Dear Sanford Families, The Sanford School Department is in the process of planning for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Our task is to develop a safe return to school and the highest quality-learning environment for our students whether that is a traditional in-classroom model, a virtual model, or a hybrid model that allows both face-to-face instruction... READ MORE >
Dear Parents/Guardians, The Maine Department of Education is currently seeking input from families statewide to help develop guidance for Maine schools regarding classroom instruction this fall. If you would like to participate in their 10 minute survey, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mainefamilysurvey before 8:00 pm this Sunday, July 12, 2020. ... READ MORE >
Sanford School Department is seeking qualified applicants to work in our custodial and maintenance departments. Click here for more information or call us at 324-2810. READ MORE >
Friday, June 12th will be the last day of mobile food service routes. We will continue to provide Grab & Go Summer Meals Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, June 15th through Friday, August 7th at the following sites and times:The program is open to all children and teens and there are no eligibility requirements or registration required. FMI call the... READ MORE >
Kindergarten and Pre-K Registration Even though our buildings are closed due to COVID19, the Sanford School Department is still accepting names for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes starting this fall. Children who are 5 years of age on or before October 15, 2020, are eligible to register for kindergarten. Parents of eligible youngsters should call Carl... READ MORE >
SACO — Rich Pickering was dropping off some items at the Saco transfer station one day, when he noticed someone had left a wooden bench there. He noticed the legs folded in, and seemed to be working. The top was painted brown. Pickering thought it might look nice in a spot near the river at his rural Saco home, so he took it home. And there it sat in his... READ MORE >
Mrs. Arnold is proud of her students!This Willard second grade student is planting and observing seeds afterwatching a Mystery Science - Plant Adaptation lesson. READ MORE >
This week's newsletter. READ MORE >
Maine's Department of Health and Human Services has received approval from Food and Nutrition Services to partner with the Maine Department of Education to provide a Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefit to school-aged children who normally receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch at Maine schools. This benefit will help to replace the value of school meals while... READ MORE >
Congratulations to everyone who received a High Five during Distance Learning. You're all doing a fantastic job! READ MORE >
Letter from Superintendent Nelson Sanford School Department Extending Distance Learning for the Remainder of the 2019-2020 School Year Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Good Evening, During her press conference yesterday, Governor Janet Mills extended Maine’s Stay-at- Home Order through May 31, 2020. For Sanford’s public schools, this means that “distance... READ MORE >
Even though our buildings are closed due to COVID19, the Sanford School Department is still accepting names for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes starting this fall. Children who are 5 years of age on or before October 15, 2020, are eligible to register for kindergarten. Parents of eligible youngsters should call Carl J. Lamb Elementary School at (207)... READ MORE >
The City of Sanford and the Sanford School Department, in partnership with Biddeford Internet Corporation, d/b/a GWI, have launched a WiFi hotspot that is free and open to the public. The hotspot, which utilizes SanfordNet Fiber, the City’s high-speed fiber optic network, is located at the Lafayette School in Sanford. It will be accessible to the public at no cost... READ MORE >
Families affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic shutdown may be eligible for free and reduced-priced school meals based on their current income. Free and reduced price meal benefits will carry over to the first 30 operating days of next school year. Families impacted are encouraged to submit an online application for free or reduced meal benefits during this... READ MORE >
April 16, 2020 Dear Parent/Guardian, Sanford School Department’s massive construction and renovation plan is scheduled to be completed for the fall of 2021. This means Sanford will have three elementary schools for grades pre-kindergarten through four, with projected enrollments of approximately 450 students each. Carl J. Lamb School, Margaret Chase... READ MORE >
Hello Willard families! In an effort to make sure that tech support for our K-4 families is available we have set up an email address for support requests. Please email our Technology Ed Tech, Dennis if you are experiencing technological issues with your child's device. This email address will be monitored regularly and arrangements for support will be... READ MORE >
Sanford Distance Learning Plan Message from the Superintendent April 6, 2020 To the Sanford School Community, While the concept of distance learning is simple, its practice is not. For hundreds of years, students successfully attended class in brick and mortar buildings, absorbing lessons from teachers sitting just a few feet away. Distance learning separates... READ MORE >
LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT Matt Nelson Distance Learning & April Vacation Update Friday, April 10, 2020 Good evening: I hope all is well. We have just competed our fourth week of distance learning and I continue to be impressed with everyone’s hard work as we adjust to this new reality. On April 6, 2020, the Sanford School Committee approved a... READ MORE >
Click here to see how much Sanford students miss their teachers! READ MORE >
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oT_VgFc1R03dS0KQIX0kBQ184AJOsPlowqlGpwMp-N8/edit?usp=sharing Check out the link above to see what great things are going on in your students' specials classes. Just click on the title of the Special that you want to go to and then click on the link that pops up to go to the teacher's site. READ MORE >
The newsletter for week of April 6th. READ MORE >
Distance Learning PTA Engagement...Every week day at 1:00pm McWillard PTA will go LIVE on Facebook with fun and engaging activities for all ages! We hope this helps others to feel more connected with one another. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/McWillardPTA READ MORE >
Memorandum To: The Residents and Stakeholders of Sanford & Springvale From: Matthew E. Hill, P.E. Date: March 27, 2020 Subject: Downtown Sanford Planning Partnership Initiative Public Meeting THE FUTURE OF SANFORD DOWNTOWN The City of Sanford, in cooperation with MaineDOT and VHB, is hosting a virtual meeting on April 16, 2020 at 6:00 pm. ... READ MORE >
Here it is!! If you know a Sanford teacher please share ❤️ ***if you’re not mentioned in here you are still loved and missed !! There was a short time frame and I’m sure a lot of people weren’t able to get a video done in time. Stay safe happy and healthy !!https://m.facebook.com/story.p... READ MORE >
Be well! READ MORE >
Sanford School Department employees pull together to create and deliver free meals to Sanford children while school is closed. For more information on sites and delivery spots, visit :https://www.sanford.org/2020-health-updates . READ MORE >
A Message from Sanford School Nutrition: We want to be able to offer all children in our district the nutrition they need while schools are closed. On March 16th, we started offering free lunch and breakfast “to go” to all Sanford children at two sites – Sanford’s Memorial Gym on Main Street and Lafayette School on Brook Street. This practice has been... READ MORE >
Sanford School Department Will Offer Free Meals For All Students In the Case of a Coronavirus Closure Children and teens are encouraged to pick up meals in the event of a school closure. The meals are free for all children and teens and there are no eligibility requirements and registration is not required. Families will be able to pick up a lunch and a... READ MORE >
Sanford School Department Moving to Distance Learning Monday, March 16th Sanford Schools Sunday, March 15, 2020 The following is a letter from Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools Dear Sanford School Families, I am writing to inform you that the Sanford School Department will be closed starting Monday, March 16 until Friday, March... READ MORE >
March 13, 2020 Dear Sanford Community, I am writing to provide an update on our Coronavirus planning and preparations. Public health officials have indicated that school closures may be expected, but as of today, we are planning to hold school on Monday, March 16th. Our goal is to support continuous learning for our students and our schools while protecting... READ MORE >
March 12, 2020 Dear Sanford School Community, The Sanford School Department continues to monitor the status of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) locally. We are receiving guidance from the Maine Center for Disease Control, the York County Emergency Management Agency and the Maine Department of Education. We are following recommended precautions and our... READ MORE >
Important Health Information March 11, 2020 Dear Parent(s) or Guardians, The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has asked the Sanford School Department to notify parents of two confirmed cases of pertussis also known as (whooping cough) at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School. Pertussis is an illness that is spread from person to... READ MORE >
They grow up so fast. Now’s your chance to shape their future. A kindergartener counted in the 2020 Census this spring will be starting high school when the next census comes around in 2030: That’s 10 years of school supplies, teachers, school lunches, and so much more. This is your opportunity to help ensure they have a bright future. Right now, students across... READ MORE >
Through a coordinated effort between Mr. Benham and Mr. Donahoe, Willard Elementary School was able to offer two art workshops with a local working artist. Ms. Williams completed her studies at the Maine College of Art in 2018 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics. She has experience teaching young artists through her work at Portland Pottery as well as... READ MORE >
