Hillside Innovation Academy

As part of Hillside Public Schools' anti-vaping efforts, vaping facts and prevention messages will be shared daily this week (May 4th, 2026 - May 8th, 2026)! This campaign is intended to educate our students, families, and community about the dangers of vaping and to support healthy decision-making!

Today's fact: Nicotine can exacerbate anxiety and depression, impairing memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, particularly in young individuals.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, please contact the Quitline at 866-657-8677.

As part of Hillside Public Schools' anti-vaping efforts, vaping facts and prevention messages will be shared daily this week (May 4th, 2026 - May 8th, 2026)! This campaign is intended to educate our students, families, and community about the dangers of vaping and to support healthy decision-making!

Today's fact: Adolescents are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction than adults due to their still-developing brains.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, please contact the Quitline at 866-657-8677.

As part of Hillside Public Schools' anti-vaping efforts, vaping facts and prevention messages will be shared daily this week (May 4th, 2026 - May 8th, 2026)! This campaign is intended to educate our students, families, and community about the dangers of vaping and to support healthy decision-making!

Today's fact: Vaping is not safe; some vapes can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, please contact the Quitline at 866-657-8677.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Hillside Public Schools! Thank you to all of the teachers within our district who educate our students daily and prepare them for a successful future!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #teachersappreciationweek #hillsideone #thankyouteachers

As part of Hillside Public Schools' anti-vaping efforts, vaping facts and prevention messages will be shared daily this week (May 4th, 2026 - May 8th, 2026)! This campaign is intended to educate our students, families, and community about the dangers of vaping and to support healthy decision-making!

Today's fact: Some e-cigarette aerosols contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can lead to cancer.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, please contact the Quitline at 866-657-8677.

Happy National School Principals' Day from Hillside Public Schools! School Principals’ Day is celebrated on May 1st, 2026! This day is dedicated to recognizing the important role of school principals and showing appreciation for their hard work. Take a moment to thank all of our hardworking principals here at Hillside Public Schools!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #principalsappreciationday #principalsday #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

As part of the quarterly Art Educators of New Jersey juried display at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (@njpac), Hillside Innovation Academy (HIA) artist educator Ms. Therres submitted scholar artworks for display! Pictured is Abigail Tuckler and her figurative piece focused on self-harm. Abigail was honored with a reception and certificate among other selected student artists in grades k-12 from across the state! She follows Osayuki Obasuyi from HIA, whose work was a part of the winter juried show this year. Congratulations, artists! Shoutout to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez who was in attendance for the reception.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #artreception #njpac #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Good day, please see the following flyer for the W.O.K. Middle School Daddy-Daughter Sneaker Ball, which will take place on Saturday, May 30th, 2026! The Ball will be in the Ola Edwards Community School Gymnasium (1530 Leslie Street, Hillside, NJ 07205) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now in the main office at W.O.K. Middle School, you can also purchase by scanning the QR code on the flyer, no tickets will be sold at the door! Thank you!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #daddydaughter #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Please join us for "Hidden in Plain Sight" on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Taking place in the Hillside High School Media Center, "Hidden in Plain Sight" simulates a teenager's bedroom, in which several items have been placed that may indicate that the teen is using drugs.

This informative event will open your eyes to the reality of drug usage among young people, and ask the question " do you pay attention to what's inside your child's bedroom?" For more information on this event, please see the flyer, thank you!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hiddeninplainsight #studentsupportservices #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

On Saturday, April 18th, 2026, Toastmasters came to Hillside Innovation Academy to teach participating students how to speak with more confidence, be more precise, and shed shyness when speaking in front of people! Participating students were from Hillside Innovation Academy, W.O.K. Middle School, and Hurden Looker Elementary School. This program was sponsored by Women of Wellness, Inc. Women of Wellness is a group of medical professionals that conduct Saturday programming at Hillside Innovation Academy! Thank you to everyone involved in making this awesome and beneficial program possible, and shout out to Dr. Pérez, and Mr. Salters! #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #toastmasters #hillsideone #studentsfirst

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.

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. Pérez, 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

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

On Friday, March 6th, 2026, Hillside Innovation Academy hosted its Black History Month program in the auditorium of A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center! H.I.A.'s Black History Month program was awesome, filled with spoken word, dancing, and performances by students and even some H.I.A. staff! This event was the perfect way to end Black History Month, thank you Dr. Silva, Ms. Dotel, Ms. Therres, Mr. Harrison, our wonderful H.I.A. students, Ms. Rios, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, the Hillside Board of Education, and H.I.A. staff!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsideinnovationacademy #blackhistorymonth #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

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