Liana Cardoso and Ms. Branch led a wonderful Art Night at A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center last night (4/15/2026) in celebration of World Art Day! 🎨✨ Thank you to all the families who came out and made the evening so special.
A huge shout out to our amazing A.P. Morris teachers for bringing the fun and creativity: Theresa Kennedy, Daisy Pereira, Kyla Cerra, Cortney Badessa, Mariela Garcia, Dennise Ojeda, Sharon Greenblatt, Rebecca Kelly, Jill Sica, Janine Arcuni, Kristina Marte-Metelus, Amatullah Foushee, Katherine Luna, and Grace Ogunnowo!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #worldartday #artday #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
A huge shout out to our amazing A.P. Morris teachers for bringing the fun and creativity: Theresa Kennedy, Daisy Pereira, Kyla Cerra, Cortney Badessa, Mariela Garcia, Dennise Ojeda, Sharon Greenblatt, Rebecca Kelly, Jill Sica, Janine Arcuni, Kristina Marte-Metelus, Amatullah Foushee, Katherine Luna, and Grace Ogunnowo!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #worldartday #artday #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
The Hillside High School Theatre Company (@hhs.performingarts) is proud to present their spring one-act show, The One-Act Play Disaster by Don Zolidis! Join us for this madcap comedy on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, and Friday, May 1st, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Hillside High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. (Approximate 40-minute runtime).
Pulling off a heist is pretty tough. But that's nothing compared to pulling off an unauthorized adaptation of a popular heist movie onstage. Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong when you've got a light board operator out for revenge, a dollar-store set, and a cast that's a total mess. The smooth-talking con man has crippling stage fright, the acrobat is completely uncoordinated, and the understudy keeps reading all the stage directions out loud. Can the group survive a run-through? It might be a total disaster, but it will definitely be hilarious!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidetheatercompany #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Pulling off a heist is pretty tough. But that's nothing compared to pulling off an unauthorized adaptation of a popular heist movie onstage. Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong when you've got a light board operator out for revenge, a dollar-store set, and a cast that's a total mess. The smooth-talking con man has crippling stage fright, the acrobat is completely uncoordinated, and the understudy keeps reading all the stage directions out loud. Can the group survive a run-through? It might be a total disaster, but it will definitely be hilarious!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidetheatercompany #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, students from Ms. Sala Della Cuna's Hillside High School Film Production class were awarded Best Representation of Theme for their short film, "Going, Going, Gone", at the 18th Annual Kent Place Film Festival! Student filmmakers included Tyler Washington, Maximo Balladares, Tyler Childs, Giovanny Jean Jaques, Tressy Jean-Baptiste, Brian Thomas, and Aaron White. The film's director, Tyler Washington, attended the event on behalf of his group! Outstanding work, film students!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #kentplacefilmfestival #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Hillside High School students had an unforgettable time exploring, learning, and creating lifelong memories during the spring break trip to Spain and Italy! From new cultural experiences to meaningful connections, this journey truly brought learning beyond the classroom to life! Follow @hillsideabroad for more updates and future travel opportunities! Shout out to Ms. Andino, Mr. Skelton, and more Hillside High School staff for making these trips possible.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #spain #italy #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #spain #italy #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
At Deanna G. Taylor Academy, (DGTA) under the dedicated leadership of Mrs. Fernandes in Science Enrichment, students are experiencing the full journey of food production through their hydroponics program: from seed to harvest, and ultimately, from hydroponics lettuce to lunch!
In their hydroponic system, students are growing fresh, healthy lettuce without soil—using nutrient-rich water and carefully controlled conditions. This hands-on learning experience allows students to explore plant biology, sustainability, and innovative farming methods in a meaningful and engaging way. Each day, they observe how light, water, and nutrients work together to support plant growth, building both scientific understanding and real-world problem-solving skills. What makes this program truly special is that students don’t just learn about science—they live it. They take part in planting, monitoring growth, recording data, and harvesting the lettuce once it is ready. The excitement reaches its peak when the fresh greens make their way from the hydroponic system straight to the cafeteria, where they become part of a healthy school lunch!
This initiative, led by Mrs. Fernandes, helps students understand where their food comes from while promoting healthy eating habits and environmental awareness. It also fosters responsibility, teamwork, and pride as students see the direct impact of their efforts.
