Hillside Public Schools

On Thursday, May 28th, 2026, Ms. Jeanna Martinez, Ms. Samantha Maytidu, Ms. Jeanie Ruban, and Dr. Tiffani Ellis attended the culmination event for the Rutgers University (@rutgersnb) Comprehensive School Mental Health Grant! This group was recognized as honored participants of the Enhancing Mental Health Services Project!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #rutgers

Today (6/15/2026), Hurden Looker Elementary School proudly became the recipient of a $10,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey (@sustainable_jersey) for Schools to support the creation of a Miyawaki Schoolyard Forest! This exciting project will establish a dense native forest on the school grounds, helping to improve biodiversity, reduce heat, strengthen climate resilience, and provide a living outdoor classroom where students can learn directly from nature. A special shoutout to Ms. Grace Petroccia, Teacher and Climate Ambassadors Advisor, and Principal Alvarez for their leadership and commitment to sustainability at HLES. Your dedication is helping create a greener, healthier future for our students and community!

Hillside Innovation Academy (H.I.A.) hosted its Awards Ceremony today (6/15/2026) in the auditorium of A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center! Scholars were recognized and awarded for their academic achievements, as well as their achievements in clubs and extracurricular activities. Shout out to the Acting Principal of H.I.A. Ms. Budhu, H.I.A. Co-Founder Mr. Salters, all of the H.I.A. teachers, and staff that presented awards to the students, and of course the H.I.A. scholars for their success!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #awardsceremony #hillsideinnovationacademy #studentsfirst

Congratulations to our A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center Kindergarten Scholars! This morning, A.P. Morris ECC hosted its Kindergarten graduation! Great job students, Hillside Public Schools are incredibly proud of you all. See you in first grade!
Shoutout to Principal Rios, Vice-Principal Nwako, A.P. Morris School teachers, and staff.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #apmorris #studentsfirst #graduation

A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center celebrated Flag Day today (6/12/2026) with the help of the Hillside High School JROTC (@hillsideajrotc), Hillside High School band, and choir! Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. Shout out to Principal Rios, Vice-Principal Nwako, Sergeant Diaz, Principal Emenaka, Mr. Kelly, Ms. Pribish, our A.P. Morris teachers, staff, and students!

#hillsidepublicschools #hillsidenj #studentsfirst #flagday #jrotc

Hillside High School's track team is going to the Nationals! After initially being told they wouldn't be able to attend due to a lack of funds, the Hillside Educational Foundation has sponsored the Hillside track team with a $1,500 contribution! This contribution in conjunction with funds from other donors is making the trip to Nationals a reality! Thank you to all of the donors, and our talented, dedicated athletes who represent Hillside, as well as our coaches, Principal Emenaka, and Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez! A special thank you to the Hillside Educational Foundation members: President Kimberly Cook, Vice-President Joi Stanley, Treasurer Christine Sidwa, Secretary Angela Lawler, Terrence Robinson, Sherrill Smith, Dr. David Jefferson, and Dr. David Eichenholtz!

#hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #highschooltrack #studentsfirst #hillsideone

Congratulations to the 2026 Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (@uciac) Recipients for Hillside Public Schools, Hillside High School's Kamari Alexander and Leilani Ortega! Shout out to Athletic Director McNeil! #uciac #hillsidehighschool #unioncounty #studentsfirst #hillsidepublicschools

This morning, 6/11/2026, Ola Edwards Community School (OECS) hosted its Men of Honor: Men's Day Recognition celebratory event! Students from all grade levels filled the bleachers of the gymnasium alongside their teachers, as Ms. Dale-Rawls presented our honorees with a certificate, and praise for their exceptional work within the community! Those honored today included: Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, teachers Mr. Pereira and Mr. Tordaro, Hillside Democratic Chairman Mr. Salters, OECS Lead Custodian Mr. Calvino, and Union County Commissioner Mr. Neron. Hillside Public Schools appreciates all of the contributions of these men within the Union County and Hillside communities! Thank you, Principal Davis, Vice-Principal Guilford, and Ms. Dale-Rawls for organizing this phenomenal event. Shout out to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicshools #olaedwardscommunityschool #mensday #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities #studentsfirst

Last night (6/10/2026) W.O.K. Middle School hosted its Spring Concert titled "the Soundtrack of Our Lives"! What a phenomenal program, great work to the W.O.K. Band, Strings, Drama Club, Dance Team, and Choir! Thank you to Dance Choreographer Ms. McCargo, Music Director Mr. Moore, Theater Director Ms. Harris, our student announcers for the program, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Dr. Wilson, Vice-Principal Scott-Jackson, the stage crew, teachers, staff, and more! A special shout out of course to the students, families, and friends in attendance!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #springconcert #wokmiddleschool

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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