Hillside Public Schools

Yesterday, March 2nd, 2026, Hurden Looker Elementary School (HLES) proudly kicked off Read Across America Week with a special visit from author Arayna Kemp! She delighted Ms. Hamilton’s 3rd grade class with a reading of her published book, Mya and the Magic Hummingbird, inspiring our students with her passion and love for storytelling. Thank you, Ms. Kemp, for sharing your gift with HLES! And a special shout-out to Mr. Anglin, our amazing Lead Custodian, for making this connection possible and helping bring this wonderful experience to our students. What a fantastic way to celebrate the joy of reading! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Today, Monday, March 2nd, 2026, is National Read Across America Day! This morning, a multitude of guests visited Ola Edwards Community School to read to students! Hillside Board of Education President Dr. Donald Howard, Jr., Hillside Board of Education members, Hillside Police Officers, Hillside Firefighters @hillside_firefighters, PTA parents, Hillside Public Schools Directors, Supervisors, and more read to students at Ola Edwards Community School! Thank you to Mrs. Dale-Rawls for organizing Read Across America Day at Ola Edwards Community School, and shout out to Principal Mrs. Davis, Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, and the Hillside Board of Education. Let's continue to spread the love of reading this week in Hillside Public Schools District!

@scholastic @penguinrandomhouse

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #readacrossamerica #readacrossamericaweek #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

This morning, February 27th, 2026, the Hillside High School Auditorium was packed with students, parents, and staff during the 2nd marking period Honor Roll Breakfast at Hillside High School!

Congratulations to all of the scholars who earned Superintendent's Scholar Designation, High Honor Roll, and Honor Roll! As always, thank you to our Guidance Department, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Guidance Director Mr. Boateng, Acting Principal Mr. Emenaka, Vice-Principal Mrs. Heartwell-Jimenez, the Hillside Board of Education members including Mrs. Horton-Givens, our Hillside Public Schools Directors, Supervisors, Administration, and staff! We'd like to thank all of the parents and families who attended the Honor Roll Breakfast as well!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #honorrollbreakfast #honorroll #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Dr. Pérez would like to extend a special thank you and appreciation to our Hillside Board of Education Custodial and Maintenance crew for their tangible efforts to have our schools ready to receive our staff and students tomorrow. This snowstorm was beyond normal, and Dr. Pérez is proud to say that these employees stepped up to meet the challenge. Job well done! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Hillside Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delayed opening on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. Please refer to your child's school bell schedule for the adjusted start time. Hillside Shuttle bus routes and Hillside in-district special education routes will also operate on a two-hour delay. Buses for Union County Vo-Tech and the Choice School in Kenilworth will run according to their respective receiving school's schedules. Parent conferences for Pre-K through 8th grade will be rescheduled to next Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. Please travel safely.

All Hillside Public Schools and Administrative Offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026.

The buses for the Union County Vocational Technical Schools in Scotch Plains and the Choice School in Kenilworth will follow their respective school's inclement weather schedule, not the Hillside Public Schools District schedule.

We will continue to provide updates through district communication channels. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Please remain safe and indoors.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gretel T. Perez
Acting Superintendent
Hillside Public Schools
(908) 352-7664 ext. 9703

Dear Hillside Public Schools Community,

Due to the Governor's declared Weather State of Emergency and the forecasted winter storm impacting New Jersey, all Hillside Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.

The district will continue to assess and closely monitor weather conditions. An additional announcement regarding district operations for Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, will be communicated on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.

The buses for the Union County Vocational Technical Schools in Scotch Plains and the Choice School in Kenilworth will follow their respective school's inclement weather schedule, not the Hillside Public Schools District schedule.

We encourage families and staff to continue monitoring the district website, official social media channels, etc. for the most up-to-date information. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gretel T. Perez
Acting Superintendent
Hillside Public Schools
(908) 352-7664 ext. 9703

🎬✨ Lights. Camera. COMMUNITY at A.P. Morris! Over 310 families joined A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center for an unforgettable Movie Night where students selected between Zootopia 2 and Toy Story 4 🍿 From hot dogs, drinks, and snacks to a true movie-theater atmosphere, staff volunteers created an experience filled with joy, connection, and family engagement. Families also received resources to extend learning at home, using movies as tools for comprehension, conversation, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion. A very special thank you to Ms. Batts, Ms. Orfanidis, Ms. Sica, Ms. Greco, Ms. Kelly, Ms. Matos, Mr. Tavares, Mr. Spychalski, Ms. Rudnik, Ms. Rodrigues, Ms. Modena, Ms. Hildebrandt, Ms. Blane, Ms. Branch, Ms. Tait, Ms. Zenoz, Principal Rios, Vice-Principal Nwako, and the incredible custodial staff and security team for ensuring this event was not only successful but safe, welcoming, and truly special for our families. #movienight #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

On Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, our sixth grade teachers explored sparking computational thinking across all subjects using Scratch and micro:bits. They engaged in hands-on projects, physical computing, and discussions on inclusion, collaboration, and perseverance, reinforcing problem-solving and critical thinking skills! Thank you to Computer Science Coach Kelly Griffin, Supervisor Dr. Kumar, and Becky Hansen from Amazon Bootup for supporting this impactful session! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #computerscience #scratch #amazonbootup #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Good day! Please see the following flyers regarding registration for A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center's Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 for the 2026 - 2027 school year! Please scan the QR Code with your phone to access the registration form or visit https://www.hillsidek12.org/page/registration , thank you.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #registration #earlychildhoodcenter #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Today, Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, was the 100th day of school here at Hillside Public Schools! A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center students and staff celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as 100 year olds, participating in fun activities, and more. Shout out to Principal Rios, Vice-Principal Nwako, and Vice-Principal Duncan! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #100thdayofschool #apmorris #studentsfirst

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, at Ola Edward’s Community School (OECS), students led the Black History Month assembly! OECS honored the past, recognized the present, and celebrated the future — the students — while discussing the importance of why we celebrate Black History Month. Students also connected the message to Habit 5 from Leader In Me, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. The assembly concluded by recognizing the Students of the Month, Character Kids of the Month, and additional teacher-selected award recipients! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #studentsfirst

Members of the Hurden Looker Elementary School 4th to 6th Grade Art Club spent a heartwarming morning on Tuesday February 10th, 2026, at the Hillside Senior Center, where creativity and community came together stitch by stitch. Students sat side by side with residents, learning knitting and crocheting techniques, sharing stories, and exchanging plenty of laughter. The visit was more than just a crafting session; it was a meaningful opportunity to build connections across generations. Both students and seniors left inspired, with handmade projects in progress and new friendships warmly woven together. Thank you to Ms. Lawler, Art Teacher, for allowing our students to be part of this experience!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hurdenlooker #artclub #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, Ola Edwards Community School (OECS) hosted a Culture Day! Students wore outfits representing various cultures and communities! Shout out to Ola Edwards Principal Mrs. Davis, Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, OECS staff and students!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #olaedwardscommunityschool #oecs #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Thank you to everyone who attended last night's (2/12/2026) Hot Cocoa and Hot Tea with Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez! Our community came together for a warm and welcoming evening, as families and staff shared great conversation, meaningful connections, and a collective commitment to supporting our students’ success! Shout out to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Ms. Harris for her work in organizing the event, Ms. DeFluri, Ms. Rivera, and all of the Hillside Public Schools staff involved in this event's success!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hotcocoa #tea #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

32 points. Personal best. Big time performance! Aubree Pope put on a SHOW this week for Lady Comets Middle School Girls Basketball, dropping 32 points and setting a new personal record! Hard work. Confidence. Comet pride! Way to lead, Aubree! – Coach Peso & Coach Rosamilia #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #middleschoolbasketball #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Congratulations, Hurden Looker Elementary School! Hurden Looker Elementary School is proud to announce that its students placed 6th nationwide in the Arcademics Cup Multiplication Fluency Competition on Friday, February 6th, 2026! Their hard work, determination, and incredible math skills truly paid off. 💪✨Way to go, Hurden Looker Tigers! Thank you, Mr. Masterson, 4th Grade Teacher, for leading the school to victory, shoutout to Principal Alvarez!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #arcademics #mathematics #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

On Monday, 2/9/2026, Hillside Public Schools educators took a field trip to an Apple Teacher workshop in Short Hills, where they discovered strategies for transforming instruction through iPad. From mastering multitasking and workflow to exploring creative tools like iMovie and GarageBand, teachers saw how Apple’s ecosystem can boost engagement, organization, accessibility, and communication. The session sparked ideas for storytelling, using music to showcase student learning, multilingual learning, and differentiated instruction, while highlighting how thoughtful technology integration deepens learning. A special thank you to Dr. Kumar, our partners at Apple, and our coach, Cecilia, for making this a truly teacher-inspired, student-centered experience! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #ipad #apple #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

National School Counseling Week was celebrated this week (February 2nd, 2026 - February 6th, 2026)! Shoutout to all of our Hillside Public Schools counselors, who were honored and celebrated with an office breakfast! You are all so greatly appreciated @hillsidehs_schoolcounseling.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #nscw #nscw26 #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities