School Notes

St. Thomas School students operate drones in the classroom airspace under the watchful eye of the FAA’s Ed Cormier, a space education program analyst.

Photo: St. Thomas School

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Drone pilots in the making: Students at St. Thomas School learned all about drones on Oct. 8 when Ed Cormier, an analyst with the Aviation and Space Education Program at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), visited the school. Students in grades 3 through 8 learned about the anatomy of a drone, operating rules and usage (including in the areas of public safety, agriculture and photography), and careers involving drones. The highlight, however, was the opportunity for students to operate the drones themselves within the classroom. Cormier will provide a total of six lessons to the students since the school is officially an “adopted school” under the FAA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Aviation and Space Education Program. Through the program, the FAA helps students learn more about civil and commercial aviation as well as the critical role that STEM plays in aeronautics.

Credit for real-world experience: Sanford High School offers many ways for students to gain credit outside of traditional classrooms through Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs). Through the program, students engage in long-term experiences in an area of interest at a business or organization, all while receiving credit. Students work with a learning team comprised of other students, teachers, mentors and Sally Quarles, the ELO coordinator. The goal is for students to gain real-world experience, based on their interests, before graduating from high school. Read the full story here.

Sanford elementary schools request your help during Socktober: During the month of October, the front offices at all Sanford elementary schools are collecting new socks and underwear, kids’ sizes XS through XL, for students in need. Your donations of new items only will help the schools stock their clothing closets. All donations can be sent to the school’s front office. Alternatively, donation boxes are available from 8 am to 3:30 pm in each school’s vestibule.

Photo: Sanford School Department

Small acts make a big difference: Students in the Life Skills program at Sanford Middle School (SMS) are making a difference by collecting aluminum can tabs to help children with cancer. The tabs, when recycled, generate funds for the Ronald McDonald House, supporting its mission to provide housing and resources for the families of children with cancer while the children receive treatment. Through this project, the students have learned how small actions can significantly impact the lives of others.

Two Sanford schools are lovin’ it: Athletic programs at Sanford High School and Sanford Pride Elementary School were beneficiaries of a fundraiser conducted by the McDonald’s franchises on Main Street last week, according to a press release. The fast-food restaurants dedicated 20 percent of digital app sales for a six-hour period on Oct. 10. This event was part of a New England-wide initiative that drew participation from 130 McDonald’s restaurants.

St. Thomas gets a visit from the SFD: On Oct. 10, during National Fire Prevention Week, the Sanford Fire Department visited students at St. Thomas School. Students brushed up on general fire safety skills, learned about a firefighter’s protective gear, and even toured a fire truck and ambulance.