Sanford School Department

How Sanford Is Getting Kids Ready to Read Before Kindergarten

March 24, 2026

Long before a child sounds out their first word, the seeds of reading are already being planted in songs, rhymes, and sound games that have nothing to do with the alphabet. That's...

SRTC Students Take Center Stage at Annual Celebrating Partnerships Event

March 24, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its annual Celebrating Partnerships event on Wednesday, March 18. The gathering brought together local business partners, educators, and stu...

Sanford Regional Technical Center Names Sofia Sharood as 2026 Student of the Year

March 24, 2026

The Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) is proud to announce Sofia Sharood, a junior at Kennebunk High School, as its 2025–2026 Student of the Year. Enrolled in SRTC's Sport...

Margaret Chase Smith Fourth Graders Rock Their Geology Celebration

March 23, 2026

Margaret Chase Smith Fourth grade students recently brought their science learning to life in a fun, hands-on showcase celebrating the completion of their CKLA Geology unit. Fam...

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. When someone calls 911, Emergency Medical Technicians are often the first medical professionals to arrive on scene. In Sanford Regional Technical Center's EMT Program, students learn the knowledge and skills needed to provide emergency medical care—from initial patient assessment through treatment and transport. The program is led by instructor Sharon Jackson, who has been in the EMS field since age 15 and a licensed provider for 25 years. A proboard certified Firefighter I & II and paramedic, Jackson still works as a firefighter/paramedic when not teaching, bringing current real-world experience into the classroom. The program currently holds the record for the highest number of students who have gone on to become licensed EMTs in its history. Students study anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology while learning EMT assessment and treatment protocols for both medical and trauma patients. The hands-on curriculum includes patient assessments, vital signs monitoring, medication administration within the EMT scope of practice, and proper techniques for lifting and moving patients using various equipment types—all skills required of certified EMTs. "The EMT program at SRTC is a perfect opportunity for those who have an interest in emergency medicine to learn the skills, confidence, and procedures to help those in need with great support from the instructor and those around you. This class teaches you everything you need to pass your NREMT and work on an ambulance helping those in need and is a fun and engaging class along the way. I don't think I would want to spend my time in the mornings anywhere else” said Rowan Berounsky-Porter (currently an EMT and Marshwood student, Firefighting I & II program completer and SRTC Student of the Year Nominee). The program provides seven college credits through Southern Maine Community College and American Heart Association CPR certification. Students also earn several specialized safety certifications that teach them how to handle hazardous materials incidents, report suspected abuse or neglect, and provide immediate bleeding control—skills that prepare them for the full range of situations EMTs encounter. Students describe the program's positive environment in their own words. Kelsey Chagnon, SRTC, York senior and Firefighting I & II program completer added, "It's a really positive environment and everyone is comfortable with each other." Jackson's teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are. "My students have taught me that they want to learn and not everyone learns the same way," Jackson said. "This means we must adjust the way we teach to meet the way they learn instead of trying to get them to adjust the way they learn to meet the way we teach." With a nationwide shortage of EMS providers, communities across the country need qualified EMTs to respond to emergencies. The program equips students with professional certifications, hands-on experience, and the clinical knowledge to begin their EMS careers or continue their education in paramedicine or other healthcare fields immediately after high school.

SRTC Program Highlight: Emergency Medical Technician Program

March 23, 2026

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. When someone calls 911, Emergency Medical Techni...

Sanford High School senior Matthew Hebert earns 2026 Principal's Award

March 19, 2026

Matthew Hebert, a senior at Sanford High School, has been selected to receive the 2026 Principal's Award, Principal Tracy Gibson announced. The award, sponsored by the Maine Princ...

Sanford's student musicians took the stage on March 10th for the 37th Annual Sanford Band Fest, showcasing the talents of students from 5th grade through high school. March is Music in Our Schools Month, and there was no better way to celebrate than with a night full of live music performed by Sanford's own talented young musicians! From 5th graders performing their first melodies to high schoolers tackling complex film scores, the evening was a wonderful reminder of the vibrant music community thriving in Sanford's schools. The evening opened with the 5th Grade Band, directed by Mr. Jacob Morese, performing "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb." The 6th Grade Band, also under Mr. Morese's direction, followed with "Base-Six" by Laura Estes. The 7th and 8th Grade Bands, led by Mr. Josh Hyssong, brought more advanced repertoire to the stage. The 7th graders performed "Above and Beyond" by James Swearingen and "Ever-Hope" by Carol Brittin Chambers, while the 8th graders took on "Invincible" by Robert W. Smith and "Celtic Air and Dance" by Michael Sweeney. The High School Band, directed by Ms. Hailey Francoeur, closed out the individual performances with "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" by Hans Zimmer and the crowd-pleasing "The Great Rubber Chicken Gallop" by Randall Standridge. The concert concluded with a combined performance featuring all 6th through 12th grade students coming together to perform the "6 Note Folk Song Suite," arranged by Joseph Compello — a fitting finale celebrating the breadth of Sanford's music program.

