🎙️ Season 2 is OFFICIALLY here! 🎉
In our premiere episode, we are diving deep into "Screen Value vs. Screen Time." 💻🧠
Join Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they break down why active digital creation beats passive doom-scrolling every single time. 🚀
We also explore how our teachers are using real instructional frameworks to turn devices from basic screens into powerful, problem-solving tools! 🛠️📚
Listen here: https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links 🎧👇
#PodcastLife #ScreenTime #DigitalCitizenship #StratfordPSCT #EdTechLeaders #SAMR

This Thursday on From Forest to Shore, Matt and Michelle are tackling the great digital debate!
We’re shifting the focus from "how much time" to "what’s the value?"
💡 Drop a ✋ in the comments if you’ve ever lost track of time doom-scrolling, and get ready for a completely fresh perspective on how we view technology in our classrooms and at home! 🎧✨ #
FromForestToShore #ScreenValue #TechInSchools #StratfordPS #DigitalCitizenship

Supporting Our Students: What Families Need to Know About Special Education
Zoom: Wednesday, December 9th, 2026, at 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Visit Registration Page: https://serc.info/support1226
This workshop gives parents and caregivers an overview of how special education works and how schools and families can partner to support students. We'll walk through how children are identified for services, what the individualized education program (IEP) process looks like, and what support can look like at school.
Participants will learn:
What special education is and how it helps students;
What IDEA is and how it pertains to special education in schools;
What PPT/IEP process should look like;
What the responsibility of the school is and what families and caregivers can do to advocate for their child; and
How to support your child's learning and confidence.
Questions:
Registration: Linda Adorno, SERC Project Specialist, 860-632-1485 ext. 241 or adorno@ctserc.org
Content: Nicole Vitale, SERC Consultant. 860-632-1485, ext. 234 or vitale@ctserc.org

Important Parent Notification: PreK Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Requirement for 2026-2027 School Year
Dear PreK Families,
As we enter flu season, Stratford Public Schools would like to remind all PreK families of the Connecticut Department of Public Health's annual influenza (flu) vaccination requirement for children enrolled in PreK programs.
Under Connecticut State regulations, children ages 24 - 59 months attending licensed child care or preschool programs are required to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine unless they have a CT Medical Exemption.
If you have any questions regarding the flu vaccination requirement, medical exemptions, or documentation, please contact your child's school nurse.
Health & Wellness/Nursing Services
Kim Velazquez, RN, Supervisor of Health & Wellness
View the flyer for additional important information for Families.


It's Cold, Flu, Covid-19 & RSV Season
Different viruses, similar symptoms. The same goal: keep you healthy!
View the flyer for more information.

Holiday Fair - November 7th, 11 AM- 3 PM
Visit Bunnell High School for over 30 vendors and get your holiday shopping done!
Food Trucks, Tag Sales and Kids' Activities
Entry is free
Location: Bunnell High School
1 Bulldog Blvd


What Families Need to Know about Special Education
Free Virtual Event: Zoom
Wednesday, December 9th, 2026
5:30-6:30 p.m.
This workshop gives parents and caregivers an overview of how special education works and how schools and families can partner to support students. We'll walk through how children are identified for services, what the individualized education program (IEP) process looks like, and what support can look like at school.
Participants will learn:
What special education is and how it helps students
What IDEA is and how it pertains to special education in schools
What the PPT/IEP process should look like
What the responsibility of the school is and what families and caregivers can do to advocate for their child
How to support your child's learning and confidence.
This session is designed to help families and caregivers feel informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for their child's needs.
Registration Questions: Contact Linda Adorno, SERC Project Specialist
860-632-1485, ext. 241 or adorno@ctserc.org
Content Questions: Contact Nicole Vitale, SERC Consultant
860-632-1485, ext. 234 or vitale@ctserc.org
Visit the Registration Page: http://serc.info/support1226

Bunnell HS PTO Holiday Fair
November 7th, 2026, from 11 AM- 3 PM
Visit Bunnell HS for over 30 vendors and get your holiday shopping done!
Food Trucks, Tag Sales, Kids' Activities, and entry is FREE!
Location: Bunnell High School
1 Bulldog Blvd.
Stratford, CT
Scan the QR code on the flyer to join the Facebook Event for more information.

