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Educators Rising is a national “Grow Your Own” teacher program. Five years ago, Daniel Lauture, the SPS Ed Rising teacher leader, introduced the teaching career path to 7 SPS high school students. This program and the after-school club is now 40 strong and highly recognized at Connecticut Educator Rising Conferences.

The CT ED Rising Professional Development Day was held at University of Bridgeport on December 5 where Stamford’s very own Jacquelyn Rybnick was appointed to be 2023 CT Student Cabinet Vice President of Service. This day was also monumental in that Jessica Nelson, a member of the first SPS Ed Rising cohort, presented as a now senior at University of Bridgeport nearing the commencement of her first teaching position!

SPS shone once more at CCSU on March 8 at The Connecticut Educators Rising 2023 State Conference. During this conference, SPS ED Rising Students, Morgan Comstock and Isabella Siciliano competed in the Children’s Literature Competition where they showcased a children’s book they wrote for elementary grade levels. SPS Is immensely proud of Daniel Lauture, our teacher leader for his dedication in planting the seeds for our SPS students to realize their vision of becoming a Connecticut teacher and of our junior and senior Ed Rising Students!!!!

In a break from Mamma Mia rehearsals, the Strawberry Hill Players were visited by Broadway star Robin De Jesús who led a workshop about performance through song. Together, Robin and members of the drama club broke down meaning and emotions in songs; a few students even got to perform a mock audition for one-on-one coaching from the Broadway actor! Robin also allowed time for the students to ask questions about his career and auditioning in general.  We were thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to taking what Robin has taught us to the stage!

Robin De Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominated actor. He received his first major role in the cult-classic 2003 film CAMP. Since then, he has gone on to perform in various Broadway productions, including RENT, IN THE HEIGHTS (for which he received his first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (his second nomination), WICKED, and THE BOYS IN THE BAND (for which he just received his third nomination).

Stamford High School’s annual support for Breast Cancer Awareness month has had a special meaning this year.  Given the friends we have lost recently, this year’s dedication was a tribute to our friend and colleague Curtis Tinnin, who lost his battle with cancer after an eight-month struggle.  The annual “Pink Out” shirt was inspired by Curt’s message of hope in stating “Live a life of love, be part of something bigger than yourself, and cherish each day.”  

As we enter our 11th year of supporting this cause, Stamford High has raised over $100,000, primarily with the support of students, staff, and the SHS community through the purchase of our “Pink Out” gear!  SHS will be making another sizable donation this year!

On September 27th, SHS Art teacher Erika Arconti-Galassi was a recipient of an award as an honoree from Yale New Haven Children's Hospital Toy Closet Program.  For over 7 years, Erika's Adobe Photoshop classes have created custom digital art and paid it forward by making holiday greeting cards and attaching them to donated toys.

The toys were then given to the children staying in the care of the hospital and also shared with other Yale Hospitals to brighten a child's day. Hundreds of toys have been generously donated from our very own Stamford High students and the New Canaan Toy Store.

YNHH has given away over 235,000 toys just this year alone ranging from ages 0-18. SHS student volunteers, teams, and school groups volunteer and support The Toy Closet project throughout the year.