Please join Stratford Public Schools in celebrating Dr. Michelle Eckler's recent recognition as a TOP TEN (10) DIRECTORS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY 2026.
Dr. Eckler joined Stratford Public Schools in 2025 as Director of Instructional Technology, bringing a classroom-informed perspective to system-level leadership. Dr. Eckler oversees professional learning on instructional technology, instructional technology support, digital privacy initiatives, and community outreach.
In Dr. Eckler's words - "Its all about finding the ways to put the technology into the instruction so the technology is not taking over the content".


Due to worsening storm conditions this morning that are more severe than originally anticipated, Stratford Public Schools will be closed today, Wednesday, February 25.
The previously announced two-hour delay is no longer in effect.
Road conditions, continued snowfall, and travel safety concerns require us to make this change to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
All district schools will be closed for the day. Central Office will open on a two- hour delay.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we continue to prioritize safety. Please monitor district communications for any additional updates.


Due to the forecasted morning mix of snow and rain, Stratford Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delayed start tomorrow.
Because of the delayed opening, the previously scheduled early dismissal for Data and Collaboration has been canceled. Students will dismiss at their regular scheduled time.
Please allow additional travel time in the morning and continue to monitor district communications for any updates.
Thank you for your flexibility and partnership.
Heather Borges
Superintendent
Stratford Public Schools


Dear Stratford Public Schools Families and Staff,
Due to the severity of the storm and the continued hazardous conditions, Stratford Public Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The Department of Public Works requires additional time to safely clear roads, parking lots, and walkways. The storm has resulted in heavy, wet snow and significant ice accumulation following plowing, creating unsafe travel and arrival conditions.
All district schools and offices will be closed for the day.
The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our highest priority. We appreciate the tireless efforts of our DPW crews and first responders as they work to ensure our community is safe.
Please continue to monitor district communications for any additional updates, and take necessary precautions as you travel.
Thank you for your continued understanding and partnership.

We’ve partnered with Panorama Education to hear directly from YOU. Whether it's school safety, academic support, or classroom environment - your feedback shapes our district’s future.
⏱️ Time: Takes less than 10 minutes.
🔗 Action: Click the link below (in our bio on Instagram) to start the survey for your school!
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/stratford/2702593263/surveys
#FamilyEngagement #OurSchools #PanoramaSurvey


All district schools and offices will be closed for the day.
The Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Monday evening will be rescheduled to Monday, March 2.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority. Please take precautions, stay safe, and monitor district communications for any additional updates.
Please click the link in our instagram bio for additional resources from Mayor Chess.

"You haven't gotten it... YET."
That one little word changes everything. Today on From Forest to Shore, we are tackling the world of Math! ➗✖️
Join hosts Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they chat with our amazing math team—Dr. Tehmina Khan, Kathy D'Amico, and Diana DiCenzo. We’re moving past the flashcards and drills to talk about real-life math strategies you can use at home. 🏠
In this episode, we cover:
🛒 How to turn grocery shopping into a fun math lesson.
🧠 Why "fast" math isn't always "good" math.
💡 How to help your child when they are frustrated (without doing the work for them!).
✅ Why getting the wrong answer is often the best way to learn.
Whether you love numbers or dread them, this episode is for you!
🔗 Listen now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app! (Link in bio)
#StratfordPublicSchools #FromForestToShore #NewEpisode #MathIsFun #GrowthMindset #StratfordCT #SPS #RealWorldMath #ParentingHacks

We have some news for you: The "Math Gene" is a myth. 🧬🚫
Coming this Thursday on the From Forest to Shore podcast, we are busting the biggest misconceptions about learning math.
Hosts Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler sit down with our district’s math experts to talk about why speed doesn’t equal smarts, why mistakes are actually a good thing, and how to stop the tears at the kitchen table during homework time. 😭➡️😊
Get ready to change your mindset! 🧠✨
#StratfordPublicSchools #FromForestToShore #MathMyths #GrowthMindset #ComingSoon #StratfordCT #ParentingTips #MathAnxiety #EducationPodcast


