Sanford Middle School

The Sanford community came together on Tuesday, March 11th, to fill the stands of Partner's Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School for the 36th Annual Sanford Band Fest Concert. The evening showcased the musical journey of Sanford's student musicians from grades 5 through 12, highlighting their growth and dedication. The gymnasium buzzed with excitement as proud parents, siblings, grandparents, and community members gathered to support over 200 young musicians. Under the direction of Josh Hyssong, who led the 5th and 6th grade bands, Erica Scarano, who conducted the 7th and 8th grade ensembles, and Hailey Francoeur, who directed the high school musicians, students demonstrated impressive musical skill and enthusiasm. The 5th grade band opened the concert with three charming selections: the rhythmic "Rain, Rain," the playful "Itsy, Bitsy Spider," and the lively English folk song "Hot Cross Buns." For many of these young musicians, this performance marked their first major concert experience, yet they played with remarkable confidence. "I was proud to be a band director," reflected Hyssong. "My two groups played their hearts out and did a great job being flexible. An event of Band Fest's magnitude involves a lot of moving pieces and patience, and the kids really rolled with the punches to make it happen. Everyone's hard work really paid off and made for a special evening to remember." The 6th grade band followed with "Jubilant Spirit" by Carol Britton Chambers and "Alpha Dog" by Heather Hoefle, showcasing their developing technical abilities and ensemble skills. Scarano's 7th grade musicians delivered energetic performances of "Breakneck" by Tyler Arcari and "Cantina Band" by John Williams, arranged by Michael Kamuf. The 8th grade band continued the program with the dynamic "Brace for Impact" by Christina Huss and the inspiring "Amen!" by Frank Ticheli. "I am so proud of my 7th and 8th graders for their focus and attention to detail in the concert," said Ms. Scarano. "All of the hard work and preparation really came through and I could not be more proud of their performances! Both groups had me dancing on the podium and I couldn't have asked for anything better!" The evening concluded with all bands joining together for a moving rendition of "6 Note Folk Song Suite," arranged by Joseph Compello, creating a powerful visual and auditory representation of the musical journey from beginner to accomplished musician. "What makes Band Fest special is seeing the progression of our students' musical abilities from elementary through high school," said Mr. Hyssong. "It's inspiring for our younger students to hear the high school musicians and envision their own musical futures."

Musicians Shine at Sanford's 36th Annual Band Fest

March 17, 2025

The Sanford community came together on Tuesday, March 11th, to fill the stands of Partner's Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School for the 36th Annual Sanford Band Fest Concert. T...

Monday 3/17 Announcements

March 17, 2025

Monday, March 17 th Happy St. Patrick’s Day! *Today is an 8 th grade Chorus day during Spartan time. *The library is closed all day today. Only come to the lib...

Friday 3/14 Announcements

March 14, 2025

*The library will be closed all day Monday, March 17. Plan ahead - if you know you will need a book for Monday come down to get one today. *The JMG classroom will be closed f...

SMS Spirit Week 3/17 - 3/21

March 14, 2025

Spirit Week at SMS begins Monday, March 17th!

Sanford Middle School PTA Launches Annual Butter Braids Fundraiser with New Options

March 13, 2025

The Sanford Middle School PTA has announced the return of their popular Butter Braids Fundraiser, running from March 10th through March 28th, 2025. This year's fundraiser introduc...

Thursday 3/13 Announcements

March 13, 2025

*The sources of strength peer leaders are meeting in the library during Spartan time today. Bring computers. *5 th grade Chorus today during Spartan time. *NO Mechanical A...

Sanford Middle School's cafeteria transformed into a vibrant performance venue on Thursday evening as students, families, and staff gathered for the highly anticipated "Sanford's Got Talent 2025" talent show. Organized by the school's JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates) students, the event highlighted the remarkable talents within the student community. The audience was treated to an impressive array of performances featuring singing, dancing, musical instruments, and more. Colorful stage lighting and festive decorations created an exciting atmosphere for both performers and spectators alike. After a series of outstanding acts, the judges announced this year's winners: 1st Place: Anthony Flayhan 2nd Place: Ivy Peters 3rd Place: Mercy Wilson and Dania Edwards 4th Place: Emma Higgins The event featured refreshments and a supportive atmosphere where students cheered on their classmates. The JMG students demonstrated impressive organizational skills, managing everything from auditions to stage setup and sound systems.

Sanford's Got Talent 2025

March 12, 2025

Sanford Middle School's cafeteria transformed into a vibrant performance venue on Friday, March 7th, as students, families, and staff gathered for the highly anticipated "Sanford'...

Wednesday 3/12 Announcements

March 12, 2025

Wednesday, March 12 th *All band lessons are canceled for today. NO BAND Today for all grades. *Quarter 3 progress reports will go home with students today. Staf...

Sanford Middle School Newsletter

March 11, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTdtQpJvYY

Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center

March 11, 2025

The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with families and friends on Wednesday, March 5th, as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Si...

Tuesday 3/11 Announcements

March 11, 2025

Tuesday, March 11 th Student leadership will be selling shamrock grams for $1 this week in the lobby before school and during Spartan times through Friday. Spread some l...

Monday 3/10 Announcements

March 10, 2025

*Chess club today in Mr. Pyle's room 2211 in the 6th grade wing and will be in session from 2:15-3:15. *March Madness Chess Tournament starts today. You must be a present Ches...

Friday 3/7 Announcements

March 7, 2025

*Chorus for 5B and 5C today during Spartan time! *Pokemon Club is canceled this week. *Congratulations to all the Feb/March winners of our Be the Change Award, after announ...

Young Journalists Take the Lead at Sanford Middle School

March 6, 2025

A new wave of young journalists are making their mark at Sanford Middle School with the launch of the school’s student newspaper. Started in early February, “The SMS Times” is gi...

Thursday 3/6 Announcements

March 6, 2025

*Tonight at 6pm at the Performing Arts Center is the Class of 2029 (that would be current 8 th graders) presentation for next year class offerings. Tours will be available after ...

Wednesday 3/5 Announcements

March 5, 2025

Wednesday, March 5th *Spring Sing is happening TONIGHT at the Sanford Performing Arts Center at 6pm! All are welcome to attend and we wish Mr. Hayes and his Chorus student...

Tuesday 3/4 Announcements

March 4, 2025

Tuesday, March 4th *Reminder to Students!!! NO drinks other than water are allowed in school. That means, no Aroma Joe’s RUSH’s, energy drinks, Dunkin donuts cocoa, ect! T...

Sanford High School will be holding an informational evening for parents and guardians of the Class of 2029 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The event will focus on course selection options for incoming freshmen. The session will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, located on the school campus. Following the discussion, tours of the high school facilities will be available from 7:00-7:30 PM for students and their families. This event provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn about academic pathways and course offerings before their children begin high school in the fall.

Sanford High School Hosts Course Selection Event for Incoming Freshmen

March 3, 2025

Sanford High School will be holding an informational evening for parents and guardians of the Class of 2029 on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The event will focus on course selection op...

Monday 3/3 Announcements

March 3, 2025

Monday, March 3rd *Podcast Club will meet today in room 2240 until 3:15. Bring your laptop. *THIS Friday is Sanford's Got Talent, beginning at 5pm!! Only $5 admission for...

Thursday 2/27 Announcements

February 27, 2025

Thursday, February 27 th *NO Mechanical Advantage Club this week. *Civil Rights Team will meet today in Mrs. Winograd’s room 2:30-3:30 today! All are welcome! *...