Grade 9
9th Grade Team
Mrs. Freihaut- School Counselor (A-L)
Ms. Mora- School Counselor (M-Z)
Mr. Sanotleri- School Counselor (MLL)
Dr. Corrigan- Child Study Team
Ms. Howard- SAC
Mr. White- 9th Grade Class Advisor
9th Grade Weekly Updates Are Here!
Stay informed with this week’s announcements, events, opportunities, and important reminders for our 9th grade students and families. Please take a moment to review the full update so you don’t miss anything!
Message from Ms. Brown
Just a quick reminder that there is no school this Friday, March 20th! I hope everyone takes this time to unplug, recharge, and enjoy family and friends.
Have a wonderful, restful weekend!
9th Grade Updates
Important Dates
March 20th - No School
March 23rd -March 24th- Access Testing Make-ups
March 25th- March 26th - NJGPA Make-ups
March 27th - Early Release
March 30-April 3rd - Spring Break
April 6th - School Reopens
Spain Trip 2027 - Interest Meeting
Your student is invited to join Mrs. Abdelaziz in Spain over spring break 2027! This trip offers students a unique opportunity to experience Spanish language, culture, and history firsthand. Learn more about this exciting educational tour by attending the virtual interest meeting on March 24th. To receive more information and the meeting link, RSVP, here!
How to Get a New or Replacement ID
Send an email from your official school account to both Ms. Mikros and Ms. Reilly.
Please allow at least three school days for your ID to be printed.
Student IDs are prepared in advance to ensure they are ready for you. Please wait for an email confirmation before heading to the office to pick up your card.
A Message from the HHS Parents Association - Bingo Night Fundraiser
Join us for our annual HHSPA Bingo Fundraiser Night on Saturday, April 18th. Gather your friends and family, and get ready for a fun night filled with laughter and fantastic prizes! Mark your calendars now and start assembling your group for a night you won’t want to miss. More details linked, here! . Sign up here: https://forms.gle/D3Pg49NXgWjXmJPm6. Any questions, please reach out to hhspapresident@gmail.com
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
None at this time!
Message from Ms. Brown
As we prepare for the NJGPA testing for our 11th-grade students (only) on Monday, March 16th through Wednesday, March 18th, we want to ensure everyone is ready for a successful week! Buses will pick up students approximately three hours later than their normal pick-up time.
To help you stay informed, please take a moment this weekend to review the following written communications:
Have a great weekend!
9th Grade Updates
Important Dates
March 16th-18th - Delayed Opening for 9th Grade (arrival 11:00am)
Please see Mr. Vinson’s letter found here.
March 20th - No School
March 27th - Early Release
March 30-April 3rd - Spring Break
April 6th - School Reopens
Spain Trip 2027 - Interest Meeting
Your student is invited to join Mrs. Abdelaziz in Spain over spring break 2027! This trip offers students a unique opportunity to experience Spanish language, culture, and history firsthand. Learn more about this exciting educational tour by attending the virtual interest meeting on March 24th. To receive more information and the meeting link, RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4pqnJJf
How to Get a New or Replacement ID
Send an email from your official school account to both Ms. Mikros and Ms. Reilly.
Please allow at least three school days for your ID to be printed.
Student IDs are prepared in advance to ensure they are ready for you. Please wait for an email confirmation before heading to the office to pick up your card.
A Message from the HHS Parents Association - Bingo Night Fundraiser
Join us for our annual HHSPA Bingo Fundraiser Night on Saturday, April 18th. Gather your friends and family, and get ready for a fun night filled with laughter and fantastic prizes! Mark your calendars now and start assembling your group for a night you won’t want to miss. More details linked, here! . Sign up here: https://forms.gle/D3Pg49NXgWjXmJPm6. Any questions, please reach out to hhspapresident@gmail.com
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Are you looking for a summer job or a way to give back to the community? Rise is currently hiring for various positions at their local sites this summer!This is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience, build your resume, and support local programs like the Rise Summer Camp. (Ms. Mora)
Key Details:
Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 13th
Application Link: Mercer County Youth Job Application
Next Steps: Complete the online application by this Friday. Once you have submitted it, please send me a private message or leave a comment below so I can let the director know you’ve applied.
