Episode 19 | School’s Out: Celebrating This Year's Wins

Episode 19 | School’s Out: Celebrating This Year's Wins

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!

Special Episode: SPS Art Show from the Sterling Community Center

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! 🎨✨

Episode 18 | SHS | The Finish Line: Reflections from the Class of 2026

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.

Episode 18 | BHS | The Finish Line: Reflections from the Class of 2026

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.

Episode 17 | The People Behind the Profession: Celebrating Our Educators

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.