Sanford Middle School

Wednesday 2/12 Announcements

February 12, 2025

Wednesday, February 12th *JMG students who are attending the Career Exploration trip to the Sanford PD today, please head to the front lobby after announcements. *Reminde...

Students at Sanford Middle School discovered how classroom mathematics transforms into real-world solutions during a special visit from transportation systems engineer Mark Love on February 10th. Love, who founded Engineers Teaching Algebra, worked with SMS's Algebra and Geometry classes to tackle an engaging challenge: designing safe traffic intersections. The interactive session brought textbook concepts to life as students used algebraic reasoning to calculate optimal traffic light timing for both three- and four-way intersections. Working like real engineers, they applied proportional thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure safe traffic flow through their designed intersections. The session demonstrated that mathematics isn't just about memorizing formulas – it's about creative thinking and practical problem-solving. Students learned that while calculators are valuable tools, success in engineering and mathematics relies on their ability to think logically and approach problems creatively.

Sanford Middle School Students Apply Math Skills to Real-World Engineering Challenges

February 11, 2025

Students at Sanford Middle School discovered how classroom mathematics transforms into real-world solutions during a special visit from transportation systems engineer Mark Love o...

Tuesday 2/11 Announcements

February 11, 2025

Tuesday, February 11th *Tech Hub will be closing at 8:30 today. *Last day of Ski Bus is today! Please wait for the announcement at the end of the day to load the bus. *Ma...

Students at Sanford Middle School embraced the Great Kindness Challenge during the last week of January, recording an impressive 5,083 random acts of kindness (RAKs) throughout the building. A highlight of the week included students participating in "Twin Day," where pairs of seventh graders doubled up on kindness while sporting matching tutus. The school's counseling department hallway featured a vibrant paper chain with kind messages and RAK ideas linking the entire corridor. In a friendly classroom competition, students tracked their acts of kindness throughout the week. Mrs. White's 8th-grade homeroom led the school with 1,041 RAKs, while grade-level winners included Mrs. Wilson's 5th grade (356 RAKs), Mr. Pyle's 6th grade (287 RAKs), and Mrs. McCann's 7th grade (261 RAKs). Notable mentions went to Mrs. Fraser's 8th grade class with 1,025 RAKs and Mrs. LaVasseur's class with 261 RAKs.

Sanford Middle School Participates in Great Kindness Challenge

February 10, 2025

Students at Sanford Middle School embraced the Great Kindness Challenge during the last week of January, recording an impressive 5,083 random acts of kindness (RAKs) throughout th...

Sanford Middle School Newsletter

February 10, 2025

Monday 2/10 Announcements

February 10, 2025

Monday, February 10th *If any student was absent on Friday please send them down to the cafeteria after these announcements to complete the MIYHS testing during Spartan time...

Friday 2/7 Announcements

February 7, 2025

Friday, February 7th *There will be NO BAND or CHORUS today do to the MIYHS Survey. Please see the email from Mr. Coleman on the updated DO NOT TAKE list. Lessons will res...

Wednesday 2/5 Announcements

February 5, 2025

EARLY RELEASE DAY! *It’s National School Counseling Week! Ever feel stressed, worried, anxious or overwhelmed? Everyone does! It’s NORMAL to NOT feel OK sometimes. Everyone...

Tuesday 2/4 Announcements

February 4, 2025

Tuesday, February 4th *Math club will be held today in room 2236 until 3 o’clock *This is a reminder to 6th grade honors band students that there is a rehearsal in Mr. Hy...

Monday 2/3 Announcements

February 3, 2025

Monday, February 3rd National School Counseling Week! *It’s National School Counseling Week! Did you know that ANY student can see their grade level school co...

Friday 1/31 Announcements

January 31, 2025

Friday, January 31st *5B & 5C Chorus today at Spartan time! *If you received a Be the Change Certificate, please come to Cafeteria after announcements. *Quarter ...

