Sanford Institution for Savings release dated November 8, 2010

Sanford Junior High students are getting a chance to explore estuaries, beaches, and other coastal habitats thanks to a new partnership formed by Sanford Institution for Savings (SIS), the Sanford School Department, Laudholm Trust, and the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. This fall, the Sanford Students to the Sea outdoor classroom program is bringing 240 seventh graders and their teachers to learn at the living laboratory of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

What started as a pilot project to bring a busload of Sanford students to the Wells Reserve has turned into a hands-on, half-day outdoor experience for the entire grade 7 science cohort, explained Diana Joyner, president of Laudholm Trust. We are pleased that SIS is giving Sanford students the opportunity to visit the Wells Reserve, where they can reinforce the science concepts they are covering in school.

SIS made a charitable donation of $1,100 to make the program possible. In this difficult financial environment, theres no better time to support education for children in our community, said Mark T. Mickeriz, president and CEO of SIS. I had the opportunity to talk to three of the science teachers at Sanford Junior High after the first field trip and was impressed with their commitment to their students and the response from the children who attended the Wells Reserve program.

SIS is headquartered in downtown Sanford with branches located in Springvale, South Sanford, Limerick, Buxton, Waterboro, Wells and York. Deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank can be reached at 1-888 BANK SIS (226-5747) or online at www.banksis.com.

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a National Estuarine Research Reserve with its headquarters listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to the public every day, with seven miles of trails and an undeveloped sand beach. The Wells Reserve operates programs in coastal research, environmental education, decision-maker training, and resource stewardship. Laudholm Trust, a member-supported nonprofit, contributes private funds and in-kind services to support Wells Reserve operations and capital improvements.

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