Students in the Sanford School Department’s Pre-K program develop creativity and social skills during playtime.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Pre-K lottery opens for 2026-2027 school year: The Sanford School Department has released information regarding the next school year’s Pre-K programs. The department expects to continue offering full-day Pre-K programming, in session Monday – Friday, 8 am – 3 pm, at the three elementary schools (Carl J. Lamb, Margaret Chase Smith and Sanford Pride) as well as at Sanford Regional Technical Center, Sanford-Springvale YMCA, and Kid’s Kove Child Care and Learning Center, which is a new partnership for the department for the 2026-2027 school year. The Pre-K program is free and includes breakfast, lunch and transportation. The department anticipates 128 Pre-K slots will be available. To provide equal opportunity, students will be chosen using a lottery system.
Sanford and Springvale families with children who are 4 years old on or before this coming October 15 and not of kindergarten age are eligible. Children who are 5 years old by October 15 and not enrolled in Sanford’s Pre-K program can enroll in kindergarten by calling one of the elementary schools.
Pre-K registration closes at the end of the day on Friday, Feb. 13. FMI, and to be considered for admittance to the Pre-K program, go here. Contact the Sanford School Department central office at 207-324-2810 with questions.
Young learners explore the animal world: Kindergarten students at Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School capped off their Animal Habitats unit with an in-house field trip on Jan. 9. Chewonki brought a variety of animals to the school for hands-on, interactive presentations that deepened students’ understanding of how animals survive in different environments. Young learners were able to make real-world connections to classroom concepts, sparking curiosity and thoughtful questions throughout the presentations. This event was made possible through funding from the school’s PTA.
Homeschoolers get a league of their own: A Homeschool Bowling League for Winter 2026 starts on Feb. 10. The six-session season will run Tuesdays (Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, and April 7 and 14) from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm or 1 – 3 pm at Bowl-A-Rama, 1217 Main St. in Sanford. Participants will be organized by age groups: Level 1 (ages 4 – 7), Level 2 (ages 8 – 12)and Level 3 (ages 13 – 18). All abilities and special needs are welcome. This is not a drop-off program. FMI, including league cost, contact Amanda Weeden at Sanfordhomeschoolbowling@gmail.com.
Sanford school happenings: For more news from the Sanford School Department, including WMTW’s weather segment from Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, student newspaper coverage and more, read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter here.
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