Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We've got answers. The Stamford High School's website provides valuable information for all those willing to "surf". New students and parents often pose a wide variety of questions about Stamford High's policies, procedures and expectations. The following touches on some of these frequently asked questions.
What does a student need the first day of school?
Students need to bring a pencil or pen, a notebook, an assignment book, lunch or lunch money, and a strong work ethic. Classroom teachers will inform students of any other needs, such as a calculator.
What if a student wants to join a fall sports team?
Tryouts and practices begin in late August, before the start of school. Call the Athletic Department at 977-5753 or check the FOSH SHS Calendar/Handbook mailed to you over the summer or local newspapers for dates. Individual coaches may need to be contacted for additional information.
Their numbers are listed in the school calendar. Information about tryouts for winter and spring sports is also available from the Athletic Department or coaches.
What is a blue card and is it mandatory to play a school sport?
A student is not allowed to participate in a sport without a physical and a completed blue Health History card. The blue card is verification that a student has a current physical exam form on file with the School
Nurse, who gives clearance for a student to play a sport. The cards are turned over to the coaches. The blue card provides medical and contact information in case a student suffers an injury or medical emergency and a doctor, dentist, parent or guardian must be notified. The card must be signed by a parent or guardian and approved by the school nurse. Students can get a blue card and other health forms for playing sports from the nurse during the school year and at the Main Office during the summer. A separate card is needed for each sport played. Coaches suggest a student get a physical by the beginning of the school year so the nurse has it on file. Physicals can be arranged with the School-Based Health Center at Stamford High rather than a private physician, if a family prefers
What grades are required for eligibility to play sports at SHS?
All freshman are eligible to play fall sports. All other students and freshman after the first quarter must have a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) to play. Students are allowed one appeal a year as long as their
GPA is 1.5 or better. If the appeal is approved, the student must attend an 8th period (after school) study hall. If the appeal is granted during a fall sport and the student also plays a winter or spring sport, then his/her GPA must be 2.0 during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters to remain eligible for the winter or spring sport since his appeal has already been used for the year.
Does Stamford High have an athletic trainer?
There is an athletic trainer at most practices and games who addresses any injuries and the physical needs of the players.
Where can I get the best information so that our family is well-informed from the beginning?
There are many sources of Stamford High news. This school website is a great start. Read through the various website pages and become familiar with the calendars informing students as well as parents of meetings, events, and school scheduling. The FOSH SHS Calendar/Handbook informs you about school policies, procedures and expectations. Also, check local newspapers weekly for information about club or parent meetings, announcements of visits by college admissions representatives and other important
news. Both The Advocate (on Sundays) and Stamford Times print Stamford High news. In addition, call the Stamford High Activities Hotline for up-to-date information and cancellations at 977-6167. You can keep up with FOSH news by sending an email request to join the FOSH (stamfordfosh@yahoo.com). Also, FOSH’s sandwich signs, which are posted in front and back of school, highlight upcoming events and FOSH meetings. The parent newsletter, The Knightly News, is mailed home five times a year.
What is Back to School Night and why is it important to attend?
Back to School Night is the first meeting of the school year for the Friends of Stamford High (FOSH), the parent/teacher organization. Generally held in early September, all parents are encouraged to attend
to hear from the school administration and FOSH’s Co-Presidents about plans for the school year and news related to Stamford High. There is also an opportunity for parents to sign up for FOSH committees.
Why is it important to contribute a membership donation to FOSH?
All parents and guardians of current Stamford High students are automatically members of FOSH. Membership contributions are voluntary. This income is vitally necessary for FOSH to continue to
publish a school calendar, prepare and print the parents’ newsletter Knightly News, support scholarships to graduating seniors, fund projects requested by teachers that enhance their academic programs, and sponsor the After Prom Party for graduating seniors, as well as other events.
Do students receive flyers and other printed information to bring home to parents?
Yes, even high school students occasionally get school flyers. Please encourage your child to share school announcements and paperwork that are made available in their classrooms. However, be assured that any critical or highly important news for parents will be mailed directly home by the principal or Board of Education.
What is the best way to reach my child during school hours?
Call the Main Office at 977-4223 to relay a message or come to the Main Office personally and your child will be summoned from class to meet you. Please refrain from making contact during the school day
unless it is extremely important. Do NOT call your child on his/her cell phone.
Is it safe for students to keep jackets, sports equipment and other valuables in their lockers?
All students should keep unnecessary valuables and electronic devices home. If they do not share locker combinations with others, most of their belongings should be safe. The school does not have the resources to investigate stolen or lost valuables. All items of importance brought to school should be locked in lockers.
Are Freshman grades important?
Freshman grades are very important and are counted toward a student’s final Grade Point Average (GPA) and class rank. These grades become part of the student’s high school transcript that is sent to colleges. All students should be reminded to work to the best of their ability from the first day they enter Stamford High. Students must pass a class to earn credit and to take the next course in the sequence.
What is the average class size?
The average size of an academic class ranges from 15 to 28 students, depending on the subject. Very few classes have the higher number of students and some specialty subject classes are smaller than the average.
Who are class advisors?
Each grade at Stamford High has two class advisors who are staff members. These advisors assist the class officers at their monthly meetings and with plans for social events and fundraising activities throughout the school year that will benefit the class, including their future Junior and Senior proms.
When are class elections?
Freshman elections for Class President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer take place in October. Students interested in running for an office should contact the class advisors. Posters and flyers may be placed on designated bulletin boards throughout school. Speeches are made at an assembly for the entire freshman class and elections take place in English or Social Studies classes after the assembly. Elections for upper-class officers are held each spring for the following year.
What is the Career Center?
The Career Center is located in Room 162 on the first floor of the main building. It provides print and online information for all students about career options, colleges and other post-secondary programs, and scholarships. A computer program called “Choices” helps students research various careers. The Career Center also arranges visits from college representatives, military recruiters and special speakers during school hours.
How does a student apply for a scholarship?
Information about scholarships is posted on a bulletin board outside the Career Center and a bulletin board in the Guidance Office. Students interested in scholarship information should call 977-4761. Friends of Stamford High (FOSH) also awards one or more scholarships each year to seniors who have made outstanding contributions to SHS and the SHS community. The FOSH Scholarship Committee, made up of parents, meets in late spring to screen applications and interview candidates. Senior parents are not eligible to serve on this committee.
Please view the website for more information
