DEANNA G. TAYLOR ACADEMY

Hillside Public Schools

A Message from Your Principal

My name is Rahim Graham, and I am the proud Principal of the Deanna G. Taylor Academy. I am proud because every day I wake up with the privilege of doing something I truly love — preparing our Hillside students for a successful future. That sense of purpose is not something I take lightly; it is the driving force behind everything we do at DGTA.

Partnership is Everything

This work cannot be done in isolation. Excellence in education requires strong, intentional partnerships between school and family. It demands great effort from students, staff, families, and the wider community — all working in concert toward a shared vision. When we stand together, there is nothing our students cannot achieve.

Our DGTA Drivers

At DGTA, we are guided by three core drivers that keep us focused, accountable, and moving forward:

•  Maintaining student attendance above 95% — because students cannot grow when they are not present.

•  Aligning resources and supports to every student’s individual needs — ensuring no child is overlooked or underserved.

•  Monitoring, tracking, and addressing instructional gaps and SEL resources — so that we meet each student academically and emotionally.

Rooted in Hillside

This year marks my 11th year as a principal in Hillside Public Schools, and Hillside holds a very special place in my heart — because this is where I grew up. I attended elementary school here, I graduated high school here, and now I have the honor of leading a school here. Nothing makes me prouder than watching our students go on to excel in middle school, high school, college, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling careers.

Giving Back to the Community That Gave to You

There is a profound responsibility that comes with being shaped by a community. Hillside invested in me long before I could invest in it — through its schools, its educators, its neighbors, and its spirit. Giving back is not charity; it is gratitude in action. When we show up for our students, when we support our families, when we strengthen our school culture, we are repaying a debt of opportunity — and creating new 

opportunities for the next generation to do the same.

Every student who walks through our doors carries the potential to one day do the same — to return to Hillside and lift someone else. That cycle of giving is what strengthens a community generation after generation. I am grateful to be a part of it, and I am grateful to do this work alongside every one of you.

With pride and purpose,

Rahim Graham

Principal, Deanna G. Taylor Academy

Hillside Public Schools