In this issue, we celebrate our students' achievements across academics, arts, and athletics. Read about the successful Spring Sing concert, our middle school's new student newspaper, nursing program partnerships, and more. Stay informed about upcoming events, free school meals, and kindergarten registration. Discover how our Spartans are making a difference in the classroom and throughout our community.
Spring Sing at the Performing Arts Center
The Sanford Performing Arts Center filled with proud families and friends on Wednesday evening as students from across the district showcased their talents at the annual Spring Sing concert. The March 5th performance brought together nearly 200 young vocalists from grades 4-12, offering a heartwarming display of musical growth and achievement.
"Spartan Show Choir and their band, The Rocket Men, started our show with a performance of 'I'm Still Standing' by Elton John," explained Hattie Skvorak, director of the Carl J. Lamb Chorus and Spartan Show Choir. "The auditioned group's performance featured soloist Olan Clock, and included student choreography. The Rocket Men supported the students, consisting of Sanford faculty and parents."
YouTube video below!
Inside Sanford Middle School's Student Newspaper
A new wave of young journalists are making their mark at Sanford Middle School with the launch of the school’s student newspaper. Started in early February, “The SMS Times” is giving students a platform to report on school events, sports, and issues that matter to them.
Inspired by the high school’s “Spartan Times,” the newspaper project began when Sanford Middle School Gifted & Talented Coordinator Chambree Kumka introduced the idea to her ELA groups.
“I thought this would be something that would really get them feeling connected to the school,” Kumka explains.
The newspaper has already made an impact within the school community. Fifth-grader Henry Defrance wrote a popular article about a malfunctioning water fountain that got results. “It hadn’t been working, but the day after I wrote the article it got fixed,” he said. Henry is preparing a follow-up piece for the next issue.
Sights Around Our Schools
Carl J. Lamb
First-graders have been learning about Early World Civilizations with a focus on Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt during their CKLA Knowledge lessons. Recently, they learned all about the Great Pyramids and why they were so important to the ancient Egyptians. Click here for the school's newsletter.
Margaret Chase Smith
Mrs. Sturtevant's class has been working hard to earn classroom ducks for expected behaviors. Check out their new class pet, Swimmy, who was awarded through a grant. The students are learning about responsibility and the needs for taking care of a pet. Click here for the school's newsletter.
Sanford Middle School
A group of Sanford Middle School students took to the slopes this winter as part of the school's new ski and snowboard club. Over four Tuesday evenings, students of varying skill levels enjoyed the conditions at Pleasant Mountain. Read more about the club here. Click here for the school's newsletter.
Sanford Pride
At Sanford Pride Elementary, 1st graders have been working hard on voice and choice during math centers. Using the rule "four students and no more" at each math center gives them the flexibility to choose what math game they would like to participate in with a partner. Click here for the school's newsletter.
SRTC Nursing Students Find Their Calling at Pinnacle Health & Rehab
In an innovative partnership between Sanford Regional Technical Center Health Occupations Program and Pinnacle Nursing Home, student Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are gaining hands-on experience while bringing fresh energy to local healthcare. The program has expanded from four to six student positions this year due to high performance.
"These are the best students that they've seen in years," says co-Health Occupations Program Instructor Jenna Holmes. Students work up to 24 hours per week, earning $15 per hour while gaining practical experience beyond the limited two-hour clinical rotations available during school hours.
Sanford High School Hosts Winter Awards Night
Sanford High School held its Winter Sports Recognition Night at the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 4, where coaches of each winter sport took the stage to reflect on their seasons and present individual awards to outstanding athletes.
During the ceremony, Girls Basketball coach Rossie Kearson recognized Mollie Puffer as Most Valuable Player, highlighting her multiple SMAA honors including Rookie of the Year. Boys Basketball coach Jake Mills celebrated Dylan Gendron as their MVP and SMAA AA South First Team selection, while Luke Gendron earned Rookie of the Year accolades.
The Spartan Times
The Spartan Times, SHS's online student newspaper, features articles by student reporters enrolled in CCP
Journalism or School Newspaper Enrichment courses. Below is an article on Sanford High School's Travel Abroad trip to France.
Journalism or School Newspaper Enrichment courses. Below is an article on Sanford High School's Travel Abroad trip to France.
Sanford Students Lead Successful Community Food Drive
The Sanford Backpack Program recently hosted its fourth annual food distribution event at Sanford High School, showcasing the leadership and community spirit of the school's students. The planning and execution of this event was spearheaded by SHS and SRTC students.
Fire Science, EMS, and Law Enforcement classes, under the guidance of Fire Captain Harold Smith, developed plans—including backup arrangements for inclement weather—that covered everything from traffic flow to volunteer rehabilitation stations.
These students created and implemented a system for building 800 food boxes, ultimately exceeding their goal by assembling 950 boxes by early afternoon.
SRTC Instructor Capt. Smith Recipient of Community Service Award
Captain Harold Smith, longtime Fire Science instructor at Sanford Regional Technical Center, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award, recognizing his decades of service and commitment to training future firefighters across Maine.
The award, jointly presented by the Maine Mariners and the Berwick Firefighters Union, honors the legacy of Captain Joel Barnes, a Berwick firefighter who lost his life while saving fellow firefighter Mitch Manfredonia during a 2019 fire. This marks the sixth edition of the annual award.
"I feel like I'm just doing my job," said Smith, who was surprised and humbled by the recognition. "The whole thing's just a big honor."
Sanford School Department Welcomes Future Kindergartners at Registration Night
The Sanford School Department successfully hosted its District-Wide Kindergarten Registration Night on Wednesday, February 26th at Sanford Pride Elementary School. The well-attended event transformed the school's cafeteria into a hub of activity as families with incoming kindergartners explored their first step into elementary education.
Staff members wearing red shirts were stationed at tables throughout the room, guiding families through the registration process. Parents and their children completed necessary paperwork while learning about the kindergarten program. Several children participated in craft activities set up specifically to engage them during the registration process.
Announcements
Community Announcements
Are you looking to share your organization’s events and activities with the Sanford school community? The Sanford School Department website offers a Community Announcements page to help you reach students, families, and staff members.
The process is simple: complete our online approval form (click here for the form), submit it to the Superintendent's Office along with your promotional materials for review
Free Meals
Have you heard all school meals are free in Maine?This includes breakfast. Don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the morning? Let us do the work. We’d be happy to provide your son or daughter with a delicious, nutritionally balanced breakfast every day, free
of charge.
Breakfast Service Times by School:
- CJL: breakfast is 8:00 - 8:30
- MCS: breakfast is from 8:00 - 8:20
- SPE: breakfast is 8:00 - 8:20
- SMS: breakfast is 7:10 - 7:40
- SHS: breakfast is 6:45 - 8:15
Community Resource Guide
The Sanford School Department's new community resource guide is a valuable resource for residents, offering a comprehensive array of essential services.
Click the link below to access the community resource guide.
School Budget Info
The school committee has begun its work for approving the budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
You can view budget information by clicking here. Or scan the QR code below.
Budget workshops are also streamed on WSSRTV’s YouTube channel.
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download our app? Watch the video below.
download our app? Watch the video below.
Additional Links to Stay Updated with the Community
