Back to School Information
August 21, 2023
Dear PHS Students and Families,
As school administrators, September 5th marks our enthusiastic anticipation for the arrival of approximately 1550 students to the corridors of Princeton High School. The very rhythm of our school echoes with the delightful excitement of coming together once again with our cherished students.
We extend a warm and sincere welcome to our ninth-grade students, transfer students, and their families. We understand the significance of this pivotal moment, and we're here to nurture it. At PHS, we have established programs and support services specifically designed to successfully transition incoming students in the active social and academic life of the school community. We encourage them to weave vibrant social connections, to find inspiration in the guidance of their peers and dedicated staff, and most importantly, to experience that deep-rooted sense of belonging that transforms a school into a true home.
We will have much to celebrate this year! For our seniors, this year represents a cumulation of thirteen years of hardwork and dedication. Starting with our Senior Sunrise on September 5th, every day is one step closer to a triumphant conclusion for our PHS seniors. As they prepare for the transition to post-graduation life, we are here rooting for you and celebrating every milestone with you. Cherish every moment. As our graduates continue to enroll in top tier colleges and universities, join the military, and enter the workforce, we continue to build our legacy as a strong and safe school community committed to providing the knowledge and skills necessary for students to become creative and productive citizens. Princeton High School alumni are actively engaged in various professions and trades and often return to share their stories with staff and students and provide valuable feedback for our curriculum and programs. And many return to teach at PHS!
Orientation
Freshman families (Class of 2027!) – please save the date for Wednesday, August 30th for 9th Grade Orientation Day. We will greet you by the flagpole at 9:15 am. The day ends at 2 pm. Transfer students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will be invited to attend an orientation on Thursday, August 31st from 11 am until 1 pm located in the Ideas Center. Please RSVP to the link emailed to you.
Personnel
We are also excited to introduce eleven fresh faces to the ever-growing PHS professional community. These staff members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and most importantly, their passion for the craft of teaching and learning. They are now an integral part of our dynamic and diverse group of professional educators. Our shared commitment is to continue to uphold the tradition of fostering academic excellence and nurturing personal growth. Many staff members spent their summer focusing on their own professional learning. Matt Pembleton, one of our art educators, received the ART Educators of New Jersey High School Division award. This award was established to honor teachers whose teaching methodology is exceptional. Jackie Katz, one of our Science teachers, is returning from her year-long Einstein Fellowship and recently presented at the Smithsonian Education Summit. As a Fulbright recipient, Dr. Andrea Dinan was invited by the State Department to present in Washington DC at a three day conference sharing her inquiry project. These are just a few examples of our truly accomplished PHS faculty.
Maintenance
Our custodians and maintenance crews have been working around the clock to prepare for the September 5th opening. Maintenance repairs are taking place, rooms are being painted, and floors are being waxed to welcome the students and staff for the 2023-24 school year. Additionally the whole front of the building has received a facelift as the crews have repaired and power-washed the brick facade.
School Picture Day
School pictures will be the second day of school, September 6th, during PE and Health classes. This will generate the ID cards for the lanyards.
Security
As we continue to strengthen the security of PHS, it is expected that all students wear school lanyards with their ID card every day. Lanyards allow us to identify students who are enrolled at PHS. Your student should wear last year’s ID until our 2023-24 IDs are generated. If your student does not have a PHS ID from last year, a temporary ID will be issued in Homeroom on the first day of school.
Bell Schedule/Student Schedule
PHS Bell Schedule can be found on the PHS homepage. Our deep gratitude is extended to Dr. Holly-Katharine Johnson who redesigned the bell schedules to make it beautiful, elegant and easier to read.
The student schedules which include course and teacher assignments will be open in PowerSchool for all students after August 30th.
PHS Spirit Wear
PHS Paws-n-Shop is our online school store. Proceeds from the store benefit PHS Student Activities. If you are interested in purchasing your child some PHS gear, please check out the store here.
PHS PTO
PHS PTO is our parent organization that meets monthly at PHS or online to discuss important topics that impact your children. Voluntary dues are collected annually. Please see the attached letter for more information.
Forms
The beginning of each school year is also the time for parents to complete many forms. Please click on this link for the PHS Document Checklist. All documents mentioned in the checklist can be found in the same folder. Please also log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal to complete all required forms (including Media Contact Release, documents related to device insurance and usage, etc.).
We want to highlight the following important policies: Policy 5512 Harassment Intimidation and Bullying, 5200 Attendance, and 5530 Substance Abuse. The PHS Student Handbook has been updated as well. Please review carefully. Students are required to submit the signature page at the end of the handbook.
The excitement leading up to the first day of school is always contagious. Witnessing the spark of enthusiasm and the glimmer of hope in the eager expressions of our students continues to be a cherished moment. We pledge to continue to support all students as they take important steps toward becoming happy and well-rounded individuals and contributing citizens of our school community. On behalf of the Princeton High School and our phenomenal staff, we welcome your active and engaged partnership as we continue to create safe and joyful places of learning for our students in the years to come.
Kathie, Cecilia, Rashone, and Nicole
SAVE THE DATE!
August 21-24th: Senior Portraits
August 30th: 9th Grade Orientation
August 31st: Grades 10,11,12 Grade Transfer Student Orientation
September 5th: First day of school!
September 6th: Picture Day for ALL Students
September 12th: New Parent Orientation
September 21st: Community Service Fair (F Day)
September 25th: School is closed in honor of Yom Kippur
September 28th: Back to School Night, Option II Orientation
October 6th: Club Fair
October 11th: PSAT, 9th Grade Field Day
October 13th: Pep Rally, Homecoming (special schedule)
October 14th: Homecoming Dance
October 28th: Homework Free Weekend