Sanford’s Elementary Schools Off to a Strong Start

By Kendra Williams

At its Sept. 16 meeting, the School Committee heard from the principals of the P-K to grade 4 elementary schools and the special education director.

Sanford Pride School: The current enrollment is 384 students in 22 classrooms. Principal Susan Inman noted the year is off to a positive beginning. New this year will be after school clubs on Tuesdays for third and fourth graders. Some potential projects and enrichment activities have been identified. Also new will be a student leadership team giving students a voice and a mentoring program for students in grade 3. Once again, three trained service dogs will be returning. This will be the second year for the First Ten early childhood grant. One focus of the grant this year will be connecting early learning centers to kindergarten transition. Another is a Basics campaign for parents with children birth to age 3 with tips about developmental levels. Pride Elementary now has its own PTA, which is actively planning events and has already developed a free library stand outside.

Margaret Chase Smith School: The current enrollment is 393 students, 16 of whom are at the SRTC Pre-K Program. Principal Tracie Hallissey shared that tours were conducted for new parents prior to the school opening and an open house was well attended. Some Girl and Boy Scouts attended a PTA meeting as a way of making connections outside of school. Eight fourth graders, who want to help improve the school and give suggestions, helped to welcome younger students. Challenges are being offered to students for academic goals. For the first time, the Fresh Fruits and Veggies program, where students are given the opportunity to try new foods, will be at MCS. Some new playground equipment has been added, including a shade structure.

Carl J Lamb School: The current enrollment is 419 students, with 20 regular and 10 special education classrooms. With the end of ESSR funds, there are fewer classrooms, so class sizes are a little higher this year. Principal Sherri Baron welcomed new Assistant Principal Kristy Richards, as well as several new teachers, ed techs, a literacy coach and an IEP coordinator. The Pre-K program has been successful with students from last year transitioning to kindergarten and knowing the expectations. There’s one Pre-K opening she would love to see filled. Baron expressed appreciation for food service, custodial and technology staff for their summer work and for the bus company and drivers for their efforts. She also thanked Brian Richards, who painted the large clock face on the front of the school. The playground has continued to have many improvements adding to the new equipment last year, including a shade structure. This was made possible by the donation of $50,000 from the Gerard and Gertrude Genest Foundation. Baron welcomed the returning and new PTA leaders and highlighted some events they’re planning.

Special Education: There are currently 865 students in all grades receiving special education services. Special Education Director Stacey Bissell reported that’s an increase of 130 students since last spring. 80 of the students are incoming kindergartners who were identified by Child Development Services.

The Bridge program, which provides specialized programming that helps students to be successful and prevents out-of-district placements, is now serving students in middle and elementary schools in addition to high school students. An open house is being planned for families and the public at their 668 Main St location (the former Willard School). Bissell noted the welcoming artwork at the entrance created by a staff member.