October 22, 2024

Click here for Margaret Chase Smith's weekly newsletter.

Margaret Chase Smith students participated in Fire Prevention activities. 3rd and 4th graders created home fire escape plans with two exit routes and designated meeting places. Younger students learned the “stop, drop, and roll” technique and how to avoid smoke by staying low. Kindergarteners enjoyed a visit from local firefighters, who gave an engaging presentation on fire safety signs and protective gear. The event gave students valuable knowledge and a close-up look at the important work of firefighters.

Sanford Fire Department Visit Margaret Chase Smith

October 18, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith students participated in Fire Prevention activities. 3rd and 4th graders created home fire escape plans with two exit routes and designated meeting places. ...

Margaret Chase Smith's Weekly Newsletter

October 15, 2024

Click here for Margaret Chase Smith's weekly newsletter.

3rd graders at Margaret Chase Smith recently marked the completion of their first unit, “Classic Tales,” with a celebration that brought literature to life. The young learners immersed themselves in timeless stories, honing their skills and encouraging a love for reading. Throughout the unit, students delved into two renowned works: “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame and “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” from “One Thousand and One Nights.” The unit culminated in the students’ first major writing assignment. Students showcased their newfound skills by publishing their work and then had a picnic lunch, like the book characters, to compare and contrast versions from the classic tales.

Margaret Chase Smith 3rd Graders Celebrate Learning Unit

October 11, 2024

3rd graders at Margaret Chase Smith recently marked the completion of their first unit, “Classic Tales,” with a celebration that brought literature to life. The young learners imm...

Upcoming Free Flu Vaccination Clinics

October 1, 2024

The Sanford School Department, in partnership with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, will be offering influenza vaccination clinics for students this October. Parents are encou...

Title I Parents Right to Know Letter

September 30, 2024

Employee Spotlight

September 30, 2024

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 ( sbonsey@sanf...