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Sanford Pride Elementary School teacher Michelle Payeur has joined a group of New England educators nominated for the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll, a  program celebrating teachers who make extraordinary contributions to their students and communities. Payeur was selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominated educators across New England for this recognition, which celebrates education professionals who have gone above and beyond to support their students and communities. The news of this honor arrived with an unexpected email notification.  "At first, I almost deleted the email thinking it was spam," Payeur said. "But when I saw it mentioned Fenway, I decided to take a closer look. I'm really glad I did." The honor came with an invitation to attend the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 28th – the first college football bowl game ever played at Fenway Park and the first Division 1 bowl game in New England history.  A Sanford success story herself, Payeur graduated from Sanford High School in 2004 before pursuing her education degree at the University of Maine. She returned to her hometown to begin her teaching career in 2009. What makes this recognition even more special is its roots in the local community – the nomination came from someone who knows Payeur's impact firsthand: a building substitute teacher whose child spent two years in her classroom. During the bowl game celebration, Payeur had the opportunity to connect with fellow honored educators from across New England. "It was incredible to meet other educators and hear their stories," she said."Despite teaching different grade levels and subjects, we found so many similarities in our experiences." Each year, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll selects 15 outstanding educators from the nominee pool to receive special recognition and financial support for their educational initiatives. While Payeur wasn't among the final 15 selected, her nomination highlights the exceptional work being done in Sanford's classrooms every day. "It's very special," Payeur said. "Being recognized by someone who has seen your work both as a colleague and as a parent makes it particularly meaningful. Sanford has been my home since I was a student myself, and now I get to give back to the community that helped shape who I am."
Community Boot Donation Supports Sanford Students
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.
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!
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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 Sanford Pride Elementary teacher Tricia Boivin.   How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? I am beginning my 8th year in Sanford.   What is your favorite part about working in Sanford?  I love the collegiality and professionalism of the people around me. The quality of staff I work with at SPE is exceptional!  What’s your favorite TV show or movie?  I loved Ted Lasso! I am a person of hope and the theme of believing in possibilities is inspirational.  If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? capable, authentic, warmhearted   If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Although Maine is my favorite place, Ireland is still on my traveling list.  Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot coffee  Playlists or Podcasts? Playlists  Ocean or Lake? Ocean  Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise  Facebook or Instagram? Facebook
New Mentorship Program Takes Flight at Sanford Pride Elementary
Fourth-Graders Honor Veterans Through Song at Local Nursing Home
Three years into its journey, the Walking School Bus Program at Sanford Pride Elementary continues to make strides in building a stronger community and improving attendance. What began as a creative and family-friendly way to ensure students arrive at school safely and on time has blossomed into an engaging morning routine for students, volunteers, and families. Carol Lantagne, the program's coordinator, is there at 7:30 a.m. every morning, always with at least one volunteer. The volunteers meet in the CVS parking lot on Main Street, about a half mile from Sanford Pride Elementary. They begin their route walking opposite the school, taking a right onto Charles Street, then a left at State Street Court. During this route, Lantagne and her volunteer meet students at their households to walk them to the bus stop. On one particular Thursday morning, Sanford Pride's Outreach Coordinator Leah Marks is there with Lantagne, welcoming the students as they make their way towards the bus stop. A key part of the program's success hinges on its volunteers, including staff members from counselors and health teachers to Assistant Principal Kristin Daly. The variety of volunteers brings different perspectives and experiences for the students. Daly noted the improved attendance and a greater connection between students and families as key benefits of the program. This connection with the school has also made it easier for parents to approach Daly, Lantagne or the volunteers with questions or concerns, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved. "Our relationships with parents are awesome," Marks said. The route ends at the corner of State Street and Main Street, where the school bus picks the students up around 7:45 a.m. Lantagne, always thinking of ways to keep students engaged, brings a variety of toys each day.  Families from nearby neighborhoods can also bring their children to this intersection, where they get to join in on the fun while waiting for the bus. This flexibility has made the program even more accessible to the community. As the Walking School Bus Program continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the Sanford Pride Elementary community becomes increasingly evident. The program not only ensures that students arrive at school safely and on time but also encourages a sense of community and strengthens the bond between the school and families.
Sanford Pride PTA organized an event called "Donuts With Grownups," sponsored by the local favorite, Congdon's Donuts. The school buzzed with excitement as students arrived, each accompanied by a special adult figure in their life - be it parents, grandparents, guardians, or mentors.   The event created a warm, inviting atmosphere where these pairs could spend quality time together, engaging in simple yet meaningful activities.   Colorful pages and crayons were spread across tables, encouraging creative expression as duos worked side by side on their artwork.   Meanwhile, an assortment of donut-themed storybooks provided a delightful reading experience, perfectly complementing the event's sweet theme.