"Hillside Seniors Lead the Way for Upcoming Volleyball Season!
The Hillside High School boys' volleyball team is set to build on last season’s success, thanks in large part to the leadership and performance of two standout seniors, Aldy Alexandre and Jesus Diaz.
Alexandre has quietly emerged as one of Union County’s most well-rounded players. Last season, he made a strong impact across the board, finishing with 137 kills and 77 digs, while also adding 12 blocks and 20 aces. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a key piece of Hillside’s lineup heading into the new season.
On the defensive side, Diaz continues to anchor the team as libero. A consistent and reliable presence on the court, he led Hillside with 338 digs last year, showcasing his skill and determination in the back row. His leadership and defensive strength will be critical as the team looks to improve and compete at a higher level.
The team’s continued growth is also a reflection of the strong leadership on the sidelines. Head Coach Mohammed, along with Assistant Coaches Christine Graham and Marco Coimbra, have played an important role in developing the program and preparing players to compete at a high level.
With experienced seniors like Alexandre and Diaz returning, Hillside is positioned to take another step forward this season and remain competitive within the conference.
— As highlighted by NJ.com"
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #volleyball #hillsideone #studentsfirst
The Hillside High School boys' volleyball team is set to build on last season’s success, thanks in large part to the leadership and performance of two standout seniors, Aldy Alexandre and Jesus Diaz.
Alexandre has quietly emerged as one of Union County’s most well-rounded players. Last season, he made a strong impact across the board, finishing with 137 kills and 77 digs, while also adding 12 blocks and 20 aces. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a key piece of Hillside’s lineup heading into the new season.
On the defensive side, Diaz continues to anchor the team as libero. A consistent and reliable presence on the court, he led Hillside with 338 digs last year, showcasing his skill and determination in the back row. His leadership and defensive strength will be critical as the team looks to improve and compete at a higher level.
The team’s continued growth is also a reflection of the strong leadership on the sidelines. Head Coach Mohammed, along with Assistant Coaches Christine Graham and Marco Coimbra, have played an important role in developing the program and preparing players to compete at a high level.
With experienced seniors like Alexandre and Diaz returning, Hillside is positioned to take another step forward this season and remain competitive within the conference.
— As highlighted by NJ.com"
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #volleyball #hillsideone #studentsfirst
Today, Friday, April 17th, 2026, a group of motivated Hillside High School juniors from the Class of 2027 took their next step toward their futures by visiting William Paterson University! The trip provided students with a firsthand look at college life, academic programs, and the opportunities that await them after graduation!
During the visit, students participated in a guided campus tour, where they explored key facilities including academic buildings, residence halls, and student centers. Admissions representatives shared valuable information about the application process, financial aid options, and the importance of maintaining strong academic performance throughout junior and senior year.
One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity for students to engage with current college students, who offered honest insights about campus life, balancing academics, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. Juniors were encouraged to begin thinking seriously about their college preferences, career goals, and the steps needed to achieve them.
For many, this experience made the idea of college feel more real and attainable. Exposure to a college environment helped students envision themselves on campus, setting goals and building confidence as they move closer to their senior year.
This trip marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the Class of 2027, as they continue exploring their options and preparing for life after high school!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #hillsideone #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
During the visit, students participated in a guided campus tour, where they explored key facilities including academic buildings, residence halls, and student centers. Admissions representatives shared valuable information about the application process, financial aid options, and the importance of maintaining strong academic performance throughout junior and senior year.
One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity for students to engage with current college students, who offered honest insights about campus life, balancing academics, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. Juniors were encouraged to begin thinking seriously about their college preferences, career goals, and the steps needed to achieve them.
For many, this experience made the idea of college feel more real and attainable. Exposure to a college environment helped students envision themselves on campus, setting goals and building confidence as they move closer to their senior year.
This trip marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the Class of 2027, as they continue exploring their options and preparing for life after high school!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #hillsideone #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
The Hillside High School Theatre Company (@hhs.performingarts) is proud to present their spring one-act show, The One-Act Play Disaster by Don Zolidis! Join us for this madcap comedy on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, and Friday, May 1st, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Hillside High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. (Approximate 40-minute runtime).
