The Principal's Newsletter

Dear Westhill Families,

As we head into our February break, please take a moment to review these important updates as we look forward to a four-day weekend and our upcoming parent-teacher conferences when we return.

Upcoming Important Dates & Academic Updates

• February Break: A reminder that there will be no school Friday, February 13th through Monday, February 16th. We hope our students and staff take this time to rest and recharge.
• Early Release Days: When we return, Wednesday (2/18), Thursday (2/19), and Friday (2/20) will be early release days to accommodate our Parent-Teacher Conferences.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: We look forward to seeing many of you next week! If you haven't yet scheduled your conferences, please do so ASAP as these conversations are vital for supporting student success in the new semester.
• Grade Reporting: Quarter 2 and Semester 1 grades will be finalized and visible in the Parent Portal on Friday, February 20th.

 

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Facility & Construction News

• Student Parking Transition: As mentioned in last week's assembly, we are quickly approaching the April 1 deadline for on-campus student parking due to the new school construction project. We encourage students to begin coordinating carpools or familiarizing themselves with the district bus routes now to ensure a smooth transition this spring.

 

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A Note from the Administration

We want to wish all of our families a safe and relaxing February break. Whether you are traveling or enjoying a mini "stay-cation," we hope you enjoy the time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on Tuesday, February 17th, ready to tackle the remainder of the third quarter.

Go Vikings!

Sincerely,

Principal Rinaldi and your Westhill Administrators

 

Need more information regarding Stamford Public Schools? Please access the link below: https://www.stamfordpublicschools.org/about-us/family-guide

 

Student Restrooms:

Please be assured that there are ample restrooms available to our students throughout the day. For safety reasons however student restrooms are locked at the end of each school day and then reopened by security once the next school day begins. For safety reasons during our lunch waves student restrooms located near classrooms are closed off to students while restrooms adjacent to our cafeterias are open for use. If your child should express any concern regarding the availability of student restrooms, please reach out to your child’s grade level assistant principal for assistance.

 

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Superintendent’s Message:

https://www.stamfordpublicschools.org/about-us/leadership-team/weekly-message-from-the-superintendent

ML Department:

Starting on January 12th the LAS Links testing will be administered to all Multilingual Learners (MLs). This test measures a student's English Language Proficiency.  Students are tested on four domains (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking). This test will assist in determining which ML services students will require for the 2026-2027 school year. 

ML students who are enrolled in ESL will be taking the test during their scheduled ESL class.  The remaining ML students will be scheduled to take the test during the school day in Room 222 starting on January 26.  All stakeholders will be notified in advance of when students will be scheduled to take the test.  Students will be assigned Minga passes and their attendance in PowerSchool will reflect that they were taking a test. 

LAS Links testing is to be completed by Friday, March 6.  If you have any questions or concerns about the testing, please contact Denise Grant at 203-977-5635 or email dgrant@stamfordpublicschools.org

 

Attention WHS Families: 

Schedules are to open on February 6, 2026, at 3PM EST

 

Westhill High School will hold parent-teacher conferences on: 

• February 18th from  12:25 to 3:45 p.m. and February 19th and 20th, 12:25- 2:20

 

You can schedule a conference with any of your child's teachers through the WHS My Conference Time website, found here https://www.myconferencetime.com/westhill/. 

 

Once on the website, type the name of your student's teacher in the "Search Schedule" box. The names of your students' teachers can be found in PowerSchool. 

 

Please note that you will be asked to select whether you would like to conference via Google Meet, a phone call, or in person at Westhill when you schedule your appointment.

 

Conference calendars will close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 15th to give teachers time to prepare. Please schedule all conferences before that time to ensure teacher availability.

 

Translation services are available by request when registering for a conference

 

Westhill High School llevará a cabo conferencias de padres y maestros el 18 de Febrero de 12:25 p.m a 3:45 pm. Y 19 y 20  de Febrero 12:25-2:20.

 

Los estudiantes saldrán de la escuela a las 11:45 am en esos días. Las conferencias tendrán una duración aproximada de diez (10) minutos.

 

Puede programar una conferencia con cualquiera de los maestros de su hijo a través del sitio web My Conference Time de WHS que se encuentra aquí https://www.myconferencetime.com/westhill/

 

Tenga en cuenta que se le pedirá que seleccione si desea realizar una conferencia a través de Google Meet, una llamada telefónica o en persona en Westhill cuando programe su cita.

 

Los calendarios de conferencias se cerrarán a las 11:59 p.m. del Domingo 15 de Febrero para brindarles a los maestros tiempo para prepararse. Programe todas las conferencias antes de esa hora para garantizar la disponibilidad de maestros.

 

Los servicios de traducción están disponibles previa solicitud al registrarse para una conferencia.

 

 

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Nicole Morse and Tanya Small Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Specialist (MTSS):

As we start a new quarter, please remember to upload notes anytime your child is sick. This avoids the chance of receiving an AGR. Doctors notes are preferred but notes with the date of the absence and a parent signature are accepted.

You can find out more information about our attendance policy and documentation process on the westhill website.

 

We want to ensure that all student absences are recorded accurately and in accordance with school and state attendance policies. To help with this, we are sharing a clear explanation of the difference between excused and unexcused absences, what documentation is required, and what may happen if documentation is not submitted. 