Join us for story time and a meet and greet with the Willard Therapy Dog Team: Willow, Dodger and Ory and their handlers, Christen Suratt and Liz Cyr! There will be plenty of activities: stories, hands-on puppy play time, Q&A, no-sew blanket and toy making. Snacks will be available too. You will be PAWSitively in love with them all! We are amazed with how much they... READ MORE >
Chorus Students and Families: Save this date! On Wednesday, March 18th at 7:00pm, Chorus students from Willard School, Sanford Junior High School, and Sanford High School will perform in the annual Spring Sing concert held at Sanford Performing Arts Center. This is a great opportunity for our students to share music with family, friends, and students from... READ MORE >
March Library Events Dear Parents, We have some great events planned during the month of March to celebrate “Read Across America”. On Wednesday March 4th, we have guest readers coming in to read to each class. Our visitors are people that either live and or work in the community of Sanford/Springvale. Each person will share... READ MORE >
March 2, 2020 Dear Sanford School Community, The Sanford School Department recognizes that the recent outbreak of the respiratory illness known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing concern. Please be aware that we are receiving guidance from local and state health departments, the York County Emergency Management Agency and the Maine Department of Education... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the back row we have Kyla and Renee. In the front row from left to right is... READ MORE >
Mrs. Daly, Assistant Principal (far left) is standing with Mrs.Carter's (far right) class. Mrs. Carter's class was the winning classroom for our School Sign Contest. Her classroom came up with their own positive message to share with our community: "BE THE ONE WHO RADIATES POSITIVITY!" Thanks Mrs. Carter's class for such a positive message to share with Sanford! READ MORE >
Children who are 5 years of age on or before October 15, 2020 are eligible to register for kindergarten. Parents of eligible youngsters should call Carl J. Lamb Elementary School at (207) 324-8481 with the student's date of birth and the family's mailing address and phone number. Informational packets will be mailed to parents in April. READ MORE >
Willard kids will be having some fun tomorrow and Friday! We are planning two sledding days at Gowen Park - Feb. 13th and Feb. 14th. Thank you for sending your child in with the proper gear needed for sledding (boots, snow pants, gloves, hat and warm jacket). Please pack a change of clothes for your child in case they get a little wet, but children do NOT need... READ MORE >
Leah had the honor and privilege of giving our very first American president, George Washington a tour of Willard School! The front office staff was so excited to have the opportunity to meet him! READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the back row we have Aidan, Lexi and Maddison. In the front row from left... READ MORE >
Volunteers wanted for lunch and recess times... We are looking for volunteers to join us during recess and lunchtime (see attached form in the documents section of this website). Requirements: -All volunteers must be approved by Central Office prior to joining us. If you have not filled out a volunteer application, please request one from your... READ MORE >
This past Friday a group of 4th graders participated in the Willard School Geography Bee Final Competition. The preliminary round of the competition included a written test to determine our top students. These top students then advanced to the school competition which featured double elimination rounds to determine a school champion. After many rounds of... READ MORE >
Read to ME The Read to ME Challenge is a month-long public awareness campaign to promote childhood literacy in Maine held annually during the month of February. What is the Read to ME Challenge? The Read to ME Challenge is an opportunity to contribute to a child’s literacy growth by reading aloud to one or more children for at least 15 minutes. The... READ MORE >
Willard staff and students have been participating in a Kindness Challenge and this week Willard students are collecting coins to purchase playground equipment or some other school-wide need for another elementary school in the district. This is our way of spreading kindness into the community. The other elementary schools in the district are doing the same.... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the back row we have Brady, Claire, Eryn, Emma and Xavier. Not pictured is... READ MORE >
January 14, 2019 Dear Parents and Families: I am writing to let you know that our school has an exciting opportunity to have two additional service dogs work in our community starting January 13th. If you recall, Willow has been working in Mrs. Suratt’s self-contained team this year. The additional dogs (Ory and Dodger) are 9 week old... READ MORE >
Students are back to school following the holiday break. Remember: STOP means STOP! Watch the proper way to stop for a school bus, and what not to do. Video LinkLearn more at NHTSA.gov/SchoolBus READ MORE >
On Monday, January 6th, the Willard School community will begin a kindness challenge. Being kind to others is something we regularly strive for, but we will be placing special focus on our acts of kindness from January 6th - February 14th. We're kicking off the kindness challenge with a week of kindness. Each day, students will be challenged to... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the back row we have Mikey, Thalinda and Abigail. In the front row we have... READ MORE >
Last week, six Liberty Mutual Insurance volunteers visited all of the fourth grade classes at Willard to help inspire and provoke interest in the computer science field by spending time coding with industry professionals. The Hour of Code is a global event that every 21st-century student should have an opportunity to be a part of! It promotes interest and... READ MORE >
Next week at Willard is Spirit Week! Monday is PJs and Stuffy Day- stuffies must fit in backpacks. Wednesday is Red, White and Green Day and Friday is Ugly Sweater Day! We hope to see lots of SPIRIT! READ MORE >
Check out these great links for some really useful articles:http://www.rfecustomer.com/Pubs/201912/35651_HS1219_E.pdf?ID=7043http://www.rfecustomer.com/Pubs/201912/35651_RC1219_E.pdf?ID=3715 READ MORE >
CONTACT: Matt Nelson, Superintendent Sanford School Department (207) 324-2810 mnelson@sanford.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KRISTIN DALY NAMED INTERIM ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT WILLARD SCHOOL Sanford, ME – November 27, 2019- The Sanford School Committee named Kristin Daly as Interim Assistant Principal for Willard School... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment each week to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the back row we have Alyssa, Mason and Maddie. In the front row... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment each week to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right we have Gavyn, Abby and Evelyn. Also a congratulations to Jacenya... READ MORE >
Thank you to all Sanford voters who took the time to vote in favor of Bond Question #3 yesterday. Your continued support of our children, our schools and our community is greatly appreciated. READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment each week to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. In the back, congratulations to Adrian! In the middle, congratulations to Julian and... READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment each week to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right in the top row, congratulations to Adalyn, Dustin, Gracie! From left... READ MORE >
Library News November 1, 2019 Dear Parents, The past month has been very busy in the library- Students in grades 3 and 4 are learning how to use the library online catalog to look up books of their interest. When using Destiny your child will learn to find books by typing a search term and clicking on the link that says title, author,... READ MORE >
At Willard School, students are learning about the brave men and women who serve in our country’s armed forces. On Friday, November 8th, students will host a special ceremony of observance and recognize local Veterans as guests of honor. The ceremony will begin at 9:00am in Memorial Gym and will last for approximately 30 minutes. Veterans, Willard families,... READ MORE >
Questions regarding the upcoming bond questions in Sanford? We have answers! Here are links to several helpful documents: Sanford School Bond Fast Facts Invest in Sanford - Invest in YES City of Sanford Bond QuestionsLooking for more information on School Bond Question #3? Call us at (207) 324 2810! READ MORE >
Sanford School Department is seeking quotes for a medium duty dump truck. Quotes will be accepted until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Additional information is available on our website under the Business & Finance page or by calling the Sanford School Department Business Office at (207) 324 2810. READ MORE >
This year, we are introducing a brand new Chorus program to Willard School. This opportunity is an elective that will be available to all of our fourth grade students. We will enjoy singing and performing many different styles of music! Chorus classes meet once per week during the school day, and these are in addition to your child’s regularly-scheduled... READ MORE >
Sanford School Department is seeking classroom substitutes for the 2019/2020 school year for all levels - pre-kindergarten through grade 12. For more information, visit Schoolspring posting #3182933. READ MORE >
At Willard we take a moment each week to recognize five students who have put one or more of our core values into practice. Our five core values are: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Compassion. The above students are the students who have been recognized this week. From left to right, congratulations to Afia, Lorelei, Paul, Ruth and Karmello! Keep up... READ MORE >
The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the addition of MY SCHOOL APPS, a new online tool that makes it easy to apply for school meal benefits. It’s a great alternative to the paper application process and is quick, convenient and secure. For more information, go to https://www.myschoolapps.com/ or check the Food & Nutrition Program page on our... READ MORE >
Willard's Lost and Found is growing quickly! Please remind your students to stop by the Lost and Found located on the bottom floor (A Floor). Parents are also welcome to sign in the front office and go down and take a look for themselves as well. Periodically the Lost and Found will be cleared away (bagged up and brought to a local charity). Thank you for... READ MORE >
