Fourth graders at Sanford Pride Elementary (SPE) recently had the opportunity to explore a wide range of potential career paths during the school's Career Day on Friday, May 10th.   The event allowed students to engage with professionals from various fields, planting seeds about the many avenues for future success. This wasn't about choosing a career but rather an opportunity for students to realize there are many different opportunities in the future.  The event exposed students to professionals from various fields, planting seeds of inspiration about the many avenues to future success.  The idea for Career Day stemmed from discussions among the fourth-grade teaching team - Jason Stone, Kristan Curtis, and Tricia Boivin.  To make the most of the enriching opportunity, students rotated through seven different career sessions in small groups, with teachers helping to facilitate each rotation.   The hands-on approach allowed students to hear personal stories and ask questions that sparked their curiosity.
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.
Sanford Pride Elementary School hosted a Celebration of Learning, showcasing the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and artistic exploration the week before April Vacation.  At the heart of this celebration were the Art Show, Music Concerts, and classroom displays, each offering a glimpse into the talents and accomplishments of Sanford Pride's students.  Since the start of the year, our students, along with our dedicated staff, have been actively involved in integrated projects, each one intricately linked to various curriculum topics.  The classroom displays were a window into the student's academic journey, showcasing projects that integrated learning across various subjects, from science and history to language arts and mathematics. The music concerts were a big hit for students and their families.   The week kicked off the kindergarten and first-grade concerts on Monday, April 8th. Those students focused on laying the foundational stones of musical expression.  Second and third graders performed on Tuesday. Second graders delved deeper into rhythm, decoding patterns verbally and through percussion instruments, while third graders put on an interactive performance and strummed on ukuleles.  The concerts concluded on Thursday, April 11th, with fourth graders displaying dynamics and notation and performing written music on glockenspiels.  The Art Show was no less impressive, featuring various creative works spanning various mediums, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed-media creations. Each piece was a testament to the student's imagination and artistic prowess, reflecting a depth of creativity beyond their years.
Kindergarten Registration
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 Sanford Pride Music Teacher Meaghan Mannino  How long have you worked in the Sanford School Department?   I've been teaching elementary music in Sanford for five years. Before this, I taught music in New Hampshire for three years, and I was also an ed tech at Sanford Junior High School for one year.   What's your favorite part about working in Sanford?  I was fortunate to have attended Sanford Schools myself, and I love that I'm able to share music in a community that has given me so much. Additionally, my wonderful coworkers and students make SPE a place I love coming to each day.  What's your favorite TV show or Movie?  I guess that depends on the day! I must admit that I'm a huge nerd and love watching anything Star Wars or Marvel, but I also enjoy sappy Hallmark movies or a good laugh from The Office.  If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Crazy cat lady  If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?  Hmm... either Ireland or Rome.  Iced coffee or hot coffee?  Hot in the morning, iced in the afternoon.  Playlists or podcasts?  As a music person, I have to say playlists. I love a good podcast, too.  Lake or ocean?  Lake. I enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness, and lakes are perfect for camping.   Sunrise or sunset?  Sunrise  Facebook or Instagram? Facebook
The Sanford community shined brightly for the school department’s annual Spring Sing Choral Showcase at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 6th.
New Kindergarten Student Early Registration Event
In a display of community camaraderie and spirited competition, Sanford First Responders and Teachers recently took to the basketball court for a charity game on Thursday, February 15th.   The event saw Sanford Pride and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary school staff lace up their sneakers and face off against Sanford’s first responders.  While the primary goal was to help Sanford children, the game also allowed individuals from different sectors of the community to come together, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill.  The significance of events like these extends far beyond the final score. Not only do they provide a platform for charitable giving, but they also serve as a reminder of the power of community collaboration.
Sanford Pride Elementary’s Student Leadership team is comprised of third and fourth grade students, with representatives from each classroom.
Sanford Pride hosted a Living Wax Museum on the cafeteria stage on Friday, January 19th. This event showcased the dedication and hard work of the participating students, who explored the lives of famous world changers.
The hallways of Sanford Regional Technical Center were filled with excitement as more than sixty 4th graders from Pride Elementary toured the tech center.
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 Sanford Pride Library Ed Tech Jennifer Caswell.
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 Sanford Pride Ed Tech Kathy Spencer.
Carl J. Lamb, Sanford Pride, and Margaret Chase Smith elementary schools each organized celebrations to honor the sacrifices of veterans for Veterans Day.