Eagle Parent News
Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Weekly
Week of 11/30 - 12/6
Message from the Principal
Good Afternoon CompSci High Families,
Welcome back from Thanksgiving break! We hope all of our families enjoyed time with loved ones and found moments of rest and gratitude. As we return to school, we are entering a very important stretch of the year.
Today, Sunday, November 30, is the final day to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences. These meetings are essential for staying connected to your student’s progress and partnering with teachers to support their success. If you have not yet scheduled a conference, please do so before the end of the day.
The next three weeks are critical to your student’s success in the second quarter. This week marks the halfway point of Quarter 2, making it a perfect time to check in on progress. Please take a moment to review your student’s grades, assignments, and attendance in PowerSchool and encourage them to communicate with their teachers about any missing work or areas needing improvement.
We also want to remind families that our cell phone policy remains in full effect. Students are expected to hand in their phones at the start of every period, and your reinforcement of this expectation at home is a key part of making it successful. Minimizing distractions helps all students stay focused and engaged in their learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, let’s make these next few weeks strong, productive, and successful for every student at CompSci High!
Warmly,
Mr. Carter
Upcoming Events for our Students
- Picture ReTake Day - December 9
- Parent Teacher Conferences - Wednesday and Thursday December 10 and 11
- Half Days Wednesday, Thursday, Friday December 10 - 12th
- Half Day Wednesday December 23
- No School - Winter School Recess - December 24 - January 6th
- Half Day Wedneday January 14
- No School - Monday January 19
- Mid Terms - Half Days - Friday January 16 - Friday January 23
Quick Reference Items:
How to Report an Absence:
A parent or guardian should provide either a phone call (8602530274); an email (ckennedy@crec.org); or send documentation in with the student at the time of re-entry.
Announcements and Upcoming Events
Attention Parents - Last Day to Sign Up for Parent-Teacher Conferences - Sunday 11/30
Greetings CompSci High Families,
It is time to begin scheduling conferences. Please mark your calendars for:
Wednesday December 10th, 12pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm
Thursday, December 11th, 12pm-3pm
We use schoolappoitnments.com to schedule conferences. We will be using this website (compscihigh.schoolappointments.com). This site allows parents to schedule meetings in person, by phone, or by video. Meetings will last 10 minutes and you will have several time slots to choose from.
How School Appointments Works:
1. You can register an account and add your student(s) to your account at compscihigh.schoolappointments.com
2. You then find the teachers you want to visit for your student and book appointments.
3. Available 10 minute time slot for each Parent Teacher Conference will appear 12/10 12pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, 12/11 12pm-3pm
4. In person is preferable, but phone or video conferences are also available.
5. See attached document for more detailed instructions.
6. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Caldwell if you are having difficulty.
You may begin scheduling tomorrow. Scheduling closes Sunday, November 30th. You will be allowed to schedule conferences for up to 10 staff members. Please feel free to schedule time to speak with your student’s counselor, social worker, assistant principal or principal. You have the option of choosing in person, video or phone conferences. If you select a video conference, but there is any trouble with the video conference, we will call the main number we have on file for you. The call number may be from the school or from a private number. Please answer any calls during your scheduled meeting time. If you have any questions please contact me at dcaldwell@crec.org
Thank you and we look forward to our conferences!
Jamaica Relief Donation Drive
Hello students and families,
Our Student Senate committees need your help.
We feel deeply for the families and communities in Jamaica who were recently impacted by the devastating hurricane. Many people are facing urgent needs as they work to recover and rebuild.
As a school community, and as a district, we are launching a fundraising effort to provide support and relief supplies to those affected. We invite all families to contribute in any way they can. No amount is too small—every contribution makes a difference.
More information about how to donate/contribute and any further details will be shared below and to your student throughout this week.
Donation collection will end Dec. 3
Donation Items
Clothing
Personal Hygiene products
Toiletries
Blankets
Food (canned goods)
Bottled water
Solar powered flashlights/portable lights/batteries
Tarps
General aid (bandages, medicines, etc)
Gloves, Hats
Stuffed Animals (small)
Donation Specifics
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4RW9ANMUUJXM/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
For clothing/Blankets: Please make sure all materials are easy to handwash. No harsh lining.
