A Special Message from Heather Borges, Acting Superintendent of Schools
Dear Stratford Public Schools Community,
As we head into the holiday break, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a joyful, restful, and meaningful holiday season. I hope you have the opportunity to watch our Stratford Public Schools holiday video and feel the warmth, pride, and gratitude that reflects our incredible community.
🔗https://youtu.be/LVs7kLMSwQY
Thank you to our students, families, teachers, staff, and administrators for a wonderful start to the school year. Your dedication, partnership, and care for one another continue to make Stratford a special place to learn, grow, and thrive.
As we look ahead to our return from break, I want to gently remind our community that attendance matters. Being present in school every day plays a critical role in student learning and success. Let’s continue working together to ensure our students are engaged, supported, and present each day.
Wishing you peace, health, and happiness during the holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon.
🎉 NEW PODCAST IS LIVE! 🎉
Dive deep into the essential work supporting every student in Stratford Public Schools with the latest episode of "From Forest to Shore"! 🎧🌲➡️🌊
We're joined by Kate Ceriello (Director) and the amazing team from Student and Staff Services to unpack the vital support they provide across our district.
What you'll hear about:
➡️ The A to Z of Support: Discover the huge scope of the department, from IEPs and 504s to the incredible work of our paraprofessionals and specialists (over 1,200 students served! 🤯).
➡️Demystifying the Process: The difference between a 504 plan and an IEP, and how families can initiate an evaluation.
➡️Innovative Programs: Learn about our specialized in-district programs like Strive (Transition Services) and the vital partnerships we maintain with community organizations (like Sterling House and the Rotary Club!). 🤝
➡️Families, your voice is an integral part of the team! Hear the most important message this team wants to share with you.
Listen here: https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#FromForestToShore #SPSCT #StratfordPublicSchools #StudentServices #SpecialEducation #IEP #504Plan #StriveProgram #CommunityPartnerships #EducationSupport #CTschools #Teamwork
Our New Family AI Webinar airs tonight, December 16th @7pm. The topic? Can AI Help Parents? Ways to Make Life Easier 🎥! Discover practical, ethical ways to use AI to support your family and help your child thrive in a tech-rich world 🚀.
✔️ Learn simple life hacks using AI.
✔️Get tips on navigating technology with your kids.
✔️Take part in this month's Family AI Challenge!
Watch the webinar and start your journey toward a more balanced, tech-savvy family life! 💻👨👩👧👦
#FamilyAI #ParentingHacks #TechSavvyKids #AIforParents #NewWebinar #DigitalFamily #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #FamilyChallenge
Mark your calendars for December 18, 2025! Hosts Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler sit down with the amazing leaders of our Student and Staff Services Department for a deep dive you won't want to miss.
Director Kate Ceriello and her team clarify some of the most-asked questions about support in our schools, including:
✔️ What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? 🤔
✔️ How does SPS ensure a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for students?
✔️ Learn about our fantastic programs like Strive and Bridges!
Get ready to feel informed and inspired! Episode airs 12/18/25! 🔔
https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#SPSCT #FromForestToShore #ComingSoon #PodcastTeaser #SpecialEducation #StudentSupport #StratfordCT #EducationMatters
There will be no half-day morning preschool.
Please travel safely!
Are your students ready to be the architects of their own knowledge? This essential virtual session dives deep into CT Digital Learning Standard 1.3: Knowledge Constructor, giving K-12 educators the toolkit to turn research reports into real-world solutions.
We break down the skills required to navigate the digital age: evaluating sources, synthesizing data, and creating meaningful artifacts.
✨ Modeled Strategies & Tools:
🔍 1.3.a Intentional Search: Using Google Docs to master Boolean logic and precision searching.
✅1.3.b Critical Evaluation: Applying the CRAAP Test visually with the Kami Annotation Tool to spot bias and verify authority.
🧠1.3.c Synthesis: Leveraging Google Sheets as a Synthesis Organizer to curate data and construct new conclusions.
💡1.3.d Real-World Impact: Generating authentic, local projects using MagicSchool AI.
SPS Educators: Access all templates and guides in our Google Classroom today! 🔗
#KnowledgeConstructor #ISTEStandards #ISTE1_3 #TeacherPD #EdTech #DigitalLearning #SPSLearns #ResearchSkills #SourceEvaluation #KamiApp #GoogleForEducation #TechTwosDay #StratfordCT
Chapel Cheetahs
Parents SEE completed its 12th successful year in Stratford this past May. 18 parent leaders - many of them recommended to the program by SPS administrators - graduated from the program and have joined an alumni group that now numbers more than 200!
We are excited to let you know that Stratford's next session of Parents SEE - Cohort 13 - will be starting on January 31, 2026. See the attached flyers for more details.
Parent SEE Flyer: https://5il.co/3sr7q
Tentative Timeline: https://5il.co/3sr7u
Thanks to the generosity of our entire Whitney community, students were able to assemble 20 complete Minestrone Soup Kits, to be dropped off at Sterling Community Center.
This project reflects Whitney’s commitment to helping students grow as compassionate and engaged community members, and serves as a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together.
We are incredibly proud of our Student Council, Mrs. Scandurra, and every staff member, student, and family who contributed to making this initiative a success.
🥳 IT'S LIVE! 🎧 Tech Integration in the Classroom!
The brand-new episode of "From Forest to Shore" is officially out! 🚀
Join Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they sit down with our amazing Technology Integration Specialists to talk about how we're building better learners by seamlessly weaving technology into every part of the curriculum. 🧑💻📚
Learn how they are helping teachers and students use tools purposefully to boost creativity and problem-solving!
Hit the link here to listen now and get inspired by the innovation happening across Stratford Public Schools! 👇
#SPSPodcast #FromForestToShore #EdTech #TechIntegration #StratfordPS #PodcastLaunch #InnovationInEducation #StudentSuccess #K12 #NewEpisode
Soto Preschool Students -Little Hands, Big Dreams: Changing the World Together
Thank you to everyone that came out and supported the kids!