Musicians Shine at 37th Annual Band Fest

March 19, 2026

Sanford's student musicians took the stage at Partners Bank Gymnasium on March 10 for the 37th Annual Sanford Band Fest, showcasing the talents of students from 5th grade through ...

SRTC Students Bring Home 51 Medals from SkillsUSA State Conference

March 19, 2026

Over 100 students from Sanford Regional Technical Center traveled to Bangor to compete at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference and they came home with plenty of ha...

Sanford's Got Talent Returns to Sanford Middle School for Another Spectacular Night

March 17, 2026

Sanford Middle School had a great night as Sanford's Got Talent brought nearly 20 acts to the stage for a packed and enthusiastic crowd. The student talent competition featured a ...

The Sanford Performing Arts Center (SPAC) officially became a member of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, marking the partnership with a morning mixer and ribbon cutting ceremony hosted on the theater's stage. The event gave local business leaders a chance to mingle, explore the facility, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what the Performing Arts Center has to offer. For many, it was their first time stepping foot inside. "I met a lot of new people who had never been to the Performing Arts Center," said Brett Williams, SPAC's Executive Director. "One of the things we like to do is offer tickets for first timers for meetings like this." That generosity extended to everyone in attendance. Williams offered a complimentary pair of tickets to any attendee who followed up, and the response was immediate. Chamber Executive Director Cari Quater, who also attended her first visit to the theater that morning, said a handful of people reached out right away to claim tickets for upcoming shows. "I had probably five or six people get back to me right away saying, 'I'd love to see this show, I'd love to see that show,'" she said. "It was a really good opportunity, which is what we want. We want people to have that exposure to the theater." A highlight of the event was a backstage tour, where guests got an up-close look at the sets, costumes, and technical equipment currently in place for the center’s upcoming production of Newsies. Williams walked attendees through the theater's fly system, moving lights, and ongoing equipment upgrades, details that left a visible impression. "They were all wide-eyed, like kids," Williams said. "Because unless you're backstage, you don't know what all goes on." For Williams, the Chamber membership is about more than visibility. It's about building an ecosystem where local businesses and the arts can support each other. SPAC is already a member of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce, and joining the Sanford-Springvale chapter deepens those local ties. "The performing arts center exists to bring art to the community, but also give opportunities for businesses in the community so we can be an economic driver for them," he said. Quater echoed that sentiment, noting the Chamber plans to add a "Things to Do" tab to its website with SPAC prominently featured, so residents and visitors can easily find upcoming shows. She also noted that Williams has appeared on two local radio programs, York County Conversations and York County Connect on Seacoast Oldies, as part of broader efforts to raise awareness about what the theater offers. "When people think, 'What is there to do in Sanford?' they'll be able to find it immediately," she said. For Williams, the biggest win isn't the ribbon cutting. It's what comes next. "The biggest win is when you come to see one of our performances, and then your wheels really start turning about what this is for the community. It’s about how we can all work together to make even greater things happen."

Sanford Performing Arts Center Joins the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce

March 17, 2026

The Sanford Performing Arts Center (SPAC) officially became a member of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, marking the partnership with a morning mixer and ribbon cutting...

Sanford High School Theater Company Presents Disney’s Newsies

March 17, 2026

Sanford, Maine — The Sanford High School Theater Company is proud to present Disney’s Newsies , a high-energy musical inspired by the true story of the 1899 New York City ne...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

March 16, 2026

Head to the following link to read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yj7jx4hc

The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was once again filled with excitement and community spirit on Thursday, March 12, as teachers and staff faced off against local first responders in a charity basketball game uniting all three elementary schools in the district. The third annual Staff vs. First Responders basketball game drew a large, loud, and fully engaged crowd of students, parents, and community members who packed the bleachers to cheer on both teams. Adding a special touch to the evening, members of Carl J. Lamb Elementary's show choir performed the national anthem prior to tip-off, setting the tone for the night ahead. "As a teacher who had the opportunity to play in this game, it was incredible to see our entire community come together in support of such a great cause," said Sanford Pride Fourth Grade Teacher Dan Fernandez. "Thank you to the Sanford Maine Police Department and all of the other first responders who took the time to come out and play alongside the teachers and other staff. Your participation helped make the event truly special for everyone involved. Looking forward to next year." The game featured teachers and staff members from across Sanford's elementary schools competing against a team of local police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. Carl J. Lamb’s show choir came back out onto the court again for a special performance during halftime. While the first responders ultimately took home the first-place trophy, the real win was the incredible school spirit in the stands. Sanford Police Chief Eric Small spoke to the spirit of the evening: "This event is a great community tradition that our officers look forward to each year. It's always great to see our teachers and first responders come together under one roof for a night of fun and community spirit." "The crowd was large, loud, and fully engaged, which made for a great atmosphere," Chief Small added. "Sanford really does know how to come together for a good time. On behalf of the Police Department, thank you to everyone who played and to all who came out to support the game. We appreciate our community showing up to cheer on the players." Funds raised during the event will support PTA initiatives across all three elementary schools, directly benefiting students through additional resources, activities, and educational opportunities throughout the year.

