Sanford School Department

Sanford High School Marching Band Puts on Gold Medal Performance at MBDA State Finals

October 30, 2024

Sanford High School's Marching Band put on a gold medal-winning performance at the Maine Band Directors Association (MBDA) state finals at Alumni Stadium on Saturday, October 26th...

Upcoming Career and College Fair

October 30, 2024

Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center is set to host its annual Career and College Fair on Thursday, November 7th, in Partners Bank Gymnasium, bringing together 80 or...

The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey (sbonsey@sanford.org) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Sanford Middle School teacher Ethan Gouin. How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department? This is my seventh year in Sanford! What’s your favorite part about working in Sanford? I take pride in giving back to the community I grew up in. What’s your favorite TV show or movie? Movie- The Longest Yard TV show- Supernatural If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, Happy, Optimistic If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Italy Iced coffee or hot coffee? Iced coffee Podcasts or Playlists? Playlists Ocean or Lake? Lake Sunset or Sunrise? Sunset Instagram or Facebook? Facebook

Employee Spotlight

October 29, 2024

The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey ( sbonsey@san...

Carl J. Lamb students just wrapped up the first part of their reading unit about Ancient Asia, and they had such a wonderful time. They recently focused on learning about Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. The kids dove right into this special celebration, and their creativity really shined through. Students made their own Diwali-inspired candle light to take home. They were so excited to share what they learned about the holiday with their families. It was heartwarming to see how engaged the students were as they connected their reading lessons to real-world traditions. They not only practiced their reading skills but also learned about different cultures and celebrations around the world.

Carl J. Lamb Students Light Up Learning with Diwali Celebration

October 24, 2024

Carl J. Lamb students just wrapped up the first part of their reading unit about Ancient Asia, and they had such a wonderful time. They recently focused on learning about Diwali,...

SANFORD— Experience the “little-big band” that is defining a new Golden Era of music at Sanford Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Phat Cat Swinger is the ultimate pop-swing band that brings the vibes of all the favorites. Phat Cat Swinger recasts the sounds and feels of Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Bruno Mars with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Brian Setzer. Led by founder Marco Palos and a main feature on The Disneyland Resort stages, this 11-piece powerhouse blends rock, swing, and jazz with modern flair. Their legendary performances bring electrifying energy that will get everyone out of their seats! Tickets are $35–$56, with discounts for subscribers, students, seniors and military veterans. For ticket information, visit sanfordpac.org/phatcat, call the box office at (207) 206-1126, or visit in person Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m.-noon.

Sanford stage comes out swinging Nov. 9

October 24, 2024

SANFORD— Experience the “little-big band” that is defining a new Golden Era of music at Sanford Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Phat Cat Swinger ...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

October 23, 2024

Check out the latest news from the district in the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter by clicking here .

High School Mentors Make Lasting Impact in Sanford Classrooms

SHS Mentors Make Lasting Impact in Sanford Classrooms

October 23, 2024

A number of Sanford High School students are making a significant impact in the elementary and middle schools within the district through a long-standing mentoring program. This...

Sanford Performing Arts Center Announces 2024-2025 Season

October 22, 2024

SANFORD — Audiences are asking, and Sanford Performing Arts Center is answering the call with a stellar new 2024-2025 season lineup. Opening its fifth year on stage, SPAC ha...

Sanford High School’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students recently took a field trip to Rockland, led by Ms. Warner and Ms. Quarles. The October 4th event offered students a unique opportunity to experience Maine’s diverse art scene through visits to multiple acclaimed venues. At the Farnsworth Museum, students explored the legacy of the renowned Wyeth family, examining works spanning three generations. They also discovered how Maine’s landscape, particularly Monhegan Island, has influenced numerous local artists. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) provided an interactive experience where students engaged with works by three contemporary artists. Students participated in hands-on art-making activities and meaningful discussions about modern artistic expression. The day concluded with a stop at the historic Olson House in Cushing. While interior access was restricted, students captured photographs of the house and surrounding landscape.

Sanford High School Art Students Explore Maine's Rich Artistic Heritage

October 21, 2024

Sanford High School’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students recently took a field trip to Rockland, led by Ms. Warner and Ms. Quarles. The October 4th event offered student...

