🥳 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
🎙️ New Podcast Alert! 💻 Tech Integration in the Classroom!
The latest episode of "From Forest to Shore" is airing soon! Join Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they chat with our amazing Technology Integration Specialists about the crucial shift to seamlessly integrating tech into the curriculum. 🌲🌊
📅 Airs: Thursday, December 4th at 8:00 AM!
Hear directly from our team on: ➡️ The transition from Library Media Specialist to Tech Integration Specialist. 💡 Why integration is key to student engagement and deeper learning. 🎨 Exciting tech tools like Google Drawing, Google Sites, and the future impact of Generative AI!
Learn how this dedicated team is empowering both students and staff to become solution-driven problem solvers and lifelong learners, fulfilling our Portrait of a Graduate!
Set a reminder! Listen in to get informed, feel connected, and be inspired by the power of education in Stratford! 🔗 Access the Podcast here!
#SPSPodcast #FromForestToShore #EdTech #TechIntegration #StratfordPS #PortraitOfAGraduate #TechSpecialist #FutureOfLearning #K12Education #TechnologyInTheClassroom #LifelongLearning #CTSchools #NewEpisode
🎨 NEW EPISODE IS LIVE! 🎶
The latest "From Forest to Shore" podcast is here, and it's all about the beating heart of our schools: the Fine Arts Department! 🎭
Join us as we sit down with Brian Crook, Department Head of Fine Arts, to explore the vast and vibrant world of Music and Visual Arts in Stratford Public Schools! In this creative conversation, you'll learn about:
🎨The Arts Ecosystem: From K-12 Visual Arts, painting, and graphic design to performing ensembles (choir, band, orchestra), music technology, and theater!
🎨Skills for Life: How the arts are the proving ground for our Portrait of a Graduate competencies—building communicators, collaborators, and problem-solvers daily.
🎨Innovation Ahead: Getting excited about Modern Band (rock, pop, hip hop) being piloted at the middle school and the vision for music industry career connections!
Brian reminds us: "The arts, they're not a luxury. They are a necessity." Find out why!
Listen to the full episode now! https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#FromForestToShore #SPSCT #StratfordPublicSchools #FineArts #MusicEducation #VisualArts #PortraitOfAGraduate #CreativeLearning #ModernBand #ArtsAreEssential #Podcast
Get ready to tune in! We're diving deep into the heartbeat of our schools on the next From Forest to Shore podcast episode, airing Thursday, November 20th at 8:00 AM! 🎙️
We'll be talking with Brian Crook, Head of the Fine Arts Department, to explore the incredible music and visual arts programs that shape our students into communicators, collaborators, lifelong learners, and problem solvers.
From AP Studio Art and Orchestra to the awesome Bunnell-Stratford Marching Band, you'll be amazed by the extensive opportunities! Plus, hear about exciting new initiatives like the Modern Band Club and the future vision for music industry career pathways. 🚀
Brian reminds us: "The arts, they're not a luxury. They are a necessity. And they're not just for some, they're for everyone."
Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss how the arts are essential to developing the Portrait of a Graduate! 🎧
#StratfordPublicSchools #SPSFineArts #ArtsInEducation #MusicEducation #VisualArts #Podcast #ComingSoon #CommunityConnection #PortraitOfAGraduate #CTSchools #FromForestToShore #SPSCT #ModernBand
Check Out our AI Family Series for all caregivers! 🤖 We're here to help you navigate the world of Artificial Intelligence.
In our latest session, "Talking to your child about AI with confidence," I'm joined by Dr. Diana DiIorio, Assistant Superintendent. We tackle the big questions:
🤔 What are kids asking about AI?
👨👩👧👦 Creating a safe space for AI use at home.
🧭 Guiding vs. Controlling your child's AI exploration.
🛑 Discussing AI risks without the fear factor.
Ready to confidently talk about AI with your student? Head over to our website for this session and a wealth of resources, micro-courses, and our monthly family AI challenge! 👇
Webinar Airs Tuesday, November 18 @ 7pm on YouTube.
