SCHOOL NOTES

Students at Sanford Pride Elementary School took center stage in a Living Wax Museum on Jan. 19. 

Photo: Sanford School Department 

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Elementary students bring historical figures to life: Sanford Pride Elementary School hosted a Living Wax Museum on the cafeteria stage on Friday, Jan. 19. This event showcased the dedication and hard work of the participating students, who explored the lives of famous world changers such as Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, Neil Armstrong and many more. Students researched some of their favorite influential people and created informative reports, which served as the foundation for their presentation. To enhance the experience, each student also crafted a backdrop for the people they selected. Students dressed as their chosen historical figures and shared insights into their lives through short speeches. During the event, friends and families were encouraged to walk around and interact with the exhibits. 

Building connections from the start: The Sanford School Department is offering a Play and Learn Series running Feb. 27 through April 2. For families with children 0-3 years old, this free, six-week program invites guardians and children to learn, play and build connections. Each week, families will enjoy an hour of engaging activities. FMI and to submit your interest in participating, go here. 

Own your future by learning new skills: Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) is holding an Admissions Open House at 100 Alumni Blvd. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. For any students considering applying to SRTC for next year, here is an opportunity to learn more about the center, meet its instructors, see the classroom/lab spaces and learn more about what life would be like as a student in one of its programs. No registration is needed. 

Author’s visit promotes childhood literacy and her newest book: Ashlee Ridlon’s Author Visit at Sanford Community Adult Education on Jan. 27 was attended by over 30 families. The local children’s author read her newest book, Bad Butter, and had the children in attendance participating and laughing. Each family received a free copy of the book. Ms. Ridlon, a former kindergarten teacher who now works as a long-term substitute teacher to allow time for writing, has graciously and enthusiastically agreed to return for another visit in the future. 

Pre-K lottery opens this month: Sanford’s Pre-K lottery for the 2024-2025 school year opens Monday, Feb. 26. Children who are four years of age on or before Oct. 15, 2024, are eligible. Pre-K programs are offered at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School, Sanford Pride Elementary School and Sanford Regional Technical Center. These free programs focus on literacy, numeracy and math skills, creativity, health and nutrition, and social-emotional development. There are 96 slots available, and selections are based on a lottery. If a child is selected, additional documents would be required for registration. A Google survey will be available on the Sanford School Department website and on Facebook on Feb. 26 to enter a child in the lottery. Read the informational flyer here.