Sanford Elementary Schools Unite With First Responders For Charity Basketball Game

March 16, 2026

The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was once again filled with excitement and community spirit on Thursday, March 12, as teachers and staff faced off against local first respon...

This month's visit from Marvin brought some extra excitement to Margaret Chase Smith School — he arrived with two special guests, Suzie and Penny, to help students dive into the school's theme of perseverance. Through engaging songs and hands-on activities, the trio encouraged students to stay determined when faced with challenges, keep trying even when things get hard, and lean on one another for support. Their visit left students feeling inspired to push through difficult moments and take time to celebrate their progress along the way. The monthly assemblies continue to be a highlight for students, bringing the school's core themes to life in a fun and memorable way.

Marvin and Friends Inspire Perseverance at Margaret Chase Smith

March 16, 2026

This month's visit from Marvin brought some extra excitement to Margaret Chase Smith School . He arrived with two special guests, Suzie and Penny, to help students dive into the ...

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. Noelle is a junior in the program and, by most measures, a full business partner in her family's landscaping company. "She's basically her dad's business partner," Coverdale said. "I send an email to him, and she's the one who checks the email. She is involved in all of the work that he's doing." That level of involvement is something Noelle has built steadily over the past three years, learning the business from the ground up. From talking to clients and planning job sites to managing equipment and running crews, she has taken on responsibility at an age when most of her peers are still figuring out what they want to do after graduation. For Noelle, the appeal of the work has always been clear. "I certainly like the career, and being outside," she said. "It suits me." Running a landscaping business means no two days look the same, and that's exactly how she likes it. At AHN Landscaping, she isn't just showing up to mow lawns. She's learning how to build and run a business, one job at a time. "We've done many jobs," she said. "It's something I really want to continue to pursue." This winter marked her first season handling snow removal on her own, and it tested her early. During her very first storm, her plow broke down twice in the same spot before losing power entirely. It was the kind of night that reminds you how unpredictable this work can be. But Noelle took it in stride, and she kept going. “I had been on the sidelines of storms before and this was my first time being on the frontlines,” Noelle said. “That plow didn’t want to work at all.” Back in the classroom, Coverdale says Noelle's real-world experience makes her a natural leader among her peers. She's not the loudest voice in the room, but she's the one others look to. "She leads by example," Coverdale said. "If there's a heavy pile that needs to be moved, she's the first person on it. She's not doing it to look cool or to be the person who's right. She just cares about the end product, and the other students respect her for that." The Agriculture program at SRTC has given Noelle additional tools to bring to her work at AHN Landscaping. Plant identification, horticultural science, and a deeper understanding of what she's installing and why have all sharpened the way she communicates with clients. "It gives me more background knowledge and makes me more professional," she said. "Clients want someone who knows what they're doing." Noelle's story is also part of something bigger happening at SRTC, where extended learning opportunities allow students across programs to earn school credit while working in their chosen fields. She is one of many students bridging the classroom and the real world, building skills and experience that will carry them well beyond graduation.

Junior Noelle Dennis Brings Real-World Leadership to SRTC's Agriculture Program

March 12, 2026

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. N...

Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center

March 12, 2026

The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with families and friends on Wednesday, March 4, as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Sing ...

