School Notes

Students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School enjoy new playground equipment, part of the school’s multi-phase playground upgrade project.

Photo: Sanford School Department

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

CJL students can’t wait for recess: Thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from the Gerard and Gertrude Genest Charitable Trust, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation recently purchased a spinner, Cozy Cocoons and Bernie the Bus for the Carl J. Lamb Elementary School (CJL) playground. “This is Phase 2 of the recent upgrades at the CJL playground. Their donation helps fill in the gaps between our current equipment here and other Sanford schools,” said CJL PTA President Lydia Lehoux, who noted the team thoughtfully chose structures that also benefit the special education students at the school. Phase 3 calls for painting the older structures to give them a visual boost and integrate them with the new equipment.

Middle school leaders in the making: Nearly 20 students from Sanford Middle School (SMS) recently attended the Maine Youth Action Network’s Leadership Summit in Augusta. Over the course of more than two days at Thomas College, these young leaders connected with students from across Maine, gained hands-on experience with professional multimedia equipment, toured the State House, networked with nonprofit organizations, and participated in leadership workshops. These students now look forward to applying these new skills at SMS to benefit the school community.

SHS welcomes new NHS members: Sanford High School celebrated the induction of its newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS) during a ceremony held in the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 19. The event highlighted the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, service and character — the four pillars at the heart of the organization. During the ceremony, the club’s elected officers were pinned: Quang Lam (president), Alexis Hayward (vice president), Mckenna Nanartowich (secretary) and Savannah Knight (treasurer). Congratulations to all the new inductees: Cole Adawadkar, Summer Bowtell, Kallu Charron, Cayce Chevalier, Grace Pearson, Connor Rice, Ben Terril, Olivia Adornetto, Bradi Boissonneault, Evelyn Cole, Addison Gendreau, Lily Gillis, Matthew Hebert, Rebecca Horton, Ava Hudson, Linda-Rose Krol, Hannah Labbe, Isabelle McCall, Matthew Melvin, Madison Nadeau, Sophie Olivo, Connor Pickering, Taiga Poppas, Perrin Shaw, Leah Soucy, Annalise Stimmell, Rachel Tanguay and Lydia Treadwell. Read the full story here.

https://www.sanford.org/o/sanford-high-school/article/1889652

Sanford High School Peer Helpers take their lunch buddies on a bowling field trip.

Photo: Beth Letourneau

Lunch Buddies enjoy pizza and pins: On Nov. 14, seven members of the Sanford High School Peer Helpers Club took their lunch buddies on a field trip to Bowl-A-Rama. The outing, attended by Peer Helpers Sadie Sevigny (secretary), Paige Sevigny (president), Rory White (vice president), Audrey Payeur, Hailey Payeur, Matty Hebert and Zoey McCann, included pizza, lemonade and water. In addition to Lunch Buddies, Peer Helpers Club members plan other activities including This is Us, the Thanksgiving Food Drive and more.

New SPE program benefits adults and students: A new mentorship program at Sanford Pride Elementary School (SPE) is bringing community members and students together to help children with relationships and aspirations. The program, launched this fall, pairs carefully selected adult volunteers with third-grade students for regular mentoring sessions focused on personal growth and development. The monthly sessions focus on key developmental areas supporting student success: building a sense of belonging within the school community, setting and achieving personal goals, developing essential social skills, and fostering stronger academic engagement. Principal Susan Inman brought the program to SPE based on its success at her former school. Currently serving six students with three dedicated mentors, the program aims to expand to 20 students and 10 mentors next year.

Musical and visual arts students recognized at SHS: Sanford High School’s Performing Arts Center hosted an evening of artistic recognition on Nov. 25, beginning with the Tri-M Music Honor Society induction ceremony, followed by the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) induction, celebrating excellence in visual arts. The evening opened with Hailey Francoeur welcoming attendees to the Tri-M ceremony, followed by Rebecca Horton performing the National Anthem. Congratulations to the 12 new members who were inducted into Tri-M, recognizing their commitment to musical excellence and community engagement: Hope Abbott-Eaton, Elijah Baker, Calleigh Bill, Keaghan Gagnon, Jason Gastonguay, Rebecca Horton, Quang Lam, Timothy McGee, Jack McNelly-Kleinrock, Brennan Reynolds, Jordan Small and Lydia Treadwell.

The ceremony also celebrated students selected for prestigious regional and state ensembles. Multiple students were chosen for the MMEA District 1 Honors Festival, where they will work with renowned conductors at Noble High School in January. Additionally, Hope Abbott-Eaton, Calleigh Bill, Lillian Poto and Meredith Schoenherr were selected for the MMEA All-State ensembles, while Quang Lam earned the distinction of being selected for Jazz All-State.

The NAHS induction followed the music honors. Elsie Gendron, NAHS chapter president, led the ceremony alongside fellow officers Daviney Sar, vice president, Hannah Morgan, treasurer, and Corinna Vitale, secretary. Congratulations to the new NAHS inductees: Kallu Charron, Rebecca Horton, Payton Kimball, Levi Mann and Leah Soucy. The evening concluded with an invitation to Open Studios and performances in the Agora and Red Wing, allowing families to experience student artistry firsthand. Read the full story here.

https://www.sanford.org/o/sanford-high-school/article/1895524

Deck the halls with boughs from SRTC: Landscape and Horticulture students at Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) have been working hard to prepare for their Botanical Bonanza Holiday Plant Sale. Stop by the SRTC greenhouse until Dec. 20 during its hours of operation, 8 am to 10 am and 11 am to 1 pm (when school is in session) to purchase holiday greenery for the season. Wreaths and floral arrangements may be ordered at plantsplus@sanford.org. House plants and succulents are also available.