"Merry Christmas"

The students, faculty, administration, and staff of Hillside Catholic Academy wish everyone a Happy, Holy and Blessed Christmas season. Hillside Catholic Academy will reopen on Monday January 4, 2010.

"Glove Drive"

Hillside Catholic Academy students collected gloves for the homeless. These were given to a local shelter. This is an annual Christmas Drive conducted by the school.

"Christmas Show at Benedictine Academy"

Today our Grade 6,7,and 8 students will attend a Christmas Show at Benedictine Academy.

"Art Student of the Month"

Mrs. Mary Ellen Mc Veigh is proud to announce the selection of Rakiah Burks as, "Art Student of the Month of December." This was announced at the morning prayer assembly of December 10, 2009. Congratulations to Rakiah for a job well done!

"Festival of Lights"

Today our Grade 4 and 5 students will travel to Roselle Catholic Regional High School. The students will be treated to the annual Roselle Catholic, "Festival of Lights."

"K, 1,2,3 Class Trip"

Today members of our Grades K, 1, 2, and 3 will travel to the South Orange Performing Arts Center. They will enjoy the Christmas Show.

"Report Cards"

On Thursday December 10 Report Cards were handed out. The Report Card envelopes are to be returned to the school signed today.

"Christmas Concert"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct, "The Sixth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Christmas Concert." The theme of this year's concert is, 'Celebrating Christmas Around The World.'

"Christmas Shop"

On Saturday members of the Hillside Catholic Academy Home and School Association set up our "Christmas Shop." The students will be able to do their Christmas shopping during the week.

"First Friday"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will again celebrate First Friday. The mass will be celebrated by Fr. Aurelio Yanez-Gomez, the past pastor of St. Cathernie of Siena parish.

"Lions Club Award"

Hillside Catholic Academy Grade 6 student Tyron Carroll was awarded a certificate of excellence for his participation in the Hillside Lions Club Poster Art Contest. Tyron studies Art under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Ellen Mc Veigh

"Christmas Concert Rehearsal"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy rehearse for our Christmas Concert. There will be two rehearsals. The first rehearsal will take place today. The second on the day of the concert Wednesday December 9.

"Penance Service"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct our "Advent Penance Service." The students will pray and then receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. The service will be conducted by the priests of Christ the King and St. Catherine of Siena parishes.

"Advent Wreath"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy begins our Advent celebration. Each morning the school will light the Advent Wreath.

"Thanksgiving Prayer Service"

This morning Hillside Catholic Academy will condcut our "Thanksgiving Prayer Service." This will be lead by our Grade 8 students.

"Msgr. Hanbury Visit"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will be visited by Msgr. Kevin Handbury the Superintendent of Schools and Vicar of Education for the Archdiocese of Newark. Mgr. Handbury this year is visiting all schools in Union County.

"Reciept Books"

This year Hillside Catholic Academy has a new fund raising item. The Hillside Catholic Academy Receipt Book. This is a book made up of receipts from members of the Hillside Catholic Academy community. Each family is asked to sell $500 in fund raising items. If a family wishes to, "opt out," of their fund raising responsibility they may do so for $300.

'Home and School Association Meeting"

Tonight the Hillside Catholic Academy Home and School Association will conduct its second meeting of the year. The Home and School Assoication is responsibe for all fund raising events.

"Forensics"

Today the Hillside Catholic Academy Forensics Team will compete in its first meet. They will take part in a competition at St. Theresa's Elementary in Kennilworth, New Jersey.

"Writing Assessment Exam"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy students in Grades 4 and 7 will take the Writing Assessment Exam. This will judge the writing skills of our students. The Grade 4 students will be perfoming an exercise in descriptive writing. The Grade 7 students will be performing an exercise in informative writing.

"Food Drive Concludes"

The Hillside Cathoic Academy Food Drive is a success. We have collected various forms of non-perishable foods. These will be donated to a homeless shelter in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

"Art Students of the Month"

This year Hillside Catholic Academy has begun a new program. "Art Student of the Month." This award goes to the Art students who have show effort, determination, and dedication to Art. The Art Students of the month of November are;
Paul Haak
Teresa Correia

"Book Fair"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct, "The Third Annual Barnes and Noble Book Fair." This will take place at Barnes and Noble Book Store Rt#22 in Union, New Jersey. Stop by if you are in the area!!

