🚨 NEW PODCAST EPISODE IS LIVE! 🎙️🌳🌊
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 📢🏫
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 📢🏫
Dear Stratford Public Schools Community,
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
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
Exciting News! 🎉 Our newest episode of the From Forest to Shore podcast drops this Thursday, November 6th at 8:00 AM! 🥳
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
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
Dear Franklin Community :
Our students are getting ready to celebrate our brave veterans.
If you know a veteran, please help us by inviting them to join us!
🎖️ Franklin Veterans Day Celebration
📅 Friday, Nov. 14
🍽️ Lunch: 1:00 PM
🎤 Assembly: 2:00–3:00 PM
❤️🇺🇸Let’s honor those who served!
📝Veterans can RSVP by Nov. 9 by emailing Mrs. Johnson at johnsona@stratk12.org, calling the school at (203) 385-4190, or using the link below:
👉 [Veterans Day RSVP Form]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aZAPX8XjmY2b2_NNmpMRDgnmmGhpnKMaE9GJg1NjzqE/prefill
❤️ Thank you for helping make this a special celebratio
The garden club is continuing to be hard at work cleaning up the small garden near the flagpole. This past week we added earthworms to the garden that had been used by the fifth graders in some science experiments. We are quite sure they’re happy in their new home!
*Families and students- please be careful near the small garden as we are in the process of digging out two small trees that have been growing there! *
Next week, get ready for FALL SPIRIT WEEK! 🍁
Spirit Week brings our Franklin community together—it’s all about school pride, positivity, and celebrating the joy of being a Falcon! 💙💛
Here’s what’s coming up:
🏀 Monday, Oct. 27 – Sports Day: Show off your favorite team gear!
🤠 Tuesday, Oct. 28 – Country Western Day: Yeehaw! Wear your cowboy hats and boots!
🎃 Wednesday, Oct. 29 – Pumpkin Day: Dress in your favorite fall colors!
🛌 Thursday, Oct. 30 – Pajama Day: Cozy up in your comfiest PJs!
📚 Friday, Oct. 31 – Book Character Day: Dress as your favorite book character!
Let’s show our Falcon spirit all week long! 🦅
Check out our Silly Socks & Hair! 🎉
We’re continuing to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, reminding everyone about the importance of making good and healthy choices every day. ❤️
What a wonderful night!
We had over 30 beautifully decorated cars and so many happy kids in creative costumes. The weather was perfect! Thank you to everyone who donated candy, decorated trunks, and helped make such special memories. All the kids went home with tons of candy! 🍬
It was also very special to have our Franklin alumni visit us! It’s wonderful to welcome them back and hear all the amazing things they’re doing—and how much they miss Franklin. It reminds us what a caring community we are creating together.
Thank you ❤️
Enjoy the photos!
Ready to navigate the fast-paced world of AI in education with your family? 🧠🤖
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
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
🎤🎧 New Podcast Alert!
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
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
Dress down FALL Spirit Week Schedule
HAPPY SUNDAY! 🌟
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
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
🎉 Franklin Clubs Were a Huge Success! 🎉
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
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
🤝 We’re happy to share our partnership with Fairfield University! 🎓
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. 💙
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. 💙
We are excited to begin working with our Elected Student Government this year! Together, we’ll focus on making informed and positive changes that strengthen our learning community. Our student leaders play such an important role in shaping our school culture — listening to peers, sharing ideas, and leading by example.
Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and leading together! 💙
Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and leading together! 💙
🍎 Food for Kids – The Backpack Program
You are not alone—many families experience food insecurity, and support is available.
Through a partnership between Sterling House and Sodexo, students at Franklin Elementary can receive a bag of food every Friday to take home. Sterling House prepares the food bags, and Sodexo delivers them directly to our school.
To participate, each student must have a completed registration form on file.
👉 Please use this link to sign up:
We encourage families who could benefit from this program to register. This is a wonderful resource to help ensure all of our students have what they need. 💙
Veterans Day Celebration : Help us by inviting Veterans to our special Veterans Day Celebration
We are excited to share that Franklin Elementary will be hosting our Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, November 14!
