Sanford students in the Jobs for Maine Graduates program sort and organize toys for distribution through Toys for Tots.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
JMG students spread holiday cheer: Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) students at Sanford Middle School and Sanford High School brought the spirit of giving to life last month when they volunteered with Toys for Tots. JMG students in grade 7 worked with the high school students to load, count and sort thousands of toys, organizing them for distribution. The following day, JMG students in grade 8 helped families shop for toys, supporting them during what can be an emotional experience for many parents. This service opportunity allowed the students to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors while gaining valuable perspective on the needs within the community. One student shared, “I feel really good after doing that. Like I made a great choice and really did something important.”
College aid: Maine students kicking off their college career in 2026 may now apply for the Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship, which opened for online application on Jan. 1. MES Foundation will award 20 Maine residents with a $5,000 scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years. The scholarship deadline is April 1. Learn more here.
New home for SHS student news: Sanford High School’s student newspaper, The Spartan Times, has a new home online. To stay up to date on news, sports, features and more, visit spartan-times.org.
Schools share literacy success with Maine districts: When educators from other Maine school districts wanted to see excellent literacy instruction in action, they looked to Sanford. Recently, teachers from Sebago and Yarmouth spent time in classrooms at Sanford Middle School and Sanford Pride Elementary School, observing lessons and taking notes on what makes the schools’ reading programs so successful. They observed lessons, asked questions, and saw firsthand how students are learning to read and write.
The Sanford School Department has been using a comprehensive reading program designed to help all students become strong readers. The program uses research-based methods that teach reading skills in a structured, step-by-step way — from letter sounds and phonics to reading comprehension and building knowledge about the world.
A notable accomplishment: Sanford High School announced on Dec. 19 that this year’s selection of eight students for the MMEA BOC All-State Music Festival is the school’s best showing yet. Named to the All-State Mixed Chorus were 11th graders Callia Curtis, Jack Van Gieson, and Keaghan Gagnon, 10th grader Logan Hamblin, and 12th grader Ryan Kane. Ava Fagan, grade 11, was named to the All-State Treble Chorus. Selected for All-State Band were Alexandra Herring, grade 10, and Wren Trivillino, grade 11.
A student from Carl J. Lamb Elementary School tests his wreath-making skills during the STARS Holiday Party on Dec. 22 at Sanford Regional Technical Center.
Photo: Sanford School Department
SRTC brings joy to young students at STARS party: Students from Carl J. Lamb Elementary School enjoyed a day filled with holiday cheer and hands-on activities at Sanford Regional Technical Center’s annual STARS Holiday Party on Dec. 22. The event, organized and hosted by SRTC’s SkillsUSA students, featured festive activities including cookie decorating, ornament making, and wreath crafting. Pre-K students added extra excitement to the day with their adventurous search for the Gingerbread Man. SRTC students demonstrated leadership and community service skills while creating memorable experiences for the young students. SRTC has been hosting the annual holiday party for students for over 20 years.
Library session for homeschool families: The next Homeschool Meet-Up at Springvale Library is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, at 10 am. The topic for this session is “Winter Wellness” with Jeanne Scully. Families that are homeschooling are welcome to join. Meet-ups are held the second Friday of the month at 10 am. For assistance in finding books to supplement the homeschool curriculum, contact Sheila Dube at sdube@springvalelibrary.org.
New date set for SHS dance competition: A Dec. 30 social media post by The Spartan Times announced that the Dancing With the Stars fundraiser at Sanford High School will be held on Friday, March 20. The event was originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 23 in the school’s Partners Bank Competition Gym.
A chance to meet new friends: Toddler Time at Sanford Community Adult Education, 668 Main St. in Sanford, starts again on Friday, Jan. 16. The free program runs every Friday, 9 – 11 am, through May 29. Toddler Time is a time for caregivers and their tots, ages 18 months – 4 years, to socialize. The classroom is filled with developmentally appropriate toys and hands-on activities. Caregivers must attend with their toddler. To register, go to sanfordlearns.com. FMI, call 207-490-5145.
PTA supports kids in need over winter break: Thanks to direct donations and coordination of the Community Support Subcommittee, the Margaret Chase Smith PTA was able to send bags of food staples home to cover the gap over winter break for food-insecure families. In addition, the subcommittee added snow pants to the school’s Coyote Closet for children who forgot or cannot afford winter items. The PTA also donated 20 sleds to the school for winter recess play.
Sanford school happenings: For more news from the Sanford School Department, including winter concert performances, the SMAA Leadership Summit held at Sanford High School, and links to the various schools’ newsletters, read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter here.
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