"Veterans Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will celebrate, "The Sixth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Veterans Day." At the end of the school day retired Marine Sgt. Richard Stanton will talk to the students. Hillside Catholic Academy students will also read speeches and play patriotic music.

"U.N.I.C.E.F. Drive"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy concludes our annual U.N.I.C.E.F. Drive. Hillside Catholic Academy is designating this money for hunger relief.

"Tip Off"

On Sunday November 8 Hillside Catholic Academy will take part in the Union Catholic Basketball Tournament. Our Boys and Girls 7th and 8th Grade teams will participate.

"Thanksgiving Food Drive"

On Monday November 2 Hillside Catholic Academy launched, "The Sixth Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive." The students have been asked to collect various dry goods that can create a meal. The Thanksgiving Food Drive will conclude on Friday November 13.

"Saints Come Alive"

Today Hillside Catholic Acadmey will celebrate All Saints Day with our, "Saints Come Alive Assembly." The students will play the role of their favoirte saints.

"All Souls Day"

Today at our morning assembly Hillside Catholic Academy remembered those from our community who has passed on to their eternal reward. The names of loved ones from each class were read and a bell tolled in their memory.

"Halloween Parade"

Today the students of Hillside Catholic Academy will participate in the "Annual Halloween Parade." The students will be dressed in their costumes and walk around the neighborhood. Following the parade the students will go to their class parties.

"Success"

At the Roselle Catholic Scholastic Olympiad on October 28 Hillside Catholic Academy attained the following:

2nd Place Religion Brandon De Oliveira
3rd Place Art Paul Hakk

Congratulations to these students and their families.

"Roselle Catholic Scholatic Olympiad"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy students will take part in the Roselle Catholic Scholatic Olympiad. The student will compete in various academic areas. Hillside Catholic Academy takes part in this annual event.

"Shoe Boxes for Our Troops"

Hillside Catholic Academy is collectiong items to send to your troops overseas. We are collecting such items as;
1. Chewing gum
2. Lip gloss
These items will be labeled and sent in shoe boxes to member of our armed services overseas.

"Parent - Teacher Conferences"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct the first of our Parent - Teacher Conferences. At this time the parents/guardians of our students will have the time to discuss their child's recent progress.

"Halloween Fun Day"

On Saturday October 24 Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct the annual, "Halloween Fun Day." Students and their parents will decorate their tables, play games, eat pizza, trick or treat table to table, and just have fun!!!!

"Halloween Dance"

This Friday October 23, 2009 Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct our annual Halloween Dance. The dance is open to all Hillside Catholic Academy students in Grades 5,6,7, and 8. The dance is being run by the parents of our Grade 7 students.

"Red Ribbon Week"

This week Hillside Catholic Academy is celebrating "Red Ribbon Week." The students are wearing Red Ribbons created by Mrs. Mary Ellen Mc Veigh our Art teacher.

"Blessing of the classrooms"

Yesterday, Msgr. Venantius M. Fernando, (the pastor of Christ the King Church) blessed the classrooms of Hillside Catholic Academy. It is important that we ask God to be part of our daily routine.

"Pumpkin Picking"

Today members of our Grades K, 1, 2, and 3 will go pumpkin picking at Wrightman Farms im Morristown, New Jersey. It should be a great time!

"Progress Reports"

Yesterday Progress Reports were distributed to the Hillside Catholic Academy students. Progress Reports are an analysis of student progress for the first six weeks of the First Trimester. The First Trimester will end the first week in December.

"Family Math"

Last night Hillside Catholic Academy conducted the first of three, "Family Math, " mights. Students and their parents from Grades 4 and 5 did Math problems, solved puzzling questions, and had fun!

"Fire Prevention"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will be visited by the Hillside Fire Department in honor of 'Fire Prevention Week.' The students in grades Pre-K, K, 1,2 will be able to see the equipment used in fighting fire. They will also learn how they can prevent fires in their homes.

"Smile"

Today students of Hillside Catholic Academy will have their school pictures taken. These photographs are taken by "Photo Life." Students may purchase one of several packages.

