Episode 16 | The Big Leap: Navigating Middle and High School Transitions

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.

Episode 16 | The Big Leap: Navigating Middle and High School Transitions

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.

Episode 15 | Global Citizens: The Power of Multilingualism

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.

Episode 14 | More Than a Game: Lessons from the Locker Room

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.

Episode 13 | Turning the Page: Building a Legacy of Literacy

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!