School Notes

The Sanford High School Marching Band performs their “Beacon” production to earn gold at the Maine Band Directors’ Association finals competition on Oct. 26.

Photo: Sanford School Department

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Nothing but gold for SHS marching band: The Sanford High School (SHS) Marching Band put on a gold-medal performance on Oct. 26 at the Maine Band Directors’ Association state finals held at Alumni Stadium. This year’s “Beacon” production earned five-star ratings across all categories, including music, general effect, color guard, percussion, visual, and drum major. The production, drawing inspiration from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poems “The Lighthouse” and “The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls,” celebrated the majesty of Maine’s coastal lighthouses, bringing their strength and beauty to life through music and movement. “These guys continued to pursue excellence and reached new heights this year,” said SHS Music Director Hailey Francoeur.

SHS mentors gain experience and provide classroom support: A number of Sanford High School (SHS) students are making a significant impact in the district’s elementary and middle schools through a longstanding mentoring program. The initiative, which began more than 15 years ago, allows high school students to earn elective credit or fulfill community service requirements while providing valuable support to younger Sanford students. Seniors in good academic standing can apply to become mentors. Among this semester’s mentors is SHS senior Tala Soule, who assists in Laura Houle’s second-grade math class at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School four days a week for an hour. A total of 10 SHS students are serving as mentors across the district this semester, ensuring the program’s positive impact is felt throughout the community. The program offers more than just community service hours. It provides students with real-world experiences that can shape their future career paths. Read the full story here.

Remote learning Nov. 5 for SHS, SRTC students: Since voting will take place at Sanford High School on Nov. 5, a remote learning day is scheduled for Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center. Students will not attend classes on campus that day as all learning activities will be conducted remotely. Students will access their assignments through Google Classroom. Staff will be present on campus. FMI, read the letter from Principal Tracy Gibson here.

Meet and greet for college and career planning: This year’s annual College and Career Fair for students of Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center will take place on campus in the Competition Gym on Nov. 7. FMI, including a list of fair participants, go here.