School Notes

Members of the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation: (front row, from left) Matthew Nelson, Judy Ward, Pam Lydon and Matthew Petermann; (second row, from left) Melissa Simpson, Cheryl Fournier, the Rev, Susan Murphy and Lisa Blanchette; (third row, from left) Warren Roberts, Lydia Lehoux, David Jagger and Kendra Williams. Members also include Diana Allen, Gale Michaud, Sarah Ouellette and Mark Patterson.
Photo: Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
School foundation names new board members: At its annual meeting earlier this month, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation elected its new board members. Lydia Lehoux was elected as board president, replacing Kendra Williams, a founding foundation member and president for the last three years. Melissa Simpson stepped up as vice president, and Judy Ward will serve as secretary. The organization’s mission is to enhance the experience of students in Sanford’s schools by expanding opportunities beyond those provided through public funding.
www.sanfordschoolslegacyfoundation.org
The bells are ringing: Ten enthusiastic second graders who all share a passion for music and performance at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School make up the newly formed CJL Bell Choir. This after school club met weekly for five sessions leading up to the winter break, dedicating their time to furthering their musical skills. Students learned to read notes on the staff, transitioning from iconic representations to standard notation. Handbells and desk bells played a pivotal role in this progression, as the color-coded, pitch-specific instruments labeled with letter names provided a tactile and visual bridge into music literacy. Students not only demonstrated excellence in musical skill but also character, serving as role models in the school community, and school attendance. Read the full story here.
https://www.sanford.org/article/1968992
Are you a middle schooler interested in coding? The state of Maine has started a program called Pine Tree Programming. Some students on the STEAM team at Sanford Middle School are participating, but the program is open to everyone. Interested students should see Mrs. Williams in the library to get started.
SCAE is seeking those with a passion for teaching: Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE) is looking for academic teachers to join their team. The role offers a flexible schedule and a chance to help adults achieve their education and personal goals. FMI, contact SCAE at 207-490-5145.
SMS librarian joins committee to select best children’s book of 2024: Sanford Middle School’s Julie Williams, librarian and media specialist, has been selected to serve on the School Library Journal’s Mock Newbery Committee, joining librarians from across the nation in evaluating the best children’s literature of 2024. The Mock Newbery Committee mirrors the official Newbery Award process, which Williams describes as “the most distinguished award for children’s literature in the US.” The committee is currently evaluating 15 books published in 2024, with members engaging in daily online discussions about each title’s merits. The process is rigorous and time intensive. Williams explained, “All of us who are on this committee can chime in and say, ‘This is what I like, this is what I didn’t like, this is why I think we should pick this one.’” After narrowing their selections to five finalists, the committee will make their final selection, to be announced shortly before the official Newbery Award announcement on Jan. 27. Read the full story here.
https://www.sanford.org/article/1962603

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