Deanna G. Taylor Academy

Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) hosted its Iron Chef cooking competition on May 20th, 2026! 4 aspiring chefs representing the two sixth grade classes at DGTA competed to make the best grilled cheese sandwich and soup using ingredients provided by @maschiofood ! DGTA's Principal Graham, Ms. Fernandes, and Security Officer Batts, served as judges for the competition. Our chefs' classmates joined in on the fun, cheering and supporting their peers! Shoutout to our Food Services Department staff, @maschiofood staff, Chef Jermaine, Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez, Principal Graham, Ms. Castillo, Mr. Leonardis, Deanna G. Taylor Academy staff, and the phenomenal students for participating!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #ironchef #competition #maschios #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Back in October during Red Ribbon Week, the amazing Jr. National Honor Society members at Deanna G. Taylor Academy planted red tulip bulbs as a symbol of making healthy choices, showing leadership, and growing strong together! Today, we are proud to see those beautiful tulips blooming — a reminder that the seeds of kindness, responsibility, and positive choices continue to grow! ❤️🌷

#RedRibbonWeek #JrNationalHonorSociety #GrowingGreatLeaders #SchoolPride #hillsidepublicschools

This week, Deanna G. Taylor Academy had so much fun celebrating its incredible educators during Teacher Appreciation Week! 💙🍎

DGTA staff enjoyed special treats all week long, including a fun dirty soda bar, delicious breakfast and lunch treats, thoughtful surprises, and moments to relax and feel appreciated. It was a great way of saying THANK YOU for the endless dedication, care, creativity, and heart teachers pour into their students every single day.

DGTA is so grateful for its amazing staff and everyone who helped make this week extra special. Your hard work does not go unnoticed—we appreciate you today and every day! ✨ #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DGTAProud #ThankATeacher #LeaderInMe

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.

Deanna G. Taylor Academy's Mrs. Rachael Fernandes is proud to announce that she has been awarded two certificates through Union County's 2026 Plant a Seed program — one for the Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant and one for the Fruitful Futures Tree Grant! Funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, these grants help schools and community partners grow existing gardens or establish new ones, providing interactive learning experiences focused on agriculture, sustainability, and healthy food.

The Fruitful Futures Tree Grant provides a fruit tree to be planted on-site, serving as a long-term reminder of the importance of conservation and providing a sustainable food source for years to come. When children engage in gardening programs as part of their school curriculum, health outcomes improve, school performance increases, pro-environmental attitudes develop, and social and emotional interactions benefit! Mrs. Fernandes' efforts in writing and securing both grants will leave a lasting impact — giving our students hands-on learning experiences while cultivating a greener, healthier community for years to come! Great work, Mrs. Fernandes, congratulations!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hillsideone #studentsfirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

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.

The energy was high this past Friday (5/1/2026) at Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) as they kicked off the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) Pep Rally! DGTA was honored to welcome New Jersey wrestling standout Jordan Chapman, who inspired our scholars with a powerful message about hard work, focus, and perseverance. His story reminded everyone that success comes from giving your best effort and believing in yourself. Let’s carry that same confidence and determination into NJSLA testing—DGTA is ready! 💪📚

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #njsla #jordanchapman #hillsideone

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.

Thank you to everyone who joined Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) for Cross-Curriculum Night on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026! It was a wonderful evening filled with exploration across math, literacy, and science. DGTA staff were thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout and loved sharing the incredible learning happening in their classrooms. A big thank you to DGTA students, families, and staff for making the night such a success! Shout out to Principal Graham!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #familynight #deannatayloracademy #studentsfirst

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

Yesterday, April 23rd, 2026, was "Bring Your Child to Work Day" and Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA) was excited to welcome its visitors in! It was a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience a day in the life of the DGTA school community while learning more about the important work that takes place each day at the school.

During their visit, the children engaged in a structured school-based experience that included observing daily school operations, interacting with staff and students, and participating in engaging learning opportunities through some of the special programs, including Gardening and Robotics.

This meaningful experience provided students with valuable exposure to future career pathways in education, leadership, teamwork, and innovation. It also highlighted the many ways schools help shape and support the next generation of learners and leaders.

We thank all of the families, staff members, and guests who helped make this day such a success.

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #earthday #studentsfirst #hillside one

Yesterday was Earth Day 2026! Hillside Public Schools scholars from Deanna G. Taylor Academy (DGTA), and W.O.K. Middle School partnered with the Hillside Department of Public Works (DPW), and ShopRite of Hillside to help clean the local environment! Thank you to Mrs. Harris, DPW Lead Coordinator for this event Mrs. Tyrese Outlaw, Principal Graham, Vice-Principal Budhu, Principal Dr. Wilson, Vice-Principal Scott-Jackson, and others for organizing this awesome cleanup! @shopritestores

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #shoprite #hillsidedpw #earthday

At Deanna G. Taylor Academy, (DGTA) under the dedicated leadership of Mrs. Fernandes in Science Enrichment, students are experiencing the full journey of food production through their hydroponics program: from seed to harvest, and ultimately, from hydroponics lettuce to lunch!

In their hydroponic system, students are growing fresh, healthy lettuce without soil—using nutrient-rich water and carefully controlled conditions. This hands-on learning experience allows students to explore plant biology, sustainability, and innovative farming methods in a meaningful and engaging way. Each day, they observe how light, water, and nutrients work together to support plant growth, building both scientific understanding and real-world problem-solving skills. What makes this program truly special is that students don’t just learn about science—they live it. They take part in planting, monitoring growth, recording data, and harvesting the lettuce once it is ready. The excitement reaches its peak when the fresh greens make their way from the hydroponic system straight to the cafeteria, where they become part of a healthy school lunch!

This initiative, led by Mrs. Fernandes, helps students understand where their food comes from while promoting healthy eating habits and environmental awareness. It also fosters responsibility, teamwork, and pride as students see the direct impact of their efforts.

From hydroponics to lunch, this program is more than a science lesson—it’s a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student achievement!

#hillsidenj #hillsidepublicschools #hydroponics #schoollunch #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.