Today, June 10th, 2026, Hurden Looker Elementary School proudly received an apple tree through the Union County Fruitful Futures School Tree Grant! This meaningful addition to the school grounds represents so much more than just a tree, it is a living learning opportunity for our students. Hurden Looker School's apple tree will help teach the importance of environmental stewardship, healthy living, and sustainability, while giving students a chance to connect with nature right here at school. As the tree grows, it will serve as a symbol of Hillside Public Schools District's commitment to nurturing both our students and our environment, planting the seeds today for a greener, healthier tomorrow!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #appletree #studentsfirst #hurdenlooker
about 15 hours ago, Hillside Public Schools
Today (6/10/2026) was Hillside Public School District's second annual Teen Challenge program for 5th-grade students! This program strengthens relationships with community police @hillsidepolicenj, provides decision-making knowledge, and shares police resources with students. All 5th graders from Deanna G. Taylor Academy, Hurden Looker Elementary School, and Ola Edwards Community School, participated in a field-day experience with various fun activities including tug of war! Shout out to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Graham, District Student Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Mullins, the Hillside Police Department, our elementary school staff, teachers, and more!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #teenchallenge #hillsidepolice
about 16 hours ago, Hillside Public Schools
Last night (6/9/2026), Hillside High School hosted its Senior Awards Night! Congratulations to all the Hillside High School Seniors who received an award across various subjects such as Literature, History, Biliteracy, Athletics, Academic Decathlon, JROTC, and more! Thank you to the Hillside Public Schools School Counseling (Guidance) Department, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Emenaka, Guidance Director Mr. Boateng, Ms. Mullins, Ms. Martinez, the Hillside Board of Education, Hillside Public Schools Directors, Administrators, and staff for making this wonderful evening possible and recognizing our students! Lastly, shout out to the students, parents, and families in attendance for filling the Hillside High School Auditorium with love, and support!
about 16 hours ago, Hillside Public Schools
Hurden Looker Elementary School’s Girls Rock Science & eSTEM Team enjoyed their annual trip to Clean Ocean Action in Sandy Hook, NJ on Thursday June 4th, 2026! Students participated in hands-on environmental activities, learned about marine ecosystems, explored the importance of protecting our oceans, and discovered how science and technology can be used to address environmental challenges. This enriching experience helped inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and environmental stewards while fostering teamwork, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for our coastal communities! Special thank you to Ms. Crisanaz, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Petroccia, Hurden Looker club advisors!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hurdenlooker #sandyhook #environment #studentsfirst
1 day ago, Hillside Public Schools
Building memories one brick at a time! Hurden Looker Elementary School 3rd graders had an awesome day exploring, learning, and having fun at Legoland! Thank you to the Hurden Looker teachers, staff, and parents for helping make these educational memories for our students!
#hurdenlooker #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #legoland #studentsfirst
2 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
The following photos are from Saturday's (6/6/2026) Alumni vs. Students track meet at Hillside High School! Shoutout to the coaches, student-athletes, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Mr. Frisch, Athletic Director McNeil and more!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #studentathletes #hillsidehighschool
3 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Ola Edwards Community School hosted a Hillside Public Schools Color Run on Saturday, June 6th, 2026! What an amazing time students, families, staff, board, PTA, and community members had running and playing with colored powder, all in the name of a great cause. Shout out to Kastle Fundraising, Mrs. Dale-Rawls, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Hillside Board of Education President Dr. Howard, the Hillside Board of Education members, Principal Davis, Vice-Principal Guilford, Ms. Rosamilia, Ola Edwards teachers, and the Ola Edwards Staff for making this event possible! Thank you to all of the families, and community members in attendance as well!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #colorrun #studentsfirst #newpathways #newpossibilities #newpride
3 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
On, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, Hurden Looker Elementary School and Deanna G. Taylor Academy proudly took the stage at American Young Voices 2026 at the Prudential Center @prucenter!
American Young Voices is one of the largest children’s choir programs in the world, bringing together thousands of students to perform as one incredible choir in a spectacular live concert experience. Our students joined young singers from across the region, showcasing their talent, dedication, and love of music.
What an unforgettable night of music, teamwork, and inspiration! We are so proud of our young performers for representing their schools and community with excellence.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways
6 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
At Ola Edwards Community School, Ms. Rosamilia’s 5th grade class, Mr. Todaro’s and Ms. Williams' 2nd grade class found a book buddy and read with each other outside today! Students enjoying literacy and the weather.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #olaedwards #studentsfirst #hillsideone
7 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center is hosting a petting zoo for all of its classes! The first day of the petting zoo was yesterday, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, and the last day is tomorrow, Friday, June 5th, 2026. Every class at A.P. Morris had and will have the opportunity to attend! Shoutout to Ms. Branch for organizing this 3-day event at the school! Shoutout to Principal Rios, and Vice-Principal Nwako!
#hillsidepublicschools #hillsidenj #studentsfirst #pettingzoo #apmorris
7 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Congratulations to all our W.O.K. Middle School scholars who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last night (6/3/2026)! Great work scholars, and thank you, Dr. Mathura, Principal Dr. Wilson, Vice-Principal Ms. Scott-Jackson, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Hillside Board of Education, W.O.K. staff, and families!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #wokmiddleschool #nationalhonorsociety #induction #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities #studentsfirst
7 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Congratulations to Hurden Looker Elementary School Principal, Ms. Daniella Alvarez, who was honored with the Union County Friend of Education Award on Sunday, May 31st, 2026! Principal Alvarez was presented her award by Ms. Angela Lawler, the Union President of the Hillside Education Association (HEA)! "What truly sets Ms. Alvarez apart is her unwavering belief in the potential of every child. She understands that education is not simply about test scores or rankings — it is about empowering young people to believe in themselves, to dream bigger, and to know they are capable of greatness." Principal Alvarez is recognized for "not only her professional achievements, but also her passion, integrity, and tireless dedication to the students and families she serves. Ms. Alvarez, your leadership has elevated Hurden Looker Elementary and strengthened the entire Hillside Public School community. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, your service to education, and the inspiration you provide to all of us." - Ms. Lawler
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hurdenlookerelementaryschool #unioncounty #friendofeducationaward #studentsfirst #hillsideone
8 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Hillside Public Schools have once again partnered with Scholastic R.E.A.L. (Reading and Enrichment for All Learners), reaffirming our commitment to fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning in every student. Guest readers from the Hillside Public Schools District, Ola Edwards Community School, and Deanna G. Taylor Academy kicked off the Scholastic R.E.A.L. program!
This partnership provides our students with access to high-quality, diverse, and age-appropriate books and educational resources that support both classroom instruction and independent reading. Scholastic R.E.A.L. is dedicated to ensuring that all children — regardless of background or circumstance — have the books they need to grow as readers and thinkers.
By renewing this partnership, Hillside Public Schools continue to invest in the academic growth, literacy development, and imagination of our students. Together with Scholastic, we believe that when children have the right books in their hands, there are no limits to what they can achieve.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #scholastic #reading #studentsfirst
8 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Last night, Monday June 1st, 2026, Hillside Innovation Academy (HIA) held its Annual Art Exhibition! The National Junior Art Honor Society, led by Art Teacher and Advisor Ms. Therres, hosted the Showcase of Scholars' Artwork, and Art demonstrations! Thank you to HIA Acting Principal Budhu, the Hillside Board of Education members, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, HIA. co-founder Mr. Salters, and HIA Scholars! Thank you to all of the students, parents, and families in attendance as well for this marvelous event!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #artshow #hillsideinnovationacademy #arthonorsociety #studentart #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
9 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Ready, set, FIELD DAY 2026!
From races and relays to laughter and teamwork, Hurden Looker Elementary School’s Field Day on Friday, May 29th, 2026 was a huge success! Special thanks to Mr. Riccardi and Mr. Morelli for planning such a wonderful event, and to our amazing parents, volunteers, and staff for helping make the day so much fun for our Hurden Looker School students!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hurdenlooker #fieldday #studentsfirst
10 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
The Women of Wellness (W.O.W.) sponsored a CPR training and earned CPR certification for 27 Hillside Innovation Academy (H.I.A.) students on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 in the Hillside Board Conference Room! Upon completion of the training each student successfully passed a written examination. Great work H.I.A. Scholars!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hia #cprcertification #studentsfirst
13 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
The Science Fair 2026 at Hurden Looker Elementary School, May 28th, 2026! "A heartfelt thank you goes out to Ms. Crisanaz, Ms. Griffin, Ms. Tragale, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Welsh for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to science excellence. Your efforts inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in our students every day. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of the parents for their support, encouragement, and participation in making this event such a success. Together, we are fostering the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers!"
#hillsidepublicschools #hillsidenj #sciencefair, #hurdenlookelementary #studentr
13 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Congratulations to all of our Hillside Public Schools student winners of the Charlotte Jones Black History Month Essay Contest, hosted annually by the Hillside Branch of the NAACP! Last week, Founder and President of the Hillside Branch of the NAACP, Mrs. Graves-Watson, visited Ola Edwards Community School, Deanna G. Taylor Academy, and Hurden Looker Elementary School, to recognize and present our winning students with certificates and gift cards in honor of their outstanding essays and achievements!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #naacp #studentsfirst
13 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Our Hillside High School students showed out at the Prom Showcase yesterday (5/28/2026)! These photos and more can be viewed on the Hillside High School Photo Gallery Site:
https://sites.google.com/hillsidek12.net/hhsphotogallery/2025-2026?authuser=0 (paste this link into your browser). Shout out to Mr. Frisch and Mr. Williamson for capturing photos of this spectacular showcase. Thank you to the Showcase MC, Mr. McCoy, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Emenaka, Hillside Board of Education President, Dr. Howard, the Hillside Board of Education members, Hillside High School students, security, and staff!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #prom2026 #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst
13 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
Today (5/28/2026), the New Jersey Sustainable Greenhouse Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was held in the Garden area of Hillside High School! This greenhouse will extend the planting season where students can engage year-round in hands-on learning through gardening, sustainability initiatives, environmental exploration, and greenhouse activities! This project was funded by a $10,000 grant through the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program funded by the NJEA. After the ribbon cutting, Hillside Public Schools' Kindergarten classes participated in special garden-themed activities celebrating this exciting new learning space! Shoutout to the Hillside High School Garden Club @hillsidehsgardenclub), Ms. Ambrose, Dr. Baskerville, Principal Emenaka, Sustainable NJ (@sustainable_jersey), the New Jersey Education Association (@insta_njea) Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, the Hillside Board of Education, Mr. DeFluri and the Buildings and Grounds Department, B.A. McNeil, (@gardenofedithfd), Ms. Love, our students, and more!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #sustainablejersey #njea #studentsfirst
14 days ago, Hillside Public Schools
