Deanna G. Taylor Academy

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

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

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