"Middle States"

Today there is no school for Hillside Catholic Academy students. However, the teachers will be hard at work. The faculty will be busy working on our Report for the Middle States Visiting Team.

"Living Rosary"

This afternoon Hillside Catholic Academy will pray, "The Living Rosary." The students in Grades 5,6,7,8 will form a Rosary and as a school we will pray this beautiful prayer to our Blessed Mother.

"Columbus Day"

On Thursday October 8 Hillside Catholic Academy will celebrate Columbus Day in our morning assembly. Patroitic songs will be sung, a presentation about Columbus will be delivered by the Italian - American Association of Hillside, and prayers.

"Mrs. Jones"

On Sunday October 4, 2009 Mrs. Judy Jones was honored for her 25 of service to Catholic education. Mrs. Jones is our Grade 3 teacher. Her dedication and hard work are examples of the type of teachers who work at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"St. Francis of Assisi Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The students will be visited by Friars from the Franciscan Friars of Renewal. The students are bringing in their stuffed animals or pictures of their pets.

"First Friday"

Today the students and faculty of Hillside Catholic Academy will pray together at First Friday Mass. Today is also a 12:15 dismissal. The faculty will spend the afternoon in professional development.

"Meet Your Coach"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct, "Meet Your Coach Night." The members of our Boys Basketball, Cheerleading, and Girls Basketball teams will meet their coaches. The coaches will discuss how they will run their teams with the students and their parents.

"Social Studies"

Today Mr. Michael J. Butchko will attend a meeting on the new Social Studies curriculum. This change has come after a year of review by a committee from the Archdiocese of Newark's Office of Education. Mr. Butchko (a former Social Studies teacher at Union Catholic Regional High School) helped to write this new paan.

"High School Fair"

Last night Hillside Catholic Academy conducted, "The Sixth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy High School Fair." The following high school were represented;
Benedictine Academy
Christ The King Prep
Mother Seton Regional High School
Montclair Immaculate High School
Roselle Catholic Regional High School
St. Benedict's Prep
St. Mary of the Assumption High School
St. Vincent Academy
Union Catholic Regional High School

Our Grade 8 students and their parents were able to ask questions and receive information about each of these schools.

"Grade 8 Meeting"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct a meeting for all Grade 8 students and their parents. The following will be discussed;
1. High School selection
2. C.O.O.P Examination
3. Fund Raising for Class Trip
4. Graduation

"Street Fair"

On Saturday September 26 Hillside Catholic Academy will have a table at the "Third Annual Hillside Street Fair." Parents and students will man the table. They will be able to answer your questions about the school. Stop by and see us!!!!

"Casino Night"

This year the Hillside Catholic Academy Home and School Association will conduct a novel fund raising event, "Casino Night." The church hall will be turned into an Atlantic City/Las Vegas casino. The cost is $35/per person for this adult only event.
If you wish to attend contact the school office.

"Union Catholic"

Today our Grade 8 students will head to Union Catholic Regional High School for a day of reflection. The students will discuss what it takes to be a leader. The students will also get a look at what could be their new school.

"Back to School Night"

Tonight is one of the most important night of the year at Hillside Catholic Academy. Tonight is "Back to School Night." This evening the parents/guardians of our students will meet their child's teachers. One question needs to be answered. That question is, "What does my child have to do to be successful in this class?"

"School Picnic"

The "Sixth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy School Picnic" will take place on Sunday September 20, 2009. This is a great opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to get to know each other. There will be representatives from both the Boy and Girl Scouts. The School Picnic is one of the many wonderful events that is conducted by our Home and School Association.

"Home and School Association"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct our first Home and School Association Meeting of the year. The Home and School Association is responsible for school fund raising events. It because of the efforts of the Home and School Association that Hillside Catholic Academy now has;
1. Each classroom air conditioned
2. A new gym floor.

The Home and School Association meets three times a year. Every Hillside Catholic Academy student is part of the Home and School Association.

"The Halls Are Alive With The Sound Of Music"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy begins our Music Program. The Music Program will be lead by Mr. Mark Kingston. Each student attending Hillside Catholic Academy receives one class per week in Music.

