4/24/2026

STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER

55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902 

Week Ending Friday, April 24, 2026

Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal

CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY AND UNITY

Building on the momentum of Breast Cancer Awareness, Black History, and Women’s History, SHS shifted the spotlight this past Wednesday to honor Autism Awareness Month with a day dedicated to fostering deep inclusion and understanding.

The celebration was packed with energy, featuring an exhilarating student pep rally and a Unified Basketball scrimmage that showcased the incredible talents of our athletes, followed by spirited grade-level competitions like balloon relays and the "box toss." This memorable event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of ASD teacher Kate Keeler, AP for Specialized Instruction Catherine Albrecht, and our many selfless student volunteers and coaches.

In a lasting tribute to neurodiversity, Art Teacher Ms. Erika Arconti-Galassi collaborated with our Art Partners class—comprising both ASD and mainstream students—to create a stunning new mural. The design, which centers a human silhouette within a butterfly intertwined with infinity symbols, beautifully merges the themes of neurodiversity and Best Buddies.

This artwork stands as a permanent symbol of friendship, advocacy, and unity, reminding the entire SHS community that our unique perspectives are what make us belong.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE

Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending April 24, 2026.  Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details.  Have a great weekend with your families! 

SHS GRADUATION DATE SET!

Wednesday June 17, 2026

2:00 PM

Boyle Stadium

(Rain Date Thursday June 18; Time TBD)

SHS CULLINARY STUDENTS VISIT THE WWE!

Students from Stamford High School’s Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship program visited the WWE to get a behind the scenes look of the food services industry inside a corporate setting.

They took part in ‘pre-meal’ where they stood shoulder to shoulder with staff as they received instruction about the day’s service and expectations for the rest of the week. This program is a partnership between Stamford Public Schools, The Navigate Foundation, Compass, and Chartwells where students learn and work in a paid pre- apprenticeship in Stamford High School’s kitchen and graduate with an industry recognized credential.

This is just one of the many great career pathway opportunities for students in Stamford Public Schools.

CREATIVITY INSPIRES TEAMWORK

For the Pep Rally, a spirit flag was painted to cheer on students, showcasing a fantastic collaboration. Student Brooke Bamberger, along with other students, created the flag under the guidance of Mr. K and Ms. DeBiase Wheeler. It was truly inspiring to witness the teamwork.

SHS TO HOST ANNUAL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR

The All-City College & Career Fair is Thursday, April 30th from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Stamford High School gymnasium. This free event is open to the public.

Representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, trade programs, military branches, and community organizations will be available to share information and answer questions.

Participating institutions include the University of Connecticut, several Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and four-year colleges such as Vanderbilt University, Harvard College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Sacred Heart University, among many others.

Attendees can also connect with Lincoln Technical Institute, Porter and Chester, the Stamford Fire Department, Excel Academy, branches of the military including the U.S. Marine Corps, and local organizations such as the Stamford NAACP and Stamford Dollars for Scholars.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to begin or continue planning for life after high school.

College & Career Fair attendees should enter Stamford High School via the back entrance near the tennis courts. Free parking is available in the three school parking lots and along Hillandale Avenue.  

SOPHOMORE AMELIA NANDIKESAN WINS 1ST PLACE

Sophomore Amelia Nandikesan took home first place at the UB RISE High School Science Research Symposium! 

After a series of impressive presentations, Amelia advanced to the "Lightning Round," where she bested finalists from BRASTEC and Amity High Schools to secure the top honor.

The UB RISE Science Research Symposium is a prestigious forum that showcases high-level inquiry and innovation from the region's most promising young scientists.

It is a huge accomplishment to stand in front of an authored piece of research and present findings to a panel of experts and peers, and this success is a testament to months of dedicated hard work and preparation.  Their success is a testament to everyone's hard work and dedication to our students here at SHS.

In addition to Amelia’s win, we are incredibly proud of our entire team. Congratulations to Julia Akramovitch, Daniela Hernandez, Rylie Haynes, Magnus Smail, Alex Polletta, and Samiksha Dhanapal on an outstanding job representing our school at the symposium.

SHS SENIOR EARNS AMAZON SCHOLARHIP

Fredy Cabrera Pinto, an IB Diploma candidate and senior, received an exciting surprise last Friday when he was named a 2026 Amazon Future Engineer scholarship recipient.

The award provides him with $10,000 annually for each of his four years in college. Fredy's award is no surprise to his teachers and friends as his passion for learning is witnessed both in his academics and extracurriculars. SHS is extremely proud of this gifted young scholar. 

SHS BAND THROWS PARADE FOR PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS!

Shout-out to Mr. Jackson and the SHS Band for supporting the “Week of the Young Child” The children, families, and teachers were thrilled by the incredible rhythms and beats the SHS students performed—they truly brought the parade to life and made it a memorable experience for all who attended! 

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Congrats to the Girls Lacrosse team for capturing the first of many (hopefully) spring city championships.  Their win over Westhill secured the city title!

ATTENDANCE GRADE RECOVERY (AGR) INFORMATION

Questions about the AGR process?

Grades 9 and 12: jcarde@stamfordpublicschools.org 

Grades 10 and 11: dostasiewski@stamfordpublicschools.org

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.