SANFORD HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
August 10th, 2026
Mission
Prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world.
Dear Sanford High School Students and families,
I hope this newsletter finds everyone enjoying their summer as we gear up for a return to school. We look forward to seeing our incoming Freshman on August 25, in the Performing Arts Center for orientation night at 6:00 PM.
As we begin our school year we will be implementing new procedures as we align our school to the new Maine State Law on student use of Personal Electronic Devices (PED) in schools.
For full details on our cell phone policy, student expectations, and frequently asked questions, please review the resources below:
Cell Phone Policy: Link
Student Expectations: Link
FAQs: Link
In addition to the new cell phone law we will be moving from a five block schedule to a four block schedule. Please see image below. I would also encourage families to pay close attention to our school calendar and the change in the early release schedule outlined below as well.
I am sure this school year will prove to be another fantastic one at Sanford High School. All the staff are excited to welcome our students back in to the building.
Warmly,
Tracy
Tracy Gibson
Sanford high School Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
August 16: Fall Sports start
August 25: 5:00 PM- Sanford Performing Arts Center- Community Informational Session: Creating conditions for student success, Personal Electronic Devices in School
August 25: 6:00 PM- Sanford Performing Arts Center- Incoming Freshman Informational Night
August 31: First Student Day grades 9 and SRTC
September 1: All students in school
IMPORTANT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Early Release Days Look Different This Year
As you review this year's school calendar, you may notice a few changes to our schedule.
This year, our weekly early release Wednesdays have been eliminated. Instead, we will have five scheduled early release days throughout the school year. On these days, Sanford High School students will be dismissed at 12:30 PM.
Early Release Dates
October 28, 2026
December 2, 2026
January 27, 2027
March 31, 2027
May 26, 2027
In addition, there are three full Professional Development Days when students will not attend school:
October 9, 2026
November 3, 2026- Sanford High School Students only- Election Day
March 12, 2027
Professional development days provide valuable learning opportunities for our teachers, educational technicians, administrators, and support staff. During these dedicated days, staff participate in training that strengthens instructional practices, enhances school safety, supports student well-being, and helps ensure we continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for every student. These days also provide time for staff to collaborate with colleagues, review student learning, and plan instruction to best meet the needs of all learners.
Sanford High School Personal Electronic Device Policy and Building Procedures
Beginning on August 1, 2026, The state of Maine adopted the new “bell-to-bell” law H.P. 809- L.D. 1234. This means students in grades K–12 will be required to keep personal devices, including cell phones, smart watches, and other devices with internet or cellular capabilities, stored away for the entire school day–from the first bell to dismissal. The goal of this statewide effort is to reduce distractions, support student mental health, and limit opportunities for cyberbullying during the school day.
Sanford High School will be Personal Electronic Device (PED) free during the school day. This expectation supports our school policy on personal communication devices (JICJ). Only school issued devices will be permitted during the school day. No personal computer, tablet or other electronic devices will be permitted. Earbuds and headphones may only be used when a staff member has authorized their use.
Upon arrival each morning, students will lock their cell phones and smartwatches into an assigned Yondr pouch. Devices must stay secured in the pouch for the entire school day and may only be unlocked once school is dismissed. Magnetic unlocking stations will be available at the Main Entrances.
Parents and guardians may reach their student during the school day by contacting the Main Office, emailing their student directly, or connecting through Reach My Teach. Students may also use an office phone with staff permission when needed.
We know this is a significant change, and we expect it to be a learning experience for our students, families, and staff alike. Details on arrival, dismissal, and consequences for misuse are outlined below. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the administration with any questions.
Student Arrival
Students may arrive through the main doors only beginning at 7:00 AM.
Upon entering the building, students must place their cell phone and smartwatch (if applicable) into their assigned Yondr pouch and secure it right away.
Students are responsible for bringing their Yondr pouch to school every day.
Once secured, phones and smartwatches must stay in the pouch for the entire school day.
Pouches should stay in the student's possession—stored in a backpack, locker, or other secure location.
Students arriving late must still secure their devices before reporting to class.
Students who forget their pouch must turn their phone and smartwatch into the Administration Office for safekeeping until dismissal.
