This issue provides essential back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year. You'll find first day schedules by grade level, open house and orientation dates for all schools, and important upcoming events including the Stuff the Bus supply distribution. The newsletter also introduces new leadership team members, highlights transportation updates with bus route information, and showcases digital resources including the Sanford School Department app and new athletics app.
First Day of School By Grade
Please refer to the updated 2025-2026 School Calendar below for school times and important dates, including early release, vacations, etc. The first day of school will be based on your child's grade:
Pre-K: Thursday, September 4
Kindergarten: Wednesday, September 3
Grades 1-9 and SRTC: Tuesday, September 2
Grades 10-12: Wednesday, September 3
Click here to access the 2025-2026 School Calendar.
Open Houses and Orientation Nights
Our schools have set up open houses to give families and students a chance to meet their teacher(s) and hear some basic information about what to expect as we head into a new school year.
Sanford High School Freshmen and New Student Orientation: Tuesday, August 26, 6-7:30 pm
SRTC Orientation Night: Wednesday, August 27, 6 pm in the Performing Arts Center
SRTC Pre-K: Tuesday, September 2, 5-6 pm
Sanford Middle School: Wednesday, August 27, 5th and 6th Grade, 5-6 pm, 7th and 8th grade, 6-7 pm
Sanford Pride Elementary: Thursday, August 28, 5-6 pm
Margaret Chase Smith Elementary: Thursday, August 28, 5-6 pm
Carl J. Lamb Elementary: Thursday, August 28, 5-6 pm
Upcoming Important Dates to Know
Saturday, August 23: Stuff The Bus at Curtis Lake Church (More info below)
Monday, September 1: No School (Labor Day)
Monday, September 8: School Committee Meeting at 6 pm
Wednesday, September 10: First Early Release Day
Monday, September 15: School Committee Meeting at 6 pm
Transportation
The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans. On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers.
If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number.
Stuff The Bus
To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year:
On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Stuff the Bus Maine will hold its annual school supplies distribution event at Curtis Lake Church on Westview Drive in Sanford. No pre-registration is required.
Please arrive at (not before) your designated time slot based on your child's last name:
- T through Z: 9:00 AM
- N through S: 10:00 AM
- H through M: 11:00 AM
- A through G: 11:30 AM
Recent News
Lindsay Pendleton, Michael Edgar Named New Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School
The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1.
Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems.
"It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said.
Leesa Joiner Named Sanford School Department's New IT Director
The Sanford School Department has appointed Leesa Joiner as its new IT director, bringing more than two decades of technology education experience to the role. Joiner impressed the interview committee with her strong qualifications, school experience and vision for the role.
Joiner, who holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Leadership, has served as both a technology educator and tech integrator at various levels throughout her career.
“The opportunity to help Sanford students and staff use the tools they have to accomplish what they want and need is one of the reasons I was interested in this position,” Joiner said.
Download Our App!
Follow us on the Sanford School Department App!
Looking for news and notes about events at your child's school? Hoping to keep track of a traveling sports team? Download the Sanford School Department App directly to your mobile device, and you'll be on top of the freshest news from any and all of the Sanford Schools.
Need a tutorial on how to
download our app? Watch the video below.
download our app? Watch the video below.
New Sanford High School Athletics App
Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The new app, powered by Snap! Mobile technology serves as a comprehensive hub for Spartans fans, students, families, and community members. Key features include:
- Real-time game information and schedules - Never miss an important matchup with up-to-date scheduling
- Team updates and news - Follow your favorite Spartans teams throughout their seasons
- Push notifications - Sign up for alerts about games, events, and important announcements
Additional Links to Stay Updated with the Community
