School Sports & Activities Get the Green Light

by Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools

The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Maine Department of Education announced on Friday that York County is moving back to green according to its Health Advisory System rating (red, yellow, green). This was an additional, interim assessment; government agencies will resume their normal bi-weekly review next Friday.

This change in rating does not affect the Sanford School Department’s current academic program or schedule, but it does mean we will be able to reintroduce some extracurricular and athletic activities.

Even though there are only a few weeks left in the fall season, students will be able to participate in select extracurricular and athletic activities. This is good news for our students and advisors/coaches who have been patient and followed established protocols and procedures. The plan is for many of our traditional fall activities to resume next week, each adhering to all safety guidelines put in place by the Maine DOE’s Return to School Framework and the Maine Principals’ Association’s School Sports Guidance.

The Athletic Department has been working closely with coaches to offer athletic opportunities that meet these established safety guidelines and may include drills-and-skills and scrimmages/games. The plan is to have recognized Sanford High School fall sports hold practices next week before playing competitively in preparation for next Friday’s Maine CDC designation. Sanford Middle School fall athletics are also scheduled to begin next week.

Specific information regarding athletics and other extracurricular activities including music, art and club offerings will be made available as soon as plans have been finalized.