Sanford Pride Elementary School

Two Sanford School District educators, Terri Gerrish of Pride Elementary and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary, were recently recognized as "Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals" during the Week of the Young Child, a celebration highlighting the importance of early childhood education and the professionals who nurture children during this critical developmental stage.

Two Sanford Educators Honored as Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals

May 1, 2025

(Terri Gerrish, left, and Kendra Marley, right) Two Sanford School District educators, Terri Gerrish of Pride Elementary and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary, were r...

Sanford Pride Elementary School recently held its annual Celebration of Learning event, featuring a vibrant art show and grade-level concerts showcasing student talent and creativity. The week-long celebration took place April 14-17, just before April vacation. Families were invited to explore the school's hallways, which were transformed into art galleries displaying student artwork and classroom exhibits that had been months in the making. Each evening featured musical performances from different grade levels, with kindergarten and first grade performing Monday, second and third grades on Tuesday, and fourth grade closing the celebration on Thursday. Music teacher Meghan Mannino expressed her pride in the students' accomplishments: "Students in grades K-4 work on concert music, art projects, and classroom exhibits over several months. This week, students finally had their special nights to share their learning with family members, friends, teachers, and the community." The event was well-attended across all three evenings, with packed audiences enjoying the fruits of the students' hard work. "Their excitement and smiles were contagious during the performances," noted Mannino. "The art- and project-filled hallways also looked colorful and absolutely amazing."

Celebration of Learning at Sanford Pride Elementary

April 24, 2025

Sanford Pride Elementary School recently held its annual Celebration of Learning event, featuring a vibrant art show and grade-level concerts showcasing student talent and creativ...

Sanford Pride Elementary School hosted its first Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Friday morning, April 11th, in the school cafeteria. The event recognized dedicated individuals who have given their time and talents to support students and staff throughout the school year. The ceremony highlighted the diverse volunteers who contribute to the school community, including parents, former employees, Sanford High School and Middle School students, PTA members, and participants in the school's mentorship program. Classroom teachers took turns honoring their volunteers. Pre-K teacher Gwynne Tounge recognized Paul Casavant, known as "Mr. C," describing him as "the most dedicated and caring person" who "brings smiles, joy, and happiness to our pre-K every day." His impact extends beyond current students, as former Pre-K student Abby Plumpton shared, "I love to see Mr. C in the morning and give him a hug!" High school seniors pursuing education careers were among those recognized. 3rd Grade Teacher Haley Kennedy honored Hazel Bouchard, who helps with math while maintaining "a smile and a great attitude." Arianna Ramini was praised for her work completing the SRTC program in elementary education before attending the University of Maine at Orono this fall. Cole Adawadkar, who volunteers in Grade 4, was recognized for supporting students both in the classroom and through sports activities. The school's PTA officers—Sara Gildart, Niki Langlois, Kaity Getchell, and Robyn Howe—were acknowledged for organizing school activities, providing supplies, and supporting field trips. "We're very fortunate and grateful to have such a supportive PTA at Pride," Daly said. Principal Inman also highlighted the school's mentoring program, which pairs adults with third-grade students during lunch and recess. Ben England was recognized for his mentorship, along with Elissa Brewster and Michelle Vessels who were unable to attend. The mentors help "build students' aspirations, build their confidence, and let them think about how school is important." Although not all volunteers could attend, each will receive a certificate of appreciation through their respective classroom teachers. The complete list of recognized volunteers included classroom helpers across all grade levels, from Pre-K through Grade 4. The ceremony concluded with Principal Inman thanking all volunteers "for giving so generously of your time and talents" before students returned to their classrooms.

Sanford Pride Elementary Honors Dedicated Volunteers at First Recognition Ceremony

April 11, 2025

Sanford Pride Elementary School hosted its first Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Friday morning, April 11th, in the school cafeteria. The event recognized dedicated individual...

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, ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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Pre-K Lottery Information

February 4, 2025

We are excited to share information with you regarding the Sanford Public School Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs for the 2025-2026 school year. In September, we expect to conti...

February First 10 Newsletter

February 3, 2025

Join First 10 Sanford for an exciting February filled with community events and family engagement opportunities. Our spotlight features the Community Wide Kindergarten Registratio...

Employee Spotlight

January 30, 2025

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@sa...

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."

Sanford Pride Teacher Named to Prestigious Fenway Bowl Honor Roll

January 21, 2025

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 t...

Community Boot Donation Supports Sanford Students

Community Boot Donation Supports Sanford Elementary Students

January 15, 2025

PHOTO FROM YORK COUNTY HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START Sanford elementary school students are stepping into winter confidence thanks to a generous donation from Kittery Trad...

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...

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...

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

Employee Spotlight

November 25, 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...

New Mentorship Program Takes Flight at Sanford Pride Elementary

November 22, 2024

A new mentorship program at Sanford Pride Elementary is bringing community members and students together to help children with relationships and aspirations. The program, launc...

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...