Sanford Middle School’s new fishing club demonstrates initiative and teaches leadership skills.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
SMS students get hooked on fishing: A new fishing club at Sanford Middle School wrapped up its first year earlier this month with more than 25 students from grades 5 to 8 participating. Social Worker Brent Coleman helped launch the club after a sixth-grade student he was working with expressed interest in fishing. The student wasn’t connecting with traditional sports or existing clubs, but when he mentioned wishing the school had a fishing club, Coleman saw an opportunity.
Together, they spent months designing the club from the ground up, establishing safety guidelines for off-campus activities. The club attracted community support as well. School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain volunteered as a club facilitator. In addition, the Sanford Police Department got involved, purchasing individual fishing poles, which each member could keep permanently, and donating additional equipment.
The club serves multiple purposes beyond fishing instruction, including creating leadership opportunities across grade levels. “The kids who know how to fish, we’re asking them to use their leadership skills to teach and help us help the kids,” Coleman explained. “It’s really going to build connection and embrace their leadership skills.”
For those who miss the school year planner being front and center: The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. The first days of school are: Sept. 2 for students in grades 1 to 9 and Sanford Regional Technical Center; Sept. 3 for students in kindergarten and grades 10 to 12; and Sept. 4 for pre-kindergarten students. The last day of school will be June 9 (if no snow days are needed). Access the full calendar here.
Celebrate Christmas in July and support Sanford Music Boosters: A fundraiser at Hammer & Stain York County, 890 Main St., Suite 205, Sanford, will be held on July 27, 11 am, to help the Sanford Marching Band celebrate the nation’s “Semiquincentennial Salute to America,” its 250th anniversary, in Philadelphia in 2026. Participants will create Faux Sea Glass Trees, with proceeds supporting the band. Pre-registration, which closes July 20 at 6 pm, is required. To sign up, go here.
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