Yesterday, April 23rd, 2026, was "Bring Your Child to Work Day" and Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) was excited to welcome its visitors in! It was a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience a day in the life of the DGTA school community while learning more about the important work that takes place each day at the school.
During their visit, the children engaged in a structured school-based experience that included observing daily school operations, interacting with staff and students, and participating in engaging learning opportunities through some of the special programs, including Gardening and Robotics.
This meaningful experience provided students with valuable exposure to future career pathways in education, leadership, teamwork, and innovation. It also highlighted the many ways schools help shape and support the next generation of learners and leaders.
We thank all of the families, staff members, and guests who helped make this day such a success.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #earthday #studentsfirst #hillside one
During their visit, the children engaged in a structured school-based experience that included observing daily school operations, interacting with staff and students, and participating in engaging learning opportunities through some of the special programs, including Gardening and Robotics.
This meaningful experience provided students with valuable exposure to future career pathways in education, leadership, teamwork, and innovation. It also highlighted the many ways schools help shape and support the next generation of learners and leaders.
We thank all of the families, staff members, and guests who helped make this day such a success.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #earthday #studentsfirst #hillside one
Yesterday was Earth Day 2026! Hillside Public Schools scholars from Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA), and W.O.K. Middle School partnered with the Hillside Department of Public Works (DPW), and ShopRite of Hillside to help clean the local environment! Thank you to Mrs. Harris, DPW Lead Coordinator for this event Mrs. Tyrese Outlaw, Principal Graham, Vice-Principal Budhu, Principal Dr. Wilson, Vice-Principal Scott-Jackson, and others for organizing this awesome cleanup! @shopritestores
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #shoprite #hillsidedpw #earthday
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #shoprite #hillsidedpw #earthday
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.
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
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
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
Last night, March 5th, 2026, Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) hosted its Black History Month Program "Let Freedom Sing"! DGTA truly put on a spectacle, both educating and entertaining the students, staff, parents, and families that filled the gymnasium! Shout out to Principal Graham, Vice-Principal Budhu, and the dedicated production team: Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. Manoilova, Mrs. Brennan, Ms. Davis, and Mrs. Fernandes for making this wonderful event possible. Great work to DGTA's incredibly talented students, and thank you to all of those in attendance!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#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
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
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
Please see the Hillside Public Schools District's schedule of Black History Month events and activities for February! More events will be announced, thank you!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #blackhistorymonth #scheduleofevents #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #blackhistorymonth #scheduleofevents #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Hillside Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delayed opening on Tuesday, January 27th, 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 schools' schedules. Please travel safely.
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, January 26th, 2026.
The district will continue to assess and closely monitor weather conditions. An additional announcement regarding district operations for Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, will be communicated on Monday, January 26th, 2026.
The buses for the Union County Vocational Technical Schools in Scotch Plains and the Choice School in Kenilworth will follow their respective schools 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.
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, January 26th, 2026.
The district will continue to assess and closely monitor weather conditions. An additional announcement regarding district operations for Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, will be communicated on Monday, January 26th, 2026.
The buses for the Union County Vocational Technical Schools in Scotch Plains and the Choice School in Kenilworth will follow their respective schools 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.
Good day, in the event of a school closure on Monday, January 26th, 2026, due to inclement weather, the Memorial Service Honoring Mr. Terry Woolard will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026. Please see the flyer for more information. Thank you.
Hillside Public Schools had an incredible districtwide celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 17th, 2026! Hillside Families and Community members filled the Hillside High School auditorium, as students from each of our schools performed or provided artwork and contributions! Thank you to the students, staff, and faculty who made this event successful. Thank you, Acting Superintendent Dr. PĂ©rez, Board of Education President Dr. Howard, Hillside Public Schools District Principals, the Hillside Board of Education, and all of our community members in attendance! Most importantly, Hillside Public Schools appreciates and honors the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic pursuit of civil rights!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #martinlutherkingjr #drmartinlutherkingjr #mlkday #studentsfirst #schooldistrict #civilrightscelebration #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #martinlutherkingjr #drmartinlutherkingjr #mlkday #studentsfirst #schooldistrict #civilrightscelebration #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Please join us on Monday, January 26th, 2026, for the Celebration of Life Memorial Service honoring the legacy of Mr. Terry Woolard. The memorial service is taking place from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the Hillside High School Auditorium, 1085 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205. For more information, please see the attached announcement. Thank you.
Please join Hillside Public Schools on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, for our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. District Celebration! Our commemorative program will take place at Hillside High School, 1085 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205, in the auditorium from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This program will include offerings from the Comets marching band and all of the Hillside Public Schools! We look forward to seeing you there. Please see the flyer for more information, thank you.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #mlkday #mrtinlutherkingjr #drmartinlutherking #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #mlkday #mrtinlutherkingjr #drmartinlutherking #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Dear Hillside Public Schools Community,
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Hillside High School principal, Terry Woolard. This is truly heartbreaking news, and. this loss is deeply felt throughout our school community. Mr. Woolard was a dedicated leader whose commitment to students, families, staff, and colleagues made a lasting and meaningful impact. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family.
In the event we can share information about services or opportunities to offer support, we will provide the information.
Thank you for your continued care and compassion. We will get through this difficult time together.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Please see the following flyer for "Cookies with Santa", being hosted by Hillside High School's DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) clubs on Friday, December 12th, 2025! Admission is free, come enjoy crafts, activities, refreshments, and more, you can also meet Santa and Disney Princesses! This marvelous event is taking place in the Hillside High School Cafeteria (1085 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey 07205, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more details, please see the flyer, thank you!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #santaclaus #happyholidays #disneyprincess #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #santaclaus #happyholidays #disneyprincess #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
