Grade 11
1/23 EMAIL
Good afternoon,
I hope 2026 is treating everyone well. Hopefully, we’re all keeping up-to-date with the latest weather reports to be prepared for whatever may come!
Important Reminders/Save the Date
February 2 - End of Marking Period (Town Hall coming shortly after)
February 3 - 11th Grade Town Hall Meeting
February 9 - Report Cards Released
February 19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
April 24 - Junior Prom - @Jasna Polana - Princeton, NJ (More information to follow)
A Message from the HHS Parents Association
Valentine’s Day is almost here… and we’ve got the PERFECT way to sparkle AND support HHSPA!
Get ready for our Kendra Scott Valentine’s Day Fundraiser on January 30th and 31st, where you can shop gorgeous jewelry and give back—because 20% of every purchase comes straight to HHSPA! Check out the attached flyer for more details!
HOW TO JOIN THE FUN:
Just use the special code, GIVEBACK-LCPDI, when you shop—it's that simple!
Shop Online:
Explore all the stunning pieces here:
https://www.kendrascott.com/jewelry/
Shop In‑Store:
Visit the Kendra Scott boutique at the Cherry Hill Mall and mention our fundraiser code at checkout!
Thank you!
Google Classroom Updates
TORCH Leadership Academy is a selective leadership development program designed to empower high school students through academic exploration, skill-building, and mentorship. TORCH supports students who are interested in STEM, the arts, and everything in between, while also focusing on developing essential leadership skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and civic engagement.
Students in TORCH participate in hands-on learning experiences, and interactive workshops, that help them build confidence and prepare for future academic and professional success.
We are excited to share that the 2026 TORCH Leadership Academy is scheduled for July 18–21, 2026
Application Timeline:
Applications open: January 5, 2026
Early decision deadline: April 1, 2026
Application closes: May 1, 2026
We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this application with students who may benefit from leadership development and have an interest in unlocking their leadership potential.
Frontiers WPI Pre-College Experience
SESSION I : JULY 5 - 17
SESSION II : JULY 19 - 31
Rising 10, 11 & 12th graders are invited to attend our residential Frontiers program to dive deeper into two topics of their choice, a STEM or business major and a humanities, arts, or business minor. Frontiers students experience a taste of "college life" by learning in WPI classrooms and labs, living in our residence halls, eating in Morgan Dining Hall, and enjoying a variety of evening and weekend activities.
Learn more about Frontiers at wpi.edu/+frontiers.
Applications are open until April 30!
Best regards,
1/9 Email
Good afternoon,
I hope you and your family enjoyed the winter break and are off to a wonderful start to the New Year. As we return refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead, I would like to take a moment to share our weekly updates.
Important Reminders
January 19 - No School
HIGHTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK SALES DETAILS:
Orders placed from 12/1 to 1/23: $95 and includes a name stamp.
Orders placed from 1/24 until sold out: $100, name stamps will no longer be available.
We order a very limited number of Yearbooks to be sold in person, so make sure to get one by pre-ordering yours today!
Please see message from HHS Parents Association:
Dear HHS Families,
The Hightstown High School Parents Association is excited to start preparations for the After Prom event! While this celebration is for our Seniors and their guests, we need help from families of all grades—and it’s a great way to meet new friends!
Sign up to help: Sign-up
Join our email list: link
We send a weekly email with updates on when we’ll be at the school and what projects we’re working on. Even if you can only come once, that’s OK—any help is appreciated!
A few notes:
New projects are added weekly to the signup genius—check back often!
Project descriptions are intentionally vague to keep the theme a surprise.
This year, we’ll have more “At-Home Projects” , we will post those in a few weeks.
Depending on the date, we’ll be in either in the HHS cafeteria or Art Room 700. The sign-up will note the location and the best door to enter.
Reminder:
Signing up helps us plan, but it’s not required. We’ll be working on the listed dates/times regardless—just stop by, even for an hour!
Thank you for helping us make this event unforgettable for our Seniors!
HHS Parents Association
Daily Announcements
Counseling/Google Classroom Posts
MCTS will host an exciting VIRTUAL Information Session for CAREER PREP.
Potential applicants should be rising 12th graders with good grades/attendance.
Take College Classes (FREE) at MCCC in one of many interesting career areas
Tuesday, January 27th at 6PM
January 7, 2026
Smith Precollege Programs – Spend Two Weeks in Northampton, MA this Summer
WHY SMITH PRECOLLEGE?
• Take real college-style classes at Smith (no credits or grades)
• Live on our gorgeous campus with a tight-knit community
• Build confidence, independence and deep connection to your course of study
January 7, 2026
RISD Pre-College Summer Program Info Sessions:
Join us at an upcoming virtual or in-person event to connect, learn, and ask questions.
Summer program fairs (in person)
Chat with our RISD Pre-College team at an in-person teen summer program fair! These free events offer students and their parents/guardians a place for face-to-face conversations with representatives of summer enrichment programs.
NATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAM FAIR (NYC)
New York City / Manhattan
Monday, January 26, 2026, 4:30–7 pm
New York Marriott Marquis
TEEN SUMMER EXPOS (Massachusetts)
Lexington, MA:
Monday, February 9, 2026, 5–7:30 pm
Newton, MA:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5–7:30 pm
RISD info session webinar (virtual)
This webinar is ideal for students interested in RISD Pre-College Programs and potentially applying to Rhode Island School of Design. Join our Admissions and Pre-College teams for this hour-long presentation and Q&A session. Learn about the basics of a RISD education and get an in-depth look at Pre-College and Pre-College Online.
RISD 101: PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6–7 pm ET
Online
January 5, 2026
Please be sure to complete your "Junior Planning Survey Class of 2027"on SCOIR before you have your Junior Planning meeting with your counselor and parents. The counselors use this information to provide you with relevant information and college suggestions, so it is necessary you complete it prior to your meeting.
Best regards,
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