Kelly Scheurich, a Reading Interventionist at Nichols Elementary School, has been awarded the DATA Dynamo Science of Reading Award out of more than 1,700 nominations nationwide. The Science of Reading Star Award celebrates superstar educators who have driven demonstrable, lasting change through the Science of Reading. Ms. Scheurich is recognized for her skills in using data to drive instruction within an MTSS framework, identifying student needs with precision, and implementing targeted interventions that accelerate literacy growth for every learner. She is a compassionate, dedicated educator who is always focused on ensuring every student succeeds! KUDOS to Ms. Scheurich!
Stratford Public Schools Celebrates 2026 Certified Nursing Assistant Graduates
Stratford Public Schools proudly congratulates the students from Bunnell High School and Stratford High School who were recognized during their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Completion and Pinning Ceremonies held this week.
These ceremonies marked the culmination of months of rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and dedication to developing the knowledge, skills, and compassion required to serve others in the healthcare profession. Students successfully completed the requirements of Stratford's CNA pathway and were honored with the traditional CNA pin, symbolizing their commitment to patient care and professional excellence.
During the ceremonies, students recited the Nightingale Pledge, joining a long-standing tradition of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing compassionate and ethical care. Family members, educators, clinical partners, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable students as they prepare to take the next steps in their educational and career journeys.
The CNA program is part of Stratford Public Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in healthcare and beyond. Through classroom instruction, skills training, and clinical placements, students gain valuable experience while exploring future pathways in nursing, medicine, allied health, and other healthcare professions.
"We are incredibly proud of our CNA graduates and all they have accomplished," said Samantha Rosenberg, Director of Career & Community Learning. "Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to caring for others have prepared them well for the future. Whether they enter the workforce, continue their healthcare education, or pursue college opportunities, they have already demonstrated the qualities that will make them successful."
Stratford Public Schools extends its sincere appreciation to CNA instructors Mrs. Ferguson-Taylor and Dr. Scapeccia, Nurse Brown, Nurse Velazquez, our clinical partners, families, and all staff members who supported students throughout their journey.
Congratulations to the Bunnell High School and Stratford High School Class of 2026 CNA graduates! We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in your communities and in the healthcare profession for years to come.
In this special episode, hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler are bringing you front-row seats to the 2nd Annual Stratford Student Art Showcase at the Sterling Community Center! 🏫✨
This isn't just an art show—it's a celebration of the incredible creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills that embody our Portrait of a Graduate. 🌟
🎧 Inside the Episode:
🎶 Live Music: Kicking things off with the incredibly talented Stratford High Jazz Quartet.
👩🎨 Student Spotlights: Hear from 12th-grade award winner Lena about her stunning ice skate piece, and elementary artist Giselle on her brilliant galaxy landscapes! 🌌
🎨 Teacher Tributes: Our amazing art educators share what it’s like to help students unlock their voice and vision.
🤝 Community Power: Words from Superintendent Heather Borges, Board Chair Jill D'Angelo Powers, Mayor David Chess, and leaders from the Arts Alliance and Sterling House on the power of collaboration.
📆 Visit the Gallery!
Can't get enough? You can check out this breathtaking student artwork in person! The gallery is open at the Sterling Community Center from now until June 29th. Trust us, you don't want to miss it.
👇 How to Listen
🔗 Click the link in our bio (on Instagram) to listen to the full episode!
Due to the forecasted extreme heat and humidity, Stratford Public Schools will move to an early dismissal schedule today.
This decision was made to support the health, safety, and comfort of our students and staff. Building principals will share dismissal details shortly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Grab your headphones, because two legendary episodes of From Forest to Shore just hit the airwaves! Today, we are celebrating the absolute best of the Class of 2026 as we dive deep with our high school Valedictorians and Salutatorians! 🎓🙌
Our brilliant seniors are officially sharing their secrets to reaching the top, and highlighting some of the coolest things they’ve achieved outside of their transcripts:
👹 Stratford High School ❤️
🚀 Nicholas shared how he conquered his comfort zone by auditioning for the jazz band and completely transforming his high school experience.
