Margaret Chase Smith School

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Download the School's District Mobile App!

September 9, 2024

Stay informed with news and updates by downloading the Sanford School Department app on your mobile device. The app allows parents to choose the school(s) they want to get notifi...

Staff 2024/2025

September 5, 2024

Staff Picture

The Sanford School Department launched its 2024-2025 school year in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 28th, with a powerful message: every student matters, and every adult is important. Carl J. Lamb's Show Choir, under the direction of music teacher Hattie Skvorak, kicked off the morning with an uplifting performance. Thank you to Carl J. Lamb students Breyana Bolduc, Alanna Carter, Olan Clock, Maggie Green, Kinley Martineau, Aoife McGuckin-Welsch, Daisy Peters, Ivy Peters, and Kiara Rohner. Following the performance, School Committee Chair Paula Cote welcomed and thanked staff on behalf of the committee. Superintendent Matt Nelson then welcomed returning staff and new staff joining the Sanford School Department, expressing gratitude for everyone involved in preparing for the opening of school. The Sanford School Department's three pillars for student success – student achievement, school climate and culture, and capacity building – set the stage for introducing the goals for the upcoming school year. In addition to the goals, school safety was emphasized as a continuing priority for the Sanford School Department. Mr. Nelson stressed the importance of engagement, prioritizing relationships, and encouraging staff to focus on making strong connections with students, colleagues, and families. He highlighted that these meaningful relationships help form the foundation for effective teaching and learning, creating an environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. Staff were also encouraged to "adjust their lens" heading into the 2024-2025 school year when facing new challenges to see the positives in their work. This adaptability ties with the district's focus on "spotlighting-the-right" and building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. The presentation concluded with a powerful metaphor: the dash between birth and death years on a tombstone. Staff were posed a thought-provoking question: "What does your dash stand for?" This dash, it was explained, represents the sum of one's work and the impact of their daily actions. Mr. Nelson emphasized that one's legacy is measured by every life they touch. Relating this concept to the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, it was framed as the School Department's collective dash. Their shared goal is to ensure that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and prepared.

Sanford School Department Kicks Off 2024-2025 Year with Focus on Student Value and Staff Impact

August 30, 2024

The Sanford School Department launched its 2024-2025 school year in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 28th, with a powerful message: every student matters, ...

Sanford High School Kaitlyn Gardner (Admin Assistant to the Principal) Michael Gauthier (Physics Teacher), Matthew Guertin (Math Teacher), Linden Hollins (Chemistry/Physics Teacher), Anna Silva (Social Studies Teacher), Charlene Foss (SpEd Tech), Megan Kiley (Virtual Learning Ed Tech), Matthew Ouellette (Support and Transition Ed Tech) Sanford Middle School Abigail Hanson (6th Grade Teacher), Joshua Hyssong (Instructional Band Teacher), Deborah Leclerc (Seal Team) Sanford Regional Technical Center Shawnda Williams (Health Occupations Teacher), Jenna Holmes (Health Occupations Teacher) Carl J. Lamb Beth Baldarelli (SpEd-Self Contained Teacher), Holly Brown (2nd Grade Teacher), Denise Bergeron (SpEd Ed Tech), Jessica Harmon (Self-Contained Ed Tech), Laurie Morse (K Literacy Ed Tech), Alethea Pettine (Library Ed Tech), Aaliyah Studer (SpEd Ed Tech) Margaret Chase Smith Ayla Alrich (3rd Grade Teacher), Pamela Legere (1st Grade Teacher), Taylor Nygren (4th Grade Teacher), Lee Paula Perkins (4th Grade Teacher), Ashley Brochu (Self Contained Ed Tech), Angela Kepner (K Literacy Ed Tech), Suzi MacDonald (Behavior Ed Tech) Sanford Pride Lindsey Jenkins (1st Grade Teacher), Haley Kennedy (3rd Grade Teacher), Makenzie Smith (Art Teacher) BRIDGE Eric Stephens (Social Studies Teacher), Sara Tremblay (Ed Tech)

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers at Orientation

August 28, 2024

The Sanford School Department kicked off the new academic year with a bang, hosting a comprehensive and engaging orientation day for its newest teachers in the district at Sanfor...

Bus Transportation for the 2024-2025 School Year

August 21, 2024

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school Year! The 2024-2025 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans . On Wednesday, August 21th, emails were sen...

At her core, even through challenging budgets and especially disciplinary measures as principal, Sharon Remick exemplified love: Love for children, loving support for her colleagues, passion for community, and a penchant for clicky shoes and fun-loving fashion!

Sharon Remick Dedication at Margaret Chase Smith Library

June 4, 2024

By Laura Snyder Smith At her core, even through challenging budgets and especially disciplinary measures as principal, Sharon Remick exemplified love: Love for children, lovi...

