An early childhood educator works one on one with her student.
Photo: U.S. Census Bureau
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Professional development for early childhood educators: Thriving with Intention, the York County Conference for Early Childhood Educators, will be held on April 26, from 8 am to 3:30 pm, at Sanford Regional Technical Center, 100 Alumni Blvd., Sanford. The conference will include a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, networking and lunch, with more than 20 vendors represented. FMI, email fccam.professionallearning@gmail.com. To register for the conference, go here.
MCS PTA is seeking volunteers: The Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School PTA needs volunteers for the Earth Day event they have planned for April 12, 10 am to 12 pm. Those interested in helping should email mcsptame@gmail.com.
SMS students explore careers in aviation: Sanford Middle School Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) students explored aviation careers at the Brunswick campus of the University of Maine at Augusta on March 14. They had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with flight simulators, tour actual aircraft, and learn about drone technology. From sitting in the cockpit to examining aircraft engines, the students experienced what it takes to pursue careers in aviation. The day also included comprehensive tours of the university’s Brunswick and Saco campuses, where they learned about degree programs that could lead to careers in aviation.
CJL teacher initiates collaborative development for adaptive music: On Saturday, March 15, the halls of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School (CJL) came alive with music, learning and collaboration as the school hosted the first-ever Maine Adaptive Music Summit. Approximately 40 education professionals from across Maine and New Hampshire attended the summit, which was spearheaded by Hattie Skvorak, CJL’s music teacher, in response to the limited professional development opportunities she could find for teaching music to students in special education programs. “There’s a few opportunities for just music teachers, but there’s not really anything where music teachers and the ED techs and special education teachers are coming together,’ explained Skvorak.
Participants chose from various tracks to learn how to better address classroom needs, offer better support to students, help children feel confident and ready to learn, and make music accessible for all students. The day concluded with an expert panel and roundtable discussions. CJL Principal Sherri Baron noted, “Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many music educators specifically requesting annual continuation of the event.” School administrators are gathering feedback on the summit, which was held during Music in Our Schools Month, and hope to make the event an annual tradition. Read the full story here.
Devenny Brickett is named Sanford Regional Technical Center’s 2025 Student of the Year.
Photo courtesy of Sanford School Department
SRTC names the 2025 Student of the Year: Devenny Brickett, a junior at Massabesic High School and a student in the Health Occupations program at Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC), has been named SRTC’s 2025 Student of the Year. Brickett’s accomplishments are many. Currently president of the Class of 2026 and vice president of the Student Council, Brickett demonstrates natural leadership abilities among her peers. She is a member of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, has accumulated over 200 community service hours during her high school career, participates in indoor track and softball, and is active in competitive dance.
Brickett’s journey toward earning her Certified Nursing Assistant license at SRTC has been marked by exceptional punctuality, compassionate kindness, and impressive time management skills. In addition, her clinical abilities have set a high standard among her peers, showcasing both technical proficiency and genuine care for others. She has also balanced rigorous technical training with the development of interpersonal skills crucial to patient care.
Already certified in First Aid and CPR, Brickett aims to become a registered nurse, with a particular interest in palliative care. Her passion for working with elderly residents shines through in her own words: “Being able to connect with residents, show up for them consistently, and hopefully brighten their day has always been part of my plan.” Read the full story here.
Impressive performances and all that jazz: Sanford High School jazz students participated in the Maine State Jazz Festival, held at Lake Region High School in Naples, on March 14. The in-school jazz group received a silver medal, the afterschool jazz group was awarded a bronze medal, and the jazz combo received a silver medal. Hailey Francoeur, band director, worked with all three groups over the past few months to prepare them for the festival.
Individual performances were also given, with the following students receiving high ratings on their solos: Elijah Baker, Quang Lam, Tim McGee, Jason Gastonguay, Rebecca Horton, Brennan Reynolds, and Evan Lynch. Additionally, Tim McGee and Jason Gastonguay each received an Outstanding Musicianship Award for their playing in the jazz combo. Read the full story in The Spartan Times here.
SRTC event showcases student success and business collaboration: Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) held its annual Celebrating Partnerships event on March 19, bringing together local business partners, educators and students to highlight successful program advisory councils and internships, and to strengthen community connections. SRTC Director Matt Petermann welcomed attendees, expressing his gratitude for their support and emphasizing the importance of community partnerships for student success. Program advisory committees, composed of local business professionals, play a role in ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to today’s workforce needs. Sally Quarles, SRTC’s Career Aspirations and ELO coordinator, then explained her role in coordinating internships, apprenticeships, and extended learning opportunities, which help students gain hands-on learning to prepare them for real-world careers.
A highlight of the evening was a student panel discussion, which included Brianna Burby, Brian Graffam, Izzy Enos, Hannah Morgan, Deanna Watson, Alex Seebeck, Connor Rice, Natalie Green, Spencer Jourdain and Kadden Veilleux — all sharing their experiences in their respective programs. During the event, representatives from local businesses networked and mingled throughout the venue, exchanging ideas and exploring potential partnerships with SRTC programs. Read the full story here.
Your spring clean-out items could be someone else’s treasure: St. Thomas School’s annual Spring Fever Fair is coming up on May 4. That means the fair organizers are looking for gently used items for the yard sale portion of the event. Items such as dishware, small kitchen appliances, home and holiday decor, used books, children’s games and toys, crafting and gardening tools and supplies, small furniture, handbags and luggage may be dropped off April 5 and April 12 between 9 am and 1 pm at St. Thomas School. Keep in mind that no bedding, cushions, stuffed animals, clothing or large furniture will be accepted.
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