Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills that will shape their futures. For SRTC Director Matt Petermann, having the Governor visit was "an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the transformative work we do every single day.” The handshakes started before Governor Janet Mills even entered the building. Law Enforcement students lined up by the student gardens at Sanford Regional Technical Center Wednesday morning, each introducing themselves to Maine's governor. Mills got to see the student gardens before heading into the SRTC Café, where students truly took center stage. Culinary Arts students prepared and served food while instructors and students from the Baking and Pastry, Video Production, Cosmetology, Digital Design, Academy of Business, Information Technology and Networking, Skills USA, and Cooperative Education programs presented their work directly to the Governor. What stood out was how confidently students explained their programs and shared their experiences. One of those students, Anderson White, is in his third year studying precision manufacturing at SRTC. When Governor Mills asked about his experience, Anderson had exciting news to share - he'd landed a paid internship over the summer at a local company. "I'm only 16 years old," he told the Governor, explaining how "the internship program helped me to get out into the workforce early on and just gain experience, become more of an asset to companies." During the café visit, Governor Mills had the chance to hold a gold medal that SRTC graduate Myles Seckler won at the national SkillsUSA competition last spring. SRTC student Leah Glidden spoke with Mills about the school's success at SkillsUSA competitions at both state and national levels, and even presented the new SkillsUSA logo, which was designed by SRTC graduate Deanna Watson. Watson won the state competition for the logo design, showcasing yet another way SRTC students excel in their fields. Watching these interactions between students and the Governor reinforced what matters most to the school Petermann said. "This visit isn't about us—it's about our students," he explained. "The young people who discovered their passion and purpose within our 25 programs." Video Production students followed along, documenting the visit and gaining real experience, while Law Enforcement students provided security support. Mills visited nearly every program - from Early Childhood Education to Automotive Technology to Building Trades - and even tried out the new driving simulator in the Law Enforcement program. What seemed to impress Governor Mills most was seeing students actively engaged in their learning. The state has invested significantly in SRTC, providing money in new equipment through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan as part of $20 million invested statewide in career and technical education. "We put over $117,000 into this school for equipment, and I got to see some of that equipment at work, and that's really kind of moving seeing how excited kids are, young people are at exploring these opportunities," Mills said. “I am very impressed with just the diverse career opportunities that these kids have from eight different high schools. From culinary arts to automotive to robotics and everything in between and beyond.” The visit highlighted how SRTC serves as more than just a school - it's where students discover what they're passionate about and build skills for their futures. "Students who may have struggled to find their place in traditional settings have found their home here, developing real-world skills that will launch them directly into meaningful careers," Petermann said. "We are building Maine's new workforce and future."

Governor Janet Mills Tours SRTC, Praises Student Programs

September 11, 2025
Maine's workforce of tomorrow was on full display Wednesday, September 10, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, where Governor Janet Mills witnessed students building the skills...
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September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September is School Attendance Awareness Month!

September 11, 2025
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine, and we are excited to join schools across our state in celebrating the importance of b...
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Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

Your Right to Know: Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualification Information

September 11, 2025
On December 10, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In accordance with ESSA, sc...
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welding

SRTC is Back at it!

September 9, 2025
SRTC is back in session! Students did not miss a beat and are back to work learning their particular trade. Around the Center, classrooms and shops are preparing themselves for p...
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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 Staff for 2025-26 Year

August 29, 2025
The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrat...
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Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year

August 27, 2025
The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday, Au...
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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.

Bus Transportation For The 2025-2026 School Year

August 20, 2025
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 i...
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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

Stuff The Bus

August 6, 2025
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 it...
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Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of hands-on career exploration. Campers rotated through six exciting program areas, learning directly from SRTC instructors in Precision Manufacturing, Video Production, Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Cosmetology, and Carpentry. Students gained valuable experience with equipment safety, built projects to take home, practiced with fire hoses, created short films, perfected nail art and hairstyling techniques, and tested their skills on a police cruiser driving simulator. The summer heat didn't slow down the fun, with special visits from Kona Ice of York County and a refreshing run through the fire truck sprinkler system. Current and former SRTC students volunteered throughout the week, serving as mentors and helping instructors connect with the younger campers. The week's success was evident in the campers' enthusiasm and the friendships they formed. When asked to share positive qualities about their new peers, students consistently described each other as "kind, fun, helpful, and cool," while expressing amazement at what they learned in SRTC's state-of-the-art facility.

SRTC Wraps Up 5th Annual Middle School Summer Camp

June 30, 2025
Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of ha...
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SRTC

SkillsUSA Competitors / Advisors Ready to Head Home!

June 28, 2025
Our SRTC students competing in the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta Georgia this week have had a great week but are ready to head home. Our advisors and stude...
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NSLC

SRTC SkillsUSA Participants Ready to Compete in Atlanta!