Over the past week, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its concert series, with performances by students in grades K-4. The performances culminated with the 4th grade concert on Thursday, May 30th, also serving as the 4th grade promotion ceremony. Each grade performed a repertoire of songs they had been practicing, displaying the musical skills they had developed over the year. The music selections were carefully chosen by music teacher Heather Hastings to be both fun and educational. "I listen to and evaluate lots of songs in early and mid-February and choose the final list of contenders by the time vacation rolls around," Hastings said. "While I do look for 'fun and catchy,' I also seek out songs that support current learning and are developmentally appropriate for students." In addition to singing, the concerts showcased other musical skills the students have been developing. Pieces like "Follow My Rhythms" demonstrated their growing rhythm literacy, with more complex rhythms for older grades. Other performances incorporated movement to visually represent the music or warmups that highlighted skills like ensemble listening. A highlight was the 4th grade chorus performance of a song they voted on themselves. The song was a culminating musical experience before their promotion to middle school. The concerts did not just exhibit performance skills, but provided a window into the well-rounded music curriculum at MCS. "Our performances are only a small window into what happens in the music classroom daily," Hastings said. "I'm always looking for ways to better showcase all that we learn and do." The promotion ceremony following the 4th grade concert celebrated the students' accomplishments over their elementary years. An end-of-year video highlighted memories; students were recognized for their achievements and participation.

Margaret Chase Smith Spring Concerts

June 3, 2024

Over the past week, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its concert series, with performances by students in grades K-4. The performances culminated with the 4th grade concert on...

ESEA Public Comment

May 22, 2024

The Sanford School Department accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, the Sanford School Department is required to provide a re...

The Portland Symphony Orchestra's talented String Quartet paid a special visit to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Margaret Chase Smith School this past Thursday, May 9th. The musicians treated students to a lively performance that blended music, storytelling, and interactive elements. The centerpiece of the presentation was Leo Lionni's children's book Swimmy. As a member of the quartet narrated the tale of the brave little fish, the other musicians underscored the story with excerpts from classical compositions. The sounds of the violin, viola, and cello evoked the mysteries of the deep blue sea, which served as the setting for Swimmy's adventures. The quartet encouraged students to join in on the fun by performing hand motions mimicking the movements of the fish characters. Children waved their hands to depict Swimmy swimming, the larger fish chasing him, and other events from the beloved story. The musicians also introduced their orchestral instruments to the young audience members. They demonstrated the unique tones produced by plucking, bowing, and striking the strings in different ways.

Portland Symphony Orchestra's String Quartet Visits Carl J. Lamb, Sanford Pride, and Margaret Chase Smith

May 13, 2024

The Portland Symphony Orchestra's talented String Quartet paid a special visit to Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Margaret Chase Smith School ...

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K students held another showcase on Monday, April 29th, highlighting their new knowledge in Unit 5: Shadows and Reflections. The students learned how to explore the properties of light and the ways it benefits people and animals. Children learned the science of shadows and reflections through hands-on investigations and exploration. In small groups and centers, children explored how light conveys feelings, emotions, and ideas in art and design. The students demonstrated some of their new learning by modeling how to use centers with their siblings and parents.

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K Showcase

May 6, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith Pre-K students held another showcase on Monday, April 29th, highlighting their new knowledge in Unit 5: Shadows and Reflections. The students learned how to ...

MCS Pride PTA hosted a Plant and Play family engagement opportunity on Sunday afternoon! Thank you to all the families who showed up to plant new bulbs and clean up around the school. Thank you to Eldredge Lumber, who donated the mulch to make this project happen.

Margaret Chase Smith Plant and Play Event

April 29, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School saw a surge of activity over the weekend as families gathered for a Plant and Play family engagement opportunity hosted by the MCS Pride PTA...

On Friday, April 12th, Margaret Chase Smith students participated in another fantastic health and wellness fair. There were many opportunities for students to engage in activities that promoted their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From personal safety and CPR training sessions to hands-on activities like planting seeds and practicing meditation, students had the chance to explore various aspects of wellness in a fun and interactive environment. Additionally, they learned about the importance of the 5-2-1-0 principles for healthy living while enjoying coloring, face painting, and card decorating activities.

Margaret Chase Smith Health and Wellness Fair

April 16, 2024

On Friday, April 12th, Margaret Chase Smith students participated in another fantastic health and wellness fair. There were many opportunities for students to engage in activiti...

Sanford Kindergarten Registration

April 9, 2024

Check out information for kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year.

Wellness Fair

March 28, 2024

April 12th at MCS

MCS's Reading Under the Sea Event Draws Over 120 Participants

March 26, 2024

Over 120 students and families participated last Tuesday in Margaret Chase Smith’s Reading Under the Sea event. The enthusiasm and excitement among parents and children added a u...

Sanford Mainers Mascot Visits Margaret Chase Smith to Kick Off Reading Challenge

March 18, 2024

Boomer, Bruce the Moose, and Chase made a special appearance at Margaret Chase Smith on Friday for its assembly. They were excited to introduce a new baseball-themed reading chal...

It was a ‘Sharon thing’ MCS to name library to honor Principal Sharon Remick

March 11, 2024

SANFORD — At each school, Sharon created an intentional culture. “I initially thought it was a Sanford thing, but I learned over time working with her, it was a Sharon thing. S...

The Sanford community shined brightly for the school department’s annual Spring Sing Choral Showcase at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 6th.

Spring Sing at the Sanford Performing Arts Center

March 7, 2024

The Sanford community shined brightly for the school department’s annual Spring Sing Choral Showcase at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 6th. The showcase, which fe...

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 at sbonsey@sanford.org. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith Second Grade Teacher Christine Hoegen.

Employee Spotlight

March 4, 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 at sbonsey@sanf...

New Kindergarten Student Early Registration Event

February 29, 2024

Check out information regarding new kindergarten student early registration events at Carl J. Lamb, Margaret Chase Smith, and Sanford Pride Elementary Schools.