Ola Edwards Community School

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 poses risks of lung damage, which can be life-threatening.

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: 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

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

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.

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

Today, March 19th, 2026, Ola Edwards Community School hosted a Women's History Month/Recognition celebratory event! Students from all grade levels filled the bleachers of the gymnasium alongside their teachers, as Mrs. Dale-Rawls and Principal Mrs. Davis presented a handful women with a certificate, and praise for their hard work not only at Ola Edwards Community School but also within the community and Union County! Those honored today included: Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Hillside Board of Education member Mrs. Egwaikhide, Union County Commissioner Mrs. Delisfort, Dr. Powell, CEO and Owner of Reimagine Now, and OECS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Alvarez! Hillside Public Schools appreciates all of the contributions of our women within the Hillside community. Thank you, Principal Davis, Vice-Principal Guilford, and Mrs. Dale-Rawls for organizing this event.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicshools #olaedwardscommunityschool #studentsfirst #womenshistorymonth #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

The following photos are from today's (3/11/2026) Chef Day at Ola Edwards Community School! Shout out to Maschio's Food Services @maschiofood for providing Hillside Public Schools students with delicious and unique meals! Today's meal was a Hispanic Themed Bar consisting of arroz con pollo, cilantro lime corn, seasoned black beans, breadsticks, and a chocolate chip cookie.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #maschiosfood #chefday #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Today, Monday, March 2nd, 2026, is National Read Across America Day! This morning, a multitude of guests visited Ola Edwards Community School to read to students! Hillside Board of Education President Dr. Donald Howard, Jr., Hillside Board of Education members, Hillside Police Officers, Hillside Firefighters @hillside_firefighters, PTA parents, Hillside Public Schools Directors, Supervisors, and more read to students at Ola Edwards Community School! Thank you to Mrs. Dale-Rawls for organizing Read Across America Day at Ola Edwards Community School, and shout out to Principal Mrs. Davis, Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, and the Hillside Board of Education. Let's continue to spread the love of reading this week in Hillside Public Schools District!

@scholastic @penguinrandomhouse

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #readacrossamerica #readacrossamericaweek #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

On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, Ola Edwards Community School (OECS) hosted a Culture Day! Students wore outfits representing various cultures and communities! Shout out to Ola Edwards Principal Mrs. Davis, Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, OECS staff and students!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #olaedwardscommunityschool #oecs #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

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