June 24, 2025
Our Sanford Regional Technical Center SkillsUSA participants had an early morning wake up on Monday, June 23rd as they departed with their advisors to Atlanta for the National Lea...
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Sanford Regional Technical Center Honors New CNAs at Annual Pinning Ceremony

Sanford Regional Technical Center Honors New CNAs at Annual Pinning Ceremony

May 28, 2025
Sanford Regional Technical Center held its Health Occupations Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, May 27th at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, celebrating a group of students who have...
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https://www.sanford.org/article/2185850

Sanford Students Honored at SRTC Recognition Night

May 28, 2025
Sanford Regional Technical Center honored students and achievements at their annual Recognition Night ceremony held Thursday, May 22nd, at Partners Bank Gymnasium. SRTC Director ...
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SRTC

Simulated Accident Involves Many Programs at SRTC

May 15, 2025
On Wednesday, May 14, during both sessions, SRTC's radio frequency came to life with a call from Dispatch for Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Technician, and Firefighting to re...
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Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in career and technical education programs. SRTC Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles opened the evening, sharing the NTHS slogan: "Excellence in America's workforce begins with excellence in Workforce Education." The ceremony honored both returning members and welcomed new junior and senior inductees from various technical programs. Matt Peterman, Director of SRTC, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the honor society's motto: "Success favors the prepared mind." In his address, Peterman highlighted how each inductee has distinguished themselves in their chosen field through "perseverance, technical excellence, and visionary thinking." "The students before you represent America's next generation of leadership, individuals who combine technical mastery with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical judgment," Peterman told the audience. "These students are not merely learning skills. They're preparing to guide industries through the challenges of tomorrow." Harper Dragon, a 2024 NTHS inductee, delivered a speech about the seven core values that define NTHS membership: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, honesty, skill, and responsibility. "Becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society at SRTC means more than a line on a resume," Dragon explained. "It's a promise, a promise to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, and to pursue excellence in every corner of life." The ceremony recognized students from an impressive array of technical programs including Health Occupations, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Wiring, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Video Production, Digital Design, Engineering & Architecture, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Precision Manufacturing, Building Trades, Information Technology & Networking, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Cosmetology, Land & Horticulture, Plumbing, Auto Collision Repair, and Welding. The NTHS recognition validates students' commitment to technical excellence and professional values while highlighting the critical importance of skilled trades and technical professions to our economy and society. By honoring these students, NTHS helps bridge the skills gap in American industry and challenges outdated perceptions about technical careers.

111 Sanford Regional Technical Center students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

May 9, 2025
Over one hundred Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, at the ...
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Srtc

2025 Maine CTE Students of the Year Banquet

May 3, 2025
The Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education annual Students of the Year Banquet took place today at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor today. Of the over 10...
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Sanford Rotary Honors SRTC Student of the Year Nominees

Sanford Rotary Honors SRTC Student of the Year Nominees

May 2, 2025
Thirteen Sanford Regional Technical Center's students were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club. The event, held in SRTC's café, featured a ...
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Academy of Business Students Shine at Junior Achievement Titan Challenge

SRTC Academy of Business Students Shine at Junior Achievement Titan Challenge

April 7, 2025
Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Academy of Business had their strongest showing yet at this year's Junior Achievement Titan Challenge on April 3rd, with 28 students forming t...
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Scholarship Opportunities for SKILLS Participants - Application Deadlines Approaching!

Scholarship Opportunities for SKILLS Participants - Application Deadlines Approaching!

April 2, 2025
We're excited to share several valuable scholarship opportunities for your students involved in SKILLS programs. Please note the upcoming deadlines and share this information wit...
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Sanford Regional Technical Center held its annual Celebrating Partnerships event on Wednesday, March 19th. The gathering brought together local business partners, educators, and students to highlight successful individual program advisory councils, internships and strengthen community connections. SRTC Director Matt Petermann welcomed attendees, expressing his gratitude for their support and emphasizing the importance of community partnerships for student success. Sally Quarles, SRTC's Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator, then introduced herself and explained her role in coordinating internships, apprenticeships, and extended learning opportunities. "I'm happy to be here. This is my very first year, my very first celebrating partnerships," Quarles shared. "I just want to say thank you very much for all your time and effort and everything that you do for our students here at SRTC." A highlight of the evening was a student panel, which included Brianna Burby, Brian Graffam, Izzy Enos, Hannah Morgan, Deanna Watson, Alex Seebeck, Connor Rice, Natalie Green, Spencer Jourdain, and Kadden Veilleux, who all shared their experiences in their respective programs. Veilleux, a Health Occupations senior, revealed his inspiration: "I want to learn how to help people," he said. "I've learned a lot from the program and even work at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in town." Rice from the Academy of Business explained how his passion for music guided his educational choices: "I wanted to learn more about business and managing my own company eventually. This class has really taught me how to become an entrepreneur, managing finances, marketing and how to promote myself." Many of the students on the panel participated in the SkillsUSA competition for the first time. A notable achievement was highlighted during the event when Digital Design student Watson was recognized for creating the entire branding and marketing materials for Skills USA. Before and after the panel discussion, representatives from local businesses networked and mingled throughout the venue, exchanging ideas and exploring potential partnerships with SRTC programs. Among these business representatives was Matt Cote, Quality Manager for Casco Bay and parent of a welding program student. Cote has attended the event for years, even bringing his son when he was younger: "I've always invited him if he wanted to come with me," Cote said. "Now that he's in a program, he wants to come. Yeah, absolutely, he's engaged." The event showcased how SRTC's programs prepare students for real-world careers through hands-on learning. Program advisory committees, composed of local business professionals, ensure curriculum remains relevant to today's workforce needs. After the panel discussion, Program Advisory Committee members met with instructors while new community members toured SRTC facilities.

SRTC's Celebrating Partnerships Showcases Student Success and Business Collaboration

March 24, 2025
Sanford Regional Technical Center held its annual Celebrating Partnerships event on Wednesday, March 19th. The gathering brought together local business partners, educators, and s...
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