Message from Ms. Brown
Please be sure to take a close look at the recent letter from Principal Vinson regarding the NJGPA. The assessment will be administered to our 11th-grade students from March 16 through March 19, 2026, and our multilingual learners will also be participating in ACCESS testing for ELLs during that same week. Because of the testing schedule, there is a modified schedule for all 9th graders, so please check the letter for those specific timing changes and important updates regarding bus transportation.
In addition, remind your student to meet with their school counselor soon; we want to make sure all course requests for the 2026-2027 school year are entered into Genesis.
Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!
9th Grade Updates
Progress reports- Thursday, 3/5, at 4:00PM
Chromebook Check-up
As we are approaching the testing season, please ensure all chromebooks are functional with chargers. If there is an issue with your chromebook or charger, please bring it to the library for tech support.
Principal Vinson’s NJGPA Parent Letter
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
If you have an interest in paying on your own to take a summer course for either elective completion OR for course advancement, there is an application and you must discuss with your counselor. If we discussed this and you want the application to review, please email your counselor ASAP. (Mrs. Freihaut)
Rutgers University Summer Program (Ms. Mora)
The long awaited Counselor/Student Scheduling Meetings have been scheduled with your PE teachers (2/23/26-3/3/26) and we have included the schedule we will follow below for your reference. If you have not entered your elective requests in Genesis by that time, you will not be seen that day and will have to reschedule a time to meet with your counselor individually the following week. (Mrs. Freihaut)
If you are having trouble finding where to enter elective requests, log in to your portal and follow along (Mrs. Freihaut) :
Go to the Scheduling tab, then click on Requests
Click Request a Course
Find the course in the list provided
You can select a “Priority” and add “Additional Information” to the request
Click on the Request This Course button
Week of Feb. 23rd:
Message from Ms. Brown
This week, Mrs. Friehaut and Ms. Mora met individually with students during PE classes to confirm and accept their course requests. Simultaneously, Mr. Santoleri has been pushing into 9th grade SEI classes to provide the same scheduling support to our Multilingual Learners.
Despite the challenging snowy weather, we successfully concluded this important scheduling process, resulting in another RAMtastic outcome this week!
9th Grade Updates
Progress Reports- Thursday, March 5th
MP 2 Honor Roll Certificates are viewable and can be print directly from the portal.
Please see HHS Spring Sports Update:
Registration on Genesis: January 20th - February 20th
School Sports Physicals - February 23rd
Parent Information Meeting - March 2nd at 6:30pm
Spring Sports Start Date - March 9th
Chromebook Check-up
As we are approaching the testing season, please ensure all chromebooks are functional with chargers. If there is an issue with your chromebook or charger, please bring it to the library for tech support.
SEL Week: Chalk Wall Reflection
In recognition of SEL Week, Ms. Howard (SAC) invites all students and staff to a Chalk Wall Reflection Activity this Tuesday, March 3rd, during lunch 1 and 2. Stop by our shared reflection space to respond to one of two prompts:
“One thing that helps me cope is…”
“Advice I’d give my younger self…”
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Rutgers University Summer Program (Ms. Mora)
The long awaited Counselor/Student Scheduling Meetings have been scheduled with your PE teachers (2/23/26-3/3/26) and we have included the schedule we will follow below for your reference. If you have not entered your elective requests in Genesis by that time, you will not be seen that day and will have to reschedule a time to meet with your counselor individually the following week. (Mrs. Freihaut)
If you are having trouble finding where to enter elective requests, log in to your portal and follow along (Mrs. Freihaut) :
Go to the Scheduling tab, then click on Requests
Click Request a Course
Find the course in the list provided
You can select a “Priority” and add “Additional Information” to the request
Click on the Request This Course button
Message from Ms. Brown
Please read the Google Classroom posts below about scheduling and course selection for the 26-27 school year. Have a great weekend on purpose!
9th Grade Updates
2026-2027 Scheduling
MP 2 Honor Roll Certificates are viewable and can be print directly from the portal.
Please see HHS Spring Sports Update:
Registration on Genesis: January 20th - February 20th
School Sports Physicals - February 23rd
Parent Information Meeting - March 2nd at 6:30pm
Spring Sports Start Date - March 9th
All attendance appeal forms submitted to the Brown House Office have been reviewed and given a decision. Expect an email from the house office no later than Feb. 27th.
Chromebook Check-up
As we are approaching the testing season, please ensure all chromebooks are functional with chargers. If there is an issue with your chromebook or charger, please bring it to the library for tech support.
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Rutgers University Summer Program (Ms. Mora)
The long awaited Counselor/Student Scheduling Meetings have been scheduled with your PE teachers (2/23/26-3/3/26) and we have included the schedule we will follow below for your reference. If you have not entered your elective requests in Genesis by that time, you will not be seen that day and will have to reschedule a time to meet with your counselor individually the following week. (Mrs. Freihaut)
If you are having trouble finding where to enter elective requests, log in to your portal and follow along (Mrs. Freihaut) :
Go to the Scheduling tab, then click on Requests
Click Request a Course
Find the course in the list provided
You can select a “Priority” and add “Additional Information” to the request
Click on the Request This Course button
Week of 2/9/26:
Message from Ms. Brown
As we wrap up the week, here’s a little “homework” assignment for all 9th graders and yes, this one counts for your future! Students must review the Program of Studies and enter their course selections in the student portal by February 18th. Course requests must be submitted by this date to ensure scheduling for next school year. Please contact your school counselor with any questions.
Let’s finish the week strong and make sure this homework assignment is checked off the list!
9th Grade Updates
2026-2027 Scheduling
Parent Teacher Conferences - 2/19: Please see Mr. Vinson's letter found here.
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Good morning! You MUST enter your elective requests in Genesis before you meet with your counselor. We do not need to meet before to discuss your preferences. Any and all questions will be addressed when we meet. We will ONLY meet with students who have their elective requests in. (Mrs. Freihaut)
Hello Class of 2029 and Families,
This week’s update includes key information from our first Town Hall. Please review the “Scheduling Kickoff” presentation in the slide deck to learn about the course selection process for the 2026–2027 school year.
If your child has missed more than 18 days in a full-year course or 9 days in a semester course during Semester 1, please complete the attendance appeal form linked below and return it to the Brown House Office. Feel free to reach out to the house office, your child’s counselor, or their case manager with any questions.
We are proud of our 9th graders for another RAM strong week of learning as they continue progressing toward sophomore year.
9th Grade Updates
9th Grade Town hall Presentation, here!
2026-2027 Scheduling
Attendance Appeal Forms
Report Card Information
MP 2 Ended - 2/2/26
Grades Due - 2/6/26
Report Cards Released - 2/9/26
Parent Teacher Conferences - 2/19: Please see Mr. Vinson's letter found here.
Sports Physicals
Please stop by the Nurse's Office to pick up a form or print it from the website and then come and make an appointment.
Will be held in the Nurse's Office on Monday, 2/23/26 after school.
Appointments will only be accepted through 2/17/26-NO APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT
“HHS Announcements, here!”
Google Classroom Posts
Find the link to the student portal to make all your class selections. (Ms. Mora)
The portal closes February 18th.
https://students.c3.genesisedu.net/eastwindsor/sis/view?gohome=true
Good morning, Class of 2029,
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about course requests and AP classes showing up in the portal, so please read the information below carefully:
Can’t see an AP course you want?
If an AP class isn’t showing in your portal, talk with your current subject teacher about requesting the course. Make sure you meet the prerequisite requirements and discuss whether the class is a good fit for you. Your teacher will then be able to add the request.
Need help submitting requests?
We will hold a special activity period on February 18th to help students submit course requests.
Finalizing Course Requests
After the portal closes, counselors will visit PE classes to finalize any remaining requests. We’ll send another email soon with the exact dates and times.
Because of the large number of students, counselors will only be able to meet with each student once , so please be ready.
Come Prepared:
Bring your core and elective course choices so we can finalize your schedule quickly and smoothly.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation!
Here, you can find the Program of Studies. Review it prior to making requests (Ms. Mora)
Week of 1/26/26:
Message from Ms. Brown
From building snowmen on Monday to building community in the classroom, we have had a successful week despite the cold! With Marking Period 2 wrapping up, we are turning our sights toward the future.
On February 3rd, we will host a Town Hall to celebrate our MP2 "Glows and Grows." During this town hall, our school counselors will present information regarding the 2026-2027 course selection process. Stay tuned for next week's update for full details on course selection. Stay warm and have a great weekend!
