Principal Message
Dear Hightstown High School Students and Families,
As we embark on another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all our returning and new students and families. At Hightstown High School, our goal is to keep you updated on the events, initiatives, and important information, while equally celebrating the achievements of our dedicated staff and talented students throughout the year.
This year promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Our commitment to academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, and fostering a positive school culture remains unwavering. We believe that every student has the potential to excel, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Communication is key to our success, and we will ensure you are informed through our newsletters, website, and social media channels. Stay tuned for updates on school events, important dates, and news that highlights the outstanding work and accomplishments within our school community.
Our staff is dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for all students. From innovative teaching methods to personalized support, we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
We are equally excited to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. Whether it’s academic milestones, athletic victories, artistic accomplishments, or acts of kindness, we will take every opportunity to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication that makes Hightstown High School a special place.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this school year one of the best yet. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!
Dennis Vinson Jr
Principal Hightstown HS
Freshmen Orientation
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., all students are strongly encouraged to attend the HHS Freshmen Orientation. Our staff and student leaders look forward to hosting a barbecue, tour, and sharing important information. Students will become familiar with the layout of the school, meet our support staff and counselors, understand their schedules, and connect with their PGC (Peer Group Connection) in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. To promote school spirit and community, each freshman and new student will receive an HHS t-shirt.
While students are actively involved, there will be a parent presentation in the auditorium. It will focus on topics related to Naviance, developing a four year plan, and successfully beginning the school year.
If you have not already done so, please use the registration form below to sign up.
Click Here: Freshman Orientation 2024
Chromebook Distribution - Ninth-Grade and New Students
All incoming ninth-grade students will receive a school-issued Chromebook as EWRSD provides every student with a Chromebook for learning in school and at home for school-based assignments or projects.
Students must bring their Chromebook issued at Kreps Middle School (including charger)
in order to receive their new device. Chromebooks will be distributed during the allotted dates/times below at Hightstown High School. You may park in the lot near the water tower:
Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 22, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday, August 23, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you are unable to attend on one of the assigned dates, students will also be able to get their
device during the first week of school.
Grade 9 - John Perillo
Mr. Perillo grew up in Hamilton Township, NJ, and was heavily involved in music and sports. An all-state musician, Mr. Perillo attended Trenton State College where he majored in Music Education with a primary focus on Saxophone. Upon graduating, Mr. Perillo spent 5 years in the Everett, MA school system as a K-5 Music teacher. His career continued in South Brunswick, where Mr. Perillo spent 14 years in Crossroads Middle School as an instrumental music teacher.
Mr. Perillo completed his Master's Degree in Educational Instruction from TCNJ and went on to complete his administrative coursework at Caldwell University. As an administrator, Mr. Perillo was the Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor for Hamilton Township Schools and the East Brunswick School District before coming to Hightstown High School.
Mr. Perillo spends most of his time outside of school driving to and from soccer practices for his son, and drama and dance rehearsals for his daughter. He and his wife also have 2 dogs, Daisy and Fluffy.
Grade 10 - Jeff Soto
Mr. Soto grew up in Ewing, NJ, and is a graduate of Ewing High School. He was pleased to give back to this community after receiving his Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from Rowan University by teaching in the same district he was taught in. Mr. Soto has taught in multiple schools for the past ten years, including the Y.A.L.E. School in Ellisburg, Somerville Middle School, Ewing High School, and Fisher Middle School in Ewing, NJ.
It was his time in the Ewing school district, leading multiple initiatives, extracurricular activities, and coaching sports, that led to Mr. Soto seeking a career in Educational Leadership. He coached the boys’ soccer team at Ewing High School and Fisher Middle School. He was an advisor of the Student Council, Video Announcement Club, Project Unify, Special Olympics, and the PBIS School Climate team. Taking on a leadership role propelled him into his true calling to make a positive impact beyond the classroom.
As he transitions into the role of Assistant Principal, he is eager to bring his enthusiasm, care, and commitment to the broader Hightstown school community. He firmly believes that a school’s success is built on the foundation of collaboration, communication, and support among students, staff, parents, and the community at large. With a genuine passion for education, he is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Mr. Soto is grateful and honored to have the incredible opportunity to serve the Hightstown community and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Grade 11 - Jennifer Riggi
Mrs. Riggi grew up in Freehold, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Freehold Township High School. She attended William Paterson University and received a B.A. in English & Education. She was a teacher in the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District for several years and obtained her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University. Mrs. Riggi then moved on to become a Curriculum Supervisor as a shared service provider for the South Bound Brook & Somerville Public School Districts, as well as the Supervisor of Student Affairs and Instruction at Somerville High School. She has also served as the Assistant Principal at Holmdel High School.
Mrs. Riggi enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She is thrilled to be a part of the RAMS community.
Grade 12 - Rose Brown
For the past twenty years, Mrs. Brown has dedicated her life and service to the field of education. Before becoming the tenth-grade Assistant Principal, she served as a school counselor for thirteen years at Hightstown High School. During her tenure at Hightstown High School as a school counselor, Mrs. Brown aimed to make decisions in the best interest of all school members. She worked closely with the administrative team as an advocate for students and additional staff support as a union leader. Now she is elated to join the ranks of the dedicated high school administrative team, working with students while supporting the teachers, counselors, CST members, nurses, and support staff.
Mrs. Brown is a wife and mother of three children, who are a source of motivation. She has a Bachelor's degree from Bennett College, a Master's Degree from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Principal Certification from The College of New Jersey. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Walden University.
She recognizes that education is a life-long process and is committed to putting students first, keeping them at the center of all school-related decisions. She encourages all members of the Hightstown family to become involved to bridge the divide and contribute to the success of their students.
Junior Parking
We will be holding a lottery for junior parking this year due to limited spots available. Details and application for the lottery will be released in September, after we have secured parking for all seniors.
Please note that participating in the lottery does not guarantee a parking spot. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the application process and important dates.
How can Parents get involved? - HHSPA
We believe that strong partnerships between the school and our families are essential to student success. We invite parents to actively participate in school events, join our Hightstown HS Parent Association & After Prom (HHSPA), and volunteer in various capacities. Your involvement and support are invaluable as we work together to provide the best possible education for our students.
Join us for our first meeting September 19 at 7:00 p.m. in High School Media Center