Grade 11
12/19 Email
Good afternoon,
I hope everyone is ready to take their very well-deserved winter break! We have accomplished a lot so far throughout this school year and I’m excited to take some time to reflect on this.
Best regards,
12/12 Email
Good afternoon,
Happy December, everyone! Before our general messages that we’ve been sending out weekly, please take a moment to read a message from Mr. Vinson. Beyond that, you can see the attached reminders and announcements for the Class of 2027!
Dear Hightstown High School Community,
I hope this message finds you well. Hightstown High School has always taken pride in recognizing individuals who contribute meaningfully to the life of our building. Over the past several years, we have established meaningful recognitions such as the HHS Coach of the Year and the HHS Club/Activity Advisor of the Year, both honoring those who play a vital role in shaping the culture, spirit, and opportunities available to our students.
This year, during the Educational Services Professional of the Year nomination process, our committee received a thoughtful and compelling nomination for Ms. Maninder Sud, one of our school secretaries. While her nomination reflected exceptional dedication and service, state guidelines do not allow secretaries and several similar roles to be recognized under that specific award category.
This moment prompted an important reflection.
Many of our non-instructional staff members—those who serve our school quietly and faithfully each day—do not currently fall within an existing formal recognition category. Yet their contributions are essential to the daily success of Hightstown High School.
Our secretaries, security officers, cafeteria staff, custodial teams, building and grounds employees, building-based substitutes, and administrative support staff are truly the backbone of our school. Their work ensures that our building is safe, welcoming, and fully operational, allowing teaching and learning to take place each day. Their impact is steady, meaningful, and deeply appreciated.
For this reason, we are proud to announce the creation of a new annual recognition: the HHS Ram Strong Service Award. This award has been established to honor a non-instructional staff member who consistently goes above and beyond in service to our students, staff, and families, and whose work reflects the values and pride of the Hightstown High School community.
Inaugural Honoree
We are pleased to share that Ms. Maninder Sud will be honored as the inaugural recipient of the HHS Ram Strong Service Award. Ms. Sud’s professionalism, warmth, and unwavering dedication to our school community make her an outstanding choice to receive this first-ever honor. She represents the very best of Hightstown High School, and we are grateful for the care, commitment, and consistency she brings to her role each day.
Looking Ahead
Beginning this year, the HHS Ram Strong Service Award will become part of our school’s annual tradition of recognizing excellence, alongside the HHS Coach of the Year and HHS Club/Activity Advisor of the Year awards. Together, these three honors reflect the many ways individuals contribute to the strength, spirit, and success of Hightstown High School.
Each spring, we will open a formal nomination process for all three awards, providing our community with the opportunity to recognize colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in service to our students, programs, and school culture. As we look ahead, we encourage staff to begin thinking about individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment truly embody what it means to be Ram Strong, and who would be worthy of future nomination.
This new award affirms a belief that has guided our school for generations:
Every role matters. Every contribution strengthens our community. Every individual deserves to be seen and appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support of Hightstown High School and for helping us celebrate all who make this a special place to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Principal Vinson
Important Reminders
Holiday Drive Thru - Change in time 5pm (not 5:30) on Thursday 12/18
Interim Reports - 12/22
Early Dismissal - 12/23
No School - 12/24-1/2
School Reopens - 1/5
Daily Announcements
Counseling/Google Classroom Posts
Please see the email below that was sent to all families/guardians - There was a correction needed with Mr. Gonzalez’s email address, it should be ngonzalez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - Not njgonzalez as was originally written.
The Counseling Department is now scheduling conferences for all juniors and parents/guardians to meet with their counselor for post-graduation and college planning. These meetings will include a discussion of your student’s individual goals, college exploration, SAT/ACT timeline and the use of SCOIR as a college search tool.
Conferences will begin next week, and continue through February. To schedule your appointment, click the counselor's name to view availability and schedule your appointment for a Junior College Planning Meeting.
Mrs. Daly cdaly@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Last names beginning with A-L
ngonzalez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Last names beginning with M-Z
Prior to the meeting, students should complete the “Junior Planning Survey” which will be assigned during the December 5th Activity Period. We look forward to working collaboratively with you in support of your student's goals!
The HHS Counseling Department
Soluna is a free, confidential, mental wellness app, available to all New Jersey teens from their own device — anytime, anywhere.
Teens can connect with a trained Soluna Coach or schedule a session with a state-licensed counselor whenever they need someone in their corner. No insurance needed, no waitlists, and absolutely free — just open, judgment-free support.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Best regards,
Good afternoon,
I hope everyone had a great week. One IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE is that the Junior Planning Meeting has changed from November 20 to December 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Moving forward, I will be sending a weekly email that includes important updates and messages that were sent to the Class of 2027. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Have a nice weekend!
Important Reminders:
End of MP 1 - 11/17/25
JUNIOR PLANNING NIGHT - DATE CHANGE - December 2, 2025
Report Cards Posted - 11/24/25 4:00 PM
Powderpuff - 11/25/25
Town Hall - 12/4/25 12:15 PM
No School - 11/27/25-11/28/25
Daily Announcements
JUNIOR PLANNING NIGHT - December 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Junior College Planning Night provides an overview of post–high school options, with a particular focus on the college planning and application process. Led by our Counseling Department, this session helps families begin thinking about future goals, timelines, and the steps involved in applying to colleges.
