School Notes

Tracy Gibson, Sanford High School principal

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back: Tracy Gibson returned to Sanford, this time as the new principal at Sanford High School (SHS), effective July 22. Gibson started her educational career as a classroom teacher in Sanford. For the last seven years, however, she was at Biddeford High School, where she held the positions of director of the Alternate Pathway Center, truancy/student services coordinator, and curriculum team administrator. While there, Gibson honed her skills in managing comprehensive educational programs and leading initiatives that prioritize the academic and social well-being of students. In her various roles, Gibson collaborated effectively with stakeholders and built strong relationships with students, staff, families and community partners to meet the diverse needs of students. Gibson succeeds Amanda Doyle, who left SHS to become the assistant superintendent in RSU 57. FMI, go here.

Hit the playground running: As the start of school approaches, incoming kindergarten students are invited to attend their school’s Playground Exploration, where they can explore the school playground, meet peers and staff, and enjoy a popsicle. Parents will have the opportunity to learn about the PTA. For Carl J. Lamb and Sanford Pride Elementary Schools, the event will be held Aug. 21, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. For Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School, the date is Aug. 27, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Save the date, too, for the upcoming Kindergarten Orientation and Open House, scheduled for Aug. 29 from 5 pm to 6 pm, where incoming kindergarten students can meet their teachers, see their classroom, and tour the school. These events are planned to help prepare students for their first day of kindergarten on Sept. 4.

Recent SHS grad named Mitchell Scholar: Korrinne Greer, a Sanford High School Class of 2024 graduate, was named a Mitchell Scholar by the Mitchell Institute, a Maine-based non-profit scholarship and research organization founded by Senator George J. Mitchell to improve college outcomes for students from every community in Maine. Greer, one of 184 scholarship recipients representing public high schools statewide, will receive a $10,000 scholarship, as well as ongoing leadership and professional development programming and supplemental funding opportunities for activities related to career development. The 2024 class of Mitchell Scholars will have the support of the broader Mitchell Institute community, including more than 3,600 alumni who mentor Mitchell Scholars and provide them with career networking opportunities. Congratulations on this achievement, Korrinne!