Sanford Middle School

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School for the past 10 years, will officially assume his new role effective July 1st. The selection process included input from the entire school community, with surveys sent to both staff and families, as well as student focus groups, to identify the qualities most important for the next principal. Seven candidates applied for the position, and four were interviewed by a comprehensive committee that included teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents. Mastraccio's career in the Sanford School Department spans nearly two decades. He served as a Math Teacher at Sanford Junior High from 2006-2015, where he also led the Math Team as advisor for those same nine years and taught summer school mathematics from 2006-2011. His transition into administration began with an Administrative Internship at Sanford Junior High from 2010-2015, where he assisted with the administration of a 700-student middle school, followed by his decade of service as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School. During his tenure as Assistant Principal, the school has expanded to over 900 students in grades 5-8, and his commitment to school safety and student development has remained a priority throughout this growth. “Following an extensive process including input from stakeholders, I am certain that Joe Mastraccio is the right person to lead Sanford Middle School,” Sanford Superintendent of Schools Matt Nelson said. “He is a man of the highest integrity and has been preparing for this position his whole career. He bleeds Sanford red and knows our community and what our students need to continue to move forward and succeed.” Beyond his administrative duties, Mastraccio has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and athletics throughout his tenure in the district, serving in various coaching positions. Mastraccio earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine in May of 2015. "I am honored to be a part of the Sanford Middle School team and look forward to continuing my work with students, staff, and the community,” Mastraccio said. “We will strive to create a safe and fun learning environment for our students while also placing an emphasis on academic achievement. Sanford has a long standing sense of pride and I look forward to further building a positive climate and culture at Sanford Middle School.” Mastraccio will succeed Pam Crosby, who recently left to become Principal of Freeport Middle School. The Sanford School Department congratulates Joe Mastraccio on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership at Sanford Middle School.

Joe Mastraccio Named New Principal of Sanford Middle School

June 13, 2025

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served...

tours

June 13, 2025

New and returning students who want a look around - come join the Counselors for a tour. Please contact Mrs. Cole at 324-3055 or email tcole@sanford.org to sign up for the 10:00 ...

INCOMING 5TH GRADERS

June 13, 2025

August 26th 10:00 or 1:00 Join us for a tour, game, and treat! You will meet the Counselor for grade 5 (Mrs. Q) and see classrooms. Please call Mrs. Cole at 324-3055 or email tc...

Thursday 6/12 Announcements

June 12, 2025

*Medallion holders!! Turn in your medallions in to the boxes in the cafe today! *Last call for lost and found….. I know today will be 80 degrees today, but there are winter ...

Wednesday 6/11 Announcements

June 11, 2025

*Please check the Lost and Found today and tomorrow.. all items will be donated after Thursday! *Today is the Track Teams’ final meet/celebration at the high school. Athletes wi...

Tuesday 6/10 Announcements

June 10, 2025

*Medallions will be collected on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students please drop your medallions in the boxes labeled by grade in the cafe during your lunch time. Place your medallio...

Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to celebrate another successful year of career development and academic achievement. The evening event showcased the program's commitment to helping Maine students graduate, pursue post-secondary education, and build meaningful careers. The ceremony began with a welcome and pledge, led by JMG students Khloe Herbert, Isabella Burns, and Melayna Bolduc. Following dinner, the program featured opening remarks from students Alana Perez and Aubrey Fifield, who shared their experiences and growth throughout the year. SMS student Matthew Bourassa introduced guest speaker Steve Hughes, Chief Technology Officer at Kennebunk Savings Bank. Hughes, a JMG alumnus from the program's early days in 1994, shared his personal journey from a high school student unsure of his direction to a successful technology leader. He credited his JMG specialist with guiding him toward military service, which became a pivotal decision that shaped his career path. Hughes offered practical wisdom to the students, emphasizing three key principles: "Be a good person. Be a good person to your other classmates, be there for your teachers, be there for your family, be there for your friends, and work hard... Make good choices... learn from mistakes." Following Staff Appreciation Awards, student voices took center stage as five JMG participants delivered presentations about their transformative experiences. "JMG has brought me such a long way. When I started JMG, I was missing a good amount of school, which was making my grades suffer," Aubrey Shaw said. "JMG has made me actually want to come to school... I never really realized how much it was helping me get through the school year." Katie Waters spoke about overcoming her fear of public speaking and discovering new abilities: "JMG helped me so much with school that it gave me options on how to do things, and also gave me special skills and helped me be a better person... JMG also taught me some skills I didn't even know I had, such as communication and professionalism, which are two main skills I'll take with me throughout my lifetime." Isabella Burns, reflecting on her two years in the program, emphasized JMG's deeper purpose: "It's not just about your friends or the cool people you meet. It's also about the future. It's about the path you get on for the rest of your life." She shared how the program helped her step out of her comfort zone during a recent trip where she found herself "talking to others and taking a step out of my comfort zone." Aya Bissell-Moores spoke about discovering her leadership potential: "I've learned a great deal about my leadership abilities. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be in JMG, because I don't think I'd be as confident and open minded as I am now." SMS JMG Specialist Tara Houle expressed deep gratitude to parents for their unwavering support throughout the year, acknowledging the commitment required when students participate in early morning trips and late evening events. She also thanked the school administration for trusting the program's vision and supporting its ambitious activities, noting that the program offered an impressive 22 different guest speakers, events, and trips over nine months.

Sanford Middle School Students Celebrate Growth at JMG Ceremony

June 9, 2025

Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to cel...

Monday 6/9 Announcements

June 9, 2025

*There will be track practice at the High School today. *There are still over 400 books out. Please remind your students to look for them and return them. If you want an update...

Friday 6/6 Announcements

June 6, 2025

UPDATED: 7th grade baseball practice is cancelled today. Our final game is on Monday at Kennebunk. The bus will leave school at 2:30 *Grade 5, 6 & 7 teachers, please hav...

Sanford Middle School Student Wins Secretary of State's Citizenship Award

June 5, 2025

Sanford Middle School student Xyla Kurz has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Secretary of State's Eighth Grade Citizenship Award. This honor recognizes students through...

Thursday 6/5 Announcements

June 5, 2025

*ALL SMS SPORTS PRACTICES/GAMES ARE CANCELED FOR TODAY DUE TO THE HEAT INDEX. Fishing club is canceled and will be rescheduled. *Today the 5 th graders head to Hadlock field to ...

Wednesday 6/4 Announcements

June 4, 2025

*Tonight is Sanford High School Class of 2025 Graduation! Congratulations to all! *Track athletes, you have until 2pm today to register for events for this Thursday’s home meet. ...

Tuesday 6/3 Announcements

June 3, 2025

*This morning around 8:45ish the SHS Class of 2025 will be visiting us today as they walk through the halls in their caps and gowns! Congratulations to all! *Attention all Med...

Kindness Takes a Seat: New Buddy Table Opens at Sanford Middle School

June 2, 2025

A new initiative at Sanford Middle School started with one student's compassion and has grown into something wonderful for our entire school community. Fifth-grader Grace Raymon...

Monday 6/2 Announcements

June 2, 2025

*No 7 th grade band today. Spartan time Thursday is optional and everyone that had lessons today will have lessons Thursday to turn in instruments and do check out forms. *A...

Friday 5/30 Announcements

May 30, 2025

*Do you need a book for the summer? There are some free books in the library. Ask Mrs. Williams for help. *All books are due June 4th. Please start looking for and returning ...

Thursday 5/29 Announcements

May 29, 2025

*Mechanical Advantage Club meets for the last time this school year this afternoon. * 7 th Grade will have Spartan time rehearsal and lessons today. *Do you need a book fo...

Sanford Middle School JMG Students Shine on Statewide Adventure

May 27, 2025

Fifteen eighth-grade students from Sanford Middle School's Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) program recently completed an exciting two-day adventure trip on May 21-22, showcasing ...

Tuesday 5/27 Announcements

May 27, 2025

UPDATE: 8th grade girls softball game has been canceled for today. There will be practice instead. *8 th graders will be heading to Casco Bay today. Please wait for your room ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OqjUJ8qVlo

Watch Sanford Middle School's 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concert

May 23, 2025