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Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Back in January, Allen was one of 336 educators nationwide to receive the award, which is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can get from the U.S. government.  Related: (Diana Allen Receives Presidential Teaching Award) 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. The process required detailed analysis of teaching practices, addressing student misconceptions, managing classroom diversity, and demonstrating educational leadership at local, state, and national levels. During the MDOE summit, Diana was presented with her award by Tonya Prentice, joining an elite group of Maine educators who have earned this distinguished recognition. Her selection reflects not only her classroom excellence but also her commitment to fostering scientific thinking and discovery among her middle school students.
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The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year.  The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch.   Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage. Following their musical presentation, each student introduced themselves, shared which schools they attended, and spoke about teachers who've had a lasting impact on their academic journey so far. School Committee Chair Amy Sevigny then delivered opening remarks that challenged both new and veteran staff members to be supportive colleagues. "I want you to all think about when you were that new person on the job, whatever job that was. Do you still remember the first person or the people that welcomed you and made you feel part of the team?"  She challenged staff to be supportive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and positive colleagues. Whatever the day brings, be the coworker that you want to have. Because a strong school community thrives when each member feels valued and supported. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts throughout the district. "I want to thank you as our faculty and staff for all that you do for our students and what you do each and every day with them," Nelson said.   A significant portion of the event welcomed new staff members joining the Sanford team across all district schools, including all elementary schools, middle and high school, SRTC and SCAE Adult Ed.  The presentation also included Superintendent Nelson introducing the district's updated mission to "prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world" for the first time to staff after it was recently approved by the School Committee.    This mission is supported by Core Principles and Beliefs on Learning that focus on creating safe learning environments, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access, adapting learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration.  These principles work together to support the district's Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate vision, preparing students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, emotionally intelligent collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.
Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year
The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans.  On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers.   If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number.    Please note, due to a bus driver shortage, some bus routes have been combined to begin the school year. This change will result in longer ride times for some students.  We appreciate your patience as we continue to search for additional drivers.   If you are interested in becoming a driver or monitor, contact Ledgemere, our transportation provider.     If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly or Ledgemere  at 207-324-4888.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgfSihkIfC-CVebTGOxIC7HDvtrvOysd/view
A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Stuff the Bus Maine will hold its annual school supplies distribution event at Curtis Lake Church on Westview Drive in Sanford. No pre-registration is required.   Please arrive at (not before) your designated time slot based on your child's last name: T through Z: 9:00 AM N through S: 10:00 AM H through M: 11:00 AM A through G: 11:30 AM If you have children with different last names, use the last name of your youngest school-aged child to determine your arrival time for all children. *If you arrive without your children, please come at 11:00 AM (no exceptions). A volunteer will fill a bag for your child/children. Please prepare a separate 3x5 index card for each child before you arrive. On each card, print: Your first and last name (top of card) Your child's first and last name The grade your child will be entering in fall 2025 Having these cards ready will help the line move efficiently and reduce wait times. The event continues while supplies last as we work hard to ensure every child is served. Stuff the Bus is proud to help get kids excited and prepared for the new school year ahead. Sincerely, Wanda Parent  Director, Stuff the Bus Maine
SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1. Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems. She is trained in threat assessment and safety protocols, with extensive experience working in challenging situations at both the elementary and high school levels. "It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said. Edgar joins Sanford Middle School with four years of experience as Assistant Principal at Saco Middle School, where he worked in a comprehensive student support program designed to help all students succeed. Prior to his administrative role, Edgar served as a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Saco Middle School for 20 years and union representative. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the students of Sanford Middle School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year," Edgar said. "Lindsay brings a strong middle level background in special education and has demonstrated her ability to meet students where they are. She understands the importance of keeping students connected and involving all stakeholders when working with students," Sanford Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio said. "Michael stressed the importance of wanting students to feel heard and demonstrated a deep understanding of working within a community as a steady presence that others can rely on." Pendleton and Edgar replace Mastraccio, who was hired as the school's principal in June replacing Pam Crosby, and Michael Bailey, who recently left to become the Assistant Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The Sanford School Department congratulates Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership at Sanford Middle School.
Sanford Middle School Teacher to Research Pollinators in Costa Rican Cloud Forest
New Fishing Club Reels in Success at Sanford Middle School
open house
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.
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CAMP 5TH GRADE
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