Sanford Pride Elementary School

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...

Sanford Pride Fourth-Graders Honor Veterans Through Song at Local Nursing Home

November 9, 2024

Sanford Pride Elementary's fourth-grade chorus brought joy to Pinnacle Health and Rehab Nursing Facility Friday morning, uniting the school department's young musicians with loca...

Sanford Pride's Weekly Newsletter

October 29, 2024

Click here for Sanford Pride's weekly newsletter.

Sanford Pride's Weekly Newsletter

October 22, 2024

Click here for Sanford Pride's weekly newsletter.

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.

Walking School Bus Program at Sanford Pride Continuing To Thrive

October 18, 2024

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. Wha...

Sanford Pride Elementary's Weekly Newsletter

October 15, 2024

Click here for Sanford Pride's weekly newsletter.

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

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.

Donuts With Grownups at Sanford Pride Elementary

September 26, 2024

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...

Critical Information about Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

September 20, 2024

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) have reported an elevated risk of mosquito-bor...

As the new school year got underway, the Sanford School Department welcomed students and staff to clean, safe, and well-prepared facilities, thanks to the efforts of our custodial and facilities team over the summer months. The Sanford School Department oversees an impressive array of facilities, including ten buildings that required management for cleaning, maintenance, and grounds care. These facilities encompassed a total of 634,000 square feet of building space and spanned 262 acres of land. At the heart of our school preparation efforts was our hardworking custodial team who took center stage this summer, undertaking a comprehensive cleaning of all facilities. Their work went far beyond routine maintenance, involving a process that touched every corner of our schools. Staff moved and cleaned furniture, washed lights, walls, and windows, and conducted necessary room repairs. One of their most significant tasks was scrubbing and refinishing floors throughout the buildings, ensuring a fresh and welcoming environment for returning students and staff. The custodial team faced and overcame challenges during their summer work. They navigated scheduling conflicts with summer programming and demonstrated remarkable flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes. While the custodial staff focused on deep cleaning, our maintenance team was equally busy with crucial projects. They replaced the boiler at Willard School, installed new doors in the SMS Library and main stairwell, and added climate control to the SPE Library. Other notable projects included: Installing playground equipment at Margaret Chase Smith School. Setting up an entry heater at Carl J Lamb School. Implementing sound deadening measures at Sanford High School Our grounds care responsibilities expanded this year to include mowing and maintaining Sanford High School sports fields. This new task totaled 20 additional hours of work and was efficiently managed with the addition of a part-time seasonal staff member. The combined efforts of our custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff ensured that Sanford schools were clean and safe and enhanced and improved for the new academic year. As students and staff returned, they found their spaces ready and welcoming, setting the stage for a successful year of learning and growth. Thank you to our Facilities and Maintenance teams!

Sanford Schools Shine: Custodial and Facilities Teams Prepare for New School Year

September 19, 2024

As the new school year got underway, the Sanford School Department welcomed students and staff to clean, safe, and well-prepared facilities, thanks to the efforts of our custodia...

How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This is my 7th year. What's your favorite part about working in Sanford? I love being involved and giving back to the wonderful community of Sanford where my kids and I live. What's your favorite TV show or movie? Currently - The Chosen If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Positive, loving, hardworking If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Europe Iced coffee or hot coffee? Iced coffee Lake or Ocean? Ocean Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

Employee Spotlight

September 17, 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...

Fruit and Vegetable Program

September 12, 2024

All three of Sanford’s elementary schools were awarded a Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) USDA grant for the 2024-25 school year. The grant is administered through the Main...