🚀 Madison breaks down how she manages student-athlete schedules while independently running HOSA and coordinating student-led blood drives.
🐕 Bunnell High School 💙
🚀 Baylen talks about managing intense AP stress by connecting with his international online gaming community that spans from Germany to Ireland.
🚀 Julia opens up about her incredible leadership as President of the Women's Empowerment Club, where she hosts an annual meet-and-greet with over 50 female professionals.
But wait... it's not all schoolwork! In these episodes, you'll also hear about:
🎮 Epic late-night Overwatch sessions and strategic gaming escapes.
🍕 The ultimate "what you are eating when you return home in November" question.
💡 Genuine, beautiful advice they would give back to their freshman selves about letting go of perfectionism.
We are so incredibly proud of the dedication, self-discipline, and unique character these students have shown over the last four years. Stratford is cheering you on every step of the way! 🎉🗺️
🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Get ready, Stratford! 🌲🌊 This Thursday, June 11, we are releasing a highly anticipated double-episode graduation special of From Forest to Shore!
Our amazing hosts, Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler, are turning over the mics to the ultimate academic rockstars of the Class of 2026—the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from BOTH Bunnell and Stratford High School! 🎓✨
Swipe through to meet the students and get a taste of what’s coming this Thursday:
💙 Bunnell High School Bulldogs 🐕
🌟 Baylen (Valedictorian) & Julia (Salutatorian) open up about breaking through the lockdown blues of middle school, unlocking incredible study habits, and finding their ultimate escapes.
❤️ Stratford High School Red Devils 👹
🌟 Nicholas (Valedictorian) & Madison (Salutatorian) break down their organizational secrets, how they conquered intense AP course loads, and the importance of stepping completely out of your comfort zone.
These four individuals perfectly embody our Portrait of a Graduate. They are self-motivated, exceptionally self-aware, and ready to take on the world.
👇 Drop a 🎉 or a 👏 in the comments to show your support for these incredible seniors, and make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss Thursday's big release!
#StratfordPSCT #FromForestToShore #ClassOf2026 #BunnellHighSchool #StratfordHigh #Valedictorian #Salutatorian #PodcastsOfInstagram #StudentSuccess #HighSchoolGraduation #SeniorSpotlight #CTEducation
A group of high school students, accompanied by Evelys Lopez, Special Education Teacher, and Laura Roberts, Paraeducator, attended the Youth Advisory Council End-of-Year Celebration in West Hartford. The event brought together student leaders from across Connecticut for a day of leadership development, self-reflection, and community engagement. Participants heard from former NFL wide receiver and author Deon Butler, who shared his personal journey of overcoming significant reading challenges while pursuing his academic and athletic goals. Mr. Butler spoke about resilience, self-advocacy, and recognizing one's strengths while persevering through obstacles.
This experience provided opportunities for our students to reflect on their own experiences, engage with peers from across the state, and consider how they can contribute to positive change within their school and community. The event also allowed students to demonstrate Stratford's Portrait of a Graduate in action by developing skills such as self-advocacy, resilience, communication, leadership, and civic engagement. Through this experience, students strengthened their capacity to be empowered learners, effective communicators, and active contributors both within and beyond the classroom.
Stratford High School's End of Year Family Bash was a celebratory Fiesta for multilingual learners, their teachers, and families. A spectacular evening full of sharing, learning and heartfelt connections took place!
4th Annual MRCT Health Fair
Get Free Evaluations and Information on Medical and Community Resources.
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks
Know Your Numbers (Height & Weight)
Dental Care
Women's Health (referrals for mammograms, papanicollaou)
Mental and Behavioral Health
Support for Older Adults
Assistance with Husky Applications
Referrals and Medical Appointments at local community clinics
Assistance Applying for SNAP Benefits, Bill Assistance, etc.
