Senior Hannah Chambers, a student in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Engineering and Architecture program, is gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through her internship at Eldredge Lumber Company—and confirming her decision to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. When Hannah attended SRTC's Career and College Fair last fall, her teacher Mr. Clark guided her to the Eldredge Lumber table. Lindsey Eldredge remembers that first meeting clearly: "She made incredible eye contact. She was dressed professionally, and she shook my hand." After receiving an application and Lindsey's business card, Hannah demonstrated remarkable persistence. "She emailed me every single month," Eldredge said. "She's extraordinary." That determination led to her landing an internship at the company's contractor desk. "I wanted to get a chance to know what my future job would be like, and also to get more experience under my belt," Chambers said. "I plan on not going to college—I'd rather go straight into the work field, and this opportunity helps me understand what my life will look like when I graduate." Three to four days each week, Hannah immerses herself in the building materials business. She's learned to navigate Eldredge Lumber’s extensive inventory, memorize product sizes and account names, and help contractors place orders efficiently. "It's always a learning experience, also a memory game," she shares. "There are many questions about what sizes we stock and where certain things are throughout the store." Her background has proven valuable. "She's incredible with customers," Eldredge said. "She has a really great, gregarious personality, and her dad is a builder, so she knows our clientele and understands the language." Through the internship, Hannah has developed a deeper understanding of lumber dimensions, wood species, and material applications. "I like learning things with the customers," she said. "Going through orders and learning why they ordered this and what they are using the specific material for." The experience has solidified her career path. Rather than pursuing a college degree to become an architect, she's set her sights on becoming a draftsman. "This internship has helped me know that even if I am not going to college, I can still make it, doing what I love," she said. Her immediate goal? "I hope after this year is over I can get hired here at Eldredge when my internship is over." For Eldredge, students like Hannah represent valuable future employees. "The SRTC students are not entry-level employees," she explains. "They already have the knowledge. It's an easy transition to get these kids from SRTC into the workforce." Eldredge Lumber offers comprehensive benefits and long-term career potential. "If college isn't the way these kids want to go, I can offer them a career, not just a job," Lindsey says. Hannah's internship is one of several Extended Learning Opportunities coordinated by Sally MacDougal, offering students pathways to explore career options and build industry connections—whether they're headed to college or directly into the workforce.

SRTC Student Builds Career Foundation at Eldredge Lumber Through Internship

November 6, 2025
Senior Hannah Chambers, a student in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Engineering and Architecture program, is gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through ...
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This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Behind professional cameras and editing software, students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Video Production program transform creative ideas into award-winning digital media—one frame at a time. Instructor James Harmon, with over twenty years of independent film production experience, brings real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Beyond his work as a video contractor, he founded and directed a successful film festival for five years and has taught in Sanford for nearly twenty years. That real-world experience shapes a classroom culture where students feel genuinely connected to their work and each other. "My favorite part of Video Production is that it's the only class I have where I feel really connected to the other students there beyond just sitting in the same room for a while," said Jasper Sweet, a second-year student from Sanford High School. "We make some really cool stuff together, and it wouldn't work if we didn't bring all the creativity and ambition we have to the table." That creative energy is exactly what Harmon values most. "I've learned that they're an endless well of ideas, inspiration, and entertainment," Harmon said. "All I need to do is show them a few things, and they're off to the races, surprising me with their creativity, determination, skills, and talent." Students learn essential roles in television, digital cinema, and audio production, working as individuals and in teams operating professional equipment and using industry-standard software to bring their ideas to life. The program prepares students for professional opportunities through the Maine Association of Broadcasters Video Production Certification. They can earn college credits through Southern Maine Community College. The program's excellence was on full display at this spring's SkillsUSA state conference. Of the twelve SRTC students who participated, six earned medals, creating award-winning TV ads, short films, audio broadcasts, and computer-generated animations. "I'm so proud of my current media students and graduates," Harmon said. "Every student put their best foot forward.” Harmon emphasized the broader lessons students take from the program. "Video production is an engaging, meaningful experience," he explained. "Students get to see—and come to know—how every person on a team is essential, and how impactful their voice can be in a group. The teamwork, the give and take, and the compromises that they make in two years of video production helps prepare these students for all of the interpersonal communication that will be important in their future." SRTC second-year student from Kennebunk High, Winter Nodden, highlighted the program's resources and career potential: "My favorite aspect of the program is the sheer aspect of creative opportunity and money that has been provided to us for this school. While we can't have everything, Mr. Harmon has so much knowledge as a teacher and there are so many different jobs that could come from this class." The program extends beyond the classroom through successful internships with The Sanford Mainers and Seacoast Oldies, giving students real professional experience.