Pulling off a heist is pretty tough. But that's nothing compared to pulling off an unauthorized adaptation of a popular heist movie onstage. Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong when you've got a light board operator out for revenge, a dollar-store set, and a cast that's a total mess. The smooth-talking con man has crippling stage fright, the acrobat is completely uncoordinated, and the understudy keeps reading all the stage directions out loud. Can the group survive a run-through? It might be a total disaster, but it will definitely be hilarious!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidetheatercompany #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Pulling off a heist is pretty tough. But that's nothing compared to pulling off an unauthorized adaptation of a popular heist movie onstage. Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong when you've got a light board operator out for revenge, a dollar-store set, and a cast that's a total mess. The smooth-talking con man has crippling stage fright, the acrobat is completely uncoordinated, and the understudy keeps reading all the stage directions out loud. Can the group survive a run-through? It might be a total disaster, but it will definitely be hilarious!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidetheatercompany #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, students from Ms. Sala Della Cuna's Hillside High School Film Production class were awarded Best Representation of Theme for their short film, "Going, Going, Gone", at the 18th Annual Kent Place Film Festival! Student filmmakers included Tyler Washington, Maximo Balladares, Tyler Childs, Giovanny Jean Jaques, Tressy Jean-Baptiste, Brian Thomas, and Aaron White. The film's director, Tyler Washington, attended the event on behalf of his group! Outstanding work, film students!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #kentplacefilmfestival #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Hillside High School students had an unforgettable time exploring, learning, and creating lifelong memories during the spring break trip to Spain and Italy! From new cultural experiences to meaningful connections, this journey truly brought learning beyond the classroom to life! Follow @hillsideabroad for more updates and future travel opportunities! Shout out to Ms. Andino, Mr. Skelton, and more Hillside High School staff for making these trips possible.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #spain #italy #hillsidehighschool #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #spain #italy #hillsidehighschool #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.
Congratulations to the cast of Radium Girls at Hillside High School, who received four nominations for Montclair State University’s (@montclairstateu) Foxy Awards at their annual Theatre Night Awards that will be held in May! The Performing Arts Club (@hhs.performingarts) is so proud of the 4 cast members: Leilani Ortega, Clyde Gibbons, Kyrene Lugue, and Frantzcheskayla Delma, who were nominated for their performances in this historical drama that played at Hillside High School in December 2025! Shoutout to Hillside High School Performing Arts Director Ms. Pribish!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #montclairstateuniversity #radiumgirls #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #montclairstateuniversity #radiumgirls #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
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
For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, the Hillside High School Student Council (@hillsidestuco) has been recognized as a 2026 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)! The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Under the guidance of advisor Mrs. Noreen Deutsch, Hillside High School’s Student Council has achieved significant recognition for its leadership and service. In 2024, the council was honored as a National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils and in 2025 the council was honored as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the NASC. Additionally, they received the Honor School award for the fifth consecutive year and were recognized for their Student Elections Initiative by the New Jersey Association of Student Councils (@NJASC). Their advisor, Noreen Deutsch, was named the NJASC High School Advisor of the Year for 2022-2023!
"The student council at Hillside High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”
A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Great work Hillside High School Student Council!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidestuco #studentcouncil #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Under the guidance of advisor Mrs. Noreen Deutsch, Hillside High School’s Student Council has achieved significant recognition for its leadership and service. In 2024, the council was honored as a National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils and in 2025 the council was honored as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the NASC. Additionally, they received the Honor School award for the fifth consecutive year and were recognized for their Student Elections Initiative by the New Jersey Association of Student Councils (@NJASC). Their advisor, Noreen Deutsch, was named the NJASC High School Advisor of the Year for 2022-2023!
"The student council at Hillside High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”
A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Great work Hillside High School Student Council!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidestuco #studentcouncil #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
March 12th, 2026, was opening night of Hillside High School Theatre's spring musical "Cinderella"! The show was absolutely spectacular, great work to our talented Hillside High School actors and actresses @hhs.performingarts ! Shout out to theatre director, Ms. Pribish, Mr. Corritore, the stage crew, the band, Hillside High School staff, students, and more!
The Hillside High School Performing Arts Club (@hhs.performingarts) is hosting a Panera Give Back Night on Thursday, March 19th, 2026! Stop by the Panera at Vermella (1109 Morris Ave. Union, NJ 07083) from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and 25% of your purchase will be donated back to the club! Use the code "FUND4U" at panerabread.com, in the Panera app, or at the Kiosk in the store when placing your order. You can also show the flyer at the register. Your support will help fund the productions at Hillside High School - costumes, set, scripts, and more - while someone else takes care of dinner! Thank you for your support of the arts at Hillside High School!
