Sanford Middle School

Tuesday 1/14 Announcements

January 14, 2025

Tuesday, January 14 th *The Sanford Backpack Program is gearing up for the Winter Break Food Distribution! They are collecting boxes of Cereal staring now until Feb. 6...

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."

Sanford Middle School Librarian Selected for Mock Newbery Committee

January 13, 2025

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 acr...

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.

Sanford Middle School Student's Solution To Student Hunger Earns National Recognition

January 13, 2025

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...

Monday 1/13 Announcements

January 13, 2025

Monday, January 13 th *Chess club today in Mr. Pyle's room 2211 in the 6th grade wing and will be in session from 2:15-3:15. *Beauty and the Beast Jr. has rehearsal ...

Friday 1/10 Announcements

January 10, 2025

Friday, January 10th *Beauty and the Beast Jr has vocal rehearsal today in Mr. Bellefeuille’s room until 3:30. Please see our website for the call list and for next week...

Thursday 1/9 Announcements

January 9, 2025

Thursday, January 9th *The Sources of Strength students will meet today during Spartan time. *Today, Section 5A will be meeting for Chorus during Spartan Time. *Studen...

Wednesday 1/8 Announcements

January 8, 2025

Wednesday, January 8th *No Mechanical Advantage Club this week. *The Sources of Strength students are meeting tomorrow/today (Thursday) during Spartan time *PTA Meeti...

Tuesday 1/7 Announcements

January 7, 2025

Tuesday, January 7th *Math club will meet today until 3:00. *Beauty and the Beast Jr has rehearsal until 3:30 today in the cafeteria. Please see our website for detail...

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!

Nominations Open For Maine Teacher of the Year

January 6, 2025

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 e...

Announcements 1/6

January 6, 2025

Monday, January 6th * If you signed up to participate in the Great Maine Book Tournament or are interested please see Mrs. Williams in the library before the end of the we...

Friday 1/3 Announcements

January 3, 2025

Friday, January 3rd *Today’s Beauty and the Beast Junior Rehearsal is a vocal practice. Only those listed on our websites call list should to be in attendance. It will be ...

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

Employee Spotlight

January 2, 2025

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 ...

Thursday 1/2 Announcements

January 2, 2025

Thursday, January 2 nd Happy New Year & Welcome Back ! *There is no Mechanical Advantage Club today. *Beauty and the Beast Junior will have its first rehearsal t...

Sanford High School and Middle School Students Spread Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots

December 20, 2024

Students from Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School's Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) program embraced the spirit of giving this holiday season during a special two-day v...

12/20 Announcements

December 20, 2024

Friday, December 20 th *Today is Festive Sweater Day! *Tech Hub is closed today. *Q2 progress reports will be going home this afternoon. Staff, please make sure ...

Thursday 12/19 Announcements

December 19, 2024

Thursday, December 19 th *This week is Spirit Week! Today: Candy Cane Day, Friday: Festive Sweater Day. *Don’t forget to save your can tabs for the Life Skills ...

Wednesday 12/18 Announcements

December 18, 2024

Wednesday, December 18 th *This week is Spirit Week! Today:: Hallway Competition Day, Thursday: Candy Cane Day, Friday: Festive Sweater Day. *The Sanford Backpa...

Tuesday 12/17 Announcements

December 17, 2024

Tuesday, December 17 th *Hats are allowed this week! *This week is Spirit Week! Today: Favorite Character Day, Wednesday: Hallway Competition Day, Thursday: Can...

Monday 12/16 Announcements

December 16, 2024

Monday, December 16 th *This week is Spirit Week! Today: Warm & Cozy Day, Tuesday: Favorite Character Day, Wednesday: Hallway War Day, Thursday: Candy Cane Day, F...

Sanford Middle School music students, families, and friends packed the Performing Arts Center, Wednesday, December 11th, for their annual Winter Concert, filling the auditorium with holiday cheer and musical talent. Students from grades 5 through 8 took the stage throughout the evening, presenting both individual and combined ensemble performances that showcased months of dedicated preparation. The concert featured performances directed by the school's dedicated music faculty: Erica Scarano, who leads the 7th and 8th grade band program; Joshua Hyssong, who directs the 6th grade band; and Kyle Hayes, who recently joined Sanford MIddle School as its newest music teacher in November. Each ensemble demonstrated the impressive results of their preparation and practice. The program included a mix of classical pieces and seasonal favorites. The 6th grade band showcased several talented soloists and small ensembles, including Parker Stone and Mariah Gillette performing "Hot Cross Buns" as a duet. Another performance featured Aubree Theriault, Lauren Spaulding, and Liliana Searles presenting "Au Claire de la Lune." The flute section also charmed the audience with their rendition of "Camptown Races." A special highlight was the collaborative performance pieces, including "Santa the Barbarian and the Pirates of the North Pole" by the combined Grade 7 & 8 bands. The chorus program showcased their talents with performances including "The Water is Wide" and "We Sing Gloria." The evening demonstrated not only the students' musical abilities but also their dedication to practice and performance. The concert stands as a testament to Sanford Middle School's robust music program and its commitment to providing students with comprehensive musical education and performance opportunities.

Sanford Middle School Musicians Fill Performing Arts Center with Holiday Spirit at Winter Concert

December 13, 2024

YOU CAN WATCH THE CONCERT ON WSSRTV'S YOUTUBE PAGE. CLICK HERE Sanford Middle School music students, families, and friends packed the Performing Arts Center, Wednesday,...