SRTC Program Highlight: Video Production

November 5, 2025
This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Behind professional cameras and editing software...
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Throughout the school year, local business owners, managers, and industry professionals walk through the doors at Sanford Regional Technical Center—not as customers or inspectors, but as partners in education. They sit down with instructors, tour classrooms, and sometimes even meet with students. They're members of SRTC's program advisory committees, and they're helping shape what students learn. Every program at SRTC has one of these committees. SRTC Director Matt Petermann explains that they "provide us with relevant information about what happens in that particular industry in regards to technology, equipment, and workforce demands. Without these positive connections to our community and industry, our students would leave us and be at a disadvantage. These committees help keep our programs relevant and ensure that our students are receiving the best education they can get." The meetings focus on practical matters. Rich Couture, SRTC's Automotive Technology instructor, describes the committees as building "a strong connection with local business owners, managers, hiring personnel as well as parents of current and former students." These meetings create transparency about what's happening in the classroom—from the specific skills being taught to the operating budgets and the technology students are using. When industries change, the committees help instructors adjust. "It helps us shape our classes for new technologies and equipment being used so that we can stay current with what is trending now in our respective industries," Couture explains. Sometimes these conversations lead to concrete solutions. Brett Staples, Service Manager at Marc Motors in Sanford and a member of the Automotive program's advisory committee, notes that the advisory gives businesses a chance to "find out if any tools or equipment are needed in order to efficiently teach these students." When committees identify gaps, they can help programs secure what they need to keep up with industry standards. The student benefits go beyond updated curriculum. Couture sometimes invites students to attend advisory committee meetings. "On more than one occasion, I've had students leave the meeting with job interviews lined up," he shares. It's a direct pipeline from classroom to career. "Employers are realizing that to build their business with strong employees, SRTC may be a good option to find fresh new and upcoming talent," Couture says. For Staples, the commitment is straightforward: "These students are the future of our business. Without the younger people coming into the trade, there wouldn't be anyone to replace the seasoned techs as they retire."

SRTC's Advisory Committees Connect Students to Careers

November 4, 2025
Throughout the school year, local business owners, managers, and industry professionals walk through the doors at Sanford Regional Technical Center—not as customers or inspectors,...
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Agricultural Enterprise and Environmental Systems

SRTC Program highlight: Agricultural Enterprise and Environmental Systems

October 31, 2025
This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. From planting garden beds in April rain to prepa...
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Dear Families, We're reaching out today because we know that many families in our community may have questions about how the recent federal government shutdown could affect household resources. Please know that our school is here to support you, and we want to make sure you have the most current information and know where to turn for help if you need it. If you or your family are worried about food during the government shutdown, help is available. School Meals will Remain Available for All Students All students can still get free breakfast and lunch at school every day. Find Local Food Assistance If your family needs food support, call 211, or visit the Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Pantry Locator to find help near you. Visit www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map or scan the QR code. General Assistance Families can apply for General Assistance, which can help meet basic needs including food, housing, utilities, medical costs and more. Visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/general-assistance. Continue to Apply or Renew SNAP Benefits You can still apply for or renew SNAP during the shutdown. If you qualify, doing this now will help make sure your benefits are ready as soon as funding resumes. Apply or renew at: www.mymaineconnection.gov. For Federal Employees: If you or someone in your household is a federal employee impact by the shutdown, additional resources and support information are available at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/bdzdsu2p We understand this news may be stressful, and we are here to support our students and families however we can. Sanford Schools will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s school counselor, outreach staff or administrative office if you need help connecting to local resources.

Resources During the Government Shutdown

October 30, 2025
Dear Families, We're reaching out because we know that many families in our community may have questions about how the recent federal government shutdown could affect household ...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I9PNpy6gh0

Sanford School Department Hosts Safety Information Night

October 30, 2025
The Sanford School Department hosted a Safety Night in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 21, offering families and community members an opportunity to learn about the...
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Photo Credit: Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior, Academy of Business

SRTC Program Highlight: Auto Collision Repair Program

October 21, 2025
Photo Credit: Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior, Academy of Business This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education prog...
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Teachers Invest in Professional Learning During In-Service Day

Teachers Invest in Professional Learning During In-Service Day

October 16, 2025
On Friday October 10, while students enjoyed a day off, Sanford School Department teachers and staff were hard at work—investing in their own learning to better support our studen...
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Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior Academy of Business

SRTC Program Highlight: Baking and Pastry Program

October 14, 2025
Photo Credit: Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior Academy of Business This is part of a series highlighting the career and technic...
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SRTC Program Highlight: Engineering and Architectural Design

SRTC Program Highlight: Engineering and Architectural Design

October 7, 2025
Photo Credit: Lulu Morris, Sanford Senior Academy of Business & Autumn Liston, Sanford Senior Academy of Business This is part of a series highlighting the career and technic...
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https://www.applitrack.com/sanford/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial

Sanford School Department Safety Informational Night

October 6, 2025
Please join our student resource officers and Central Office administration for an overview of school safety in our schools on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6 pm in the Sanford Per...
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As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial and facilities team. October 2 marked National Custodian Appreciation Day—a perfect opportunity to recognize their commitment to creating welcoming learning environments. The Sanford School Department oversees an impressive array of properties, including multiple buildings that require year-round management for cleaning, maintenance, and grounds care. This summer marked a significant milestone as the team entered the season fully staffed for the first time in years, and the results speak for themselves. At the heart of the summer preparation efforts was the hardworking custodial team, who undertook comprehensive cleaning of all district buildings. Their work went far beyond routine maintenance, involving a process that touched every corner of each school. Staff completed deep cleaning throughout every building—tackling furniture, walls, windows, and light fixtures. They repaired walls, touched up paint, stripped and refinished floors, and thoroughly cleaned tiles and carpets. "It's exciting to hear how the work that the team has done directly impacts the students," shared Director of Facilities and Maintenance Jason Dudley at a recent school committee meeting. The custodial team faced and overcame challenges during their summer work, navigating scheduling conflicts with summer programs, food services, sports camps, and community events. They demonstrated flexibility in coordinating all this work while accommodating the busy summer schedule. While the custodial staff focused on deep cleaning, the maintenance team was equally busy with infrastructure upgrades that directly impact student safety and learning environments. At Sanford Middle School, they addressed wastewater drainage issues and upgraded the library with modern LED lighting that can be dimmed for Promethean board use. Sanford Pride Elementary School received new HVAC starter motors, with a complete rooftop unit replacement scheduled for October. At Carl J. Lamb School, the team replaced an HVAC expansion tank and painted fresh blue hallways on the first floor. Safety improvements were a major priority this summer. At Cobb Stadium, the crew upgraded five tiered aluminum bleachers and removed outdated home and away bleachers. Working alongside the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works, they transformed the space into a safer facility for student athletes and community members. At Carl J. Lamb, they installed a safety fence separating the parking area from the bus drop-off lane, directing everyone to use the designated crosswalk. Dudley emphasized the importance of this work: "Staff is able to monitor that and monitor when the buses are coming. So it's a definite safety upgrade for us." Margaret Chase Smith School received upgraded handicap bollards and repainted bus lane signage to improve traffic flow and safety. The team also supported expanding academic opportunities by retrofitting a classroom for the new sports medicine program at SRTC and extending compressed air lines in the welding and machine shops. They even helped the IT department modernize classroom technology by removing outdated display boards and installing new mounting brackets. Superintendent Matt Nelson shared his appreciation for the custodial work during the school committee meeting, emphasizing that "our facilities are the first step to having good education." The combined efforts of the custodial and maintenance staff ensured that Sanford schools were not only clean and safe but enhanced and improved for the new academic year. As students and staff returned, they found their spaces ready and welcoming, setting the stage for a successful year of learning and growth.

Celebrating Sanford's Custodial Team

October 2, 2025
As the new school year got underway, students and staff walked into clean, safe, and refreshed buildings thanks to the summer efforts of the Sanford School Department's custodial...
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Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reality experience on Wednesday, September 24th. This mobile demonstration, which has been traveling up and down the coast for about a year, made a stop at SHS to provide JMG students and Civics class participants with hands-on exposure to advanced military technology and potential career pathways. The experience used state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to immerse students in realistic Navy scenarios. Students worked together in teams of five, wearing special headsets to coordinate aircraft launches on a Navy aircraft carrier, explored global humanitarian missions through interactive mapping, and piloted fighter jets in full-motion flight simulators. "If you can see it, you can be it," said JMG Specialist Cheryl Gifford, who helped coordinate the event. This philosophy drove the hands-on approach that allowed students to experience military technology firsthand rather than just learning about it in traditional classroom settings. Sanford senior Essence Veilleux-Camara, who is in the SRTC law enforcement program and is pursuing a military career after graduation, was particularly enthusiastic about the flight simulator experience. "I really love the flight simulator," she shared. "You get controls and you start to kind of learn about what they have to do, especially with targeting." She appreciated how the hands-on simulations provided actual experience rather than just classroom discussion, drawing parallels to the driving simulators used in her law enforcement classes. "I'm actually going to be meeting with a recruiter today and go over questions for the ASVAB.” she said. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that helps determine which military career fields a person might be best suited for. The interactive experience included a badge system where students earned recognition for participating in each component. Students also received performance scores on activities like the flight simulator, giving them concrete feedback on their skills and abilities. With discussions underway to potentially bring the program back to Sanford High School on November 17, more students may have the chance to benefit from this opportunity.

Sanford High School Students Get Hands-On Look at Navy Technology

September 26, 2025
Sanford High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates program organized an opportunity for students to explore STEM careers through the U.S. Navy's innovative "Strike Group" mixed-reali...
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plants

Fall Plant Sale at SRTC Greenhouse

September 24, 2025
Students in SRTC's Agricultural Enterprise and Environmental Systems (Ag) program have created some exceptional fall planters for their Fall Plant Sale. Students have gathered mat...
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srtc

SRTC Start of the Year Fast and Furious!

September 22, 2025
The Students of SRTC have had a fast start to the year. We hit the ground running with a visit by the Governor of Maine, student assemblies, special speakers, and Field Day 2025 t...
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From meeting the governor to landing full-time careers, Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center students are turning classroom learning into real-world success through the Extended Learning Opportunities Program. Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO’s) provide students with the chance to have meaningful learning experiences at local businesses, community organizations, or with community experts in particular fields. ELO Coordinator Sally MacDougal helps students navigate four distinct types of opportunities: internships, co-op programs which allow students to earn credit for existing jobs, job shadowing experiences, and structured extended learning opportunities that function like additional classes. “A lot of students are excited to know that this is available to them,” MacDougal said. The program, which spans all 25 programs offered between SHS and SRTC, is showing early results this school year. Currently, 18 students have completed their paperwork and are actively participating in various ELO opportunities, with many more applications still in progress. Over the summer, eight students continued their internships, demonstrating the program’s year-round potential and the strong relationships built between students and employers. Several local businesses have embraced their role as educational partners for SHS and SRTC students. Rubb Building Systems has been particularly instrumental in supporting students, especially those in welding programs. SRTC junior Anderson White began working with Rubb at just 16 years old and he even got to share his experience with Governor Janet Mills when she toured the technical center last week. “Anderson is a rock star,” MacDougal said. The program's impact on career outcomes is already becoming evident. Several welding students from the Regional Technical Center have transitioned seamlessly from classroom learning to full-time employment, often with the same companies where they completed their ELOs. Plumbing students have similarly moved from their technical center programs into professional positions. Current opportunities showcase the program's diversity. Students are pursuing nursing experience at Goodall Hospital, exploring education through hands-on teaching experience, and gaining library science exposure across multiple school districts. SHS student Rory White completed a summer staff writer position with the Sanford Springvale News and is continuing that work through an internship this school year. Understanding that not every placement is perfect from the start, the program builds in checkpoints at each semester to evaluate whether students and employers are a good fit. This approach ensures students get the most from their experience while maintaining positive relationships with community partners. “If it is a good fit, we continue with it,” MacDougal said. “If it's not, we'll look for another business or let the student settle where they need to be in their classes." We will soon be highlighting individual student ELO's in future editions of the 'Sanford Spotlight' District Newsletter.

Sanford's ELO Program Bridges Classroom and Career

September 17, 2025
From meeting the governor to landing full-time careers, Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center students are turning classroom learning into real-world success through ...
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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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