Today, Tuesday, (March 17th, 2026) the Hillside Fire Department (hillside_firefighters) and the Hillside Board of Education partnered to bring the “After the Fire” assembly program to Hillside High School’s Class of 2026! The assembly took place at 11:00 a.m. in the Hillside High School auditorium. “After the Fire” revolves around two college freshmen survivors (Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons) of the tragic dormitory fire that occurred in 2000 at Seton Hall University in nearby South Orange, NJ. The fire in Boland Hall claimed the lives of three students and injured 58 others. This fire remains one of the deadliest college fires in history. The fire was a result of a fraternity prank gone wrong. While many of the Class of 2026 are preparing to go off to college, almost none will think about their safety while living on campus. This assembly presentation showed the graduating students how things can change in the blink of an eye and how danger can strike, even in a place where they think they are safe. In addition to sharing fire safety tips, other topics included pranking/hazing and the consequences of these actions, learning to love yourself despite your scars, flaws, and imperfections, escape planning and complacency, forgiveness, and overcoming adversity at a young age! Members of the Hillside Fire Department were in attendance for this informative presentation for our seniors! Thank you to Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons @alvaroandshawn, for coming to speak to our seniors! Thank you Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, the Hillside Board of Education, the Hillside Fire Department, Principal Emenaka, Vice-Principal Heartwell, Hillside High School staff, and students!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #afterthefire #firesafety #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilitiies
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #afterthefire #firesafety #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilitiies
Congratulations to Hillside High School Theatre's (@hhs.performingarts) successful weekend of their Spring Musical "Cinderella"! Here are additional photos captured by Hillside High School teacher Mr. Frisch! Shout out to theatre director, Ms. Pribish, Mr. Corritore, the stage crew, Hillside High School staff, students, and more!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #cinderella #highschooltheatre #springmusical #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #cinderella #highschooltheatre #springmusical #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Congratulations to Hillside High School senior Hanlet Cerda, who was nominated and honored as the 2026 Union County Unsung Hero for Hillside Public Schools! The student recognition ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, at Rahway High School! This was a collaborative/joint event between the New Jersey School Boards Association @njschoolboards and the Union County School Boards Association. Hanlet was nominated by Ms. Jeanna Martinez, Hillside High School Counselor, and then chosen by the Hillside High School Counseling Department as the 2026 Unsung Hero for Hillside Public Schools for overcoming academic and personal challenges as well as achieving academic success despite disabilities, language barriers, and other significant challenges! Shout out to the Hillside High School Counseling Department, and Counseling Director Mr. Boateng.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #njsba #unsungheroes @studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #njsba #unsungheroes @studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Congratulations to the Hillside High School Academic Decathlon team for placing fourteenth in the entire State of New Jersey at this year's State Competition! Rensh Dascelin received an Honorable Mention in Interview and a Silver Medal in Music. Barry Louis, Matthew Guerreros, and Rensh Dascelin were the top scorers for the team. In addition, Rensh was named the team's MVP for his dedication and leadership. Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Pérez for joining our celebration at The Brownstone in Paterson, New Jersey, on Monday, March 10th, 2026. The team also extends its gratitude to the school administration, staff, and families for their support throughout this season. The students are looking forward to next year's topic: Journeys of Transformation: An Exploration of Travel and Transportation!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #academicdecathlon #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsidehighschool #academicdecathlon #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
The Hillside High School Academic Decathlon and band students visited "Jazz at Lincoln Center" on Friday, March 6th, 2026! Students experienced a jazz concert that focused on the music of Louis Armstrong. The students learned about what makes jazz music unique, as well as about Armstrong's impact on the genre! Thank you to the Hillside Board of Education and Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez for making this experience possible, and shout out to Mrs. Corritore and Mr. Mandy.
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #jazzmusic #lincolncenter #louisarmstrong #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #jazzmusic #lincolncenter #louisarmstrong #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
Hillside High School is proud to announce its spring musical, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (Broadway Version), performing in the Hillside High School Auditorium on Thursday, March 12th and Friday, March 13th, 2026 at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Hillside High School invites students, families, staff, and community members to join in supporting our talented Hillside High School performers and crew. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and beautifully staged production! For additional information, please see the flyer and/or contact the Hillside High School Theatre Department by emailing Director Rachel Pribish at rpribish@hillsidek12.net!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #cinderella #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #cinderella #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
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
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
