School Notes
- January 10th 2025
- School Notes
St. Thomas School alums gathered at River Junction Brewing on Dec. 27, marking the school’s first alumni gathering.
Photo: St. Thomas School
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
The holidays marked a special celebration for St. Thomas graduates: Thirty-five alums and their families attended St. Thomas School’s inaugural alumni gathering on Dec. 27 at River Junction Brewing. The alums had the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and reflect upon their years at St. Thomas School. A shout-out went to the event organizers, Elijah Alexandre, 2011, and Ericka Sanborn 1992, for their work in planning this memorable evening.
SHS band looks to score big at Maine Mariners hockey game: Sanford High School’s band has been selected to represent the state of Maine in the “Semiquincentennial Salute to America” Independence Day Parade in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026 — marking America’s 250th birthday celebration in the city where our nation began. In addition to performing, the students will have the opportunity to visit historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Museum of the American Revolution, and much more. To help cover the expenses associated with this unique opportunity, the Sanford Music Boosters are holding a fundraiser with the Maine Mariners on Feb. 2 at 3 pm at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. The Pep Band will perform during intermission at the hockey game versus the Worcester Railers, and a portion of all ticket sales will go to the Music Boosters. Tickets may be purchased here. FMI, email shsmusicboosters@gmail.com or call 207-651-2142.
Kindergarten registration details and more from First 10 Sanford: The January newsletter from First 10 Sanford is now available. This issue provides information on the 2025-2026 Kindergarten Trail, beginning with a community-wide registration night to be held Feb. 26 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at 708 Main St. in Sanford. This initiative features multiple events designed to help families and future kindergartners transition smoothly into school life, including kindergarten exploration sessions, playground visits and screening appointments. Access the newsletter here.
Who doesn’t need help filling out that complicated FAFSA application? The Finance Authority of Maine is holding a FAFSA Help Night at Sanford High School’s SRTC Career Planning Center on Jan. 15, 6 to 7:30 pm, to help families complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who attend can get expert guidance on the FAFSA process, ensure their application is completed correctly, and ask questions about financial aid.
Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure that both the student’s and parent’s FSA IDs have been created at least four to seven days before the Help Night in order to complete the FAFSA that evening. FMI, including links to start your account, go here.
Say it with flowers and give a local school a boost: St. Thomas School has been selected as the nonprofit partner in the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program for January 2025. This means the school will receive a $1 donation for every specially marked Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold during January at the Sanford Hannaford store.
Inspiring a love of learning: Here is your chance to recognize an educator who has continued to inspire, educate and care for their students. Nominations are now open for the 2025 York County Teacher of the Year and 2026 State Teacher of the Year. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools in the Sanford community. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are not accepted. “The Maine Teacher of the Year program is an excellent opportunity to recognize the extraordinary educators across our state who are dedicated to their schools and communities – and who are engaging, inspiring, and motivating their students every day,” said Pender Makin, commissioner of the Maine Department of Education. Do you have a teacher in mind? Nominations can be submitted on the Maine Teacher of the Year website until 5 pm on Jan. 31. The 2025 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees.
Snap! Crackle! Pop! Cereal donations are needed: Sanford Backpack Program is gearing up for the Winter Break food distribution. The organization is collecting boxes of cereal until Feb. 6 and has set a goal to collect 1,000 boxes. Look for a cereal collection box at Sanford schools.
