Dear Common Ground Students & Families,

A HUGE congratulations to EVERY member of the Class of 2026 -- and to the remarkable team of families, teachers, staff, and friends who have supported their growth and success over their four years! We are proud of you, we love you, we will miss you, and we are here to celebrate and support your next steps.

Returning students & families, congratulations on finishing the school year strong! We are sending out second semester report cards this week. And, we look forward to seeing you back at the end of August! See our School Calendar for 2026-27, and save these dates:

• Family Orientation: Wed, Aug 26, 5-7pm OR Thu, Aug 27, 12-1:30. all returning families should attend ONE session!
• Returning Student Orientation: Fri, Aug 28, 1-3:05pm: REQUIRED for all returning students! This is the first day of school, and an IMPORTANT opportunity to start the school year right! (New Student Orientation takes place from 8-12;30 on the 28th).
• First Full Day of Classes: Mon, Aug 31.

Our student & family newsletter is about to head off on summer vacation -- we'll share more details about the start of the next school year in August! Before YOU go on vacation, be sure to read the stories below -- including REQUIRED work and special opportunities for rising seniors, summer Early College deadlines, and more.

Sincerely, 

Ms. Monique Frasier, School Director

monique.frasier@commongroundct.org

What's In This Newsletter

1. Celebrating the Class of 2026!
2. Returning Students: Did You Tell Us Your Course Interests for 2026-27???
3. Thank You For Your Service & Leadership!
4. FOR RISING SENIORS: Required Summer Work for Senior Environmental Justice Capstone
5. For Rising Seniors: College Application Boot Camp!
6. Early College Updates: Fall Applications Open August 3!
7. The Common Ground Farm Stand Is Open Wednesdays!

1. Celebrating the Class of 2026!

We want to celebrate ALL the Common Ground seniors who walked across the stage at the end of June -- Julien, Claire, MeKhi, Aubrey, Daleiha, Brandyn, Magiver, Carlos, Emma, Tyron, Kennice, Amaris, Miliangelis, Mitchell, R'moni, Javeah, Carolina, Emery, Aaliyah, Adrianna, Bronislaw, Ariangelis, Joel, Roger, Clouds, Elynn, Isonnette, Jailyne, Maxwell, Chae, Santino, Steven, Carlos, Kris, Yazmine, Jessica, Sana, Shakelle, Miguel, Glow, Jonathan, Kai, Na'Miah, Ven -- CONGRATULATIONS!!

A huge shout out to Mitchell Dinkins, our Valedictorian, who heads to Yale University in the fall. We also celebrate Claire Armstrong, salutatorian, and Aaliyah Jones, co-salutatorian -- in a class with MANY outstanding scholars and powerful leaders, this accomplishment is such a big deal!

We were excited to be able to recognize and honor several seniors with $500-$1,000 scholarships at graduation as well:

• Kris Lebron Romero (Montserrat College of Art) & Sana Salimi (American University) - The Joan Gillette Award, presented to a student shows the qualities of an environmental leader/activist in their urban community
• Aaliyah Jones (University of New Haven) - The Liz Cox "You've Got This" Award, presented to a student who is a positive force, who has demonstrated growth, and who shows a "can do" attitude.
• Jessica Salerno (University of Maine) - The Karen Climis Hawk Award, presented to a student who shows a love of science, mathematics, and the natural world.
• Santino Pizzaro (New England Institute of Technology) - An Aunt's Love Award, presented by Common Ground alumni Christian Ansley Reis to a Latino male student who demonstrates a commitment to their future through education, creativity, leadership, and service. 

And, we are proud to celebrate the 11 members of the Class of 2026 who earned the Seal of Climate Literacy -- Connecticut's first high school students to receive this special diploma endorsement: Kris Lebron Romero | Maxwell Pina | Brandyn Buckle | Sana Salimi | Isonnette O'Brien | Santino Pizarro | Kai Wagner | Shakelle Morocho | Claire Armstrong | Na'miah Williams | Jessica Salerno

We know you are bound for powerful leadership, life-long learning, careers that sustain yourselves and your families, and happy, healthy, sustainable lives! Please keep in touch, and reach our for support when you need it!

2. Returning Students: Did You Tell Us What Courses You Want to Take Next Year???

We are building students' schedules for next school year in July! If you haven't already, it's CRITICAL that you let us know what electives you think you should take next year! Click on the links below for a survey specific to your grade:

Future 10th Graders - Class of 2029

Future 11th Graders -- Class of 2028
Future Seniors - Class of 2027

3. Thank You For Your Service & Leadership!

THANK YOU and GOOD WORK to the 151 students who contributed at least 15 hours to the community this year – meeting their community service requirement and qualifying to earn credit toward graduation in guidance.

Remember ... 15 hours of service is REQUIRED for EVERY Common Ground student, EVERY year, to earn credit in guidance! New Haven residents are ONLY eligible for New Haven Promise Scholarships if they earn 40 hours of community service at an approved New Haven nonprofit.

Summer can be a great time to earn those service hours. Service completed during the summer counts toward the service requirement for 2026-28 .

See service opportunities recommended by New Haven Promise here,

Log your summer service hours!

4. FOR RISING SENIORS: REQUIRED Summer Work for Senior Environmental Justice Capstone!

Congratulations, Class of 2027! You're officially taking the first step toward your senior year.

The Senior Environmental Justice Capstone (SEJC) is a required Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment at Common Ground that prepares students for college and beyond through independent research, community engagement, and environmental justice.

Your SEJC Summer Exploration Packet is required and must be completed before school begins. This includes:

• Choosing one nonprofit organization
• Completing 5–15 hours of community service during July–August
• Submitting your service hours
• Completing all packet questions and your reflection essay
• Finishing the required postsecondary planning activities
• Turning in the completed packet 

Final Deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Access the packet here: SEJC Summer Exploration Packet

Reach out to Ms. Candi if you have any questions Candi.Fulcher@nhep.com

4.  5. For Rising Seniors: Summer College Application Boot Camp!

Class of 2027! Apply TODAY for a 6-Day Summer College Application Boot Camp this August. See the flyer below for details.

Thanks to Common Ground's partnership with Higher Heights, the $100 program fee is waived for our rising seniors!

6. Early College Updates: Fall Applications Open August 3-21!

Mark your calendars ... FALL Southern Connecticut State University Early College Applications are open August 3 to August 21st! Students who meet the eligibility requirements for Early College (based on grade level, GPA, college-ready SAT/MAP scores, and past successful completion of Early College courses) will receive emails over the summer with additional information. Make sure you check your email so you don't miss this opportunity!

If you are interested in exploring this oppportunity, reach out to Mr. Tolman at jtolman@commongroundct.org.

7. The Common Ground Farm Stand Is Open!

Weekly Common Ground Farm Stand is HERE: July 1st - August 12th!

Join us every Wednesday from 2:30-5 PM to indulge in fresh, locally-grown veggies! Taste the magic of produce harvested straight from our fields to your table. Support local farmers, enjoy refreshing flavors, and elevate your meals with farm-to-fork goodness.

Connect with us

Common Ground High School | (203) 389-4333 | https://commongroundct.org/