Money Donations
Please and Thank you for joining us in extending care, compassion, and solidarity to those in need.
CompSci Students have Mural Dedicated and Mounted on Hartford Building
We are proud to announce the official dedication and hanging of the original artwork of students at CompSci High, Aerospace High, and Impact High. Last Tuesday the artwork was dedicated and hung in Hartford. We are very proud of our students and the work they put into the mural.
Winter Sports Sign Up
Please use the QR Code below or this link to complete necessary paperwork for Winter sports - Boys and Girls Basketball and Boys and Girls Indoor Track.
https://crecmagnet-ct.finalforms.com/?forward_path=%2Fstudents
Parent Advisory Board Zoom Meeting - Notes
This past Wednesday we had our first Parent Advisory Board meeting. We will be meeting again next month, Wednesday December 10 @ 6:00 PM. If you missed us this past week, the notes are here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lagkr7UnR1-MRJy4mpoGtEcXskU47QYfJiuDXg6zKTI/edit?usp=sharing
Fall Sports - All Academic
Please join the CompSci High Community in congratulating the following students for being named Fall Sports All Academic:
Girls Soccer:
Rosviana Aquino, Katherine Arenas, Alysson Galvez -Tapia, Rodina Hassanein, Daisy Hercules, Aaliyah Manifold, Mariam Masoud, Allyson Morgan, Anari Stewart
Cross Country:
Kamiyah Barco, Noah Chaloult, Dante Henderson, Allayna Hoppie, Miles Jackson, John Ortiz, Hope Stevens, Aidan Thaxton, Frances Webster, Victorya Zahn
Football:
Owen Dias, Ma'kye Hemingway, Chase Mcclendon
Boys Soccer:
Ahmad Afzali, Abdoul-Waliyi Akpo, Cayden Bernard, Deangelo Clarke, Jahmanuel Lynch, Emerson Miles, Jorge Rubinos
Volleyball:
Kaneen Dilworth, Jayshanette Flores-Valentin, Marelia Sanchez - Moreno
Yearbooks are now ON SALE
Purchase your 2025 - 2026 Yearbook now! Click the link below to order yours online.
Field Trip Information
As we move further into the school year, field trips will begin to happen.
Permission slips - can be found in PowerSchool when you log into your parent account.
Epi Pens and Inhalers - If your child requires one or both of these medical devices and is a "Self Carry", they must have them with them.
Reminder about IPADS and Tablets
Any IPAD or Tablet CANNOT be used as a replacement for a school issued Chromebook. IPADs/Tablets during class will be treated like cell phones. They will not be collected, like cell phones, but are expected to off and away in a bag. Any IPADS out, will be confiscated for the day.
Attention Parents - Access Powerschool
If you are still in need of accessing Powerschool, please do the following below to either find or recover your username and password:
1. Check your primary email from mid August for an email from "CREC PowerSchool"
- If you do not find that email please do step 2
2. Email powerschoolsupport@crec.org - state that you cannot log into your account and they will provide you with your username and password
Powerschool access is essential for you to see Attendance, Grades, Assignments, Sign Field Trip Forms, Report Cards, Transcripts, and coming soon Make Payments.
AfterSchool Activities
Clubs this Week -
This week the clubs schedule is as follows:
Monday
ESports - Open Play - All are welcome
Robotics
Open Gym
Tuesday
Esports
Drones
Robotics
Homework Club
Open Gym
Thursday
Esports
Drones
Robotics
Homework Club
Open Gym
Homework Club - Tuesday and Thursday
Homework Club - Please read below for how to sign your student up
How to Sign Up:- Parents/guardians only can sign up students for Homework Club starting at 8am Friday mornings through 8am Tuesday.
- Students cannot elect to stay without their parent signing them up.
- This allows us to provide enough time to staff members to prepare.
- If your student is interested in attending, please fill out the form using the button below
When Does it Run:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 – 4:30pm in the Library (with a snack provided).
Expectations:
- Students need to have work to complete - This is not a hangout club
- No Cell phones will not be allowed during HW Club.
- No Food Deliveries are allowed
- Both Hartford Late Bus and a Suburban Late busses are available.
