The annual Character Carnival at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School aims to build a community of enthusiastic readers and compassionate citizens.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Bringing books to life at MCS: Last month, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School celebrated literacy and positive values as families gathered for the annual Character Carnival. The event featured interactive literacy games, engaging storytime stations, and hands-on activities that brought favorite book characters to life. Students and their families moved through various stations, collecting stamps on their “character passports” while strengthening values through literature. Staff, parent volunteers and community partners contributed their time and resources to put on the event.
Educators learn about substance abuse trends and warning signs: Last month Brian O’Keefe, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, visited Sanford Middle School to provide middle and high school staff with information about current substance use trends affecting New England communities. The presentation covered important insights to help educators better understand the challenges faced by students and how to recognize warning signs.
You get the food, they get the bucks: Ted’s Fried Clams, 890 Main St. in Sanford, is holding a Dining for a Cause event on April 10, from 11 am to 7 pm. For every purchase made during this time — whether it be dine in, take out or curbside delivery — Ted’s will donate 20% of the bill to St. Thomas School.
SHS freshmen win drug awareness contest: Four Sanford High School freshmen have been recognized as state winners in the annual Elks Drug Awareness Video Contest. The ninth-grade students — Adeline Fraser, Anna Brown, Allison Horton and Joshua Fogarty — created a video centered around this year’s theme: “Don’t Let Drugs Ruin Your Future.” Their achievement continues a streak of success as members of the group had previously won at the state level in sixth and seventh grades as well. The students will be honored at a state banquet in Waterville on May 3 and 4, where they will have their video showcased. To read the full story and watch the video, go here.
Sanford Middle School staff display banners with three of the school’s principles, the focus of several programs designed to create a supportive environment for students.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Grant makes a positive impact at SMS: A three-year Stronger Connections Grant, currently in its first year of implementation at Sanford Middle School, is aiming to create a more positive, supportive environment where students feel respected, responsible and connected to their school community. Several innovative programs, which have been developed with the input of student ideas and voices, are being implemented through the grant.
One program is a weekly raffle in which students who demonstrate three specific principles — being safe, responsible and respectful — have their names entered into their grade-level raffle for the chance to win prizes. These principles also appear on colorful banners throughout the school, reminding students of expectations in every area of the building. Coming soon is another recognition program called Spartan Medallion, which recognizes students who consistently demonstrate exemplary behavior throughout the school. These students will receive privileges like early lunch dismissal and other rewards designed with input from fellow students.
Other events and workshops are being planned so families can participate, offering them ways to engage with their children’s learning and strengthen school-home connections. Read the full story here.
Grocery purchases can earn money for Sanford schools: The 2025 Hannaford Helps Schools program has officially launched. This year, there are over 1,500 participating products that will help earn money for schools. For every four participating products purchased, shoppers will earn three School Dollars, which will be displayed on their receipt at checkout. Shoppers can then select the school they want to donate to on the Hannaford redemption website or by using the Hannaford Helps Schools app. Several Sanford schools are participating in the program, which runs through June 7. FMI, go here.
SMS band receives superior rating at festival: Sanford Middle School’s eighth grade band achieved a “Superior” rating, the highest honor possible, at the Maine Band Directors’ Association Concert Band Festival, held March 26 at South Portland High School. The band, which includes some seventh graders, performed three pieces, including two selections previously performed at Band Fest. In addition, the festival included a sight-reading exercise requiring the band to learn and perform a completely new piece of music after just a few minutes of preparation time. “I could not be more proud of their hard work in preparation, their focus during the performance, and the way they represented Sanford at the festival,” said Erica Scarano, the band’s director. “This is the only festival of its kind in Maine, providing an excellent opportunity for students to perfect their musical pieces and perform under pressure.”
Students, see what happens on the Senate floor: Students in Maine have a unique opportunity to see first-hand what happens during a legislative session at the State House. Maine Senator Matthew Harrington recently shared some details on how students can participate. Students from third grade through high school are invited to serve in the Senate Chamber as Honorary Pages when the Senate is in session. Honorary Pages have the opportunity to see what it’s like to work on the floor of the Senate and be part of a legislative session. Pages perform such duties as delivering messages to senators and distributing amendments and supplements in the Chamber. In addition, the State House is open to visitors year-round Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Guided group tours, which run hourly between 9 am and noon, may be arranged through the Maine State Museum. Visitors may take a self-guided tour any time the building is open. FMI on the Honorary Page Program, go here.
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