From Forest to Shore

In celebration of National Reading Month, hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler explore the journey of literacy. This episode features Assistant Superintendent Diana DiIorio, Abbey Owen, the Department Head for Humanities K-6, Melissa Bader and Elizabeth Bourjaili, our secondary Humanities Department Heads, and two high school students who share with us why they love to read. They discuss the importance of early literacy foundation, how the humanities curriculum builds empathy, and how reading habits evolve as students mature from elementary school to graduation.  Stay tuned at the end for a special surprise from some of our little learners as they tell us all about their favorite books!

Join hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they look at life beyond the textbook. As students begin selecting courses for the coming year, this episode highlights the district’s Career and Community Learning pathways. Guests include Sam Rosenberg, Director of Career and Community Learning, seniors Kanye Tracey, Ryan Gonzalez, and Madison Vasquez and sophomore Eddie Greist.  The group discusses how electives, including culinary arts, video production, nursing, and video game design, create "solution-driven problem solvers" and prepare students for immediate success in the workforce and college alike.

This episode of "From Forest to Shore" tackles the anxiety surrounding elementary school math. We sit down with two Math Interventionists who share practical strategies for parents to support their kids' learning at home. We'll bust common myths, discuss the importance of a growth mindset, and provide fun, everyday activities that build foundational math skills beyond flashcards and worksheets. Get ready to turn math struggles into a journey of confidence and fun!

In this episode, we sit down with departing members of the Stratford Board of Education to reflect on their years of service. We'll explore their proudest achievements and the inspiring moments that defined their tenure, celebrating the lasting impact they've made on our schools. This is a chance to hear firsthand what it takes to serve on the board and to thank a true advocate for our students and staff.

Join hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler as they dive into the essential work of the Stratford Public Schools Digital Wellness Task Force. This episode features Rachelle Dene Poth, AI expert and coordinator of the task force, and Bunnell High School junior Anthony Darbilli, the student representative. Discover how this grant-funded team is revising the district's Acceptable Use Policy and developing a comprehensive guidebook to support the growth of the whole student. The discussion explores what "digital wellness" truly means for today’s learners, the challenges students face balancing their digital lives, and key strategies educators and families can use to foster responsible, healthy digital habits. Learn about the collaborative effort to create communicators, collaborators, lifelong learners, and solution-driven problem solvers  in the digital age.

In this episode, we're joined by department heads from both Bunnell and Stratford High Schools to discuss how they're shaping the future of education. We’ll explore the intentional integration of the Portrait of a Graduate into the curriculum and how it’s being used to develop essential skills like communication and problem-solving. This conversation will also highlight the increasing importance of student voice and the exciting collaboration between the Humanities and STEM departments to create innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences.

This episode offers a comprehensive guide to Special Education and Student and Staff Services in the Stratford School District. We'll clarify the often-confused differences between a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and walk families through the process of initiating an evaluation for special education services. We'll also highlight unique support programs and share essential advice for families just beginning their special education journey.

In this episode of From Forest to Shore, we sit down with our technology integration specialists to explore how they're bringing learning into the 21st century. We'll uncover their day-to-day work, discuss the importance of weaving technology directly into the curriculum, and hear how they are helping teachers and students succeed. Get ready to learn how a solution-driven mindset is making our classrooms more collaborative, creative, and innovative.