Three years into its journey, the Walking School Bus Program at Sanford Pride Elementary continues to make strides in building a stronger community and improving attendance. What began as a creative and family-friendly way to ensure students arrive at school safely and on time has blossomed into an engaging morning routine for students, volunteers, and families. Carol Lantagne, the program's coordinator, is there at 7:30 a.m. every morning, always with at least one volunteer. The volunteers meet in the CVS parking lot on Main Street, about a half mile from Sanford Pride Elementary. They begin their route walking opposite the school, taking a right onto Charles Street, then a left at State Street Court. During this route, Lantagne and her volunteer meet students at their households to walk them to the bus stop. On one particular Thursday morning, Sanford Pride's Outreach Coordinator Leah Marks is there with Lantagne, welcoming the students as they make their way towards the bus stop. A key part of the program's success hinges on its volunteers, including staff members from counselors and health teachers to Assistant Principal Kristin Daly. The variety of volunteers brings different perspectives and experiences for the students. Daly noted the improved attendance and a greater connection between students and families as key benefits of the program. This connection with the school has also made it easier for parents to approach Daly, Lantagne or the volunteers with questions or concerns, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved. "Our relationships with parents are awesome," Marks said. The route ends at the corner of State Street and Main Street, where the school bus picks the students up around 7:45 a.m. Lantagne, always thinking of ways to keep students engaged, brings a variety of toys each day. Families from nearby neighborhoods can also bring their children to this intersection, where they get to join in on the fun while waiting for the bus. This flexibility has made the program even more accessible to the community. As the Walking School Bus Program continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the Sanford Pride Elementary community becomes increasingly evident. The program not only ensures that students arrive at school safely and on time but also encourages a sense of community and strengthens the bond between the school and families.

Walking School Bus Program at Sanford Pride Continuing To Thrive

October 18, 2024

Three years into its journey, the Walking School Bus Program at Sanford Pride Elementary continues to make strides in building a stronger community and improving attendance. Wha...

Margaret Chase Smith students participated in Fire Prevention activities. 3rd and 4th graders created home fire escape plans with two exit routes and designated meeting places. Younger students learned the “stop, drop, and roll” technique and how to avoid smoke by staying low. Kindergarteners enjoyed a visit from local firefighters, who gave an engaging presentation on fire safety signs and protective gear. The event gave students valuable knowledge and a close-up look at the important work of firefighters.

Sanford Fire Department Visit Margaret Chase Smith

October 18, 2024

Margaret Chase Smith students participated in Fire Prevention activities. 3rd and 4th graders created home fire escape plans with two exit routes and designated meeting places. ...

The Sanford School Committee welcomed its two new student representatives, SHS juniors Matthew Melvin and Zachary Moores, bringing fresh voices and ideas to the table. Alongside current student representative, senior Elsie Gendron, these students help the committee make important contributions to their school community. For Zachary Moores, the motivation to become a student representative stems from the desire to empower his peers. When asked about his reasons for joining, Moores explained, "I wanted to give students the choice to voice their opinion to the school committee if they feel nervous." Moore brings valuable skills to his new role, including strong communication abilities and the confidence to share his opinions. Reflecting on his strengths, he stated, "I tend to voice my opinion on things. This is important because you need to be able to communicate. I'm a great communicator." Matthew Melvin, a three-sport athlete, brings experience from his involvement in Sanford High School's student government and class leadership. When discussing his decision to join the School Committee, Melvin shared his motivations: "I wanted to join the School Committee for multiple reasons. First, so I can make a positive contribution to the community. I also wanted to give a voice to the teachers and students around me.” Melvin and Moores are joining Elsie Gendron, who has been a student representative since fall of 2023. Her journey to the school committee was driven by a desire to find her voice in the community and stand up for her peers. Over her tenure, Gendron has noted improvement in her public speaking and summarization skills. Drawing from her experience, she offered wisdom for the new student representatives: "My biggest piece of advice would just be to learn what you can," Gendron emphasized. "It's a very cool opportunity to see the inner workings of something we otherwise may not get the chance to see."

Meet The New School Committee Student Representatives

October 18, 2024

The Sanford School Committee welcomed its two new student representatives, SHS juniors Matthew Melvin and Zachary Moores, bringing fresh voices and ideas to the table. Alongside...

Alumni Spotlight

October 18, 2024

The Sanford School Department is starting an Alumni Spotlight to feature graduates who have made strides in their careers, contributed to their communities, or achieved personal...

