Ola Edwards Community School

This morning, 6/11/2026, Ola Edwards Community School (OECS) hosted its Men of Honor: Men's Day Recognition celebratory event! Students from all grade levels filled the bleachers of the gymnasium alongside their teachers, as Ms. Dale-Rawls presented our honorees with a certificate, and praise for their exceptional work within the community! Those honored today included: Vice-Principal Mr. Guilford, teachers Mr. Pereira and Mr. Tordaro, Hillside Democratic Chairman Mr. Salters, OECS Lead Custodian Mr. Calvino, and Union County Commissioner Mr. Neron. Hillside Public Schools appreciates all of the contributions of these men within the Union County and Hillside communities! Thank you, Principal Davis, Vice-Principal Guilford, and Ms. Dale-Rawls for organizing this phenomenal event. Shout out to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez!

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

Today (6/10/2026) was Hillside Public School District's second annual Teen Challenge program for 5th-grade students! This program strengthens relationships with community police @hillsidepolicenj, provides decision-making knowledge, and shares police resources with students. All 5th graders from Deanna G. Taylor Academy, Hurden Looker Elementary School, and Ola Edwards Community School, participated in a field-day experience with various fun activities including tug of war! Shout out to Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Graham, District Student Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Mullins, the Hillside Police Department, our elementary school staff, teachers, and more!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #studentsfirst #teenchallenge #hillsidepolice

Ola Edwards Community School hosted a Hillside Public Schools Color Run on Saturday, June 6th, 2026! What an amazing time students, families, staff, board, PTA, and community members had running and playing with colored powder, all in the name of a great cause. Shout out to Kastle Fundraising, Mrs. Dale-Rawls, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Hillside Board of Education President Dr. Howard, the Hillside Board of Education members, Principal Davis, Vice-Principal Guilford, Ms. Rosamilia, Ola Edwards teachers, and the Ola Edwards Staff for making this event possible! Thank you to all of the families, and community members in attendance as well!
#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #colorrun #studentsfirst #newpathways #newpossibilities #newpride

At Ola Edwards Community School, Ms. Rosamilia’s 5th grade class, Mr. Todaro’s and Ms. Williams' 2nd grade class found a book buddy and read with each other outside today! Students enjoying literacy and the weather. #hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #olaedwards #studentsfirst #hillsideone

Congratulations to all our W.O.K. Middle School scholars who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last night (6/3/2026)! Great work scholars, and thank you, Dr. Mathura, Principal Dr. Wilson, Vice-Principal Ms. Scott-Jackson, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Hillside Board of Education, W.O.K. staff, and families!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #wokmiddleschool #nationalhonorsociety #induction #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities #studentsfirst

Hillside Public Schools have once again partnered with Scholastic R.E.A.L. (Reading and Enrichment for All Learners), reaffirming our commitment to fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning in every student. Guest readers from the Hillside Public Schools District, Ola Edwards Community School, and Deanna G. Taylor Academy kicked off the Scholastic R.E.A.L. program!

This partnership provides our students with access to high-quality, diverse, and age-appropriate books and educational resources that support both classroom instruction and independent reading. Scholastic R.E.A.L. is dedicated to ensuring that all children — regardless of background or circumstance — have the books they need to grow as readers and thinkers.

By renewing this partnership, Hillside Public Schools continue to invest in the academic growth, literacy development, and imagination of our students. Together with Scholastic, we believe that when children have the right books in their hands, there are no limits to what they can achieve.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #scholastic #reading #studentsfirst

Congratulations to all of our Hillside Public Schools student winners of the Charlotte Jones Black History Month Essay Contest, hosted annually by the Hillside Branch of the NAACP! Last week, Founder and President of the Hillside Branch of the NAACP, Mrs. Graves-Watson, visited Ola Edwards Community School, Deanna G. Taylor Academy, and Hurden Looker Elementary School, to recognize and present our winning students with certificates and gift cards in honor of their outstanding essays and achievements!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #naacp #studentsfirst

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