English Language Learning and After-School Programs
SHS DRAMA SOCIETY HALO AWARDS
Stratford High School's Drama Society brought home three (3) awards from the Halo Awards Event that took place May 26, 2026 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury.
1. Best Performance by a couple or a Dynamic Duo in a musical - Owen Pirozzoli and Emma Swanson for Danny and Sandy in GREASE.
2. Best Lighting Design/Execution - Maggie LaReau for GREASE
3. Special Award - "There Are No Small Actors" - Skyylar Feggins
KUDOS Stratford High School!
Sunday, June 14, 2026 @ 9:00 AM
Little Devil Dash - 8:30 AM
Location: Short Beach
Register: https://runsignup.com/Recs/CT/Stratford/DevilDash5k
Vicki Soto Early Learning Center at Stratford High School
The Vicki Soto Early Learning Center at Stratford High School is a learning resource lab and part-time preschool program serving children ages 3 to 5. The program is supported and supervised by high school students enrolled in the Educational Pathway courses, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education.
The preschool learning lab typically operates from October through May, with sessions tentatively held three days per week from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM.
Tuition includes a light snack and participation in school readiness activities designed by high school students under the guidance of the classroom teacher. These activities are part of the Early Childhood and Child Development courses offered through the Family and Consumer Sciences Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway.
We have space for your child!
Please contact for information & application:
Samantha Rosenberg
Director of Career & Community Learning
📧 RosenbergS@stratk12.org
📞 (203) 381-2027
¡TENEMOS CUPOS DISPONIBLE PARAEL AÑO ESCOLAR 2026-2027!
VICKI SOTO EARLY LEARNING CENTER @ STRATFORD HIGH SCHOOL
El Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano Vicki Soto en la Escuela Secundaria Stratford es un laboratorio de recursos educativos y un programa preescolar de medio tiempo que atiende a niños de 3 a 5 años. El programa es apoyado y supervisado por estudiantes de la escuela secundaria inscritos en los cursos de la Trayectoria Educativa, brindándoles una valiosa experiencia práctica en educación infantil temprana.
El laboratorio preescolar generalmente funciona de octubre a mayo, con sesiones programadas tentativamente tres días por semana, de 9:00 a. m. a 11:45 a. m.
La matrícula incluye un refrigerio ligero y la participación en actividades de preparación escolar diseñadas por estudiantes de la escuela secundaria bajo la supervisión del maestro del aula. Estas actividades forman parte de los cursos de Desarrollo Infantil y Educación en la Primera Infancia ofrecidos a través de la Trayectoria de Educación Profesional y Técnica (CTE) de Ciencias de la Familia y del Consumidor.
¡Tenemos espacio para su hijo/a!
Por favor, comuníquese para obtener información y una solicitud de inscripción:
Samantha Rosenberg
Director of Career & Community Learning
📧 RosenbergS@stratk12.or
📞 (203) 381-2027
THE EPISODE IS LIVE! 🎧🔥
Grab your coffee and tune in to the latest episode of From Forest to Shore. We’re joined by our "Triple Threat of Excellence"—Abbey Owen, September Baraquin, and Jessica Scandurra.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
✨ The Magic: Why a "messy" classroom is a sign of great learning.
✨ The Transformation: How to put your "oxygen mask" on first to avoid burnout.
✨ The Possibility: Why every single student (and adult!) is a "math person."
The Lightning Round Summary:
Abbey: "Magic" ✨
September: "Transformative" 🦋
Jessica: "Possibility" 🌟
Hear their advice for new teachers and their heart for the Stratford community.
🔗 Find us on your favorite podcast platform by searching "From Forest to Shore."