Cell phones and smartwatches are not permitted anywhere during the school day including hallways, bathrooms, study halls, the cafeteria, or while moving between classes.
Earbuds and headphones may only be used when a staff member has authorized their use.
During the School Day
Away for the Day.
Cell phones and smartwatches must remain secured in Yondr pouches from arrival until dismissal.
Students who need access to a device for a documented medical, educational, or other approved accommodation should work with administration and student support staff to set up an approved plan.
Student Dismissal
Students may unlock their Yondr pouches at designated unlocking stations once the school day ends.
Unlocking stations will be available at designated exits.
Students dismissed early for an appointment must check out through the Main Office, where they may unlock their pouch at that time.
Students leaving during the school day for athletic events, field trips, or other school-sponsored activities must keep devices secured until they have exited the building, unless a staff member directs otherwise.
Ladder of Consequences
Sanford Cell Phone, Smartwatch & Personal Electronic Device Ladder of Consequence
1st Offense
Student sent to the office and receives warning
Documented in IC
Phone and Yondr pouch stays in office for the day and picked up by student at dismissal
2nd Offense
Student sent to the office and receives 1 hour detention
Call home
Documented in IC
Phone and Yondr pouch stays in office for the day and picked up by student at dismissal
3rd Offense
Student sent to the office and receives 1 hour detention
Documented in IC
Yondr pouch checked into office daily for one week - pouch will not be with student
Parent pickup of device required by 3:00 PM. If not picked up by 3pm, the phone will remain in the office the next school day.
4th Offense
Student issued ISS
Documented in IC
Phone and Yondr pouch checked into office daily for two weeks - pouch will not be with student
Parent pickup of device required by 3:00 PM. If not picked up by 3pm, the phone will remain in the office the next school day.
Parent reentry meeting may be required
5th Offense and Beyond
Repeated violations may result in progressive disciplinary action, including additional administrative consequences, potential out-of-school suspension, individualized phone management plans, and/or further disciplinary action in accordance with district policy.
Student will be charged a replacement fee for any damaged or lost Yondr pouches
PARENT RESOURCES
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
It is very important for parents to complete the registration process in order to stay connected and informed about your child(ren)’s education. If you have not yet set up your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or need to make any edits to your information, please do so by clicking on the link below. Step-by-step instructions are available by clicking here.
ReachMyTeach
ReachMyTeach is a two-way communication platform that makes it easy to connect families through the languages they speak and the devices they use every day. This platform will also allow families to communicate directly with classroom teachers effortlessly through text, email, or WhatsApp, on-demand video interpreters, and scheduled conferences. There is no need to download an app and families can learn more by clicking here.
Personal Electronic Devices and their barriers to success
Looking for bus information?
Bus information and tracking made easier for families
Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, the Sanford School Department will use My Ride K-12 to give families easy access to student transportation information.
Through My Ride K-12, families will be able to view:
- Bus number and stop information
- Pick-up and drop-off information
- Bus tracking updates
Families can create their My Ride K-12 account now through the website or mobile app. Please note that student bus information will be available beginning Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
To create your account, you will need your child’s Student ID number. If you need your child's ID number, please contact your child's school. Step-by-step directions for downloading the app and using My Ride K-12 are available here: Link
My Ride K-12 can be accessed through:
Website:https://myridek12.tylerapp.com
Mobile App: App Links
If you have questions about transportation information, bus routes, or bus stops, please contact:
Ledgemere Transportation
📞 207-324-4888
Thank you for your partnership as we continue to improve communication and make important student information easier for families to access. We look forward to a safe and successful school year!
CONTACT US
Tracy Gibson, Principal TGibson@Sanford.org
Troy Watts, Assistant Principal Twatts@Sanford.org
Aaron Tremblay, Assistant Principal ATremblay@Sanford.org
Kaity Getchell, Assistant Principal KGetchell@Sanford.org
Beth Letourneau, Director of School Counseling BLetourneau@Sanford.org
Zach Lemelin, Athletic Director ZLemelin@Sanford.org
Address: 100 Alumni Blvd. Sanford, Maine
Phone: (207) 324-4050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanfordpartans