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From the Principal

September 4, 2026

Good People,

As we open our doors for the new school year, our top priority is creating a community where every single student feels safe, seen, heard, and valued. Middle school is a pivotal time of growth, discovery, and self-expression. We are committed to ensuring that our school is a place where your child feels comfortable showing up authentically every day.

Safe: A Foundation of Trust and Care Physical and emotional safety are the bedrock of learning. From clear safety protocols in our hallways to supportive classroom spaces, we work intentionally to create a secure environment where students feel protected, respected, and free to grow.

Seen: Celebrating Every Unique Identity Every student brings a rich tapestry of experiences, talents, and heritage to our building. We celebrate that diversity through our curriculum, student activities, and schoolwide traditions. Our staff is dedicated to noticing the individual strengths of each child and making sure they know they truly belong here.

Heard: Empowering Student Voice Middle schoolers have powerful ideas, strong passions, and unique perspectives. Through morning advisory periods, student leadership groups, and open classroom discussions, we ensure that student voices actively shape our school culture and daily decisions. When students speak, we listen.

Valued: Recognizing Potential and Growth Your student is so much more than a test score or a grade. We honor the hard work, resilience, and personal growth each student demonstrates. Whether excelling academically, exploring the arts, helping a friend, or trying something new, every contribution matters and is celebrated.

We are so grateful for your partnership as we begin this new school year together!

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

Essential Details for Week One

First Day Schedule: School opens at 8:30am on Tuesday September 8. The final bell rings to dismiss students at 3:20pm.
Free Breakfast and Lunch: We are grateful to have free meals for all students again this year!
Arrival & Dismissal: Bus routes are posted in infinite campus parent portal and the myride app. Walkers, Bikers, and Car drop-off is located at door 4. Caregivers are not allowed inside the building during arrival and dismissal. All visitors must enter at door 12.
Lockers: Students will be assigned a combination lock and locker by their advisory teacher.
Schedules: Students will receive a paper copy their class schedule in their advisory class on the first morning.
Personal Electronic Devices: students are not to have personal devices during school. If a student needs to use the phone, all classrooms have phones that can dial outside the school.
School Supplies: A standard list is available on our website, but teachers will share any specific needs during the first week. We are very grateful for the donations we have already received but would welcome more donations either delieverd to the main office or financially donated via our PTA school supply drive: Sanford PTA: https://giving.gofundme.com/campaign/811436/donate

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month This September!

From September 15 through October 15, our school community is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Middle school is a wonderful time for students to broaden their worldviews, honor distinct traditions, and reflect on the diverse stories that shape our society. We encourage families to keep the conversation going at home by asking your student what they are learning, trying a new recipe together, or exploring music and art from across Latin America.

from the PTA

Our Next Meeting is September 15th

Join us at our next meeting on September 15th from 6:30-8:00p. Note the new time to accommodate Site Council. Enter through the main entrance at Door 12. All are welcome!

PTA Email Communication

Want to know more about what is happening at Sanford? You can sign up for our email communications by sending an email to: sanfordmspta@gmail.com.

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