The curtain has fallen on Sanford High School’s 2024 Homecoming Week. From October 9-14, the halls echoed with the sounds of Broadway as students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate the school spirit in theatrical style, culminating in the high school’s annual Homecoming Parade. Each class brought their chosen Broadway musical theme to life during the parade. Seniors transformed the school into Rydell High with their “Grease” theme, complete with leather jackets and poodle skirts. The juniors made a splash with “The Little Mermaid", the sophomores took everyone “Back to the Future,” with creative DeLorean cutouts and 1950s-inspired decor, and the freshmen had “Hamilton”-themed displays and revolutionary spirit. There were spirit days throughout the week, which encouraged students to dress in creative costumes each day to earn points for their grades. Monday was “Country vs Pop,” Tuesday was “Twin Day,” Wednesday students dressed as their Broadway musical, and Thursday was “Red and White” day. There were also varsity home games each day and the student section was encouraged to wear the theme of the night. On Thursday, students were dismissed by grade to attend the Pep Rally. Each grade had its own student section in the competition gym.

Sanford High School Homecoming Week 2024

October 18, 2024

The curtain has fallen on Sanford High School’s 2024 Homecoming Week. From October 9-14, the halls echoed with the sounds of Broadway as students, faculty, and staff came togethe...

For the last six weeks, Carl J. Lamb students have been learning folk dances from around the world. While learning the dances, they discussed the cultures and traditions that the dances come from. Each student drew a picture of a family tradition that they have, and the pictures were combined to make “tradition quilts” to display at the event. Families joined together for a celebration of learning on October 15th, dancing together to music from Russia, England, France and more. The folk dancing unit will conclude with each class applying their knowledge of folk dances to create their own.

Carl J. Lamb Folk Dance

October 17, 2024

For the last six weeks, Carl J. Lamb students have been learning folk dances from around the world. While learning the dances, they discussed the cultures and traditions that th...

Employee Spotlight

October 16, 2024

The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey ( sbonsey@sanf...

Curriculum Newsletter

October 16, 2024

Click here for the Sanford School Department’s Curriculum Newsletter. The newsletter brings important updates for our school community about programming throughout the di...

Get ready for a night of fun, music, and friendly competition at the Sanford Backpack Program's "Lip Sync Showdown!" The event will take place on Saturday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Sanford Performing Arts Center. This event is presented by the Sanford Backpack Program, with all proceeds directly supporting the program’s mission to provide food for local students in need. Some of the area’s most recognizable faces will hit the stage to battle it out for lip-sync supremacy, as voted by the audience in attendance. Performers include the Sanford School Committee, The Sanford City Council, SHS Staff, SRTC Staff, SMS PTA, Kiwanis and Rotary Club, SHS Field Hockey and Football Teams, the Sanford Police Department and more! After each round, the power is in the audience's hands to vote for the winning team, making this a night of friendly competition you won't want to miss. All proceeds from the event will support the Sanford Backpack Program in their mission to ensure that children in our community go home with a backpack full of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food every weekend. Your participation helps these children return to school on Monday ready to learn and thrive. Don’t miss the excitement, the music, and the chance to make a difference! Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee one of the best seats in the house! https://ci.ovationtix.com/35877/production/1212982

Lip Sync Showdown at Sanford Performing Arts Center

October 15, 2024

Get ready for a night of fun, music, and friendly competition at the Sanford Backpack Program's "Lip Sync Showdown!" The event will take place on Saturday, October 19, at 7:00 p....

3rd graders at Margaret Chase Smith recently marked the completion of their first unit, “Classic Tales,” with a celebration that brought literature to life. The young learners immersed themselves in timeless stories, honing their skills and encouraging a love for reading. Throughout the unit, students delved into two renowned works: “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame and “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” from “One Thousand and One Nights.” The unit culminated in the students’ first major writing assignment. Students showcased their newfound skills by publishing their work and then had a picnic lunch, like the book characters, to compare and contrast versions from the classic tales.

Margaret Chase Smith 3rd Graders Celebrate Learning Unit

October 11, 2024

3rd graders at Margaret Chase Smith recently marked the completion of their first unit, “Classic Tales,” with a celebration that brought literature to life. The young learners imm...

Over 200 Sanford Regional Technical Center students recently attended Maritime Industry Day at the USS Albacore in Portsmouth.

SRTC Students Explore Maritime Careers at USS Albacore Industry Day

October 10, 2024

Over 200 Sanford Regional Technical Center students recently attended Maritime Industry Day at the USS Albacore in Portsmouth. This event, serving as a kick-off to Manufacturin...