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Hillside Public Schools

Office of Student Support Services

The Office of Student Support Services Contact

The Office of Student Support Services is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of each child, beginning with entry into the school community and concluding with the completion of state requirements and a clear path to college, career, or life readiness. By creating individualized success plans, providing advocacy, offering collaborative support, and building essential skills, the Office of Student Support Services works to help students, families, and schools become self- driven and overcome challenges that may impact academic success, health, and overall well-being. 

Also, serving children with special needs, ages 3-21.

Kimberly Taylor

Director of Student Support Services ktaylor@hillsidek12.org

Tiffany Losier

Supervisor of Student Support Services tlosier@hillsidek12.org

Kaliopi Maris

12 Month Administrative Secretary 908-315-3081 Ext. 8164 KMaris@hillsidek12.org

Diann Williams-McClamb

12 Month Secretary 908-315-3081 Ext. 8165 DWilliams-McClamb@hillsidek12.org

Student Services Resources

  • While May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, caring for our mental health should be a year-round commitment. This observance serves as an important reminder of the value of integrating wellness practices into our daily routines to support balance and resilience.

    Regular self-reflection and personal check-ins are key components of long-term mental wellness. To support our Hillside community in nurturing these habits, we are pleased to share a Mindful Moment Checklist, created to inspire small, intentional actions that promote everyday wellbeing.

    In addition, we are providing a Mental Health Resource Brochure that includes a comprehensive list of mental health and community-based services. These resources are designed to assist students, families, and caregivers in accessing supports that meet their unique needs. To ensure inclusivity, the materials will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.

    We extend our sincere appreciation to the District’s Social Workers for their collaboration and thoughtful curation of these valuable materials. Their continued dedication strengthens our shared commitment to fostering mental health awareness and holistic wellbeing throughout Hillside Public Schools.

  • The State of New Jersey has participated in a Federal Program, Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI), since 1994. The program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically-related services listed on a student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP). Our school district is participating in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) program. The SEMI program is mandated by the State of New Jersey for all public schools receiving federal funding. The SEMI program is under the auspices of the New Jersey Department of the Treasury through its collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education and New Jersey Division of Medicaid Assistance and Health Services.
     

    Frequently Asked Questions:
     

    Is there a cost to you? 

    • No. IEP services are provided to students while at school at no cost to the parent/guardian. 
       

    Will SEMI claiming impact your family's Medicaid benefits? 

    • The SEMI program does not impact a family's Medicaid services, funds, or coverage limits. New Jersey operates the school-based services program differently than the family's Medicaid program. The SEMI program does not affect your family's Medicaid benefits in any way. 
       

    What type of services does the School-Based Services program cover? 

    • Evaluations
    • Speech Therapy 
    • Occupational Therapy 
    • Physical Therapy 
    • Psychological Counseling 
    • Audiology
    • Nursing 
    • Specialized Transportation 
       

    What type of information about your child will be shared? 

    • In order to submit claims for SEMI reimbursement, the following types of record may be required: first name, last name, middle name, address, date of birth, student ID, Medicaid ID, disability, service dates and the type of services delivered. 
       

    Who will see this information? 

    • Information about your child's special education program may be shared with the New Jersey Division of Medicaid Assistance and Health Services and its affiliates, including the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education for the purpose of verifying Medicaid eligibility and submitting claims. 
       

    What if you change your mind? 

    • You have the right to withdraw consent to allow for Medicaid billing at any time by contacting the school in which your child is enrolled. 
       

    Will your consent or refusal to consent affect your child's services? 

    • No. Your school district is still required to provide services to your child pursuant to his or her IEP, regardless of your Medicaid eligibility status or your willingness to consent for SEMI billing.
       

    What if you have questions? 
    Kindly contact the Office of Student Support Services for assistance. 

  • NEW!

  • The Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) is a parent-led committee that collaborates with the school district to support and strengthen special education programs and services. SEPAG provides families and caregivers of students with disabilities with a structured forum to share input, learn about resources, and engage in constructive dialogue with district staff.

    As a parent-driven group, SEPAG focuses on examining systemic issues, trends, and program-wide practices that impact students with disabilities. The group works to elevate family perspectives and encourage continuous improvement across special education services.

    Through meetings, presentations, and open discussion, SEPAG helps build understanding of special education processes and fosters meaningful family–school partnership. All parents and caregivers of students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to participate. Your voice and involvement are valued. 

    Interest Survey 

  • To make a referral to the Child Study Team for an evaluation, a letter to the Director of Student Support Services should be mailed via the postal service or hand-delivered. Referral letter must reference child’s name, date of birth, attending school and grade (if child of school age), parent name, address, phone number and original signature.

    DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

    1085 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey 07205
    Ph: 908/352-7664 x 8164, Fax: 908/282-5851