In the SPIRIT of Homecoming Week...Wed. 25th HAT DAY… Wear your favorite hat to school!Thurs. 26th MISMATCH DAY… Wear mismatched clothes!Fri. 27th RED AND WHITE DAY… Wear our school colors! READ MORE >
Willard Library News Hello, and Welcome to Willard School. My name is Mrs. Dompkouski and this is my second year here at Willard. I am looking forward to a great school year with all of your children. So far, in library classes we are learning about the difference between fiction/non-fiction books, being able to find materials in the library , and trying to find... READ MORE >
Ms. Perrin's little bees were quite BUZZY learning all about bees and pollination. They made flowers and bees and using their props were able to actually pollinate their own flowers! Keep up the important work, Queen Bee and Colony! READ MORE >
The school is not fully staffed before 8:10, we ask that no students enter the building before 8:05. Any student coming in at 8:05 will be directed to the library. At 8:10 students will be able to go to their class or breakfast. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. READ MORE >
Gifted & Talented Parent Night Tuesday, Oct. 22nd. 6:00-7:30 pm Sanford High School Agora All identified GT students and their parents are encouraged to attend.For more information, contact Lori Coleman at lcoleman@sanford.org . READ MORE >
Willard School Picture Schedule 19-20 September 19th September 20th 8:40 Flannery 8:40 Pickering 8:55 Nadeau 8:55 Carter 9:10 ... READ MORE >
Many people still believe that your level of intelligence is something you are born with. Research now shows that our brains are like muscles that grow and change when we practice and try new things. More importantly, these changes in our brains are permanent. Mr. Benham used a balloon to show how when we persevere, or stick with it, our brains grow and change. ... READ MORE >
SANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL ALUMNI 5K The Sanford Alumni Association is pleased to announce Homecoming Weekend’s First Annual Alumni 5K. This will be a road race/walk to support the Sanford Alumni Association and will be held annually during Sanford’s Homecoming Weekend. This year’s race will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019. ... READ MORE >
Please check out the document section of our website to find out more information about registering your child for Mad Science. Mad Science is an after-school program held at Willard. Mad Science will run three different themed sessions over the course of the 19/20 school year. READ MORE >
"Change your thinking, don't stop thinking," that's the message Mr. Benham shared with fourth grade students at Willard Elementary School. Brain breaks are intentional moments to recharge your thinking and get back to your task. Many people think of daydreaming, doodling, or going to get a drink as brain breaks, but Mr. Benham wanted to share other strategies. ... READ MORE >
WALKER/PICK UP CLARIFICATION 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade walkers: 1. A child who leaves the school at regular dismissal time 2. Will walk to their parent who is waiting outside of the building or walk to their after-school destination 3. Has WRITTEN permission from their legal guardian (the note can be given to the office on a day-to-day... READ MORE >
Dismissal Procedures For the Safety of your children: When dismissing a student Photo Identification may be required. You must also be listed as an authorized contact unless prior written notification has been received by the school for that day. *****Phone requests will not be accepted******. Students who normally take a bus home in the afternoon... READ MORE >
Willard Arrival and Dismissal (Overview) Dear Parents and Families: In order to have a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal procedure for all students, we ask you to abide by the following rules: · The circle in front of the school is for buses only from 7:30-8:30 AM and 2:30-3:30 PM. · If you are dropping off and/or... READ MORE >
Sanford School Department and Ledgemere Transportation are pleased to offer access to the updated bus tracking app, SafeStop. This app shows the approximate location of your child’s bus, its estimated time of arrival (ETA) at bus stops, and any necessary status updates. When using the app, please keep in mind that this is a tool designed to help you anticipate... READ MORE >
Joining our community this year is Willow; she is a therapy dog and will be working with Christen Suratt’s self-contained team. This is Willow and Christen’s second year in our district; they were at Margaret Chase Smith School last year. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Willow will be acting as a therapy animal in Christen’s classroom. ... READ MORE >
Elementary and SJHS/SHS bus routes for the 2019-2020 school year are now available on our website!Questions or concerns? Please contact the bus company at 324-4888, the Superintendent's Office at 324-2810 or your child's school. READ MORE >
Dear Sanford families, do you have a child in need of assistance in the Fall with a backpack and school supplies? If yes, please visit stuffthebus.me to register. You will be given an appointment time for August 24th, at Curtis Lake Church. Prompt registration is strongly recommended as space is limited. READ MORE >