🔗 Link in Bio!
#AIFamilySeries #StratfordK12 #ParentResources #DigitalCitizenship #AIEducation #FutureReady #ParentingHacks #StratfordCT #InstructionalTechnology
Parents, students, and staff: School Safety is on everyone's mind, and we're tackling it head-on in the latest episode of From Forest to Shore!
Join hosts Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they sit down with three incredible school leaders from Stratford Public Schools:
🍎 Eric Conrad, Principal of Johnson House (Elementary)
🍎 Greg Grigas, Principal of Flood Middle School
🍎 Dr. Katie Graf, Principal of Bunnell High School
We dive into:
🔑 Crucial safety info for our youngest students (looking for the helpers! 🦸)
🤝 The growing personal responsibility of middle schoolers.
🗣️ How we talk to high schoolers about world events and safety.
🔒 Key safety protocols and drills you need to know!
💡 How YOU can partner with your school to create a safer environment!
This is a must-listen for our entire community! Get informed, feel connected, and be inspired.
🎧 Tune in now! Available anywhere you get your podcasts!
#FromForestToShore #StratfordPSCT #SchoolSafety #Community #Education #Podcast #NewEpisode #ElementarySchool #MiddleSchool #HighSchool #SeeSomethingSaySomething 📢🏫
With the continued uncertainty regarding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, we understand that many families may be experiencing hardship. Ensuring that every child has consistent access to nutritious food is paramount to their learning and well-being. Our commitment, in alignment with the Stratford Public Schools mission, is to actively support our community during this time.
We want to assure you that the Town of Stratford and its partners are mobilizing resources, and support is available.
🤝 Community Partnership & Updated Resources
We want to acknowledge the work of our partner, Stratford Community Services, who prepared and updated the essential Stratford Eats! resource. This document is a critical, up-to-date guide to local food banks, pantries, and community meals. It is attached to this email.
The updated Stratford Eats! resource, effective October 2025, now reflects the most current information on local meal and pantry services:
Baldwin Center Lunch (Ages 60+): The Baldwin Cafe is available for lunch reservations for older adults (60 years and older) from Monday to Friday. They have the capacity to take more reservations, so please call 203.385.4050 to reserve a spot.
Location: 1000 West Broad St.
YMCA Self Serve Pantry: Available seven days a week, with varying hours.
Sterling Community Center Food Pantry: Available Monday and Thursday, and Tuesday afternoons.
For more information - Link Here: https://www.sterlingcommunitycenter.org/accessfoodct
St. James Church Food Pantry: Available Wednesday afternoons.
South End Community Center: Has temporary hours and is available Wednesday mornings.
Holy Name of Jesus Church Pantry: Available every other Monday.
The State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has posted the following alert on their website -
The federal government has stopped funding SNAP effective November 1. For information on how this impacts your benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Those in need of immediate food assistance or who want to donate or volunteer can locate their local food pantry or a mobile pantry by visiting 211ct.org or ctfoodshare.org, or texting the word FOODSHARE to 85511.
🗓️ Community Response and Food Drives
Stratford Strong Initiative: The Stratford Strong community action group is actively mobilizing. They are meeting on November 5, 2025, to plan distribution of an updated "Food Drive 101" guide (originally created during the pandemic) to help the public best organize and direct support to our local pantries. We will share this guide as soon as it is available.
School Food Drives: As several of our schools initiate supportive food drives, we will share specific collection information and ways to participate to maximize the community’s collective impact.
🍎 School Meal Program Reminder
Please remember that your child’s access to meals at school is a constant source of support. If your household’s financial situation has changed, we strongly encourage you to:
Apply for Free and Reduced Meals: You can apply for the Free and Reduced Price School Meal Program at any point during the school year. Do not wait for a specific enrollment period—if your circumstances have changed, apply now.
Free and Reduced Meal Application - The Free and Reduced meal application can be found online by going to the Stratford Public Schools Website (www.stratfordk12.org), or click the following link - SPS Food Services
For food emergencies, please call the Baldwin Center at 203.385.4050 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, or call 2-1-1 for after-hours assistance.