Thursday 1/30 Announcements

January 30, 2025

Thursday, January 30 th *Mechanical Advantage Club meets Thursday afternoon in room 1228 with Miss Nason from 2:15-3:30. *Student Leadership will meet in 2217 until 3...

Sanford Middle School Resource Officer Receives Wayne Drown Award

January 29, 2025

Sanford Middle School's School Resource Officer (SRO) Joe Jourdain was recently honored with the Wayne Drown School Resource Officer Award at the Maine Association of Police annu...

Wednesday 1/29 Announcements

January 29, 2025

Wednesday, January 29 th * EARLY RELEASE DAY * *Do you sing, dance, juggle, do magic tricks or have a talent no one’s seen before? Think your talent can win you $1...

Tuesday 1/28 Announcements

January 28, 2025

Tuesday, January 28 th *Ski Bus heads to Pleasant Mountain again after school! Bus leaves at 1:45. Please wait for the announcement for dismissal. *Chorus for 6 t...

Monday 1/27 Announcements

January 27, 2025

Monday, January 27th *The Tech Hub is closed today. *8 th grade Chorus today during Spartan time! *Beauty and the Beast Jr. has rehearsal until 3:30 for Scenes 2 + ...

Friday 1/24 Announcements

January 24, 2025

Friday, January 24 th *The Backpack Program’s Cereal drive is underway! Bring in a box of cereal to help them out for their February break distribution. *Audition...

Thursday 1/23 Announcements

January 23, 2025

Thursday, January 23rd *Beauty and the Beast Jr. has rehearsal today until 3:30 in the cafeteria for the Belle Ensemble . Please check the website if you are unsure if t...

Wednesday 1/22 Announcements

January 22, 2025

Wednesday, January 22 nd EARLY RELEASE DAY *Quarter 2 grades close for students on Friday and are due in Infinite Campus on January 31 st ! *Tomorrow’s the Day...

Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen has been named among 336 educators nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive from the U.S. government. Allen, who was initially selected as one of three Maine state finalists, completed an intensive application process that required demonstrating deep content knowledge and adaptability to diverse learning environments. Her application included a recorded teaching demonstration at a local brook, where she partnered with Maine Audubon to teach students about macroinvertebrates. "It's an amazing reflection process," Allen said of the application requirements. "You have to look at yourself... you have to look at it through all the lenses of all these dimensions." The process required detailed analysis of teaching practices, addressing student misconceptions, managing classroom diversity, and demonstrating educational leadership at local, state, and national levels. Allen learned of her honor while driving, when she received an unexpected call from a friend who was a previous award recipient. "I was actually driving in my car, and a friend of mine called who was an awardee from the year before me," Allen recalled. "She said, 'Oh, I don't want to be the one to tell you, just check your email.' I was like, 'I can't check my email. I'm driving.'" When she finally pulled over to read the congratulatory message from the White House, the significance of the moment began to sink in. Allen's journey to this achievement is particularly inspiring, as she overcame early challenges through perseverance and determination. Rising above these obstacles, she has consistently pushed herself to excel, serving as chair of the Wells-Ogunquit School Committee and president of the Maine Science Teachers Association. She has also presented at the National Science Teachers Association Conference. "I need to work harder than most of my colleagues because I didn't have a good education foundation to work with," Allen shared. She often uses her own experience to inspire students, showing them that with dedication and perseverance, they can achieve their goals regardless of their starting point. The announcement has sparked celebration throughout the community, particularly among Allen's former students, many of whom now have children of their own. "When I see their comments, that's what really gets me... their words mean a ton.” As a PAEMST recipient, Allen will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Reflecting on the recognition, she shared what made the honor feel real to her: "They picked you. Like, yeah, you wrote that. Those were your words. That was your video. They picked you. It's for real. It's legitimate."

Diana Allen Receives Presidential Teaching Award

January 21, 2025

(Photo by Lee Burnett) Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen has been named among 336 educators nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathem...