Principal - Dr. SIMON OBAS
Greetings from Amistad High School! Our work at AHS is grounded in relationships, racial equity, and academic excellence. Each staff member is committed to building a strong relationship with students in an engaging environment. At the same time, we work to inspire students to do more than they thought they could. AHS is a school of opportunities for all learners.
I ask each student to try their absolute best, be respectful, take pride in who they are, and represent themselves well. These phrases are not merely words; rather, what each student is asked to do. I am proud to watch our students live up to these expectations every day.
Parents, each year you entrust your child to us. I do not take that responsibility lightly. As a school, we are committed to educating the whole child and providing a positive, safe, fun, and caring community. If you have questions or your child needs assistance, please reach out the main office. Likewise, my door is always open and I welcome all feedback.
One Love
Dr. Simon Obas, Principal
ACADEMIC DEAN ELA - DAVID CONSTANT
David Constant is the ELA Academic Dean at Achievement First Amistad High School. Before joining AFAHS in 2014 as a 9th-grade composition teacher, he spent 3 years at Litchfield High School in Connecticut, where he taught English 9-12, journalism, and AP English Language and Composition. During the 2013-14 school year, his students celebrated a 100% pass rate on the AP exam. Since arriving at Amistad, David has taught Composition I, worked as a curriculum facilitator and fellow, and also coached the boys and girls high school track team during their inaugural season. David graduated with a B.A. in journalism and English from the University of Connecticut, and he earned his M.A.T. with secondary education certification from Sacred Heart University.
ACADEMIC DEAN HISTORY - ARLEY PEKRUL
Arley Pekrul received her BA in History and Secondary Education from Stonehill College and her MA in Education Interventions from the University of St. Joseph. Arley has been teaching history since 2008 and has been a part of the Achievement First Team and Family since 2012.
Dean of College and Career Services - Attallah Sheppard
Attallah Sheppard is entering her 12th year in education during the 22-23 school year. She has done work in the academic and college access in Washington, D.C., Bridgeport public schools and New Haven. Attallah started out in the field of college access during her time Howard University as part of TRIO Program, Upward Bound. From there, she served in the city of Bridgeport as a lead advisor with the Yale University – Bridgeport GEAR UP program. Attallah transitioned to Amistad High School in 2016. She taught the college and career class for grades 10-12 for 3 years before she transitioned into a leadership role. Attallah is going into her 4th year as the Dean of College and Career Services at Amistad High School where she has the honor of leading the College and Career department which includes but is not limited to overseeing Summer Programs, Foundations of Leadership III/IV, College and Career Counseling and Junior counseling. Please reach out to Attallah at attallahsheppard@achievementfirst.org if you have any questions or concerns in relation to any of the above-named contents or Alumni Success.
ACADEMIC DEAN STEM - AJ LOWE
AJ Lowe is entering their 14th year in education during the 22-23 school year. They have done educational work at the policy, collegiate, and K-12 levels. Within their policy work they worked to rewrite educational policies in Washington D.C. From there, they moved into teaching at the middle school, high school, and collegiate level and have been on the leadership team at the middle school and high school level. AJ is going into their 4th year as an Academic Dean at Amistad High School where they oversee the Science, Math, and Enrichment departments. Please reach out to AJ at ajlowe@achievementfirst.org if you have any questions or concerns in relation to any of the above-named departments or Senior Credit Recovery, Grade Retention, or Summer Academy.