📅 Date: Friday, November 14
🍽️ Lunch: 1:00 PM
🎖️ Assembly: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
This special event is our way of honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Mrs. Coletti will be teaching patriotic songs to our Brilliant Falcons, making this another very special tradition at Franklin.
We would love for as many veterans as possible to join us. Please help us spread the word to family members, neighbors, or friends who have served. If a veteran is able to attend, please have them RSVP by Sunday, November 9 by emailing Mrs. Johnson or completing the short survey below:
👉 Veterans Day RSVP Form
https://forms.gle/ACNwNUMCF1VDXqtD7
Thank you for helping us make this a meaningful celebration for our brave veterans and our school community!
We are excited to share that Franklin Elementary will be hosting our Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, November 14!
📅 Date: Friday, November 14
🍽️ Lunch: 1:00 PM
🎖️ Assembly: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
This special event is our way of honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Mrs. Coletti will be teaching patriotic songs to our Brilliant Falcons, making this another very special tradition at Franklin.
We would love for as many veterans as possible to join us. Please help us spread the word to family members, neighbors, or friends who have served. If a veteran is able to attend, please have them RSVP by Sunday, November 9 by emailing Mrs. Johnson or completing the short survey below:
👉 Veterans Day RSVP Form
https://forms.gle/ACNwNUMCF1VDXqtD7
Thank you for helping us make this a meaningful celebration for our brave veterans and our school community!
Fall Spirit Week ! Join the Fun
🎀 Red Ribbon Week at Franklin – October 23–30!
This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle – Solve It,” reminding students about the importance of healthy choices and staying drug-free.
Highlights for Families:
Thursday, October 23: Please wear RED to help bring awareness to Red Ribbon Week.
Friday, October 24: Crazy sock and/or crazy hair day! Students can participate in fun themed dress-down days throughout the week.
Grades 5 & 6 Assembly: Thursday, October 30 – A special assembly for our upper-grade students.
For resources and tips on supporting healthy choices at home, visit: Red Ribbon Week Resources
✨ Thank you for helping make Red Ribbon Week meaningful and fun for our students!
This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle – Solve It,” reminding students about the importance of healthy choices and staying drug-free.
Highlights for Families:
Thursday, October 23: Please wear RED to help bring awareness to Red Ribbon Week.
Friday, October 24: Crazy sock and/or crazy hair day! Students can participate in fun themed dress-down days throughout the week.
Grades 5 & 6 Assembly: Thursday, October 30 – A special assembly for our upper-grade students.
For resources and tips on supporting healthy choices at home, visit: Red Ribbon Week Resources
✨ Thank you for helping make Red Ribbon Week meaningful and fun for our students!
EXCELLENCE SPOTLIGHT: MISS MASSICOTTE MALL OF LEARNING GRAND OPENING !
This past week, Miss Massicotte welcomed our savvy second-grade shoppers and their families to an exciting Mall of Learning Grand Opening!
The “Mall of Learning” was vibrant, as student “managers” guided their parents through various centers, showcasing the clever and dedicated creations of our one-of-a-kind Miss Massicotte. Everyone also enjoyed pizza and fried dough in the “food court.” 🍕🍩
The centers were thoughtfully designed to align with our academic goals for the year, including writing, counting coins, reading, and math games.
Learning is a gift, and this event was a wonderful reminder that we can have so much fun along the way! 💙
This past week, Miss Massicotte welcomed our savvy second-grade shoppers and their families to an exciting Mall of Learning Grand Opening!
The “Mall of Learning” was vibrant, as student “managers” guided their parents through various centers, showcasing the clever and dedicated creations of our one-of-a-kind Miss Massicotte. Everyone also enjoyed pizza and fried dough in the “food court.” 🍕🍩
The centers were thoughtfully designed to align with our academic goals for the year, including writing, counting coins, reading, and math games.
Learning is a gift, and this event was a wonderful reminder that we can have so much fun along the way! 💙
