The Hillside PTA is a volunteer, parent-run organization that supports the needs of our school families, staff and students. It takes hundreds of parent volunteers to plan and oversee the wide range of activities and events throughout the school year in our active community.
The PTA is funded through membership fees and a variety of fundraising events, programs and activities. The PTA funds not only support PTA-sponsored events and activities at school, but also supports both academic and facilities expenses that are not covered by the Hillside Elementary School budget. As a result of these fundraising efforts, we are able to keep fees for our activities, events and programs low and accessible to all our families.
What We Do…
We are a Resource for Parents and Families
We serve as an information resource for new and current families. We provide up-to-date information through the PTA website, our Buzz Book, the PTA’s monthly newsletter and our e-blast listServ. In addition, the PTA website provides valuable quick links to Hillside classroom and school information.
We support the school’s incoming Kindergarten parent and student orientations, as well as the Kindergarten Playdate during the summer. The PTA welcomes new families and provides informational packets.
We Support Hillside Every School Day
We provide ongoing volunteer and financial support to academic and co-curricular components of the school day. We provide new technology to our new Makerspace. The PTA organizes parent volunteers on a regular basis to assist in the Media Center.
In addition, our Class Parents also provide invaluable assistance to teachers throughout the year with class information lists, parties, guest readers, teacher appreciation, and in-class volunteers.
We Support Special School Programs
The PTA helps to fund and sponsor a limited number of unique academic enrichment classes, activities and events for Hillside students. These activities and events are coordinated by parent volunteers and include cultural assemblies; academic programs such as TREP$ (student entrepreneur program); Hillside’s annual play; and Art Appreciation.
We Sponsor Activities and Events for our Families
The Hillside PTA sponsors activities and events for families throughout the school year. These events are run by parents and are offered at a nominal cost. These activities and events include Family Fun Nights, Valentine’s Day Dance, Roller Skating Night, Multicultural Night, Outdoor Movie Night, Parent Education Nights, the Hillside Carnival, Nutrition Month Fruit Vote and Family Fitness Nights.
We Engage in Community Outreach
Hillside PTA parent and student volunteers commit hundreds of hours each year to service projects in our community. These service projects include a Halloween Candy Drive to benefit the United State Military overseas, food collection for C.H.O.W, sandwich making and toiletry collection for Homeless Bus and bag decorating for Meals on Wheels. We also run a clothing drive for those in need in Newark and host a yearly Earth Day Clean Up event.
We Provide Support for Teachers, Staff and our School Building
We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff of teachers and administrators and we work to support their efforts. Each year, PTA volunteers organize welcome back gifts for the teachers, a holiday luncheon for all staff, and recognition during National Teacher Appreciation Week. The PTA supports teacher and teaching-team enhancements through our grant program, and other activities.
We Welcome All Families to Join and Volunteer
We do A LOT to support our school. This support is made possible each year with the generous time and financial contributions of our Hillside parents and families. The Hillsde PTA welcomes and is thankful for the dedicated parents, children and staff who work hard to make our community so wonderful for our families.