#FromForestToShore #StratfordPS #TeacherLife #PodcastAlert #SPSCT #EducationInspiration #TeacherOfTheYear #NowStreaming
Something historic is coming to the booth! 🎙️✨
What happens when you put the 2025, 2026, AND the newly announced 2027 Teachers of the Year in one room? You get a masterclass in heart, "magic," and the future of Stratford Public Schools. 🍎
We’re sitting down with Abbey Owen, September Baraquin, and Jessica Scandurra to talk about what keeps the "spark" alive in education today. From "messy" learning to building a "chorus" of community, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Coming this Thursday at 8:00 AM! 🕗
Drop a "🍎" in the comments if you’ve been lucky enough to have one of these incredible educators in your journey!
#StratfordPublicSchools #FromForestToShore #TeacherOfTheYear #SPSCT #EducationMagic #TeacherAppreciation #ComingSoon
Last night we celebrated the hard work, perseverance, resilience, and determination of an incredible group of graduates who never gave up on their goals. Many balanced work, family, and personal responsibilities while continuing their education, and their success is truly inspiring.
We are so proud of each and every graduate and cannot wait to see all that lies ahead for them. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment!
For the past 21 years, Mrs. Scandurra has served Stratford Public Schools as a classroom teacher, math coach, and STEM interventionist, consistently creating engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and growth in students. At Eli Whitney Elementary School, she has become a leader in instructional innovation, helping to strengthen collaboration among educators through Thinking Classroom and Lesson Study practices.
Beyond academics, Mrs. Scandurra is deeply committed to building positive school culture and meaningful partnerships with families and the broader community. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child embody the values of Stratford Public Schools and our Portrait of a Graduate vision.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Mrs. Scandurra for the lasting impact she makes each and every day on students, colleagues, and families across our district.
Today, we’re talking all about the "Big Leap" to middle and high school. If you’ve got a student moving up this year, this is the episode you need to hear. 🎧
Special guests Marina Ciccarini (Counselor at Wooster Middle School) and student William Ceriello join us to drop some serious knowledge. 💡
The Highlights:
✅ Fact vs. Fiction: No, you won’t get lost forever on your first day!
✅ Pro-Tips: Why practicing with a bike lock this summer is a game-changer.
✅ Get Involved: From the Cooking Club to "Pride Guides," find out how to find your tribe.
As William says: "Stay focused and don't get caught in the drama!" 💅✨ Advice we can all live by.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
#StratfordPS #FromForestToShore #NewEpisode #WoosterMiddleSchool #StratfordCT #MiddleSchoolLife #StudentVoice #PodcastLaunch #WoosterPride
The end of the school year is officially near, and for many of our families, that means one thing: THE BIG LEAP. 🏃♂️💨
Whether it’s moving from elementary to middle school or middle to high school, transitions can be a mix of "scary-exciting" and "happy-nervous." This week on From Forest to Shore, we’re sitting down with Worcester Middle School Counselor Marina Ciccarini and student expert William Ceriello to talk about what it’s really like to switch schools in Stratford.
We’re answering the burning questions:
🔐 Will I ever figure out my locker?
📍 Is it actually possible to get lost?
📚 Are the teachers as strict as people say?
William gives us the inside scoop on surviving 7th grade (and spoiler: it’s not as bad as you might think!).
Mark your calendars for Thursday morning at 8:00 AM! 🗓️
#StratfordPS #FromForestToShore #MiddleSchoolBound #StudentLife #StratfordCT
The BARR Portrait of a Graduate Spring Convening at Stratford High School took place recently where administrators, students and teachers from across New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut came together to engage in meaningful learning and school improvement strategy. The convening provided a valuable opportunity for participants to take part in classroom rounds, observed instruction in action and engage in professional development sessions grounded in the BARR framework. These experiences allowed educators to see firsthand how Stratford High is working to align its instructional practices with its vision for student success.
Throughout the day, participants collaborated to share strategies, reflect on effective practices, and gather ideas to bring back to their own schools and districts. The focus remained on making teaching and learning visible - highlighting student collaboration, instructional routines and engagement strategies that support achievement for all learners. This convening not only showcased Stratford High's ongoing work, but also strengthened a broader network of educators committed to continuous improvement and ensuring all students are prepared for success beyond graduation.
