Margaret Chase Smith School

The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch. Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage. Following their musical presentation, each student introduced themselves, shared which schools they attended, and spoke about teachers who've had a lasting impact on their academic journey so far. School Committee Chair Amy Sevigny then delivered opening remarks that challenged both new and veteran staff members to be supportive colleagues. "I want you to all think about when you were that new person on the job, whatever job that was. Do you still remember the first person or the people that welcomed you and made you feel part of the team?" She challenged staff to be supportive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and positive colleagues. Whatever the day brings, be the coworker that you want to have. Because a strong school community thrives when each member feels valued and supported. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts throughout the district. "I want to thank you as our faculty and staff for all that you do for our students and what you do each and every day with them," Nelson said. A significant portion of the event welcomed new staff members joining the Sanford team across all district schools, including all elementary schools, middle and high school, SRTC and SCAE Adult Ed. The presentation also included Superintendent Nelson introducing the district's updated mission to "prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world" for the first time to staff after it was recently approved by the School Committee. This mission is supported by Core Principles and Beliefs on Learning that focus on creating safe learning environments, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access, adapting learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration. These principles work together to support the district's Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate vision, preparing students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, emotionally intelligent collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.

Sanford School Department Welcomes Staff for 2025-26 Year

August 29, 2025

The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrat...

MCS Staff

August 28, 2025

Opening day 2025/2026 school year

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

August 27, 2025

The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday, Au...

The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans. On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers. If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number. Please note, due to a bus driver shortage, some bus routes have been combined to begin the school year. This change will result in longer ride times for some students. We appreciate your patience as we continue to search for additional drivers. If you are interested in becoming a driver or monitor, contact Ledgemere, our transportation provider. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly or Ledgemere at 207-324-4888.

Bus Transportation For The 2025-2026 School Year

August 20, 2025

The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans . On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation i...

Stuff The Bus

August 6, 2025

A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 , Stuff the Bus Maine will hold it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFfi5wK5kA

Watch Margaret Chase Smith's Spring Concerts

June 9, 2025

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Concerts will be uploaded shortly!

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Shines in Student Variety Show

May 15, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as 3rd and 4th grade students took to the stage for this year's variety show. The event showcased 15 outstanding...

Students had a blast during our recent Wellness Fair, which was packed with engaging and hands-on activities that promoted health, safety, and social-emotional learning. They explored a variety of exciting sessions, including fire safety demonstrations, cosmetology tips, and interactive presentations from JMG, our School Resource Officer, and local EMTs. The smoothie bike was a big hit, letting students pedal their way to a healthy treat, while others enjoyed planting seeds, learning about bike safety, and participating in creative SEL activities. The day wrapped up with a lively and meaningful assembly with local legend, Marvin, focused on our theme of the month—cooperation—bringing everyone together to celebrate teamwork, community, and wellness.

Sanford Middle School Students Participate in Margaret Chase Smith Wellness Fair

April 29, 2025

Margaret Chase Smith Students had a blast during its recent Wellness Fair, which was packed with engaging and hands-on activities that promoted health, safety, and social-emotiona...

Margaret Chase Smith Weekly Newsletter

April 25, 2025

Click here for Margaret Chase Smith's weekly newsletter.

Kindergarten Exploration Event Draws Strong Turnout

April 8, 2025

The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its Kindergarten Exploration Event last Thursday, April 3, welcoming over 50 families across its elementary schools. The event, ...

Margaret Chase Smith Weekly Newsletter

April 4, 2025

Character Carnival Brings Books to Life at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary

March 31, 2025

Last Thursday evening, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary was transformed into a celebration of literacy and positive values as families gathered for the annual Character Carnival. T...

Margaret Chase Smith Weekly Newsletter

March 21, 2025

Sanford Elementary Schools Unite with First Responders for Charity Basketball Game

March 18, 2025

The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was filled with excitement and community spirit last Thursday, March 13, as teachers and staff faced off against local first responders in ...

Margaret Chase Smith Weekly Newsletter

March 11, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTdtQpJvYY

Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center

March 11, 2025

The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with families and friends on Wednesday, March 5th, as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Si...

The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its first District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well-attended event transformed the school's cafeteria into a hub of activity as families with incoming kindergartners explored their first step into school. Staff members wearing red shirts were stationed at tables throughout the room, guiding families through the registration process. Parents and their children completed necessary paperwork while learning about the kindergarten program. Several children participated in craft activities set up specifically to engage them during the registration process.The school nutrition department also provided snacks for the children, giving families a taste of the healthy options available during the school year. What made the evening truly special was the community's enthusiastic support. Representatives from more than a dozen local organizations surrounded the room, ready to connect with families and offer resources. Community organizations included MaineHealth-Partners for a Healthier Community, Sanford Backpack Program, Help Me Grow, Kids Free to Grow, United Way, York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), Headstart, First4ME, Kids Kove Childcare and Learning Center, Curtis Lake Church Early Learning Center, Little World 2, and Girl Scouts of Maine. All three elementary school PTAs were also represented. Families also had the opportunity to meet with various school support teams, including counselors, social workers, nurses, and special education staff—putting friendly faces to the extensive network that will help nurture their children's growth. Missed the registration night? No need to worry! Families can still register their kindergartners by calling the Sanford School Department at 324-2810. Current Pre-K students are automatically registered but were welcome at the event to experience this exciting preview of their kindergarten adventure.

Sanford School Department Welcomes Future Kindergartners at Registration Night

February 27, 2025

The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its first District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well...

Fourth graders at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary are currently exploring CKLA Unit 4, "Eureka!" This exciting unit focuses on discovery and innovation through engaging stories and activities. Students are learning about famous inventions, groundbreaking ideas, and problem-solving approaches. They're discussing historical breakthroughs, analyzing how inventions have changed our world, and even brainstorming their own creative solutions. The unit encourages students to make connections to real-life innovations while nurturing the curiosity that drives great discoveries. Most importantly, our young learners are being inspired to think like inventors and innovators themselves!

Margaret Chase Smith 4th Grade Adventures in Discovery and Innovation

February 24, 2025

Fourth graders at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary are currently exploring CKLA Unit 4, "Eureka!" This exciting unit focuses on discovery and innovation through engaging stories an...

Sanford Schools Launch 'Kindergarten Trail' for Fall 2025 Registration

Sanford School Department Launches 'Kindergarten Trail' for Fall 2025 Registration

February 18, 2025

The Sanford School Department is excited to welcome new students to the "Kindergarten Trail" - a series of fun and informative events designed to make each child's transition to ...

Food Distribution

February 12, 2025

Big Winter Food Distribution Sanford High School, 100 Alumni Blvd. February 27th, 3:00-6:00pm This is for anyone in the Sanford/Springvale area