From Forest to Shore

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.  

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Fine Arts Department Head Brian Crook to discuss the ins and outs of our FIne Arts Department.  This episode provides a deep dive into the Fine Arts Department of Stratford Public Schools. We'll explore how arts education contributes to a student's holistic development, helping them cultivate key attributes like communication and collaboration. The discussion also features exciting stories of student progress and a look into the future of the district’s art and music programs.

In this important episode, we sit down with three school principals, one each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels, to discuss how we are working to keep our students safe. We’ll explore how to talk to students of all ages about safety without causing fear, the specific safety measures in place across our schools, and how parents can partner with us to create a secure learning environment for everyone. Tune in to learn more about our commitment to student well-being.

In this episode, we're putting the spotlight on Stratford Public Schools' new cell phone policy. We sit down with Assistant Superintendents Dr. Phil Piazza and Dr. Diana DiIorio to discuss the policy's goals, its impact on student focus and social dynamics, and the challenges of creating a technology-balanced learning environment. We’ll explore how the policy is being implemented across all grade levels, from PreK to 12th grade, and what the future holds for technology use in our schools.

In this episode of From Forest to Shore, we explore the crucial link between school attendance and student success. We're joined by Director of Career and Community Learning, Sam Rosenberg, and Family Engagement Specialist, Migda Carrero, to discuss the barriers to attendance and the proactive strategies the school district has in place to help families. They share their insights on how consistent attendance impacts not only academic achievement but also a student's long-term well-being and future career prospects.

In this inaugural episode of From Forest to Shore, hosts Michelle and Matt sit down with Acting Superintendent Heather Borges to discuss the future of education in their community. They explore the district's four key priorities for the upcoming school year: student success, innovation, well-being, and community partnerships. The conversation touches on how these priorities will shape the educational experience for all students and how families can get involved to support a thriving school community.  Find our guest, Acting Superintendent Heather Borges on Instagram at instagram.com/spssupt.

Join hosts Matthew Rivers and Dr. Michelle Eckler for a journey through the heart of the Stratford Public Schools community. From Forest to Shore is more than a podcast—it’s a conversation. We'll introduce you to the dedicated people who make our district shine, from students to staff, and share the stories that connect us all. Each episode, we dive into key topics, highlight incredible achievements, and offer an inside look at how we're building a safe and inspiring educational environment for every student. This is your place to get informed, feel connected, and be inspired by the power of education in Stratford.