Sanford Family Newsletter Logo

May 1, 2026

Good People,

Next week, we take a moment to honor the heart and soul of our school: our amazing teachers. Every day, these dedicated educators go above and beyond to spark curiosity, offer a listening ear, and guide our students through the exciting (and sometimes messy!) years of middle school. Whether they are staying late to explain a math concept, cheering from the sidelines at a game, or finding creative ways to make science come alive, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom. We are so incredibly grateful for their patience, passion, and unwavering commitment to helping every student shine. Please join us in saying a huge "Thank You" to our teachers for all they do!

In Partnership,

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

Six Sanford students were selected to perform their poems at a youth spoken word showcase on Thursday. Their poems were written in science class as part of a residency through COMPAS with Frank Sentwali! Thank you to our PTA for helping us raise the money to bring this program to Sanford.

In recent years, with legislative and funding commitments, MPS has been able to start offering Dakota Language and expand Ojibwe Language. Sanford is proud to offer our students both Dakota and Ojibwe language classes.

We invite our educators, students and families to join us in one of our learning sessions on a Tuesday in May:

May 5 Session Registration 3:15-4:30 PM Virtual
May 12 Session Registration 3:15-4:30 PM Virtual
May 19 Session Registration 3:15-4:30 PM Virtual
May 26 Session Registration 3:15-4:30 PM Virtual

Get ready to celebrate Walk, Bike & Roll to School day on Wednesday, May 6.

Help your student make a plan for that day to walk, bike or roll and then celebrate at Door 4.

Staff and volunteers will be handing out snacks and Walk/Bike/Roll to School swag.

Students can have fun taking photos at the photo booth.
Students can also enter a raffle drawing for a variety of prizes from bike gear to local gift cards.

The PTA is organizing a GROUP RIDE starting at Lake Hiawatha Park at 745am, following the Creek and then heading to Sanford. See the flyer for map and details. We hope many students and parents can join.

Your student will be taking the School Climate Student Survey on Monday May 11. This survey will help us better understand students’ experiences in school and inform changes to improve the school climate.

Data will only be shared as a summary of student responses, and no staff members at our school will have access to individual student responses. Caregivers may request that their student not participate in the survey. For more information about the survey, including which questions will be asked and an opt-out form, visit the Equity and School Climate website.

On May 22nd, 2026, Sanford is holding our 4th annual MYP Community Service/Project Day. Sanford students will spend most of the day (8:40-1:30) with their advisories doing community engagement, service and reflection. Many students will be off campus during this time, please complete the permission form by May 8th so our health office has enough time to prepare to keep us safe and healthy on these trips. It helps to look up your students' advisory teacher and student ID before doing the form. The form will tell you if your student's advisory is staying at Sanford or going into the community.

On May 22nd, 8th graders will complete their own Community Project actions by doing service away from school, with their world studies teacher or helping out with the rest of their advisory. If 8th grade students are doing service away from school, they need to complete the Community Project Proposal/Permission Form and turn it into their World Studies teacher. For more information about 8th grade Community Projects, read the community project 8th grade letter from Ms. Enz.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we're looking for help in showing our amazing Sanford teachers and staff how grateful we are for their support of our students and school community! We need you're help with two of the activities.

If you're in the neighborhood on Sunday, May 3, please stop by school to do some chalk art by the main entrances. Volunteers with chalk will be outside school between 1:00 and 2:00 pm on Sunday, otherwise feel free to stop by on your own when you have time.

A breakfast is being provided to teachers on Thursday, May 7. Please sign up here to bring food items, beverages, or help with set up. Food can be dropped off at school (Door 12 on 42nd Ave) between 7:15 am and 7:45 am Thursday morning, or Wednesday (May 6) between 3:15 pm and 4:00 pm.

The PTA will also be providing a staff lunch on Monday. We are excited to show the teachers and staff how much we appreciate all that they give to our students!

Movie Night is Friday, May 8th

Fall Movie Night Rescheduled to May 8th! Let's try again for a rain free evening of fun! Sanford PTA will host our annual movie night on Friday - May 8th at 7:45pm. Our movie this year will be the Minecraft Movie. The PTA will be making popcorn for everyone! Students, families, and staff are invited. See you there!

We need parent volunteers for movie night! Contact Allison Bodkin at sanfordmspta@gmail.com if you are interested.

Gertens Plant Pick Up

If you ordered plants from the Gertens PTA Fundraiser, the pick up will be on May 6th at Sanford from 2:00p-6:00p.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 19th from 6:00p-7:30p in the media center at Sanford. Enter through the main entrance. All are welcome!

To contact us or to sign up for our email notifications, please send an email to: sanfordmspta@gmail.com.

Website

Facebook