
Please view the SMS Family Newsletter for February at the following link: https://5il.co/37a97

The incredible story of Paityn Ricker's SnackDash program continues to spread! After an amazing response to our original story, WMTW picked up this inspiring example of student leadership. You can watch the story here: https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-student-national-grant-feed-classmates/63454825

Congratulations to Officer Joe Jourdain, Sanford Middle School's School Resource Officer, on receiving the Wayne Drown Award from the Maine Association of Police! This award recognizes excellence in school-based policing and dedication to serving the school community. Learn more about how Officer Jourdain is making a difference in our students' lives: https://www.sanford.org/article/1995690


There's only one week left to nominate a teacher 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. Here is the link to the form: https://educatemaine.wufoo.com/forms/r1j4ry7j09it0gv/
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!

Please read the following letter from Principal Crosby regarding the upcoming Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey: https://5il.co/35u3e

Congratulations to Sanford Middle School's Diana Allen, who has been selected for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching! Read more here to learn about her incredible journey and this prestigious national recognition: https://www.sanford.org/article/1977727


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. Here is the link to the form:
https://educatemaine.wufoo.com/forms/r1j4ry7j09it0gv/
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!

Meet Paityn, the 7th grader making sure no student goes hungry at Sanford Middle School! Her "SnackDash" project just won a national grant to help provide free snacks between meals. Talk about student leadership in action! 💪
Through the school's JMG program, Paityn noticed some classmates struggling to focus between breakfast and lunch. Her solution? Create a program ensuring every student has access to healthy snacks throughout the day. Read more about it here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1961590


Sanford Middle School 5th graders participated in an informative session this morning about managing everyday challenges that come with growing up.
SMS staff led thoughtful discussions with students about handling different types of stress - from homework and friendships to community safety.
The best part? Students learned practical, healthy ways to handle tough moments, like exercise, reading, spending time with pets, and other positive activities.

Big news from Sanford Middle School’s library! Librarian/Media Specialist Julie Williams has been selected for the prestigious School Library Journal's Mock Newbery Committee! She'll join librarians nationwide in evaluating 2024's best children's literature. Read more about it here: https://www.sanford.org/article/1962603


Employee Spotlight! Meet Sanford Middle School Support and Transition Room teacher Barbara Noone
How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department?
I completed my student teaching at Willard School when it was a 4-6 school with the late, great Rose Marie Ryan, so counting that year I guess it's been about 35 years!
What's your favorite part about working in Sanford?
The students and families here are the reason why I came to work during my time as a classroom teacher, and they are the reason I came back to work a few years ago after "retiring!"
What's your favorite TV show or movie?
Forensic Files & Pimple Popper
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Determined, Open Minded, Adaptable
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
I want to see Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of SD.
Iced coffee or hot coffee?
Iced Coffee
Podcasts or Playlists?
Playlists
Lake or Ocean?
Lake
Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset
Facebook or Instagram?
Instagram


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. Here is the link to the form: https://educatemaine.wufoo.com/forms/r1j4ry7j09it0gv/
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!

Please view the SMS Family Newsletter for January at the following link: https://5il.co/344v3

Sanford Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball and Grades 6th-8th Wrestling registration is now open. Tryouts will begin Monday, February 3rd, from 2:30-4:00. Please use the following link to sign up your student-athlete if interested:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/sanford-middle-school-athletic-registration-volleyball-wrestling-2025

JMG students from Sanford High and Middle Schools spread holiday cheer at Curtis Lake Church! Over two days, these amazing young leaders helped Toys for Tots process thousands of toys that will brighten the season for 1,000+ York County families. Not only did they make a difference in our community, but they gained valuable teamwork and organizational skills along the way. Read more here: https://www.sanford.org/o/sanford-high-school/article/1938470


Watch Sanford High School and Middle School's winter concerts on WSSRTV's YouTube channel! The full performances from last week's events are now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjRnhrGiQJI&list=PLPkhl1Gl0gAK7MZd0JlVUYVKmYJLz4Lv2

🎵 The Performing Arts Center was alive with the sound of music last week as Sanford students showcased their incredible talents!
Our Middle School musicians kicked off the festivities on Wednesday, December 11th, with performances from grades 5-8 under the direction of Erica Scarano, Joshua Hyssong, and Kyle Hayes. From delightful duets to full ensemble pieces like "Santa the Barbarian and the Pirates of the North Pole," our young musicians shone bright!
The following evening, December 12th, Sanford High School's performers took center stage. Under the guidance of Ryan Geary and Hailey Francoeur, the choir and band ensembles delivered unforgettable performances.
From the Chorale's opening "Give Me Some Rhythm!" to the Concert Band's crowd-pleasing finale of "Sleigh Ride," the evening was filled with holiday spirit. A special moment came when alumni joined current students for "Auld Lang Syne"!
Congratulations to all our talented musicians and their dedicated directors for two spectacular evenings of music! 🎄🎺🎹

Please view the SMS Family Newsletter for December at the following link: https://5il.co/32rsp

Sanford Middle School's Winter Band and Chorus Concert is tomorrow night, December 11th, at 6:30 pm at the Sanford Performing Arts Center! Come out and support our SMS musicians.


Sanford Middle School students earned a special shoutout on CNN10, a national current events show for middle and high school students! Mr. Kumka's social studies class created a unique drone photo spelling out anchor Coy Wire's name and sent him a student-signed Sanford jersey.
The class starts each day with CNN10 to study current events and geography, making this recognition extra special. Sanford’s shoutout comes at around the 7:55 mark of this video: https://www.cnn.com/cnn10
