School Notes
- May 2nd 2025
- School Notes
Matthew Bourassa, eighth grader at Sanford Middle School, traded his way to first place in a Maine stock market competition.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Five SMS students among top 10 investors in Maine competition: Sanford Middle School (SMS) students recently demonstrated their financial savvy in a statewide stock market competition, with five students placing in the top 10 across the entire state. The six-week competition, which began in early 2025, gave students $100,000 in virtual money to invest, and hopefully grow, in the stock market. Eighth-grader Matthew Bourassa claimed first place in the overall individual rankings, winning $100 and a box of prizes. His fellow SMS students followed close behind, with Jacob Hill taking second place ($75 and prizes), Izzy Burns securing third, Jarezz Jackson in fourth, and Madi Dulle rounding out the school’s showing at sixth — all impressive accomplishments given that the competition included students from colleges and high schools as well. The students joined the competition as part of their financial literacy education, where they’ve been learning about savings, checking, investing, debit, credit and other financial concepts before participating in the stock market game.
“I wasn’t expecting to win at all,” said Bourassa. “I was in like 40th place, I think, the day before.” What changed his fortunes was a volatile market day and some timely advice from SMS Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) teacher Tara Houle. “The stock market, everything just went crazy, and Miss Houle told us all to sell,” Bourassa explained. “So I sold, and I woke up the next morning, checked my ranking… I was in first.” Both Bourassa and fellow eighth-grader Burns pointed out the biggest lessons they learned in the competition — to “trust your gut” and follow the classic investment advice: “buy low and sell high.” Read the full story here.
Kindergarteners-to-be explore the playground next: Incoming Kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to take part in the next stop on the Kindergarten Trail, which is a series of events offered by the Sanford School Department that aims to make each child’s transition to kindergarten go smoothly. Playground Exploration is the theme on May 8, from 5 pm to 6 pm, where incoming students can explore their school’s playground, connect with teachers and staff, get a free Sanford First 10 book, and perhaps even make a new friend.
MCS delivers fun lessons about health and wellness: Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School recently hosted a Wellness Fair, offering students a variety of hands-on activities that promoted health, safety and social-emotional learning. Students planted seeds, learned about bike safety, watched fire safety demonstrations, and received cosmetology tips among other interactive presentations. Perhaps the biggest hit, though, was letting students pedal their way to a healthy treat on a smoothie bike. The fair wrapped up with an assembly focused on the theme of cooperation while celebrating teamwork, community and wellness.
SMS students navigate financial futures with Junior Achievement: Seventh-grade students at Sanford Middle School (SMS) recently participated in the annual “JA in a Day: Economics for Success” program, a day-long event that immerses students in financial literacy concepts to prepare them for future financial independence. Junior Achievement pairs volunteers from the business community with classrooms to teach students about personal finance. Financial professionals from the local community, including representatives from Tyler Technologies, Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Partners Bank, United Way and Kennebunk Savings Bank, guided students through practical workshops focused on budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, understanding credit, and planning for future income.
Students explored important questions about saving, spending, and career planning throughout the day. They learned from the volunteers who shared personal experiences from their professional journeys, emphasizing how skills and interests can translate into career paths. The presentations encouraged students to reflect on their own strengths and consider how these might shape their future opportunities. According to social studies teacher Erin Barry, SMS has been partnering with Junior Achievement of Maine for over a decade.
SPE celebration showcases the fruits of students’ months-long labor: Sanford Pride Elementary School recently held its annual Celebration of Learning event, featuring a vibrant art show and grade-level concerts — all showcasing student talent and creativity. Families were invited to explore the school’s hallways, which were transformed into art galleries displaying student artwork and classroom exhibits that had been months in the making. Each evening featured musical performances from different grade levels, with kindergarten and first grade students performing Monday, second and third grade students on Tuesday, and fourth grade students closing the celebration on Thursday. Music teacher Meghan Mannino expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments: “Students in grades K-4 work on concert music, art projects, and classroom exhibits over several months. This week, students finally had their special nights to share their learning with family members, friends, teachers and the community.”
