Hillside highlights innovation partnerships and eSTEM state wins at school board meeting

At a recent meeting of the Hillside Board of Education, the superintendent highlighted districtwide innovation efforts and recognized elementary students and teachers for top placements in a statewide eSTEM competition.

The superintendent said Hillside is an active member of the League of Innovative Schools and attended the Digital Promise conference, saying the district’s elementary programming is “on par with many of our well affluent wealthy districts.” He credited teachers and students for recent success at NJIT’s eSTEM competition, where Hillside schools placed in top categories across the contest. “We placed first overall in two categories,” the superintendent said, and he told the board that about 30 schools from across New Jersey competed.

The district named two teachers singled out in the meeting: Catherine Chrisanaz, fifth grade, and Johanna Williams, fourth grade, who the superintendent said served as advisors for competing students. Officials called out the students by name during the recognition and said each participating school will receive trophies and additional medals.

The superintendent also described recent and upcoming partnerships that aim to expand classroom innovation. He noted work with a partner called Loomi at WOK Bridal School and HIA Middle School and said the district will begin pilot work with Apple Education that will involve all elementary schools and one middle school.

Board members and administrators emphasized the recognition as evidence the district’s investment in innovation and teacher development is producing results. The superintendent repeatedly framed the work as part of preparing students for “a competitive global space.”

The board did not take a formal action related to the awards or partnerships during the portion of the meeting recorded in the transcript.