September 2025

Dear Junior Parents/Guardians,

Our children are HALFWAY through High School! Unbelievable! As we head into Junior year, we wish you and your children all the best. We are here to keep you informed about important dates and events this school year. The 11th-grade class parents are:

Since there is a lot happening this year, we wanted to give you a few highlights of what to expect as the parent of a Junior:    

The Year of Testing: Get ready for a year full of testing – PSAT, ACT, SAT and AP. PSAT is up first in on Saturday, October 18 – Full details coming out by mid-September.

Driver’s License: Most students will receive their license this year.  Remember to call your insurance agent about the new driver in the house and do not worry, not everyone passes on the first try.

Share the Keys: If your student will be requesting a parking space at the HS for their senior year, this is a mandatory presentation for parent AND child. If you attended as sophomores, you do not have to attend again. This year the VIRTUAL meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 14. Details to follow.

SHS Teacher/Staff Hospitality: Events throughout the year are an easy way to make a big impact. Please look out for opportunities to volunteer OR donate food/drinks.

Junior/Senior Prom: Please be on the lookout for information on how to help support the fundraising efforts focused on Prom!

Senior Graduation: This is our pay it forward year. Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. ALL JUNIOR PARENTS help organize the graduation! Volunteers will be needed for the graduation night as well as for events leading up to the big day (i.e. flamingo flocking – MAJOR fundraiser).  More information regarding graduation will be sent in the Spring.   

College: The elephant in the room! Here are a few helpful ideas.  

• Brag Sheet: Now is the time to start creating your child’s list of accomplishments, since they are due in the Spring.  The guidance counselor will use it next summer to help write your child’s recommendation for college.  Think about what they have done over the last couple of years: sports, theater, forensics, job, volunteering.
• College visits at SHS: Many colleges visit SHS throughout the school year during the day.  Have your student talk to their school counselor about attending these visits.
• Teacher Recommendations: Encourage your student to form relationships with teachers this year as Recommendations are requested in the Spring and are an essential part of their college applications

PTO Website: Please make sure you have registered on the PTO website. Here you will find the PTO-sponsored events calendar, the school directory, and the option to pay your PTO dues.

Synch Your Calendar: The best way to stay on top of events is to synchronize your calendar with the PTO. Click here and follow the prompts to subscribe.

 Please mark your calendar with the following event dates (*PTO Sponsored Events):

• Thursday, September 25: Back to School Night, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., SHS
• Meet your child’s teachers and navigate the building.
• PTO General Meetings: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., SHS Library*
• Friday, September 26
• Friday, December 12
• Friday, January 9
• Friday, March 6
• Friday, May 1
• Friday, October 17: Junior Parent Gathering with the Principal, 9:00 a.m. LOCATION TBD
• Friday - Sunday, October 9 – 11: Hilltopper Weekend
• Wednesday, December 3: Junior Family Night, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., SHS
• Friday, January 30: Semi-Formal for Juniors and Seniors, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Brooklake Country Club
• Friday, May 15: Junior/Senior Prom, 7:00 – 11:00. The Westin Governor Morris

We are excited for a fantastic year ahead and cannot wait to see you actively involved in the PTO and at all the upcoming Summit High School events!

Go Hilltoppers!