We are committed to helping every student thrive. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we will ensure our community has the support it needs.
Stratford Public Schools
This is an important conversation you won't want to miss! We're diving deep into the topic of School Safety across all levels—elementary, middle, and high school. 🛡️ Tune in as we sit down with amazing school leaders: Principal Eric Conrad (Johnson House), Principal Greg Grigas (Flood Middle School), and Principal Dr. Katie Graf (Bunnell High School).
They share essential insights on:
🔑 Safety protocols and drills (fire drills, lockdowns, and more!)
🗣️ How to talk to students of all ages about safety in a reassuring way.
🤝 The crucial role parents and the community play in keeping our schools safe.
📱 How the new cell phone policy impacts safety and focus.
Safety is a priority for all of us, and this episode shares what we're doing and how you can be a part of it!
Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Let's get informed, stay connected, and keep our community safe together! 💙💛
#FromForestToShore #SchoolSafety #StratfordPublicSchools #SPSCT #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #CommunityFirst #ParentPartnership #StudentSafety #EducationMatters
Join us for a crucial webinar with special guest Dr. Phil Piazza as we dive into "What Students are doing (And Shouldn't be doing)" with artificial intelligence in school settings!
We'll be exploring the do's and don'ts, discussing the blurry line between support and shortcut, and giving you practical ways to build trusting conversations about AI use at home. Learn the essential skills your kids need to develop now to thrive in an AI-powered future.
🗓️ Webinar premieres 10/21/25 @ 7pm on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pBFWxaIdKj0
#AIinEducation #FamilyWebinar #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #StudentAI #DrPhilPiazza #EdTech #SchoolLife #DigitalLiteracy #FutureSkills #TechTalk #ParentResources #AIandKids
Mark your calendars! The next episode of the Stratford Public Schools Podcast: From Forest to Shore airs October 23rd at 8:00 AM and we're tackling a topic on everyone's mind: the district's cell phone policy! 🗣️
Join us as we talk with Dr. Phil Piazza and Dr. Diana DiIorio about the policy's main goals, which are all about creating a focused, inclusive, and productive learning environment for every student. We discuss:
📱The need to balance technology with learning.
📱The positive changes we're seeing in classrooms and hallways.
📱How limiting device access helps students build crucial social skills and emotional resilience.
📱The importance of authentic, face-to-face communication and collaboration.
This policy isn't about banning technology—it's about teaching our students to use devices as tools rather than toys! 🛠️
Listen on 10/23 to get informed, feel connected, and be inspired by the work shaping the future of our students. Link in bio!
#FromForestToShore #SPSPodcast #CellPhonePolicy #DigitalWellness #StudentSuccess #StratfordCT #CTEd #EducationPolicy #ToolsNotToys #FutureReady #StratfordPublicSchools
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!
We have a busy and exciting week ahead — Dress-Down Days, the start of Red Ribbon Week, Day 2 of Parent-Teacher Conferences, Trunk or Treat, and lots of learning!
👉 Click the link below to read our Weekly News, which includes important reminders and updates for the week ahead.
https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/family-news/october-19
What an incredible start to our Franklin Clubs! The energy and excitement from our students were contagious as they explored new activities, made friends, and discovered new interests.
Ms. Pinto, Ms. Bernard, and I are leading the LEGO Club, but I took some time to visit all the other clubs—and I absolutely loved seeing the variety of opportunities our students have to learn, create, and have fun! From Fitness and Bracelet Making to STEM, Cooking, Origami, and Drama, every room was buzzing with joy and engagement.
A huge thank you to our amazing staff for bringing these clubs to life and for making our first session such a wonderful success. Our Falcons truly soared today! 💙💛 Love, Mrs. Johnson
Fairfield University students will be supporting classrooms in grades 1 and 3 several times throughout October and November, providing extra help and encouragement to our young learners.
Our goal is to continue strengthening partnerships within our community to enrich learning opportunities for all Franklin students. 💙
