STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Week Ending Friday, November 7, 2025
Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal
STAMFORD UNIFIED ATHLETES WIN GOLD!
The Stamford High Black Knights Unified Sports team secured the gold medal at the regional tournament held at Fairfield Ludlowe on November 6th. After rolling past the Darien Blue Wave, with goals from Emily F, Kimberlyn R (two), and the game-winner from Yiekol R, the Black Knights maintained their momentum. Carson G and Richard N dominated both ends of the field against Fairfield, while Carlos H contributed both goals and exceptional play as goalie. Weeks of practice clearly paid off for the team.
Unified Sports, a Special Olympics program, emphasizes social inclusion, meaningful involvement, and personal growth.
A huge thank you to our participating Partner Players. We had a great time riding the bus and enjoying pizza after.
THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending November 7, 2025. Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details. Have a great weekend with your families!
NOVEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER
November 11: Veterans Day—NO SCHOOL
November 26: Early release
November 27: Thanksgiving Holiday –NO SCHOOL
November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday—NO SCHOOL
5TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DRIVE IS UNDERWAY!
PAID CULINARY ARTS “PRE-APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
FOSH (Friends of Stamford High)
The SHS Christmas Tree Sale is right around the corner!
We need parent volunteers for various days/times BUT most importantly this Sat., Nov 8th (weather permitting, rain date of Nov. 15th) to help set up the lot for the tree delivery.
The set up consists of putting together the wooden tree stands, if you or someone you know are handy, own a drill this is for you! The more the merrier & many hands make light work!
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
ATTENDANCE GRADE RECOVERY (AGR) INFORMATION
Students who have received an “AGR” for quarter 1 due to attendance will be notified via their school-issued Gmail account.
Please check your student’s email regularly to be informed about the credit recovery process, including important deadlines for completion.
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
VIVE la FRANCE! “FRENCH WEEK” LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION
SHS “French Week” concluded today culminating a week of French cuisine, music, and culture! Special thanks to Mme Ram for her organization, support, and teamwork to help this become a reality.
As Mme Ram stated, “Attached is the final product of the activity to replicate George Seurat’s masterpiece in his signature “dots”. So many students and teachers supported me in this effort. Amazing community!!”
GAME ON!
MARKETING CLASS DESIGNS UNIQUE SPORTS BOARD GAMES
This week in Mr. Joannou's Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Management class, students worked in teams designing and creating their own sports-themed board games that applied real marketing concepts in a creative and hands-on way.
Each group developed a unique game concept, rules, visuals, and branding, and then prepared a short explanation of how their game connects to marketing strategies such as target audience, promotion, sponsorship, and fan engagement.
Students then played each other’s games, providing feedback on design, clarity, challenge, and fun.
This project allowed students to collaborate, think critically, communicate ideas, and apply course concepts in a memorable and engaging format.
They showed great creativity and teamwork, and we are proud of their effort and imagination.
ACTION PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
SHS Freshman Football had a great game last night under the lights and with a full moon.
Photos taken by Mr. Barron (science teacher)
STUDENTS WIN AWARD!
Congratulations to Eliza Erbe and Liv Luciani, winners of the Connecticut Financial Scholars Fall Public Service Announcement Contest!
Eliza and Liv produced a one-minute PSA about the benefits of saving for young people.
The juniors are in Ms. Zanga's UCONN ECE Personal Finance Class and plan to deposit their $100 winnings into their Members Credit Union Savings accounts, which will be matched by the credit union, so it's a win-win for Liv and Eliza!
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
BOCCE ANYONE?
Italian 1 students playing Bocce in the courtyard. This compliments our unit on pastimes/hobbies and highlights Italian culture.
“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
Today the AP Cybersecurity Networking class (Mr. Keller) ventured into making our own ethernet (networking) cables. Students were given a Cat 6 cable and a kit to snip, crimp and test their self-made cables.
Matt Purpura was the first to complete the task, with Alex Barker not too far behind. The rest of the class will continue this activity next week.
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER
Congratulations to the October FAFSA/ financial aid completion raffle winner Mario!
The College and Career Center Newsletter is up to date and can be found here. Highlights of the newsletter are:
Instant Decision Days for Iona University and Quinnipiac University- Register on Naviance! Space is limited
The College and Career Center will be hosting a November raffle for all students applying to ACCTUS or FAFSA.
Follow the College and Career Center on IG @shscounselingdept for all updates and resources
Check out the "Why Wednesday" highlighting why SHS staff have applied to college/ military/ workforce
Rep Visits are winding down; here are next weeks. We are in the final days. register on Naviance
ASVAB testing is December 2, 2025
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.
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.