This week on Tech "Twos" Day, we broke down Computational Thinking. And guess what? It’s not just for the coding lab! 💻🚫
We explored how to use Google Docs and MagicSchool AI to turn "Messy Problems" into "Solvable Steps" in ANY subject.
✅ English: Debug your essay flow.
✅ PE: Analyze your split times.
✅ Art: Decompose a painting into layers.
✅ Science: creating algorithms for plant growth.
SPS Teachers: The new "Computational Thinking Workspace" template is ready for you in Google Classroom. It guides students through the 4 steps: Define, Decompose, Visualize, and Automate. Not an SPS Teacher? No worries! The template will be linked in the YouTube Description for you to download!
Grab the template and start building logical thinkers tomorrow! 🧠✨
#TechTwosDay #SPS #EdTech #TeacherTips #GoogleClassroom #ComputationalThinking #STEMeducation #MagicSchoolAI #TeachingStrategies

It’s time to look back to see how far we’ve come. In today’s episode of From Forest to Shore, we are bidding a fond farewell to two dedicated public servants who have spent years shaping the future of Stratford Public Schools.
Matt and Michelle ask the outgoing Board Chair and Board Member the hard-hitting questions about their tenure. We’ve edited their answers side-by-side so you can hear their unique perspectives on the work that goes on behind the scenes! 🏫
In this episode, we discuss:
📈 The Science of Reading & rising test scores
🤖 Implementing our new AI Policy
📱 The reality of the Cell Phone Policy
💼 Fiscal responsibility & "running it like a business"
❤️ The personal "Why" that drives public service
Whether you are a parent, staff member, or community member, this is a fascinating look at the decisions that impact our classrooms every day.
👉 Listen at the link in our bio.
#StratfordCT #StratfordPublicSchools #NewEpisode #Podcast #EdLeadership #StudentSuccess #CommunityUpdate #StratfordBoardOfEd #EducationMatters #ListenNow

Lea DiStefano - Eli Whitney's 2026 CAS Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year -- I am deeply grateful to be selected as the CAS Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive school community. The students, staff, families, partners, and district colleagues in Stratford make this work meaningful, and I am proud to share this recognition with them.

On the next episode of From Forest to Shore, hosts Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler are sitting down for a candid "Exit Interview" edition. We’re joined by outgoing Board of Education Chair Mike Henrick and Board Member Lisa Carroll-Fabian as they reflect on their years of service to Stratford Public Schools.
We tried something a little different this time: Two separate sit-downs. The exact same questions. One side-by-side perspective. 🤝
From the tough decisions (like cell phone policies and budgets) to the moments that made it all worth it (graduation day! 🎓), you won’t want to miss their insights on how far our district has come.
🎧 Drop date: Thursday, Feb 5th. Turn on your post notifications so you don’t miss it! 🔔
#StratfordPublicSchools #FromForestToShore #StratfordCT #PublicEducation #BoardOfEd #PodcastTeaser #Community #StratfordPride #EdTech

Tuesdays starting Feb 3
Pre-K 4:15-5:00 PM
Kindergarten–2nd Grade 5:00-5:45 PM
$45
Second Hill Lane School Gymnasium

Stratford, CT — Stratford Public Schools proudly recognized the Bunnell High School Special Olympics Unified team with the official unveiling and raising of the Unified Champion School banner in the Bunnell High School gymnasium. The recognition celebrates Bunnell High School’s leadership in fostering inclusive school communities through the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program.
The Unified program at Bunnell High School brings together students from both Bunnell High School and Stratford High School, uniting students with and without disabilities through inclusive athletics, student leadership, and school-wide engagement activities. This collaborative approach reflects Stratford Public Schools’ commitment to belonging, equity, and access for all students.
The honored Unified team exemplifies the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, demonstrating collaboration, empathy, leadership, perseverance, and respect. Through Unified programming, students develop meaningful relationships, strengthen school culture, and model inclusive practices that extend beyond athletics and into everyday school life.
“This recognition affirms the power of inclusion and the impact of Unified programming,” said Superintendent Heather Borges. “Our students from both high schools come together as teammates, leaders, and champions. Their commitment to one another represents the very best of Stratford Public Schools.”


District offices will open on a three-hour delay, but will be open.
Please note that the Board of Education Meeting and Finance Committee Meeting will be held as scheduled on Tuesday evening.
Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation. Please continue to monitor district communication channels for any updates.

Due to inclement weather, all schools and the District Office will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. Stay safe and warm!
#SnowDay #SchoolClosed

