From Forest to Shore

Welcome to the Season 1 Finale of From Forest to Shore, the official podcast of Stratford Public Schools! 

Hosts Matthew Rivers (Director of Operational Technology) and Dr. Michelle Eckler (Director of Instructional Technology) are crossing the finish line of the school year with a powerhouse panel. Joining the studio today are Stratford Public Schools Superintendent Ms. Borges, Bunnell High School Senior Class President Anisa, and Stratford High School Senior Class President Madison.

In this episode, we take a global look at the district’s biggest triumphs over the past 10 months—including shifting the Portrait of a Graduate from "poster to practice," rolling out cutting-edge AI and cellular policies, lowering chronic absenteeism, and enhancing our CTE pathways. We also look ahead to the upcoming 5-year strategic operating plan launching this December.

Our student leaders bring a fun, crosstown dynamic to the microphone, sharing what they secretly admire about each other's campuses (Bunnell’s DECA program vs. Stratford High’s clinical nursing lab) and reflecting on the bittersweet reality of graduation. Finally, our guests boil the entire school year down to just one word: Fulfilling. Major. Unified. 

Thank you to our listeners and the entire Stratford community for an incredible first season! We are taking a brief summer recess and will return with Season 2 in September. Have a fantastic and safe summer!

Join hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they celebrate the magic of the 2nd Annual Stratford Student Art Showcase at the Sterling Community Center. This episode features incredible live music from the Stratford High Jazz Quartet alongside exclusive interviews with our talented student artists, dedicated teachers, and community leaders. You can also catch these masterpieces in person at Sterling House from now until June 29th! 🎨✨

In this special double-release graduation series of the From Forest to Shore podcast, hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler celebrate the Class of 2026 by highlighting the top academic students from both district high schools. Bunnell High School Valedictorian Baylen and Salutatorian Julia open up about transitioning from middle school lockdown to developing strong study habits and thriving on advanced academic challenges. They also highlight how student-led spaces like the Cultural Showcase and the Women's Empowerment Club foster an inclusive environment where everyone can truly be themselves. Meanwhile, Stratford High School Valedictorian Nicholas and Salutatorian Madison share their practical strategies for maintaining consistency, ranging from detailed digital spreadsheets to color-coded planners. Both student leaders reflect deeply on navigating intense AP course loads, discovering personal outlets like music and sports, and learning the vital lesson of prioritizing mental well-being over academic perfectionism. Ultimately, these conversations offer a profound look behind the transcripts, showcasing the remarkable self-awareness, resilience, and character of Stratford's future leaders.

In this special double-release graduation series of the From Forest to Shore podcast, hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler celebrate the Class of 2026 by highlighting the top academic students from both district high schools. Bunnell High School Valedictorian Baylen and Salutatorian Julia open up about transitioning from middle school lockdown to developing strong study habits and thriving on advanced academic challenges. They also highlight how student-led spaces like the Cultural Showcase and the Women's Empowerment Club foster an inclusive environment where everyone can truly be themselves. Meanwhile, Stratford High School Valedictorian Nicholas and Salutatorian Madison share their practical strategies for maintaining consistency, ranging from detailed digital spreadsheets to color-coded planners. Both student leaders reflect deeply on navigating intense AP course loads, discovering personal outlets like music and sports, and learning the vital lesson of prioritizing mental well-being over academic perfectionism. Ultimately, these conversations offer a profound look behind the transcripts, showcasing the remarkable self-awareness, resilience, and character of Stratford's future leaders.

This special episode honors the educators who make it all happen. Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler host a "Roundtable of Excellence" featuring three district Teachers of the Year: Abbey Owen (2025), September Baraquin (2026), and the newly announced 2027 Teacher of the Year, Jessica Scandurra. The group reflects on the changing landscape of education, the moments that keep them inspired, and the enduring impact of a caring adult in a student's journey.

Transitioning between schools can be the most stressful time in a student's career. In this episode, Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler aim to calm the nerves of parents and students alike. They are joined by Middle School Counselor Maria Ciccarini and 7th grade student at Wooster Middle School, William Ceriello to share "real talk" about student fears versus reality, offering advice on lockers, changing classes, and making new friends, proving that the leap isn't as scary as it looks.

What does it mean to be a communicator in a global society? Hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler speak with Darmaris Cruz, Department Head for ESL and Lincey Bazile, student who has earned the "Seal of Biliteracy." They discuss the cognitive and cultural benefits of learning a second language, the district's ELL (English Language Learner) support, and how breaking down language barriers fosters a more inclusive community within Stratford schools.

Spring sports are in full swing! Hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler head to the field to discuss how athletics support the "Portrait of a Graduate." Joined by the District Athletic Directors Wayne Thrall and Tony DeAngelo as well as an athlete from each high school, the conversation moves beyond the scoreboard. They discuss how time management, resilience, and teamwork are honed through competition, and how student-athletes balance the demands of the classroom with the pressure of the game.