STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER
55 Strawberry Hill Ave. Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Week Ending Friday, September 25, 2026
Mr. Matthew Forker, Principal
HONORING A LEGEND!
“Mario Caminiti Field” Officially Dedicated
This past Friday, SHS honored one of its very own. Following a lengthy replacement process for the upper soccer field turf, the SHS boys and girls soccer teams finally have a new home—and there was no better way to dedicate the new playing surface than by recognizing one of the finest coaches in SHS and FCIAC history.
Coach Mario Caminiti patrolled the sidelines for the SHS boys program for an astounding 42 years, mentoring some of the school’s greatest players, including current Head Coach Mike Summa.
Beyond his coaching legacy, Mr. Caminiti was a mainstay in the classroom, serving as an SHS World Language teacher and Department Head. Over his tenure, he taught many current staff members—including the current SHS principal (twice!).
Mr. Caminiti epitomized class and true professionalism. He cared deeply for his students, players, and colleagues, bringing an infectious humor, warm demeanor, and exceptional expertise to both teaching and coaching. Everyone who knows, worked with, or played for Mr. Caminiti is better because of the experience!
THIS WEEK’S UPDATE
Here are some quick updates and reminders for the academic week ending September 25, 2026. Links have been provided, where applicable, to help with further details. Have a great weekend with your families!
OCTOBER CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
October 12: Columbus Day (NO School)
October 14-16: Parent Teacher Conferences (More Info to Come!)
October 21: PSAT Day for Grade 10 (Grades 9, 11, 12—4 Hour Delay)
October 31: Halloween and PINK OUT Football Game
SHS “CLUB FAIR” HUGE SUCCESS!
A huge thank-you to our incredible club advisors and student representatives for making our Club Fair on 9/23 such a success!
With more than 40 club tables, students showcased their organizations with creative flyers, music, giveaways, and, of course, everyone’s favorite… Italian cookies!
More than 600 students came through the fair to learn about the many opportunities to get involved here at SHS, resulting in hundreds of sign-ups and new club members!
We’re excited to continue hosting events throughout the school year to showcase our clubs, activities, and all the ways students can get involved in our school community.
SENIOR SURVEY
If you have not already, please take the time to complete the Senior RISE survey. This is a mandatory survey that needs to be completed by all seniors.
Link: https://risenetwork.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgyjkvtSXvRoQmi
If you have any issues, please reach out to your school counselor.
U-KNIGHTED NATION NEEDS YOU!
Kids from ALL grades and ALL backgrounds!!!!
Here is what becoming a member of this group will entail:
Creating a positive school culture and supportive school community where you are ACTIVE participants in U-Knighted Nation event planning and follow through. This includes but is not limited to:
Pink Out Month
Knight of Excellence
U-Knighted Nation Golf Tournament
Promoting and being seen at school functions, games, and performances.
Coming to meetings prepared to contribute ideas for school and community growth
Be prepared to meet, when necessary, unless there is a prior unavoidable school or team commitment
SHS “PINK OUT” IS IN FULL SWING! ORDER TODAY!
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE INFO SESSIONS
Stamford High School (SHS) will host virtual information sessions for families interested in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes offered at SHS. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the programmes, the application process, and how IB can support students academically and prepare them for future college and career opportunities.
IB Diploma Programme (DP): 10th Grade Families
Families of sophomores interested in applying to the college-level IB Diploma Programme are invited to attend an information session before applications open on October 20.
Sessions: October 20 or November 5
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP): 8th Grade Families
Families of 8th grade students who are districted to Stamford Public Schools are invited to attend an information session before applications open on November 17.
Sessions: November 16 or December 1
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Virtual Information for Both Programmes
Google Meet: meet.google.com/vyd-ufob-ymb
No RSVP is required. Families can simply join using the Google Meet link at the scheduled time.
Translation will be available through closed captioning.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the IB programmes and the opportunities they offer students.
ACTION PICS OF THE WEEK (Mr. Barron, SHS Science)
This week Girls Varsity Soccer, Boys JV Football, and Boys JV Soccer achieved athletic excellence this week through relentless vocal communication and seamless teamwork on the field.
Strong Black Knights. Go Black Knights
FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER
PRETZEL ANYONE?
This week, students in our ASD classroom prepared and made homemade pretzels!
INSIPIRING CREATIVITY!
SHS Students Meet Artist Rohini Devasher at the Bruce Museum
On Tuesday, September 22, Stamford High School visual arts students stepped out of the classroom and into the galleries of the Bruce Museum for an inspiring look at where science meets imagination.
Following a guided tour of the exhibition, students enjoyed a candid Q and A session with artist Rohini Devasher. She offered a rare look into her creative process, sharing how she transforms complex scientific research spanning atmospheric science, cosmic space, and ecology into captivating multimedia drawings, paintings, and installations. It was a front row masterclass in turning scientific curiosity into compelling artistic expression.
This incredible experience, including lunch and transportation, was generously provided courtesy of the Bruce Museum. Special thanks to Bruce Museum Director of Education Corinne Flax and Education Manager Kathleen Holko for hosting our group, as well as school chaperones Mr. K and Ms. Sanchez for guiding our students throughout the day!
“SUNSET OF THE WEEK”
Friday brought a ferocious “calm before the storm" moment to SHS!
(Photo credit: Ms. Wingertzahn)
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Absences can be excused through ParentSquare notifications. Parents can click the link in the text, email or app "attendance notification" from ParentSquare to excuse the absence.
Appropriate documentation (parent note, doctor's note, official paperwork) must be provided for the absence to be approved.
Attendance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER
Upcoming Rep Visits:
Register for all rep visits and see the full list on Naviance. In order to login to Naviance students must be logged into their school email account. Then click the waffle on the top right for apps, Naviance is listed.
AP Exams:
Any students registered in an AP class MUST join the AP Classroom through the College Board. After joining the classroom, students then must pay for the exam through Total Registration. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch you must have completed the lunch from and indicated this through Total Registration. Deadline to join the AP Classroom is September 30, 2026.
October
UCONN Stamford Field Trip: October 6, 2026, Trip is at max capacity
FSA ID Creation: October 8, 2026
Common App Bootcamp: October 15, 2026
Common App Bootcamp: October 20, 2026
UCONN Application Day: October 27, 2026
Virtual Parent Financial Aid Seminar: October 29, 2026
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.
Documentation is AVAILABLE for families on allowing your student the ability to leave campus with parental permission.