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
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
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
We love reading at Lordship School!
Something special is coming to your ears this Thursday! 🎧✨
What if we told you that being bilingual is more than just a skill - it’s a superpower? 🦸♀️🌍
On this week’s episode of "From Forest to Shore," we’re diving deep into the world of multilingual learning and the power of the Seal of Biliteracy.
Join Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they sit down with our Multilingual Learner Department Head, Damaris Cruz, and a very special student guest, Lincey Bazile, who recently earned her Seal of Biliteracy in Haitian Creole! 🙌
Get ready to hear how our students are becoming true citizens of the world. 🌳🌊
#FromForestToShore #StratfordPublicSchools #MultilingualLearners #SealOfBiliteracy #PodcastTeaser #GlobalCitizens #BilingualSuperpower
Following the walk through, our students in grades 3-6 participated in an academic circle where we shared words of encouragement, test taking tips, and reinforced our Core Value of "Working Hard" at Lordship School!
Students celebrated Earth Day on 4/22 by cleaning and restoring the Lordship School grounds!
The Gaga Pit has been restored and is ready for use this spring!
🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️
The wait is over! Episode 14 of From Forest to Shore is LIVE and we are talking all things Stratford Athletics! 🏀⚾️🏃♀️
Today, Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler sit down with our Athletic Directors and two incredible student leaders to discuss:
✨ The "Positive Rivalry" initiative.
✨ Making CIAC history in basketball.
✨ Balancing life, leadership, and the "town talk."
Whether you’re a coach, a parent of a young athlete, or a lifelong fan of the Red & Gold or Blue & White, this conversation is for YOU. 🤝❤️💙
🔗 https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#OutNow #FromForestToShore #StratfordPublicSchools #StratfordAthletics #BunnellHighSchool #StratfordHighSchool #StudentAthletes #CTSports #CommunityPride
It’s about more than just the score at the end of the game. 🏀⚾️
This Thursday at 8 AM, a brand new episode of From Forest to Shore drops! We’re diving deep into Stratford Athletics—from the historic moment both our high school boys' basketball teams made the state championships, to the launch of our new "Positive Rivalry" initiative. 🤝✨
We’re joined by:
📍 Athletic Directors Wayne Thrall & Tony D'Angelo
📍 Student Leaders Lindsay Bazile (Bunnell HS) & Max Owen (Stratford HS)
Tune in to hear about:
✅ Protecting the competitive spirit while building community pride.
✅ How our student-athletes balance high-stakes games with academics.
✅ Advice for the next generation of Stratford stars. 🌟
Whether you’re rocking Red & Gold or Blue & White, we are ONE Stratford community. ❤️💙
🗓 Set your alarms: Thursday @ 8:00 AM!
🔗https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#StratfordPublicSchools #FromForestToShore #StratfordAthletics #BunnellHighSchool #StratfordHighSchool #StudentAthletes #PositiveRivalry #CTSports #PortraitOfAGraduate
New Episode Alert! 🎙️📖
Since it’s National Reading Month, we are slowing down to talk about the heartbeat of education: Literacy.
Join Matt Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler on the latest episode of "From Forest to Shore" as we dive into the "Science of Reading" and the pure joy of getting lost in a book.
We’re joined by an incredible panel of experts and students:
🔸 Diana DiIorio (Asst. Superintendent, PK-6)
🔸 Abbey Owen (Dept. Head, PK-6 Humanities)
🔸 Elizabeth Bourjaili & Melissa Bader (Secondary Humanities Dept. Heads)
🔸 Asha (SHS Junior) & Kiara (BHS Senior)
From building foundational skills in kindergarten to analyzing complex narratives in high school, hear how Stratford Public Schools is fostering the next generation of lifelong learners.
Stick around until the end to hear our youngest learners share their favorite books! 🦖🧚♂️✨
🎧 Listen now! https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#StratfordPS #FromForestToShore #NationalReading Month #LiteracyMatters #ScienceOfReading #BridgeToLearning #StratfordCT #PublicEducation #PodcastLaunch
It’s LIVE! 🎧📖
In honor of National Reading Month, our latest episode is officially out! We’re diving deep into the journey of literacy—from those first ABCs to the complex world of information literacy and AI.
Today we’re talking about:
📕 The Science of Reading: How we are shifting the way we teach our K–6 learners to ensure a solid foundation.
🌍 Building Empathy: How literature helps our students understand the world around them.
🌉 The Bridge: How our elementary and secondary teams collaborate so students smoothly transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
🧠 Critical Thinking: Preparing our older students to navigate the age of the internet and AI.
🍭 DON’T MISS THE END: We asked our youngest learners about their favorite books, and their answers are the perfect way to start your morning!
🔗 https://stratfordpsct.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tech/page/podcast-links
#NationalReadingMonth #LiteracyMatters #NewEpisode #PodcastLaunch #ScienceOfReading #Humanities #EducationInnovation #StudentPerspective #ReadingIsJoy
In celebration of National Reading Month, we’re "closing the book" on the mystery of how students become master readers. From the early stages of the "Science of Reading" to navigating AI and information literacy in high school, we’re tracing the entire journey.
What’s inside this episode?
📖 Expert insights from our Humanities Department Heads.
📱 The student perspective on why reading still matters in a world of instant notifications.
🌉 The "Bridge": How we ensure no student gets lost moving from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
✨ BONUS: Stick around until the very end of the episode for a special treat—interviews with our youngest learners about their favorite books. (Trust us, you don't want to miss their answers! 🍭)
🗓️ Dropping this Thursday! Get your bookshelves ready.
#NationalReadingMonth #LiteracyJourney #ComingSoon #PodcastTeaser #ScienceOfReading #EducationFirst #StudentVoice #ReadingIsPower #SchoolDistrict
The Family Engagement Survey closes TODAY. This is it! 🏁
We need your feedback to help us plan for the upcoming year. If you haven't clicked that link yet, this is your sign.
🔗 https://surveys.panoramaed.com/stratford/2702593263/surveys or Instagram link in bio
#SPSFamilies #ClosingTime #FinalReminder #StratfordPublicSchools
The Board of Education is currently reviewing the proposed school calendar and has asked for additional feedback from families regarding our Data & Collaboration Half Days. The proposed calendar includes seven half days for staff collaboration and data review.
Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help inform the Board’s discussion.
https://stratk12.jotform.com/team/superintendents-office/datacollabsurvey
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
🚨 FINAL CALL: SURVEY CLOSES FRIDAY! 🚨
This is your second-to-last chance to let us know how we’re doing. Whether you have praises or suggestions for growth, we want to hear it all.
Don't wake up Monday wishing you’d said something—click the link below or in our bio on Instagram RIGHT NOW to finish the survey! 🖱️✨
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/stratford/2702593263/surveys
#LastChance #SPS #YourVoiceCounts #DeadlineApproaching
