This edition celebrates the launch of the 2025-2026 school year with highlights from our District-Wide Welcome Back Event and new teacher orientation. You'll discover how Sanford students are making headlines in local sports, learn about our prestigious Presidential Teaching Award recipient, and read our Employee Spotlight. The newsletter also covers our expanding First 10 Community School program, introduces new mobile apps for staying connected, and provides important information about free meals, attendance awareness, and community resources.
Sanford Kicks off 2025-2026 School Year
The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch.
Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage.
School Department Welcomes New Teachers
The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday, August 26th. The program provided new staff with essential tools and connections needed for a strong start to the school year.
Superintendent Matt Nelson opened the morning with greetings and introductions of administrators and School Committee members in the Performing Arts Center. The technology orientation, led by newly hired Technology Director Leesa Joiner, equipped educators with essential digital skills for navigating the district's technological resources, including email systems, the Sanford website, and acceptable use policies.
Sanford Students in the News
Three Sanford High School student-athletes were featured in the Portland Press Herald's fall sports previews. Senior Brady Boissonneault was named one of 30 football players to watch in southern Maine, sophomore Hailey Payeur was highlighted as a standout field hockey player, Sophie Olivo in girls soccer was also named, and junior Ivo Mpeko was recognized among notable boys soccer players this season. (Note: The articles below may require a Portland Press Herald subscription)
Diana Allen Honored at Maine Education Summit for Presidential Teaching Award
Diana Allen
Sanford Middle School science teacher Diana Allen was recently honored at the Maine Department of Education Annual Summit in August as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Back in January, Allen was one of 336 educators nationwide to receive the award, which is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can get from the U.S. government.
Allen, who was initially selected as one of three Maine state finalists, completed an intensive application process that required demonstrating deep content knowledge and adaptability to diverse learning environments.
Employee Spotlight
The Sanford School Department is spotlighting employees at all of our schools. If you know an employee who you feel should be highlighted, please email Sam Bonsey ([email protected]) or fill out the employee spotlight form here. This spotlight is on Margaret Chase Smith nurse Melissa Phillips.
Melissa Phillips
How long have you been working in the Sanford School Department?
This will be my fifth year working in Sanford Schools. I was the district float nurse for 2 years and this will be my third year at MCS.
What is your favorite part about working in Sanford?
I love working with and taking care of all my elementary school students, but I think my favorite part about working here is the incredible team of people I work with. Everyone is respectful, supportive, and uplifting of one another. The people you work with have a significant impact on the day to day workplace experience. I appreciate the positive energy, transparency, and consistency that I see in the day to day. I truly enjoy coming in to work each morning!
September First 10 News
This marks the third and final year of the Maine Department of Education's statewide First 10 pilot grant, and there's so much to celebrate.
This summer brought incredible community connections through events at local playgrounds, the farmers market, family housing complexes, and Pride Elementary. The First 10 team is expanding this fall to include staff from CJL and MCS, ensuring collaborative work reaches across all three elementary schools.
The Maine DOE recently asked for a video highlighting First 10's work here in Sanford. Check it out below to see how community partnerships are making a real difference for our youngest learners and their families.
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Looking for news and notes about events at your child's school? Hoping to keep track of a traveling sports team? Download the Sanford School Department App directly to your mobile device, and you'll be on top of the freshest news from any and all of the Sanford Schools.
Need a tutorial on how to
download our app? Watch the video below.
download our app? Watch the video below.
New Sanford High School Athletics App
Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The new app, powered by Snap! Mobile technology serves as a comprehensive hub for Spartans fans, students, families, and community members. Key features include:
- Real-time game information and schedules - Never miss an important matchup with up-to-date scheduling
- Team updates and news - Follow your favorite Spartans teams throughout their seasons
- Push notifications - Sign up for alerts about games, events, and important announcements
Watch SHS Home Games on Hudl
Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed.
The Hudl platform provides a convenient way to support our student-athletes from anywhere, whether you're traveling, at work, or simply can't make it to the game in person. Games are typically available for viewing shortly after they conclude as well.
To watch Sanford games, follow the link below. You'll need to sign up for a free Hudl account to access the streams. You can bookmark this link for easy access to all upcoming streams.
Additional Links to Stay Updated with the Community