From hydroponics to lunch, this program is more than a science lesson—it’s a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student achievement!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hydroponics #schoollunch #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
In their hydroponic system, students are growing fresh, healthy lettuce without soil—using nutrient-rich water and carefully controlled conditions. This hands-on learning experience allows students to explore plant biology, sustainability, and innovative farming methods in a meaningful and engaging way. Each day, they observe how light, water, and nutrients work together to support plant growth, building both scientific understanding and real-world problem-solving skills. What makes this program truly special is that students don’t just learn about science—they live it. They take part in planting, monitoring growth, recording data, and harvesting the lettuce once it is ready. The excitement reaches its peak when the fresh greens make their way from the hydroponic system straight to the cafeteria, where they become part of a healthy school lunch!
This initiative, led by Mrs. Fernandes, helps students understand where their food comes from while promoting healthy eating habits and environmental awareness. It also fosters responsibility, teamwork, and pride as students see the direct impact of their efforts.
From hydroponics to lunch, this program is more than a science lesson—it’s a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student achievement!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hydroponics #schoollunch #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
The Hillside Public Schools District Board of Education seeks a dynamic educational leader to continue to advance student success for all students! For more information and to apply, please visit hillsidek12.org.
The Hillside Public Schools Superintendent Search Timeline is now available, as well as the Community Input Sessions Schedule, on hillsidek12.org! The Community Input Survey is coming soon. Thank you.
The Hillside Public Schools Superintendent Search Timeline is now available, as well as the Community Input Sessions Schedule, on hillsidek12.org! The Community Input Survey is coming soon. Thank you.
Congratulations to the cast of Radium Girls at Hillside High School, who received four nominations for Montclair State University’s (@montclairstateu) Foxy Awards at their annual Theatre Night Awards that will be held in May! The Performing Arts Club (@hhs.performingarts) is so proud of the 4 cast members: Leilani Ortega, Clyde Gibbons, Kyrene Lugue, and Frantzcheskayla Delma, who were nominated for their performances in this historical drama that played at Hillside High School in December 2025! Shoutout to Hillside High School Performing Arts Director Ms. Pribish!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #montclairstateuniversity #radiumgirls #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #montclairstateuniversity #radiumgirls #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Congratulations to all of the Hillside Innovation Academy (HIA) Scholars that were inducted into the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026! The induction ceremony was beautiful and creative! Shoutout to Hillside Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. PĂ©rez, NJAHS Chapter Sponsor and HIA Art Teacher Ms. Therres, HIA co-founder Mr. Salters, and Guest Speaker for the event, Executive Director of Newark Glassroots, Ms. Losos. Fantastic work, HIA students and artists!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #njahs #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #njahs #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Congratulations to Hillside Innovation Academy 8th grade student Uwaila Agheyisi! Uwaila was one of seven winners from various New Jersey School Districts in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter’s 2026 Stock Market Challenge! The stock market challenge is a premier financial literacy initiative designed to equip middle and high school students with real-world investing knowledge and skills. Held throughout March, this four-week virtual program engaged 96 students registered from across New Jersey and beyond in an interactive experience combining expert-led instruction with hands-on stock market simulation. Participants managed a virtual portfolio of $100,000, gaining exposure to investment strategies, market trends, and financial decision-making. Each winner will receive $100 invested into a custodial brokerage account of their own, providing an early foundation for long-term investing and financial independence!
Please join us on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for "Spring into Conversation with Acting Superintendent Dr. Gretel T. Pérez!" This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, engage in meaningful conversation, and learn more about Dr. Pérez’s vision, experiences, and commitment to our school community. Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and help us continue building a strong and supportive school community together! This event will be taking place in the boardroom of Hillside Innovation Academy, 1100 Woodruff Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205. We look forward to seeing you there!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, the Hillside High School Student Council (@hillsidestuco) has been recognized as a 2026 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)! The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Under the guidance of advisor Mrs. Noreen Deutsch, Hillside High School’s Student Council has achieved significant recognition for its leadership and service. In 2024, the council was honored as a National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils and in 2025 the council was honored as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the NASC. Additionally, they received the Honor School award for the fifth consecutive year and were recognized for their Student Elections Initiative by the New Jersey Association of Student Councils (@NJASC). Their advisor, Noreen Deutsch, was named the NJASC High School Advisor of the Year for 2022-2023!