Celebrate Stratford - The Great Pumpkin Festival and Public Safety Day!
Safety Demos, Touch-a-Truck, and giveaways!
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
12:00-4:00 PM
Rain Date: Sunday, October 18th
Boothe Memorial Park
5800 Main Street, Stratford
www.celebratestratford.com

Homework Helpers - Free - Teen volunteers receive training to help. Open to kids in grades 6-8.
How to Join the Program: Fill out an application at the Library or online. The program usually starts in
October and runs through March.
Registration Required.
Monday-Wednesday - October - March

Stratford Public Schools Annual Vision Screenings for the 2026-2027 School Year
Stratford Public Schools is proud to partner with the Lions Club to provide annual vision screenings for our students.
Fall 2026 - Vision screenings will be provided for students in PreK through Grade 6.
Spring 2027 - Vision screenings will be provided for students in Grade 7 and Grade 10
Vision screenings are an important way to help identify possible vision concerns that may affect a student's health, learning, and success in school.
OPT-OUT INFORMATION
If you do not want your child to participate in the vision screening, please email: velazquezk@stratk12.org.
Kim Velazquez, RN, Supervisor of Health & Wellness/Nursing

Stratford Public Schools has revised its K-6 report cards for the 2026-2027 school year to better communicate student progress and align with current instructional practices. To learn more about the what, why, and how of these revisions, please view the information video link below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iZi5UqKusLP47qxtVwJIuE8dKmvDy80k/view?usp=sharing

To the left, Math small groups at work during WIN Time.
Wishing all the students a great school year!


Underclassmen Picture Day
Stratford High School
Picture day is coming up! Underclassmen photos will be taken on Monday, October 12th and Tuesday the 13th.
If you would like to purchase your student's portrait from Robert Taylor, use the link below. The prepay discount is active until 1 week after picture day (October 20th).
https://www.roberttaylorphotography.com/underclass-fall

Last week, Dr. Mentrel Young visited Stratford High Career Development classes to share his career journey and speak with students about his work in nutrition. Dr. Young is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed-Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist. He works as an outpatient/inpatient clinical dietitian at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center and teaches at Housatonic Community College.
Thank you, Dr. Young, for spending time with our students!

Today is #NationalGEDDay!
Stratford Continuing Education is celebrating the achievements of GED graduates and recognizing the educators, staff, and partners who help learners succeed every day. Earning a GED can open doors to college, career training, new careers, military service, and personal goals. Today, we honor the hard work behind those accomplishments and encourage more adults to take the next step toward their future. Join us in celebrating by sharing a learner success story, congratulating a graduate, thanking an educator, or posting why adult education matters to you.

Join Us in Celebrating National AEFL Week!
We are excited to celebrate National Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week! This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of adult learners across our community. Here at Stratford Public Schools, our Portrait of the Graduate focuses on developing lifelong learners. Our adult education programs are designed to provide opportunities for growth and skill development, helping individuals reach their personal and professional goals.
Each year, we are proud to serve over 100 adult learners, and our program is growing! Our diverse range of offerings includes:
English as a Second Language (ESL): Gain confidence in speaking, reading, and writing English.
GED Prep: Prepare to take and pass the GED exam.
Credit Diploma Program: Earn a traditional high school diploma.
Citizenship: Get ready for the naturalization interview.
Enrichment Classes: Explore personal interests and new skills, or sign up to share your skills by teaching a class.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, support your family's literacy journey, or simply explore a new passion, we encourage you to look more into the programs that could benefit you. Let's celebrate the power of adult education together!

We are thrilled to announce that Stratford Public Schools has been featured in the August 2026 issue of Business View Magazine, a leading publication highlighting excellence in municipal and civil leadership. In this prominent feature, our district is officially recognized and celebrated as the "Best Managed School District." This incredible honor reflects the tireless dedication of our administration, Board of Education, educators, and staff who work collaboratively to ensure operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and the highest quality of education for our students. The article provides an in-depth look at the strategic initiatives, transparent budget management, and community-driven focus that have set Stratford apart as a national model for educational leadership.
Beyond celebrating our administrative success, the Business View feature also shines a light on the innovative academic programs and ongoing facility improvements that make our district truly exceptional—such as our recent selection to represent Connecticut in the national "Day of AI." From effectively managing capital improvements across our campuses to fostering forward-thinking learning opportunities, the article showcases how Stratford balances robust educational goals with efficient resource management. We invite all parents, students, and community members to read the full feature via the link below to learn more about how Stratford Public Schools continues to pave the way for student success.
https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil-municipal/aug-2026/227/

