STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Week Ending Friday, March 6, 2026
Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal
FROM LEGACY TO LEADERSHIP: FOUR DISTINGUISHED VOICES INSPIRE STAMFORD HIGH
On Friday, February 27, Stamford High School hosted a Black History Month event titled "Legacy X Leadership." This special session brought together four distinguished leaders for a panel discussion aimed at providing students with a "blueprint for success."
The event featured a diverse group who shared their journeys across finance, entrepreneurship, public service, and education:
Bilal Little (SHS Graduate), Director of ETFs at the New York Stock Exchange, shared his expertise from a 19-year career in which he has raised over $15 billion in assets. He discussed the strategic development of digital assets and his work hosting the ETF Central Podcast.
Carl Michel, CEO of Royal Communication Center and best-selling author, inspired students to "Write A Legacy." He highlighted his mission of providing mentorship for artists and entrepreneurs through media and tech.
Clifford Louis, a U.S. Army veteran and former NFL/CFL player, demonstrated how elite discipline translates into community impact. Currently a first responder and real estate professional, Louis emphasized the importance of local growth and public safety.
Claude E. P. Mayo, Director of Inclusive Excellence at Quinnipiac University, focused on the power of centering marginalized voices. His presentation centered on integrating advocacy and empathy into professional engagement to build institutional belonging.
Our panel provided students with more than just career advice; offering a philosophy of integrating service and philanthropy into professional life. By connecting students with leaders who have excelled in four distinct industries, Stamford High School continues to foster an environment of equity and excellence.
THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending March 6, 2026. Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details. Have a great weekend with your families!
MARCH DATES TO REMEMBER
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 18: SAT for SHS students in Grade 11 (4-Hour Delay).
March 19: The “Cinderella Project” Formalwear (FREE) for students! / SHS "Spirit Knight" 6:30 PM
March 20: Eid-al-Fitr (NO SCHOOL)
March 23: NEASC Decennial Visit (More information to come!)
March 24: NEASC Decennial Visit
March 25: NEASC Decennial Visit
March 25: Early Release
March 31: SHS Women’s History Month Panel Discussion
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The SPS Family Climate Survey is now open! We encourage all families to participate to share your thoughts and let us know how WE are doing for YOU!
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER
The College and Career Center hosted the second W.E.P.A. session where students learned about financial options and costs of various post-secondary plans.
The SHS College and Career Center Newsletter is up to date and can be found here. Follow the department on IG for updates and information @shscounselingdept
Below are highlights, read the full newsletter for more resources and details.
Sorority 101 Workshop- March 13, 2026- Register on Naviance
College Essay Writing Workshop March 24, 2026- Register on Naviance
Virtual Financial Aid Family Night March 26, 2026 - Register HERE
Resume Writing Workshop March 27, 2026- Register on Naviance
College Admissions Panel April 14, 2026
Rep visits are ongoing and the list can be found in Naviance!
The next session of W.E.P.A. begins for the 9th and 10th graders next week! Check your emails for details
COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
The time for course selection for the 2026-2027 school year has arrived. In order to support students in selecting courses for next year, we are holding grade level assemblies this year with your school counselors. Additionally, we have provided a guide to assist you should you not complete your requests during the assemblies.
The 2026-2027 program of studies is now available through the link and/or QR code in the attached flyer. This will also support you in looking up descriptions of courses, as well as various pathways you may be considering.
Links:
Program of Studies- https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1771512400/stamfordpublicschoolsorg/slkkreqgiajfqi5ix9rr/2026-27HS_P-O-S_SHS-WHSComplete.pdf
Course Selection Process: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uHUc9p8jfv9-Fl-Q2gfe-bXpy0eTgyM7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118274884920389354243&rtpof=true&sd=true
SHS ATHLETES RECEIVE HONORS
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recently named to All-FCIAC teams:
Girls Basketball
Taylor Roncoroni (1st Team, 1st Team All-FCIAC tourney team)
Jalynn Presely (2nd Team)
Janiah Steele (3rd Team)
Maddie O’Connor (Hon. Mention)
Chasity Smith (Hon. Mention)
Boys Basketball
Jordan Sutton (1st Team)
3rd ANNUAL SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLEGE FAIR
SHS HAT TRICK: THIS WEEK’S STANDOUT CLASSES
Global Foods closed out the Asian unit with chicken dumplings. Mr. Paulino was caught red-handed enjoying the fruits of their labor!
Students from Stamford High’s ECS program visited the Stamford office of Charter Communications for a career panel discussion and networking event. During the visit, students had the opportunity to hear from company leaders as well as Senator Bob Duff. Following the panel, student had the opportunity to network with employees, ask questions and gain valuable career exposure.
Ms. Cole's class had a fabulous Zoom presentation from Reef Relief, out of Key West! They are dedicated to improving & protecting coral reef ecosystems! The students were very enthralled by all the new information they learned!
CHEER ATHLETES TAKE HOME FCIAC AND STATE RECOGNITION!
“ATTENDANCE MADNESS” ARRIVES AT SHS!
With “March Madness” around the corner, SHS is getting in the spirit of this yearly basketball tradition by having a class attendance competition amongst all periods and teachers! Every week, we will be reviewing attendance data and those that “defeat” their opponent in the bracket by having the higher rate of attendance, will advance! We hope to make this competition a fun way to make sure we are all in class every day! The winner for each period will win a major prize! More details to follow!
FRIENDS OF STAMFORD HIGH (FOSH)
Attention baseball fans!
Check out this deal on Yankee tickets through the PT Council of Stamford.
Remember to select Stamford High School when checking out!
SPIRIT “KNIGHT” IS BACK!
Spirit Knight is a special event that brings our SHS Community together to celebrate Fashion, Fun and School Spirit - all while supporting a great cause!
Volunteers link for Spirit Knight https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5UQAyHQ7pv1FFOCbqmqcMr73pfOYlu0TmbafzzfD1BAhN8Q/viewform
Spirit Knight & Fashion Show Ticket purchase website is NOW LIVE -https://our.show/SpiritKnight26
ATTENDANCE GRADE RECOVERY (AGR) INFORMATION
Questions about the AGR process?
Grades 9 and 12: jcarde@stamfordpublicschools.org
Grades 10 and 11: dostasiewski@stamfordpublicschools.org
SENIOR “FUN DAY”
Donations needed (see flyer)
Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1PNSOFFUNDU5Y?ref_=wl_share
Let us shop for you - Square link - https://square.link/u/yE3JtV1L
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.
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.