School Notes
- February 21st 2025
- School Notes
Grade 2 students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School celebrate ancient Greek culture and mythology.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Ancient Greece comes to life at CJL: Second grade students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School transformed their classroom into a slice of ancient Greece during their special Greek Celebration on Feb. 14. After dedicating nearly a month to studying ancient Greek culture and mythology, the students, dressed in creative costumes representing various Greek gods and goddesses, presented their personally crafted books about Greek mythology, with colorful illustrations adorning their work. Classrooms buzzed with excitement as students took turns standing before their peers to share their stories and explain the significance of their chosen deity. The immersive educational experience featured authentic Greek food tasting and allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of ancient Greek culture and mythology.
School department posts letter about school-issued device policies: On Feb. 12, Kerry Hanson, director of technology at the Sanford School Department, issued a letter to parents and guardians regarding department policies on school-issued devices. The letter addressed policies for students in Pre-K through grade 12 related to devices that remain in the classroom as well as those that may be taken home. To read the letter, including tips on how to protect school-issued devices, go here.
SMS students gain insight into law enforcement careers: Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) students at Sanford Middle School had an insightful hands-on learning experience last week at the Sanford Police Department. Students got an inside look at law enforcement careers during their visit, where they engaged with local officers and learned about the important role police play in the community. They had an opportunity to explore specialized equipment and hear firsthand about what it takes to serve in law enforcement.
SHS senior combines coding and music to save musicians time: Through Sanford High School’s Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) program, senior Quang Lam has discovered an exciting way to combine his love of music with his passion for computer programming to help musicians learn new songs more easily. Think of a musician trying to learn their favorite song by ear – listening to it over and over, writing down each note by hand. Lam is working on a computer program, which required him to learn a new programming language, that could perform this task more quickly. “I wanted to see if this process could be automated,” Lam explains. His program would listen to a musical recording and write down the notes, like how speech-to-text programs convert spoken words into written text.
Though the project proved more challenging than expected within the time constraints of his ELO, Lam’s real achievement lies in his ability to tackle complex problems and learn new skills quickly. Afterall, this isn’t his first time thinking outside the box. Last year, Lam conducted research on how weight training techniques could help trumpet players hit higher notes more easily. “Quang is a remarkable student,” says ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles, “and I’m thrilled he had the chance to gain this experience through the Extended Learning Opportunity at Sanford High School with JMG’s (Jobs for Maine Graduates) support.” Read the full story here.
A fun day, from the first puck drop to a post-game skate: The PTAs of Sanford Pride, Carl J. Lamb and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Schools are teaming up with the Maine Mariners to offer students at the three schools discounted tickets to the game on March 23, 3 pm, at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. This game will also celebrate the birthday of the Mariners’ mascot, Beacon, with all kinds of mascots around the concourse as well as face painters and caricature artists. As an added bonus, people can bring their skates to participate in an hour-long open skate after the game. Get discounted tickets here.
Using math to solve real-world engineering challenges: Students at Sanford Middle School (SMS) got a real-world lesson on Feb. 10 during a special visit from transportation systems engineer Mark Love, founder of Engineers Teaching Algebra. Love worked with SMS’s Algebra and Geometry students to tackle an engaging challenge: designing safe traffic intersections. The interactive session brought textbook concepts to life as students used algebraic reasoning to calculate optimal traffic light timing for both three- and four-way intersections. Working like real engineers, they applied proportional thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure safe traffic flow through their designed intersections. The session demonstrated that mathematics isn’t just about memorizing formulas – it’s about creative thinking and practical problem-solving. Students learned that while calculators are valuable tools, success in engineering and mathematics relies on their ability to think logically and approach problems creatively.
Score one for the ball teams: Athletes at Sanford High School (SHS) have a new scorer’s table at the Partner’s Bank Competition Gym this winter, thanks to the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation. The nonprofit group recently funded the $9,100 purchase, which had previously been cut in a tight school budget. Zack Lemelin, SHS athletic director, requested the new table as an opportunity to sell advertising, which supports the athletic department. “The scorer’s table has been an excellent addition to the Athletics Department,” said Lemelin. “We have the ability to post our game-day graphics, along with sponsorships for our local community. It has provided an awesome way to continue to promote our student-athletes and the local businesses that support our school.” The Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation routinely provides additional resources to support educator requests for programs and equipment that are not covered by taxpayer funding.
