Contacts
Fiona Abbott
As soon as you have a conversation with me, you will know that I am not from Highland. I was born in Windsor, England, and I have been fortunate enough to have lived in numerous countries, such as Germany, Belgium and France. Upon coming to America, I obtained a BS, Elementary Education, McKendree University, followed by an MS, Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Reading, McKendree University. I sponsor the Drama Club intramural and co-sponsor the Model United Nations Debate Club at HMS. I am the proud parent of a son who works in Chicago.. Our family has four black labs; Neo, Zoe, Nugget and Arya. I am an avid reader and I enjoy renovating my 96 year-old home. I am constantly trying to recreate the quintessential English garden with varying degrees of success. I am thrilled and excited to embark upon a new year of teaching ELA at the Middle School.
Ms. Fiona Abbott
National Board Certified Teacher
English Language Arts
fabbott@highlandcusd5.org
Chris Frey
I am extremely excited to be teaching here at HMS. I was born and raised in Highland, and I am looking forward to be working with kids in my hometown. I earned my education degree in 2015 during my second stint in college. My wife is also a teacher in another district. We have three children named Payton, Nolan, and Retta. I enjoy playing sports, reading, board games, comics, and geeking out with sci-fi movies and shows.
Mr. Chris Frey
Social Studies
cfrey@highlandcusd5.org
Linda Berg
Mrs. Linda Berg grew up in rural northwest Iowa. She and her family moved to the Highland area in 1998. She has been teaching in the Highland School District since 2000 in a variety of special education classrooms. She is very excited about coming to the middle school and helping her students succeed in the 6th grade. She and her husband have three children, Paige, Kristen, and Christopher. She and her husband enjoy traveling and outdoor activities. They are kept quite busy attending numerous sporting events that their son is involved in.
Mrs. Linda Berg
Special Education
lberg@highlandcusd5.org
Valerie Haas
Mrs. Haas received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management with an emphasis in Athletic Training from SBU in 2002 and her teaching certificate in 2023. For the past 18 years, I have served the Wesclin community in various capacities as their Athletic Trainer, substitute teacher and PE Teachers Aide. She lives in Trenton with her husband Mark, and 3 sons, Adam (17), Noah (14) and Judah (6). In her free time, she enjoys watching her sons events and activities, gardening, reading, traveling and serving in her church.
Mrs. Valerie Haas
PE Teacher
vhaas@highlandcusd5.org
Jon Truitt
I grew up all over the place with my father being in the Air Force, and I am now settled in Glen Carbon with my beautiful wife and wonderful daughter Claire. I have taught middle school science for 9 years, and received my degree in Earth and Space Science from SIUE. I love how science can help us understand the complexity of the world through fun and engaging ways! My hope is to motivate and challenge students to a higher level of thinking that will help prepare them for life. My other passions include spending time with my family, working out, and playing all sorts of different games!
Mr. Jon Truitt
Science
jtruitt@highlandcusd5.org