Sanford School Department

Dear Sanford School Department Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the year ahead. We are excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back to Sanford Schools and begin another year of learning, growth, and connection.

The first day of school is quickly approaching. We will welcome students back on the following dates:

Monday, August 31: Students in grades 1–9 and SRTC
Tuesday, September 1: Students in Kindergarten and grades 10–12
Wednesday, September 2: Pre-K students

This back-to-school newsletter includes important information to help families prepare for the year ahead, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, open house dates, updated cell phone expectations, the Student Code of Conduct Policy, and the launch of ReachMyTeach, our new family communication platform.

As we begin this new school year, we are grateful for the continued partnership of our families and community. Together, we will continue to provide supportive, engaging learning environments where every Sanford student can thrive.

We look forward to welcoming our students back and making the 2026–2027 school year a successful one.

Sincerely,

Matt Nelson
Superintendent of Schools

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, students will be dismissed two hours earlier than their regular dismissal time.

Early Release Dates

• October 28, 2026

• December 2, 2026

• January 27, 2027

• March 31, 2027

• May 26, 2027

  
  

In addition, there are two full Professional Development Days when students will not attend school:

• October 9, 2026

• 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.

Important Reminder for Pre-K and Kindergarten Families

Please note that Pre-K and Kindergarten students will not attend school on March 31, 2027. On this day, our elementary schools will be conducting screening appointments for children who will be entering Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2027–2028 school year.

Thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue to invest in our staff and provide the highest quality educational experience for every student.

As we prepare to welcome students and families back for the 2026–2027 school year, Sanford Schools is excited to invite families to our upcoming open house and orientation events. These events provide an opportunity for students and families to meet educators, learn more about classrooms and programs, become familiar with school spaces, and prepare for a successful start to the new school year.

Sanford High School 9th Grade Orientation

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

• Club & Activity Fair: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
  
• 9th Grade Orientation Presentation: 6:00 p.m.

Sanford Middle School

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

• Grades 5–6: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
  
• Grades 7–8: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  

Sanford Regional Technical Center

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
6:00–7:00 p.m.

Elementary School Open Houses

Thursday, August 27, 2026
5:00–6:00 p.m.

Bridge

Late September Date TBD

The Sanford School Committee has updated the System-Wide Student Code of Conduct (Policy JIC) to better reflect our district’s mission of preparing all students with the future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world.

While academic learning is an important part of student success, we know that students also need to develop the skills that help them work with others, solve problems, overcome challenges, and contribute positively to their communities. The updated Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of respect, responsibility, honesty, and perseverance as essential qualities for every Sanford student.

The updated policy provides clear expectations for student behavior and reinforces our shared commitment to creating schools that are safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environments where all students can thrive. It was developed with input from staff, students, families, and community members and applies to student behavior at school, on transportation, during school-sponsored activities, and in situations that impact the school community.

As a school community, we all play an important role in helping students build the character and skills needed for success in school and beyond. Families, students, and staff are encouraged to review the updated System-Wide Student Code of Conduct (Policy JIC) and discuss these expectations together. Link to Policy JIC

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!

In accordance with a new Maine state law, the Sanford School Department will implement updated expectations for student cell phone and personal electronic device use beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

The law requires all public schools to prohibit student use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from the first bell through dismissal. This change applies to all Sanford students in grades PK–12.

The goal of this statewide requirement is to reduce distractions and cyber bullying, support student focus and learning, and promote stronger in-person connections and student well-being.

To support this transition, students in grades 5–12 will use Yondr pouches, a secure magnetic locking system that allows students to keep their personal devices with them while ensuring they remain stored and unavailable for use during the school day. Students will lock their devices in their assigned pouch at the beginning of the day and unlock them at dismissal.

Sanford Schools has updated its policies and procedures to align with the new law. Additional details regarding expectations, procedures, and frequently asked questions will be shared with families in grades 5-12 through email.

Families are invited to attend an informational session to learn more about the new expectations, ask questions, and hear about implementation plans:

Sanford Middle School Families
📅 August 25, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
📍 Sanford Middle School Cafeteria

Sanford High School Families
📅 August 25, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
📍 Sanford High School Performing Arts Center

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Sanford School Department schools and teachers will use ReachMyTeach, a district communication tool designed to strengthen communication between schools and families. At the elementary level, ReachMyTeach will replace Bloomz.

ReachMyTeach allows schools and teachers to quickly share important information through text messages, email, and in-app notifications. Families can also communicate directly with their child's teacher or school through two-way messaging.

To help all families stay informed, messages are automatically translated into your preferred language. There is no need to sign up for text messages. ReachMyTeach automatically uses the contact information already on file in Infinite Campus. If you are not receiving messages, please contact your child's school to make sure your contact information is current.

To learn more, watch the introductory video and access additional information here: ReachMyTeach Information