STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Week Ending Friday, November 14, 2025
Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal
SHS WELCOMES AREA VETERANS!
On Monday November 10, the SHS Social Studies Department hosted area veterans to speak to our students about not only the importance of Veterans Day, but also their personal experience both home and abroad during their time of service. Special guests included SHS’ very own: Mr. Grillo (Science Teacher, Mr. Gonzalez (Security), and Mr. Jordan (“JJ”, Security). Also on hand was former SHS teacher and Athletic Director, Mr. Pete Samperi.
The event kicked off with the SHS Band, led by Mr. Jackson, playing renditions of the Official Branch songs of the U.S. Military: “The Army Goes Rolling Along, Anchors Aweigh, The Marines’ Hym, and Wild Blue Yonder.”
This annual tradition emphasizes the dedication citizens give to protect our country’s freedom and way of life.
SHS thanks them for attending and for their service to our country!
THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending November 14, 2025. Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details. Have a great weekend with your families!
NOVEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER
November 26: Early release
November 27: Thanksgiving Holiday –NO SCHOOL
November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday—NO SCHOOL
5TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DRIVE IS UNDERWAY!
**Attention Families** If you would still like to contribute to the Athletic Department’s annual Thanksgiving Drive, we need $20 gift card donations. These gift cards are for receiving families to purchase the protein of their choice for their families during this holiday season.
STUDENTS EXPERIENCE “FIERCE PLANETS”
This morning, a group of 122 students and 8 teachers visited the new Planetarium & Astronomy Center at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.
Their visit included:
A viewing of the current art exhibit, "Fierce Planets."
A talk titled "What's Hidden Inside Planets" given by Dr. Sabine Stanley, a planetary scientist from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Stanley's research served as the inspiration for the art pieces featured in the exhibit.
FOSH (Friends of Stamford High)
The SHS Christmas Tree Sale is right around the corner!
Have questions? Email us at FOSHPTO@gmail.com
To sign up: Click on the Sign-Up Genius for availability:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084BA8A82FA2F58-58149412-christmas#/
Thank You! FOSH PTO
“THROWBACK” PHOTO OF THE WEEK
In the spirit of Veterans Day, a throwback moment to the SHS “Class of 1947” which featured returning veterans who served in both Europe and the Pacific during WWII, who were unable to graduate due to their service. Upon their return from active combat, these men were able to re-enroll at SHS to complete their coursework for their diploma! (Thanks to Mr. Schadlich for the find!)
SENIOR INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
PAID CULINARY ARTS “PRE-APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
ARTIST OF THE MONTH (OCTOBER)
“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.
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER
The College and Career Center hosted a CT State Community College Application event. Students were assisted in creating accounts and completing applications from start to finish. We will be hosting another CT State Community College Application Event next month.
Attention 9th and 10th graders Future Five is coming to SHS on Tuesday for a presentation on the benefits their program has to offer. Reach out to Ms. Vazquez to receive a MINGA pass for the event.
10th and 11th graders: PSAT scores have been released! Login to your College Board account to access your scores
ASVAB testing is scheduled for December 2, 2025, all grade levels are welcome to test please register on the google form
11th and 12th graders: Need extra assistance with your college essay or just starting the process? The College and Career Center is hosting an essay writing workshop on Dec 4, 2025
Seniors! If you missed CT State Community App Day don't worry! We are hosting another app day on December 11, 2025
Next week is the final week for the rep visits for the Fall, make sure to take advantage of these final opportunities. Register on Naviance
Follow us on IG @shscounselingdept for all event details and inspiring videos
The College and Career Center Newsletter is up to date and can be found here.
CHEMISTRY CLUB HOSTING A “STOCKING STUFFER” DRIVE
SHS SCIENCE CLASS GIVES BACK BY SUPPORTING FOOD BANK
Students in Ms. Cole’s classes participated in collecting cans and goods for the Food Bank of Fairfield County.
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.
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.
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.