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Sanford Middle School Librarian and Media Specialist Julie Williams has been selected to serve on the School Library Journal's Mock Newbery Committee, joining librarians from across the nation in evaluating the best children's literature of 2024. The Mock Newbery Committee mirrors the official Newbery Award process, which Williams describes as "the most distinguished award for children's literature in the US." Since 1922, the Newbery Award has recognized excellence in children's books, creating a legacy of literary classics that many remember from their elementary school days. "I follow it all year long," said Williams, who was selected for the committee in mid-December after demonstrating she had already read six required books from the nomination list. "I had already read a lot of the books I knew were going to be nominated because I try to keep up.” The committee is currently evaluating 15 books published in 2024, with members engaging in daily online discussions about each title's merits. "We read the books, and they do a blog entry every day," Williams explained. "All of us who are on this committee can chime in and say, 'This is what I like, this is what I didn't like, this is why I think we should pick this one.'" The process is rigorous and time-intensive. Williams spent much of her holiday break immersed in books, even reading during car trips. "My husband's like, 'What are you doing tonight?' What do you think? I'm sitting and reading," she said.  Committee members must read physical copies rather than listen to audiobooks. "They don't like you to use audio books," Williams explained, "because it can depend on the narrator. If the narrator is really good, it can kind of make you think that the book might be better than it is." The committee will soon narrow down their selections to five finalists, which they'll discuss in detail during an online meeting on January 24th. Their final selection will be announced shortly before the official Newbery Award announcement on January 27th. Williams sees this committee work as part of a cherished tradition in children's literature. "It helps me because I read so much. When kids ask for book recommendations, I've read a lot," she said. "It's kind of like our Oscars for the best book, and they get a big gold medal on the cover when they win."
Seventh-grader Paityn Ricker's dedication to helping her fellow students has earned Sanford Middle School a grant from a national foundation. Through her leadership in the school's JMG program, Paityn developed "SnackDash," an innovative project to support student wellness throughout the school day. The program complements the Sanford School Department’s existing meal services, which include free breakfast and lunch for all students as part of the Maine’s Department of Education’s universal free meal program. While breakfast and lunch are available at no cost, SnackDash helps bridge the gap between these meals for students who may need additional support. "I know how hard it is to focus when you're hungry," says Paityn. "Sometimes I don't have a snack to eat, so I'm starving for hours before lunch. I realized many of my classmates face the same challenge, and some may not have access to food at home either." Working with her JMG classmates and teacher Tara Houle, Paityn helped create "SnackDash," a program that provides free snacks to students between meals. The project caught the attention of the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning (FILL) and Albertsons Companies Foundation's Nourishing Neighbors Program, earning the school a grant to expand their efforts. "My favorite part was working with my friends in JMG," Paityn shares. "They were really cooperative and had great ideas.” The project has opened her eyes to community needs. "I've learned how many students might need extra nutritional support during the school day," she explains. "Some students have lunch periods early in the day, and others might not have access to snacks from home. That's why programs like SnackDash are so important." The grant comes through the Explore.Act.Tell. Program, which teaches middle and high school students to identify and solve problems in their communities. Paityn's project was selected from among hundreds of student initiatives nationwide.
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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!
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The Sanford School Department is starting to spotlight employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you think should be highlighted, please email communications coordinator Sam Bonsey at sbonsey@sanford.org. This spotlight is on Sanford Middle School’s Support and Transition Room teacher Barbara Noone.   What's your name and position in the Sanford School Department? Barbara Noone, Support and Transition Room at SMS  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
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Students Spread Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots
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