Following safety practices keep Sanford students safe as they board the school bus.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Bus stop safety: Winter conditions make bus stop safety more important than ever. With students back to school after the holiday break, the Sanford School Department has shared essential safety practices for parents to review with their children. These important tips cover what to do before the bus arrives, when getting on and off the bus, and when crossing the street. Read the full story on school bus safety here.
For those driving on the roads, remember that all motorists must stop when they see a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm. Anyone who witnesses a vehicle passing a stopped school bus should report it to local law enforcement immediately.
Recognize a deserving educator: Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools among everyone in the Sanford community. The annual program is an opportunity “to celebrate the dedicated, talented educators in our state whose hard work often goes unrecognized,” said Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin.
Nominations are accepted from students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, associations and organizations. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are not accepted. Nominations can be submitted on the Maine Teacher of the Year website until 5 pm on Friday, Jan. 30.
The 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. Through a selection process designed by educators, that pool will then be narrowed to semi-finalists and state finalists before the 2026 Maine State Teacher of the Year is announced in the fall.
Supporting SHS global travelers: The Sanford High School Travel Abroad Program is planning a February trip to Europe for a group of 86 students, parents and chaperones. The program is seeking local sponsors to help purchase t-shirts for each traveler. For $100, the sponsor’s name will appear on the back of the t-shirts. For an additional $50, the program organizers will also send out social media blasts. To support the program, post a comment on the Sanford High School Travel Abroad Program page on Facebook.
Already dreaming about February school vacation? Sanford Parks and Recreation has opened registration for February Vacation Camp, to be held Feb. 16 – 20, for students in Pre-K to grade 6. Activities and field trips are still being finalized, so the schedule will be updated as plans come together. The cost is $200 for residents and $250 for non-residents. Sunday, Feb. 8, is the registration deadline. FMI, and to sign up, go here. Call 207-324-9130 with questions.
Latest news from First 10 Sanford: The January newsletter from First 10 Sanford is now available. It includes tips and activities to boost early brain development in children ages 0 to 4 years as well as information on kindergarten registration and a link to the Sanford Resource Guide. Access the newsletter, which connects families with valuable early childhood opportunities, here.
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