 

The information below explains:

 

• How absences are marked as excused
• What types of documentation are needed
• Important timelines for submitting notes
• What happens when absences are not properly documented

 

Please take a moment to review the information carefully, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

 

Mrs. Tanya Small

MTSS

Westhill High School

 

EXCUSED vs. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

STEP 1: REPORT THE ABSENCE

• Parents/Guardians must submit written documentation 
• Documentation is due within 10 school days of the student’s return 
• High school students must complete the online absence form and upload documents when required
• Note: Missing the deadline may result in an unexcused absence

 

ABSENCES 1–9

An absence may be excused if:

• A parent/guardian approves the absence and
• Documentation is submitted on time

Acceptable documentation includes:

• Parent/guardian note
• Court documentation
• School nurse or medical note
• IEP or 504-related documentation
• Note: Each absence requires separate documentation

 

ABSENCES 10 & BEYOND (STATE LAW)

Starting with the 10th absence, absences are excused ONLY for the reasons below with proper documentation:

• Student Illness – Medical provider note required
• Religious Holiday – Parent/guardian note
• Mental Health Wellness Days – Max 2 per year, not consecutive
• Death in the Family / Emergency – Parent documentation 
• Court-Mandated Appointments – Official court documents required
• Lack of Transportation – When provided by another district 
• School Activities – Field trips, athletics, meetings 
• Extraordinary Educational Opportunities – Must be pre-approved
• Note: Family vacations do not qualify

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An absence is unexcused if:

• Documentation is not submitted within 10 days
• The reason does not meet excused criteria
• The absence is not related to a disciplinary action

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER

• Attendance matters
• Submit notes on time
• Contact the school with questions or concerns

 

Questions? Please reach out to the main office or MTSS team.

 

 

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Christine Wheeler, Department Leader for English:

We hope that all of our Vikings enjoyed a much needed extra long weekend!  

Now that we are back, in our core English classes it is time to focus on finishing the central text for Unit 1 and moving on to the performance task. This means that 9th, 10th, and 11th grade classes will be writing narratives and our 12th grade classes will be writing literary analysis essays.   

 

 

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Camille Quattrocchi, Department Leader for Health, Physical Education & JROTC:

All students are required to take 1 credit of Physical Education and 1 credit of Health Education in order to graduate. Students will also participate in the required State of CT Physical Fitness Assessment during 9th grade. In addition our department offers many engaging electives for students.To see all our course offerings and descriptions select Health and Physical Education under course descriptions. Program of Studies -- Stamford High and Westhill High

PE classes will take place outside providing weather conditions are acceptable so dress appropriately. In addition, laced sneakers are required for participation in all Physical Education classes to ensure safety. No Crocs, slides, flip-flops, slippers, boots, UGGS, bare feet or anything that is not a laced sneaker will be permitted.

 

Healthcare Pathway - For more information on the Healthcare Pathway Health Science - Stamford Public Schools or contact Camille Quattrocchi

 

Public Safety Pathway - For more information on the Public Safety Pathway Public Safety - Stamford Public Schools or contact Stanley Lamour

 

JROTC - For more information on JROTC Westhill JROTC or contact William Weber or Arlindo Almeida

 

Westhill Intramural Activities will begin Monday September 8th and run through the spring (final week will be communicated in May). 

AM Team Sports - Soccer and Basketball Mondays-Fridays from 6:40AM-7:20AM. Students must enter through the rear door to the main gym across from the stadium. You can not enter through the building. Sneakers are required to participate and students must sign in with staff.

 

PM Fitness Center - Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:20 PM - report to the Fitness Center, room 2. Sneakers are required to participate and students must sign in with staff.

 

Any questions contact Camille Quattrocchi

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Lisa Forbes, Department Leader for Social Studies: 

 Black History Month started in 1926 as Negro History Week, created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He believed African American history was essential to understanding the United States. In 1976, it officially became Black History Month. Throughout February, we will highlight African American firsts, contributions, and leaders who helped shape our nation.

In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite facing racism, threats, and discrimination, Robinson excelled on the field and helped lead his team to success. His courage helped break the color barrier in professional sports and pushed the nation to confront segregation beyond baseball.”

After retiring from Major League Baseball, Robinson moved to Stamford in the 1950s.  While living here, he continued his work as a civil rights activist, businessman, and community leader.

 

 

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Kim Kumar, Department Leader for Business: 

The Academy of Finance program is accepting applications from rising sophomores. Please see any business teacher or your counselor for an application. The application and information is also available on Westhill High School website. 

 

https://www.westhillweb.com/academics/academy-of-finance 

 

 

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Jon Russo, Stamford Agriscience Program Coordinator:

• Do you have an 8th grade student with an interest in agriculture? The Stamford Regional Agriscience Program at Westhill High School is recruiting for the 2026-2027 school year! Watch our Recruitment Video, follow @StamfordFFA on Instagram, attend our Plant Sales for a Tour, and apply now to be considered in our next round of applications. We're growing places, are you?

 

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Have a Great Week Vikings!

For the most up-to-date version of the Principal’s Newsletter: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQ_ss1NfowhvFTlKJ9C2_KeoYDg8ca4QlxFcUVH1lwljlqg-XOmTdrjc_lXOkk5uVqcxInKetMZbdNZ/pub

 

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