- Please look at the list of stops here for more information https://docs.google.com/document/d/1llvZLHtkg921a0dfSb5tJif4vjIN5jnQenkQEkekLLo/edit?usp=sharing.
CREC Health Services Updates
Resources for 25- 26 School Year
Sports
Attention Winter Athletes - Basketball and Indoor Track Eligibility
As we move to the midpoint of the 1st quarter, it is important to begin thinking about Winter Sports eligibility. Eligibility for both Basketball and Indoor Track is based on 1st Quarter grades.
Eligibility - 2 types of eligibility
Type 1 - Eligible to Practice and Play in Games/Meets: No Failing Grades and a GPA of 2.2 (75 Average or higher) for Quarter 1
Type 2 - Eligible to Practice but not Play in Games/Meets: 1 or less Failing Grades and a GPA of 1.7 - 2.19 (67 - 74 Average) for Quarter 1
Weekly Sports Schedule:
Monday:
Girls Basketball Begins
Thursday:
Boys Basketball Tryouts
Indoor Track Begins
Important Parent Reminder- Please Read - Athletics – 24-Hour Rule
As part of our commitment to a positive and respectful athletic experience, we follow the 24-Hour Rule for all athletic programs. This means that parents and family members should not approach coaches within 24 hours of a game to discuss concerns or frustrations. This includes topics such as playing time, strategy, other players, or the outcome or performance of the team.
If concerns do arise, student-athletes should take the lead by scheduling a meeting with their coach. If, after that meeting, concerns remain, families may request a meeting that includes the coach, the Athletic Director, and the player.
If communication with a coach is necessary, it should be done through email and never directly after a game. We appreciate your partnership in helping us ensure our athletics program is built on sportsmanship, respect, and student growth.
Class of 2026 - Our Seniors
November School Counseling Senior Updates
Below is some helpful information from the school counseling department regarding senior year.
Senior School Counselor Meetings– Early Application Deadlines Approaching!
Individual senior/counselor meetings are underway now that we’ve completed all small group sessions. We welcome parent participation in these meetings. Please reach out to your student’s school counselor if you are interested in attending these meetings with your student. Students- if you know you have early deadlines and want to meet sooner, please reach out as soon as possible!
Senior Year Post Secondary Planning Tasks – Hand out from when we met in small groups during senior workshops
Post Secondary Links & Resources – a link to all important resources/forms you might need! Including Financial Aid and Scholarship Info
Senior Counseling FAQ – answers to common questions you might have for your Common App or other college/senior related tasks
Senior Brag Sheet - Complete this form to help your counselor and teachers write your letters of recommendation
Highlights
Niche- Direct Admissions with Niche: get accepted by participating colleges based on your Niche Profile - no application needed! https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/direct-admissions/
CAAP- CT Automatic Admission Program for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher https://www.ct.edu/autoadmit
UConn Scholarships- Merit Scholarships specific to UConn https://admissions.uconn.edu/cost-aid/scholarship/
NCAA- Thinking about sports in college? Make sure you are registered with the NCAA if you are considering D1 or D2 athletics https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
FAFSA & FSA ID
FAFSA is OPEN! Be sure to complete your FSA ID in order to then complete your FAFSA. Mr. Serrano is here at Comp Sci every Wednesday to meet with students for FAFSA support. To schedule an appointment with Mr. Serrano, fill out this contact request form.
FSA ID Video – 6 minute How-To video
Create your account – begin creating account here **You will need your social security number**
College & Career Support Flyer
Upcoming College Rep Visits at CSH
You can register to attend and view all rep visits directly through SchooLinks. Once you are logged into your SchooLinks account you will see the visits listed under Events on your Homepage/Dashboard. To access your SchooLinks account login using your CREC google account here https://app.schoolinks.com/login/k12. This list can change regularly so check SchooLinks often.
College & University Open Houses
Many colleges are still holding fall open houses. Take a look below or research the schools you are interested in to see if they are holding one soon.