Sanford High School's Performing Arts Center was filled with student-athletes, families, and coaches Monday evening as the school celebrated its winter athletic season at the annual Winter Athletic Recognition Night. Sanford Athletic Director Zach Lemelin opened the evening with a reflection on what the night meant for the athletic department. “The Winter Awards Night was a great night, which highlighted the success of our individuals and teams at Sanford High School,” Lemelin said. “I am extremely proud of our student-athletes and coaches for a successful season, and it’s a perfect way to wrap up the winter.” Several Spartans earned individual conference and state honors. On the girls basketball side, Mollie Puffer was named SMAA First Team All and selected as the program’s Most Outstanding Player, while Paige Sevigny earned SMAA Second Team All honors and Jaslinn Johnson was named to the SMAA All Defensive Team. Dylan Gendron led the boys basketball program with SMAA First Team All honors and the Most Valuable Player award, with Luke Gendron earning SMAA Third Team All and Ryan Alexander receiving an SMAA Honorable Mention. In indoor track, junior Mattea Peters had an outstanding season, earning All State Second Team recognition in the 400m dash and SMAA First Team honors in the 200m dash, 400m dash, and high jump. Competition cheer’s Mariah Provencher was named SMAA First Team. Dozens of student-athletes earned spots on the SMAA All Academic Team by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 92.5 or higher, with honorees representing girls basketball, boys basketball, indoor track, swimming, competition cheer, wrestling, and both co-op ice hockey programs. The evening also highlighted the school's Leadership Council program, which met weekly throughout the winter with mental performance coach Megan Hamilton of Stride Mental Performance. Athletes who participated across multiple seasons received special recognition, notably Isabella McCall, who was honored for her commitment as a four-time member of the council, the highest level of recognition in the program One highlight of the evening was the recognition of two coaches. Rossie Kearson was named SMAA Girls Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Spartans to a 16-2 regular-season record, a perfect 9-0 home record, a second-place league finish, and a run to the Class A South semifinals. John Morgan was recognized as the Maine Basketball Coaches Association Class A South Coach of the Year, leading the boys team to a 17-1 regular-season record and an appearance in the Class A South semifinals. The night also recognized several Sanford student-athletes who competed through co-op programs this winter. Kenzie Provencher joined the Biddeford/Wells/Kennebunk/Sanford girls ice hockey team, contributing an assist on a double-overtime playoff-winning goal as the team finished 13-5 and reached the semifinals. Drew Vessels, Carter Wood, and Max Lapointe represented Sanford on the Marshwood/Traip/Noble/Sanford co-op boys hockey team, while the Sanford/Marshwood/Massabesic co-op swim team, which doubled in size this season, sent Sanford’s Katie Szymbor to the state meet. Coaches from each program took the stage to reflect on their season and recognize standout athletes with special team awards for leadership, improvement, and dedication. (Click here for a complete list of Sanford award winners.)

Sanford High School Hosts Winter Athletics Recognition Night

March 11, 2026

Sanford High School's Performing Arts Center was filled with student-athletes, families, and coaches Monday evening as the school celebrated its winter athletic season at the annu...

'Pandemonium Strings' takes the stage April 4

March 11, 2026

SANFORD — Sanford Performing Arts Center presents a show like no other at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4! Get ready for a jaw-dropping blend of music, acrobatics and unforgettable fun ...

First 10's Play and Learn Program Connects Sanford Families Through Hands-On Learning

March 11, 2026

When Shana Palmer, First 10 Coordinator for the Sanford School Department, launched her Play and Learn sessions, she designed them with the youngest learners in mind: children fro...

Eight Sanford students and two staff members recently traveled to Camden-Rockland, Maine, to participate in the 39th Annual Camden Conference. The conference is a prestigious, nationally recognized event that brings together global leaders, journalists, and policy experts for three days of thoughtful discussion and learning. This year’s theme was Today’s Middle East: Power, Politics, Players. Representing Sanford were: Alexandra Herring, Alivia Caudill, Elizabeth Hylton, Liana Viroch, Owen Westerlund, Thalinda Hengthal, Ax Courtney, and Afia Amoakonene. The group was accompanied by staff members Heidi Whitney and Kelly Jewell. This year, 16 high schools from across Maine participated, along with 5 colleges and universities — as well as members of the general public, who always welcome the fresh perspective that young people bring to the conversation. The conference was moderated by NPR’s Meghna Chakrabarti, and the keynote address was delivered by Vali Nasr — a Johns Hopkins professor, former Senior Advisor to Ambassador Holbrooke, and accomplished author. On Friday evening, Professor Nasr opened the conference with a compelling talk on the connections and history of conflict in the Middle East. Over the course of the weekend, Ms. Chakrabarti led a distinguished group of speakers — including journalist Robyn Wright, Ambassador Jeffery Feltman, and Professor Omar Dajani — on a journey through the modern Middle East, with special focus on Iran, Israel, Syria, and Libya. Each presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the audience. Sanford students had thoughtful questions ready, and several were eager to participate — with Mrs. Whitney’s question making it to the floor! The weekend wrapped up with a panel discussion that left attendees with both deep concern and genuine hope for the region’s future.

Sanford Students Attend 39th Annual Camden Conference

March 9, 2026

Eight Sanford students and two staff members recently traveled to Camden-Rockland, Maine, to participate in the 39th Annual Camden Conference. The conference is a prestigious, ...