The presentation will be held in the auditorium, and both students and parents are encouraged to attend. While attendance is not mandatory, the information shared serves as an excellent starting point for future planning. Separate from this night, counselors will also meet individually with students and invite families soon after this night from December - February to discuss more individualized/personalized plans and answer any specific questions.
Class of 2027 Google Classroom
The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2027 Google Classroom during the week of 11/10. For the most updated links, please reference the Google Classroom:
Rutgers Honors Engineering eXpirience (RHEx) Applications are now open!
RHEx is a one-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors to explore several engineering disciplines in a high-level, creative, and interactive environment, laying the foundation to impact the world of engineering.
Sunday, June 28, 2026 to Friday, July 3, 2026
Application Information Admission is selective and open to students who display an interest in engineering-related studies. To be considered for the program, applicants are asked to submit transcripts, PSAT scores, elevator pitch video, and an essay.
Applications now open.Early Application deadline
February 23: Early Application (Notified no later than 4/1)
April 26: Regular Application (Notified no later than 5/9)
The #1 Database of Internships for High School Students
StandOutSearch is a free database containing all internships, research opportunities, and summer programs for high school students.
Available Scholarship To Apply to!
Coolidge Scholarship – (Deadline: December 16, 2025)
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school JUNIOR
- Must be an American Citizen or legal permanent resident
- Academic Excellence
- Interest in Public Policy and Community Service
Best regards,
October 24, 2025
Good morning,
Please reference the most recent communication with the junior class of 2027. I have emailed the students, added them to the Google Classroom, and will add them to our Grade 11 website in the near future.
Junior Parking
Dear Class of 2027,
This email provides information about this year’s junior parking lottery. With the continued availability of expanded parking, we are pleased to once again offer a limited number of parking spaces to members of the junior class.
In past years, parking has been a challenge, so we’re glad to continue providing this opportunity. We understand that parking is important for many students and families, and we want to ensure that these spaces are reserved for responsible students who demonstrate strong academic and behavioral commitment.
All juniors who expect to receive their driver’s license this school year and will have access to a vehicle are encouraged to enter the lottery. Please use the Junior Parking Google Form to submit your application. Only students may complete the form.
We will notify all students and parents of the lottery results. Those selected will receive instructions for obtaining their parking pass and will meet with school administration to review procedures and policies. Lottery requests will be accepted until Tuesday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. I hope to notify students that have received a spot by October 31, 2025. Junior parking is expected to begin the week of November 10, 2025, following our week off from school in November, for those selected.
Powder Puff Game
If you’re interested in playing in the 2025 Junior vs. Senior Powderpuff Game on November 25, please make sure you complete all of the following steps to be considered an official player:
Complete the Player Form linked.
Fill out the Jersey Order Form with your last name, desired number, and size.
Submit your $36 payment through HomeTown Ticketing by Thursday, October 28.
Attend at least two mandatory practices. Failure to attend at least two practices will prevent you from participating.
Submit your permission slip to your class advisor.
All steps must be completed in order to participate.
JUNIOR PLANNING NIGHT - November 20, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
Junior College Planning Night provides an overview of post–high school options, with a particular focus on the college planning and application process. Led by our Counseling Department, this session helps families begin thinking about future goals, timelines, and the steps involved in applying to colleges.
The presentation will be held in the auditorium, and both students and parents are encouraged to attend. While attendance is not mandatory, the information shared serves as an excellent starting point for future planning. Separate from this night, counselors will also meet individually with students and invite families later in the year to discuss more individualized/personalized plans and answer any specific questions.
Looking Ahead - Important Dates
Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences - November 12, 2025
Junior Planning Night - November 20, 2025
Junior Prom - Friday, April 24, 2026
PSAT/SAT PREP COURSES
Additionally, you'll find a flyer from the Educational Service Center. They will offer comprehensive PSAT/ SAT prep courses for juniors & seniors held at Hightstown HS, classroom 142. You may register over the phone at 609-953-4001, or online at www.esctestprep.com. Hightstown students can apply coupon code SF25PREP to receive a discounted price which will reduce the course fee from $529 to $479. All lesson materials are included. Students with hardship (eligible for free/ reduced price lunch) may enroll at a discounted fee of $197.50.
WELCOME LETTER
Dear Juniors,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I’m excited to kick off what promises to be a memorable final year for you at Hightstown High School. Hopefully, you all managed to view Mr. Vinson’s welcome letter recently which provided some holistic school-wide updates. In addition to that, throughout the school-year, I’ll be sharing important updates via email, so please check your school account regularly to stay informed.
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we kindly ask that you complete all necessary forms in our grading platform, Genesis. This system is essential for accessing academic progress and scheduling information. I will also be updating the Grade 11 House Office webpage with announcements and resources throughout the school year. Moreover, if you’re not already part of our Class of 2027 Google Classroom, please join as soon as possible using the code zxlznbn. This will be another key place to access information throughout the year.
Below is some information regarding student parking and upcoming junior events:
Contacts
House Office Secretary
Ms. Lorenzo - ylorenzo@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Junior Class Advisors
Ms. Vallo – bvallo@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Mrs. Terrusa – bterrusa@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Guidance Counselors
Mrs. Daly – cdaly@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
Mr. Gonzalez – ngonzalez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us (Please see attached introduction letter)
Mr. Santoleri – gsantoleri@ewrsd.k12.nj.us
We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful year ahead! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mr. Soto