-Central Connecticut State University- 10/26/25 9am- noon and 1-4pm. Register here: https://www.ccsu.edu/openhouse
-UConn visit days – https://admissions.uconn.edu/open-house/
-CT State - https://ctstate.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Events
Upcoming Field Trips:
Field Trip Permission Slips can be found on PowerSchool:
Senior Yearbook and Yearbook Ad Information
Take a look at the flyer below for information on Early Bird pricing for Senior families for this years yearbook as well as information on purchasing an add and space in the this years yearbook to shout out your student! https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectTask
Class of 2027 - Our Juniors
Class of 2028 - Our Sophomores
Upcoming Field Trips:
All Field Trip permission slips can be found in PowerSchool:
Class of 2029 - Our Freshman
Upcoming Field Trips:
All Field Trip permission slips can be found in PowerSchool:
Important School Information
Important Contact Information for CompSci High Students and Families
CompSci High School Main Number - 860-253-0274
CompSci High Admin:
Greg Carter - Principal - ext. 7801 gcarter@crec.org
Desmond Caldwell - Assistant Principal 10th/12th - ext. 7827 dcaldwell@crec.org
Dr. Jessica Sanborn - Assistant Principal 9th/11th - ext. 7814 jsanborn@crec.org
Latoya Malcolm - Dean of Students - All Grades - ext. 7815 lmalcolm@crec.org
Attendance Officer:
Chris Kennedy - Email: ckennedy@crec.org; Call: ext 7833
Counselor Contact Info: Main Number: 860-253-0274
Lauren Sondrini (Grade 9) Email: lsondrini@crec.org Call: ext. 7810 or Text (860) 698-0560
Heather Venitosh (Grades 10 -12) Email: hvenitosh@crec.org Call: ext. 7808 or Text (860) 856-9990
Kathryn Zadrowski (Grades 10- 12) Email: kzadrowski@crec.org Call: ext. 7829 orText (860) 281-7305
School Counseling Office Assistant:
Ashley Wilson Email: awilson@crec.org Call: ext. 7806
CompSci High School Social Worker Contact Info:
Linda Dadario Email: ldadario@crec.org Call: ext. 7807
Joel Weisel Email: jweisel@crec.org Call: ext. 7809
Barbie Nadal-Cristofaro Email: bnadalcristofaro@crec.org Call: ext. 7906
Dayana Hernandez Perez; Email dayhernandez@crec.org; Call: ext. 7899
Faculty Manager (Athletic Director):
Justin Wilson; Email juwilson@crec.org; Call ext. 7896
Nurse:
Kelly Maurice; Email kmaurice@crec.org; Call ext. 7803
Grade Level Teacher Team Leaders:
Melissa Gates - 9th Grade - mgates@crec.org
Rob Eustace - 10th Grade - reustace@crec.org
Natalie Mikan - 11th Grade - nmikan@crec.org
Mike Dewey - 12th Grade - mdewey@crec.org
Melissa Jahne - Special Education - mjahne@crec.org
CREC Transportation:
Transportation (860) 524-4077
CREC Secondary Cell Phone Policy - 25 - 26
- check their phone in at the start of the period to the teacher's electronics holder and will get it back at the conclusion of the class period
- be allowed to view their cell phones during passing time between classes
- be allowed to view their cell phones during their lunch wave
Not Allowed at Any Point during the day:
-Students are not allowed to film, photograph, play music, or be on social media during school time.
-Students are not allowed to take or make phone calls, including Facetime, unless in a designated location assigned by a staff member.
-Students, during transition time or lunch, that choose to wear earbuds/headphones must be have volumes low enough that they can hear directions from staff members.
Academy of Computer Science and Engineering
Greg Carter - Principal
Desmond Caldwell - Assistant Principal
Jessica Sanborn - Assistant Principal
Latoya Malcolm - Dean of Students
Email: gcarter@crec.org
Website: https://acse.crecschools.org/
Location: 1617 King Street, Enfield, CT, USA
Phone: (860) 253 -0274
Mission: The Academy of Computer Science and Engineering High School is a community that promotes student-centered practices by challenging each student in and out of the classroom to be the writer of their own future.
Vision: The diverse learning community of students, staff, and families at the Academy of Computer Science and Engineering High School partner together to create a comprehensive magnet experience. Every member values ongoing feedback, improvement, and development. Our community strives to create a safe, joyful, inquiry-driven environment embracing collaboration, creativity, and innovation through equitable learning experiences. Students learn to master the habits of success that prepare them to be college and career ready as the writers of their own futures.