This issue highlights Sanford Middle School 7th graders experiencing hands-on learning on ecology through Maine's new Outdoor School for All program, and 21 students inducted into the National Honor Society. The newsletter features sights around our schools, details about Sanford's Extended Learning Opportunities program connecting students with real-world career experiences, appreciation for our custodial team, Homecoming Spirit Week information, and ways to stay connected through our mobile apps and community resources.
Sanford Middle School 7th Graders Experience Outdoor Learning at The Ecology School
Sanford Middle School seventh graders experienced hands-on outdoor learning at The Ecology School in Saco, participating in an overnight, three-day program that combined hands-on learning with community building in ways that will positively impact students.
The Ecology School has formed partnerships with seven other outdoor education providers across Maine to increase program availability and has made the study of ecology accessible and enjoyable for people since 1998. The school is designed for immersive programs where students learn about conservation, farming, ecology, and sustainability through hands-on, fun activities.
The trip was the result of planning and collaboration spearheaded by SMS science teacher Diana Allen. The planning also involved careful investigation and getting approval from school administration and the school committee.
This vision became reality through Maine's new Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program, recently signed into law by Governor Mills, which aims to increase access to outdoor learning programs. The Ecology School is part of this statewide initiative, and each network partner gets to select a Maine school to receive scholarships for students to attend. The Ecology School's first choice was Sanford Middle School. The only cost to the school department was for transportation to and from the Ecology School.
Sanford High School Inducts 21 Students into National Honor Society
21 Sanford High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society in the Performing Arts Center. The induction ceremony honored students who have demonstrated commitment to the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
The ceremony brought together families, faculty, and friends to celebrate these students' achievements. The evening featured the traditional candle lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the commitment these students make to uphold the values of NHS.
"The evening was truly amazing. It is such a privilege to honor and work alongside such an extraordinary group of students," NHS Advisor Liz White said.
Sights Around Our Schools
Carl J. Lamb
Carl J. Lamb 2nd graders recently completed their Unit 1 Celebration in ELA with a Flapjacks and Pancakes event.
Click here for the school's newsletter.
Margaret Chase Smith
Kindergarten students had a fantastic time on their apple picking adventure! They loved exploring the orchard, selecting their favorite apples, and learning about how they grow.
Click here for the school's newsletter.
Sanford Pride
It was a great week at Sanford Pride as students and staff celebrated spirit week together. Students are learning about responsibility as October's guidance theme.
Click here for the school's newsletter.
Sanford Middle School
The high school jazz class recently visited Sanford Middle School to perform for 7th and 8th grade band students and share their experiences with jazz music.
The presentation helped promote the new middle school jazz band program.
Click here for the school's newsletter.
Lunch With a Loved One at Margaret Chase Smith
Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School hosted its first-ever "Lunch with a Loved One" event last Friday, bringing families together for a celebration of community and connection.
An impressive 71% of families joined in, making the picnic burst with smiles, laughter, and special moments.
Families and friends arrived with picnic blankets and lunches ready to share quality time with their students. As a special reward for reaching 100 positive referrals, Principal Hallisey and Assistant Principal McGuckin wore their pencil costumes at lunch. They will continue to wear them to boost their theme this year and reward students for their hard work.
Sanford's ELO Program Bridges Classroom and Career
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 Spartan Times
The Spartan Times online newspaper previews Spirit Week 2025, with additional information about the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10. This article was written by SHS student Ami Kane.
Homecoming Parade Info
The Spartan Times: "The week culminates on Friday, October 10, with the Homecoming Parade at 4:00 PM. The public is invited to park by 3:30 before the road closes. The parade will start and finish at the tennis courts on Alumni Boulevard (See map on the left). This year, Student Council is excited to invite everyone to stay for a Block Party between the parade and Football Game where clubs and activities will host vendors and opportunities to share your spirit. Finally, Football game at 7 p.m. is where the winner of the spirit stick will be announced. Make sure to wear red and white to represent our school colors!"
Celebrating Sanford's Custodial Team
The custodial team painted fresh blue hallways on the first floor of Carl J. Lamb Elementary.
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.
Employee Spotlight
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 ([email protected]) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Sanford Pride 2nd Grade Teacher Sami Creech.
How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department?
This is my first year at Sanford Pride, and I taught 4th grade at Margaret Chase Smith during the 2023-2024 school year (so 2 years).
What is your favorite part about working in Sanford?
Throughout the schools, I have seen a genuine love for working with kids and wanting them to succeed from the staff. I am thankful to work in a district that puts students first and does what they can to support each student and their individual needs.
What’s your favorite TV show or movie?
My favorite tv shows are Law and Order, Bob's Burgers, and The Office. I've loved The Incredibles since I was a kid.
Sanford Performing Arts Center Kickoff Show: The Doo Wop Project
From the Sanford Performing Arts Center: "The dynamic Broadway stars of The Doo Wop Project are on a mission to put Doo Wop on everyone’s playlist! With their smokin’ hot band, they capture and deliver the classic sounds of the guys who, back in the day, harmonized with each other on stoops, in the subway, and on street corners, and they have also created a unique, exciting, fun way to “Doowop-ify” today’s biggest hits – reimagining them as though they had been written during the Doo Wop era! "
See Something Say Something
As a school system, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to maintain the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators and administrators. Therefore we utilize the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System” (SS-ARS), a system fully funded by the national nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise. The SS-ARS allows youth and adults to securely submit anonymous safety concerns – anytime, from anywhere – to help identify and intervene upon at-risk individuals before they hurt themselves or others. The system enables school administrators and law enforcement (if needed) to create effective interventions and to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm and other forms of threatening behavior.
How to submit a tip to the Say Something program:
- Say Something website (SaySomething.net)
- Say Something mobile app (App Store | Google Play)
- Say Something hotline (1-844-5-SAY NOW | 1-844-572-9669)
Stay Connected with Sanford Schools
Download Our App
Looking for news and notes about events at your child's school? Hoping to keep track of a traveling sports team? Download the Sanford School Department App directly to your mobile device, and you'll be on top of the freshest news from any and all of the Sanford Schools.
Need a tutorial on how to
download our app? Watch the video below.
download our app? Watch the video below.
Follow SHS Athletics
Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The new app, powered by Snap! Mobile technology serves as a comprehensive hub for Spartans fans, students, families, and community members. Key features include:
- Real-time game information and schedules - Never miss an important matchup with up-to-date scheduling
- Team updates and news - Follow your favorite Spartans teams throughout their seasons
- Push notifications - Sign up for alerts about games, events, and important announcements
Watch Home Games
Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed.
The Hudl platform provides a convenient way to support our student-athletes from anywhere, whether you're traveling, at work, or simply can't make it to the game in person. Games are typically available for viewing shortly after they conclude as well.
To watch Sanford games, follow the link below. You'll need to sign up for a free Hudl account to access the streams. You can bookmark this link for easy access to all upcoming streams.
Additional Links to Stay Updated with the Community
