Hillside Public Schools

This morning (6/18/2026), Hillside Public Schools' Superintendent's Office hosted its annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast! The Appreciation Breakfast occurred in the media center/library of W.O.K. Middle School! Here at Hillside Public Schools, we appreciate and honor our crossing guards for ensuring the safe travel of our students. Thank you for all that you do. Shoutout to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Ms. Harris, the Hillside Board of Education, Lieutenant Anthony D'Amore and the Hillside Police Department , and Principal Dr. Wilson for making this event a success!

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 () Comprehensive School Mental Health Grant! This group was recognized as honored participants of the Enhancing Mental Health Services Project!

Today (6/15/2026), Hurden Looker Elementary School proudly became the recipient of a $10,000 grant from 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!

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.

Hillside Innovation Academy students had a blast today (6/12/2026) during their field day at Woodfield Stadium! The theme was battle of the teams, as students competed against each other in a variety of fun activities and games. Shoutout to Acting Principal Budhu, Ms. Therres, Mr. Pantastico, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Dotel, Ms. Mickens, Hillside Innovation Academy teachers, staff, alumni, and students, as well as the buildings and grounds department!

A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center celebrated Flag Day today (6/12/2026) with the help of the Hillside High School JROTC ( ), 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!

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!

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

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!