"The student council at Hillside High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”
A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Great work Hillside High School Student Council!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidestuco #studentcouncil #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Under the guidance of advisor Mrs. Noreen Deutsch, Hillside High School’s Student Council has achieved significant recognition for its leadership and service. In 2024, the council was honored as a National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils and in 2025 the council was honored as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the NASC. Additionally, they received the Honor School award for the fifth consecutive year and were recognized for their Student Elections Initiative by the New Jersey Association of Student Councils (@NJASC). Their advisor, Noreen Deutsch, was named the NJASC High School Advisor of the Year for 2022-2023!
"The student council at Hillside High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”
A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Great work Hillside High School Student Council!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidestuco #studentcouncil #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
On Friday, March 27th, 2026, W.O.K. Middle School students attended the 18th annual Human Rights Conference at Kean University! @keanuniversity Students heard former Irish President Mary Robinson and others speak in the topic of sustainability as a human right. They then entered the Kean archives and engaged with artifacts detailing ancient history, American History, NJ history, and Hillside history. While there, they visited an art exhibit where students viewed art created by individuals with disabilities showing that there are no limitations to what we can accomplish. It was an eventful day filled with learning and fun!! Thank you to the chaperones who made it happen, Dr. Mathura, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Giro and to the administrators who support such educational opportunities for our students, Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Scott Jackson!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #keanuniversity #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Last night, March 26th, 2026, was opening night for Hurden Looker Elementary School's production "Willy Wonka Kids"! The show is absolutely spectacular, and Hurden Looker School's gymnasium was packed with students, families, parents, and staff for the sold out show! Tonight, March 27th, 2026, is the second sold out performance! Great job Hurden Looker actors and actresses, and shout out to Principal Alvarez, and Vice-Principal Pinho for all of their hard work!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #willywonkakids #hurdenlookerelementaryschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #willywonkakids #hurdenlookerelementaryschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
On Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, 13 W.O.K scholars were inducted into the Jr. Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society! Scholars demonstrated academic excellence, civic engagement, and leadership throughout their time at W.O.K. Thank you to W.O.K. Administrators, Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Scott Jackson and Jr. Rho Kappa Advisor, Dr. Mathura for an awesome night celebrating our Hillside Scholars!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #wokmiddleschool #jrrhokappa #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Congratulations to our Deanna G. Taylor Academy Poster Contest Winners! We are proud to recognize two 4th grade students from Deanna G. Taylor Academy, Abigail Casagrande and Adriel Cordero, who received prizes in the Union County Dental Society Poster Contest for Children's Dental Health Month! Their creativity and hard work helped spread the message of healthy smiles throughout our community. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and artistic talent! 🏆 Way to go, Deanna G. Taylor Academy! 🏆Shout out to Principal Graham.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #dgta #unioncountynj #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Breaking News! Hurden Looker Elementary School's production of "Willy Wonka Kids" is officially SOLD OUT for both nights! Shout out to Principal Alvarez.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center hosted its annual Nourish to Flourish event, where families and staff engaged in hands-on literacy, curriculum, and technology-integrated learning experiences! Together, these experiences emphasized the importance of nurturing healthy minds and healthy bodies to support the whole child. A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center extends its sincere gratitude to its community partners—United Way of Greater Union County (@unitedwaygucc), RWJ Barnabas Health (@rwjbh), SNAP, Hillside Public Library (@hillsidepubliclibrary), and the A.P. Morris PTA—for their continued support and partnership!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #apmorris #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Shout out to Deanna G. Taylor Academy for its ongoing visual displays of student work and creativity!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #deannataylor #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #deannataylor #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
March 12th, 2026, was opening night of Hillside High School Theatre's spring musical "Cinderella"! The show was absolutely spectacular, great work to our talented Hillside High School actors and actresses @hhs.performingarts ! Shout out to theatre director, Ms. Pribish, Mr. Corritore, the stage crew, the band, Hillside High School staff, students, and more!
Hurden Looker Elementary School is participating in the Annual NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology) eSTEM Challenge! Good luck to our Hurden Looker Tigers!! Shout out to Principal Alvarez and Vice-Principal Pinho!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #estem #njit #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
