STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Week Ending Friday, October 31, 2025
Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal
HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM SHS STAFF AND STUDENTS!
THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending October 31, 2025. Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details. Have a great weekend with your families!
PHOTO RETAKE INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Attention Underclassmen:
If you did not take a photo on picture day, underclassmen picture retakes will take place on November 10th in room A-101. More details to follow.
Questions? Reach out to Ms. Vivirito avivirito@stamfordpublicschools.org or Mr. Lutz rlutz@stamfordpublicschools.org
SHS CONTINUES ITS FOCUS ON FINANCIAL LITERACY
Ms. Dougherty's Personal Finance Class had a valuable learning experience on October
16th by hosting banking experts from Webster Bank. The industry experts provided valuable real-world insight, covering essential topics like different types of savings vehicles, the various accounts and services offered by banks, and a deep dive into credit. Students learned practical information on how to build and manage credit and why a strong credit history matters. It was an informative session where students actively engaged with the experts, asking questions and sharing their knowledge.
A huge thank you goes out to Webster Bank for their commitments to financial literacy!
Cool Fact about Webster Bank: Webster Bank founder, Harold Webster Smith, started the institution during the Great Depression with just $25,000 he borrowed from friends and family to help Connecticut residents achieve homeownership.
APPLE PIE ANYONE?
Students in the Introduction to Foods class recently enjoyed a hands-on lesson in baking as they prepared homemade apple pies.
During this activity, students explored the varieties of apples best suited for baking, compared the properties of all-purpose and gluten-free flours, and practiced how to lattice pie crusts.
They also learned professional techniques for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. This engaging lesson blended culinary skills with food science and creativity.
STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISER
The holidays are right around the corner — and here's your chance to save money and support Stamford High at the same time!
When you shop at Minted.com for your holiday cards, gifts, and decor, use our exclusive code FUNDRAISESTAMFORD at checkout.
You’ll get 20% OFF your purchase and Minted will donate 10% back to Stamford High’s Student Council!
Why it matters: Your support helps us cover the rising costs of prom, graduation, and student events — all while you cross holiday shopping off your list.
Act now — every purchase makes a difference.
Share with friends and family to multiply the impact!
Thank you for helping make this season brighter for our students!
NATIONAL FRENCH WEEK NOVEMBER 3-10
This week aims to increase the students' awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the French-speaking world. Dynamic activities have been designed to bring the language and culture out of the classroom in fun, engaging, and informative ways. We will be showcasing Francophone art; music and cuisine so don't miss out on the fun!
PAID CULINARY ARTS “PRE-APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATED AT SHS
In honor of Italian American Heritage Month, local author Anthony Socci came to speak to some of our Italian and history classes.
He spoke about the Italian immigrants and their early impact on Stamford and our community.
He has written a book called United We Stand: Pre WWII - Chronicles of the Italian Colony of Stamford.
“TOTE”-ALLY AWESOME FUNDRAISER FOR VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM
The Visual Arts Department is currently raising funds to help support activities and experiences that go beyond our classroom budget to provide enrichment and professional-level experiences for student artists in our schools.
Your support directly enables us to:
Purchase specialty, professional-grade materials for studio classes.
Enhance the core curriculum by funding experiential learning opportunities crucial for developing well-rounded artists.
By purchasing a Stamford High Art Tote, you are not simply buying a reusable bag; you are investing in the skills, passion, and artistic futures of our student community. Please click on the "Thank You..." below to purchase.
CLASS OF THE WEEK
Mme Ram's French 1 class learned about "La Toussaint", the French name for All Saints' Day, a national holiday on November 1st that honors all saints, known and unknown.
In practice, it has become a day for French families to remember and visit deceased loved ones in cemeteries, often placing chrysanthemums and candles on graves. In French class, students researched famous French people who have passed and displayed their findings to share with the broader SHS community.
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER
Instant Decision Days for Iona University and Quinnipiac University- Register on Naviance! Space is limited
FAFSA Raffle winner will be announced on Monday, November 3, 2025
CT State Community Application Event: November 7, 2025
Follow on IG @shscounselingdept for all updates and resources- Check out the video on FAFSA myths! Let us know if you would like to see any additional resource videos
ACCTUS is live and available for completion- applications are available in the College and Career Center
Rep Visits are winding down, here are next week's
All students in AP classes need to join their AP classroom and pay for their AP exam by November 1, 2025 without a late fee.
Don't forget to follow the Counseling Department on IG for all important updates and information. @shscounselingdept
MYP AND IBDP SESSIONS ARE HERE!
Stamford High School hosts virtual information sessions for our two application-based International Baccalaureate programs.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP): For Stamford 8th-grade students and families.
IB Diploma Programme (DP): For Stamford 10th-grade families.
Why attend? Learn how these rigorous, internationally renowned programs can prepare students for college and develop critical skills. We'll cover application steps and more!
No pre-registration needed. Families only need to attend one session. Spanish translation available.
Check the attached flyer for dates and times!
COLLEGE RECRUITING SEMINAR FOR SHS ATHLETES AND FAMILIES
Are you interested in playing a sport in college? Then save the date for our upcoming, free recruiting seminar!
Black Knight Athletics is proud to host renowned college recruiting expert Wayne Mazzoni (a popular speaker who has presented here before). Mr. Mazzoni is known for providing an honest and informative look at the realities of college recruiting and athletics.
If you aspire to play a sport in college, you'll find this evening extremely valuable.
Registration: Please see the attached flyer for the date, time, and the embedded registration link. This is a free event sponsored by Black Knight Athletics.
JOIN STRINGS AND CHORUS!
SHS “U-KNIGHTED NATION” TUTORING
If any student needs extra academic support throughout the school year, the SHS U-Knighted Nation organization is here to assist! Made up of student volunteers, the UKN tutors are available to assist and help ANY student that may need it.
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Please remember to submit any student absences to the Absence Documentation Form within 10 school days of the absence.
Appropriate documentation (parent note, doctor's note, official paperwork) must be provided for the absence to be approved.
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Final Forms registration page at https://stamford-ct.finalforms.com/
CELL PHONE POLICY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
For cell phone Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.
“OPEN CAMPUS”
Parents and families, as a reminder, the SPS “Open Campus Policy” is only permissible for students in GRADES 11 and 12.