9th Grade Updates
Town Hall- February 3, 2026, Period 1 (7:30-8:30)
Report Card Information
MP 2 Ends - 2/2/26
Grades Due - 2/6/26
Report Cards Released - 2/9/26
Parent Teacher Conferences February 19, 2026
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cell-Phone Expectations
They will reset marking period 3.
Sports Physicals
Please stop by the Nurse's Office to pick up a form or print it from the website and then come and make an appointment.
Will be held in the Nurse's Office on Monday, 2/23/26 after school.
Appointments will only be accepted through 2/17/26-NO APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Good morning! Be sure to check your email daily! I have sent out communication to many of you for a quick check in appointment. (Mrs. Freihaut)
Support the Class of 2029 — Chipotle Fundraiser! (Mr. White)
Join us for a delicious way to support Hightstown High School’s Class of 2029!
Monday, February 2nd 5:00–9:00 PM, Chipotle — 319 US Highway 130, East Windsor, NJ
25% of event sales will be donated to the Class of 2029.
How to participate:
Order online for pickup using code TMJRLKF, or
Show this flyer in the restaurant at checkout.
Every order helps—thank you for supporting our class!
Week of 1/19/26:
Message from Ms. Brown
As we wrap up our four-day week, I invite you to review our weekly updates linked here, which include important dates to mark on your calendars. Please stay warm, be safe, and have a RAMtastic weekend!
9th Grade Updates
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!
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!
Looking ahead…
Town Hall- February 3, 2026, Period 1 (7:30-8:30)
Report Card Information
MP 2 Ends - 2/2/26
Grades Due - 2/6/26
Report Cards Released - 2/9/26
Parent Teacher Conferences February 19, 2026
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cell-Phone Expectations
They will reset marking period 3.
Sports Physicals
Please stop by the Nurse's Office to pick up a form or print it from the website and then come and make an appointment.
Will be held in the Nurse's Office on Monday, 2/23/26 after school.
Appointments will only be accepted through 2/17/26-NO APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE!!
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Good morning! Be sure to check your email daily! I have sent out communication to many of you for a quick check in appointment. (Mrs. Freihaut)
Support the Class of 2029 — Chipotle Fundraiser! (Mr. White)
Join us for a delicious way to support Hightstown High School’s Class of 2029!
Monday, February 2nd 5:00–9:00 PM, Chipotle — 319 US Highway 130, East Windsor, NJ
25% of event sales will be donated to the Class of 2029.
How to participate:
Order online for pickup using code TMJRLKF, or
Show this flyer in the restaurant at checkout.
Every order helps—thank you for supporting our class!
Week of 1/12/26:
Message from Ms. Brown
Just like that, we’ve wrapped up another successful week at HHS with our 9th grade RAMs. Please take a moment to review this week’s announcements. Have a great weekend!
9th Grade Updates
Week of 1/12/26:
EWRSD Schools Closed on MLK Jr. Day - January 19, 2026
PAC Night (A Night of Literacy)- January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (Cafe R)
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!
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!
The Hightstown Yoga Club is hosting a clothing fundraiser today through January 21st.
The online store is available through Dependabilities under Hightstown Yoga Club Any support is always appreciated!
HHS Announcements, here!
Google Classroom Posts
Good morning! Be sure to check your email daily! I have sent out communication to many of you for a quick check in appointment. (Mrs. Freihaut)
______________________________________________________________________
Week of 1/5/26:
Message from Ms. Brown
Welcome back, and Happy New Year! It has been a pleasure welcoming students back after winter break. Our ninth graders returned refreshed and quickly settled back into their routines, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
In the spirit of re-establishing routines, I am happy to share our first HHS Weekly Update of 2026.
Important Dates
Here is the 2026 "Rambassador" Tour Guide Application. Interested students should have until Friday, January 16th at 2:30 PM to complete the application. Must be accessed using student email.
EWRSD Schools Closed on MLK Jr. Day - January 19, 2026
The Hightstown Yoga Club is hosting a clothing fundraiser today through January 21st.
The online store is available through Dependabilities under Hightstown Yoga Club Any support is always appreciated!
HHS Star Testing- January 13th and 14th
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 Announcements, here!
There are no “Google Classroom Updates” this week!
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Week of 12/15/2025:
Dear 9th Grade RAMILY,
As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to spread a little holiday cheer and reflect on what an incredible journey it has already been for the Class of 2029. From our very first moments together at the Summer Bridge Program to Freshman Orientation, we have watched our RAMILY grow, connect, and find its footing at HHS.
This year has been filled with memorable moments—our spirited pep rally, Homecoming celebrations, Haunted Hallways, informative town halls, parent conferences, and so many everyday wins in classrooms, hallways, and activities. Each experience has helped shape a strong, connected 9th grade community built on pride, resilience, and RAM spirit.
To close, we are excited to share a special holiday message from our Principal, Mr. Vinson, as he reflects on our community and looks ahead to the new year.
With RAM Pride,
The 9th Grade Team
Dear Hightstown High School Community,
Winter Break always gives us a chance to slow down and reflect, and as I do, I am reminded just how proud and grateful I am to serve as the Principal of Hightstown High School. After many years in education and more than a decade leading this school, HHS continues to mean a great deal to me.
What makes HHS special has never really changed. It’s the people—the students who show up each day ready to learn and grow, the staff who care deeply about doing the work the right way, the families who support and challenge us, and the alumni and community members who remain connected long after their time here has passed. That sense of pride and tradition is something I value greatly.
I am thankful for the opportunity to provide steady leadership and continuity. Schools are at their best when there is trust, strong relationships, and a shared sense of purpose. Those things are built over time, through consistency and commitment, and I am proud of what we continue to build together.
As the year comes to a close, I hope you are able to step away, spend time with those who matter most, and enjoy some well-earned rest during Winter Break. Thank you for the trust you place in our school and for allowing me the privilege of leading this remarkable community.
Wishing you and your family a restful Winter Break and a healthy, happy New Year.
Dennis Vinson
Principal Hightstown HS
9th Grade Updates
Early dismissal on 12/23
NO SCHOOL from 12/24/25-1/2/26
MP 2 Interim Reports 12/22/25 at 4pm
Winter Spirit Week
12/18: Snow/ski day
12/19: New years eve (SR/JR Black,gold) (Soph/FR silver/white)
12/22: Ugly sweater
12/23: Pajama day
Reminder: Student IDs are available for pickup in the Brown House Office.
HHS Announcements, HERE!
Check your district email for the code.
Make-Up & Retake Picture Day – Nov 11!
Missed the original photo day or need a retake? No worries! Stop by PE, Study Hall, or another class period (with your teacher’s permission) for a quick photo.
✅ Just a few minutes and you’re done!
See the flyer for details, here. Don’t miss out—get your school photo updated!
Red Ribbon Week is Coming – Class of 2029, Get Ready!
Get ready, Rams! Red Ribbon Week is here, celebrating healthy choices and school pride.
📎 Click below to view the flyer:
Questions? Contact Ms. Howard.
#RamsLeadTheWay
Find Your People and Passion – Join a Club!
Hey Class of 2029,
Your high school journey is just beginning—and the best way to make it unforgettable is to get involved! Whether you’re into music, art, sports, STEM, leadership, gaming, or cultural clubs, there’s something here for everyone.
From Marching Band to Robotics, Best Buddies to Debate, and Yoga to E-Sports, your future friends and favorite memories are waiting.
Click here to explore all clubs & activities and start your adventure today!
Dear Hightstown High School Families and Students,
As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, we want to share an important update regarding the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time.
Attached you will find a memo outlining the new schoolwide guidelines for cell phones, AirPods, and other personal devices. See Attached- Cell phone usage (English and Spanish).pdf
This change is designed to help students stay focused, engaged, and connected to their learning. The memo also explains expectations for students, communication procedures for parents, and the consequences for misuse.
For your reference, we have also included a copy of the presentation our HHS Administrative Team shared at last Monday’s Board of Education meeting, See Attached- Personal Device Guidelines (1).pptx
Please take a few minutes to carefully review these attachments so that you and your child are fully aware of these expectations before the school year begins.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to create the best environment for our students’ success.
Principal Dennis Vinson
HHS Freshmen Orientation Slidedeck, here!
9th Grade Student ID Pick-Up! 📸
Hey Class of 2029 — your Student IDs are ready! Stop by the Brown House Office to pick yours up before school, during lunch, or after school.
⚠️ Remember — don’t leave class to get your ID.
Start your high school journey off right and grab your ID today!