"Let's Do Lunch"

This year Hillside Catholic Academy now has a new lunch provider. Amici's in Union, New Jersey now provides our lunch. They provide a wide selection of delicious food.

"Homework Page"

Parents will now be able to check what homework assignments their children have. All they have to do is click on the following web site; new.schoolnotes.com/hillsidecatholic

"September 11, 2009"

Today Hillisde Catholic Academy will remember the events of September 11, 2001. We will conduct a moring Prayer Service. We will then dedicate our Opening School Msss to the memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11 , 2001 attacks.

"A New Year Part #2"

This year Hillside Catholic Academy will see the following changes;
1. Grade 5 students will change classes.
2. Grade 7 and 8 students will be taking Pre-Alegbra.
3. Mrs. Roseann Aagaard is now our Grade 4 teacher.
4. Mrs. Donna Brumbaugh is now our Grade 6 and Social Studies teacher.

"A New Year"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy opens for the 2009-2010 school year. We welcome the following new members to our faculty;

Mr. Mark Kingston will be our new Music teacher. Mr. Kingston comes to us from Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and St. Anthony's Elementary School.

Mrs. Mary Ellen Mc Veigh will be our new Art teacher. Mrs. Mc Veigh comes to us from St. Mary of the Assumption in Elizabeth, N.J.

Mrs. Angela Vasil will be our new Science and Grade 7 homeroom teacher. Mrs. Vasil comes to us from St. Therese Elementary in the Paterson Diocese.

I wish everyone a wonderful new school year.

Michael J. Butchko
Principal Hillside Catholc Academy

"Last Day"

June 18 is the last day of the Hillside Catholic Academy 2008-2009 school year. Today at the final assembly one male and one female student will be given the "Principal's Award." The school office will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

"Field Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct the "Fifth Annual Field Day." The students will take part in the following events;
Hippity Hop
Obstacle Course
Sack Races
Three-Legged Races
Wheel Barrel Races

This event has been planned by our Grade 7 students and by Mrs. Faughan our Physical Education teacher.

"Kindergarten Graduation"

On Wednesday June 10, 2009 Hillside Catholic Academy conducted The Fifth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Kindergarten Graduation. The students sang songs, recited poems, and showed they are ready for Grade One. A recepiton following the ceremony took place in the gym.

"Pre-K Graduation"

On Tuesday June 9 Hillside Catholic Academy's Pre-K 4 conducted The Fifth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Pre-K Step Up Ceremony. The students demonstrated all they had learned this year. It was a wonderful event!

Class of 2009

The Class of 2009 left Hillside Catholic Academy in grand style last week. On Tuesday June 2 they took part in their class trip to Rocking Horse Ranch. On Thursday June 4 they participated in the their Graduation Mass and Graduation Lunch. Later that evening the Fifth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Commencement Ceremony took place. There were 24 members of the Class of 2009. They were awarded $59,000 in scholarships. They are examples of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Day of Reflection"

Hillside Catholic Academy students in Grade took part in a, "Day of Reflection." This was lead by Mr. Allan Wright of the Theolgoy Department of Union Catholic Regional High School. Mr. Wright spoke to the students about how they can use their high school years to become all God calls them to be. This type of day is part of the, "faith based environment," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Working at the Car Wash"

On Saturday May 16 the members of the Grade 8 class conducted a car wash. The proceeds are to go to the cost of the Grade 8 class trip. The students washed over 70 cars and raised $500! A great job by the students and Grade 8 teacher Maddalena Speer.

"Mother's Day Breakfast"

On Sunday May 10 the Grade 8 students of Hillside Catholic Academy conducted a, "Mother's Day," breakfast. The proceeds went towards reducing the cost of the Grade 8 class trip. Pancakes, coffee, tea, juice and breakfast meats were served.

"Home and School Association"

Last night Hillside Catholic Academy conducted the final Home and School Association for the 2008-2009 school year. Important information about next year was shared with the parents. The following were announced.
1. Summer Reading lists
2. Summer Math Assignments
3. New Pre-Algebra course for Grades 7 and 8
4. The starting date for the 2010 - 2009 school year.

The Home and School Assoication also handed out the annunal Fund Raising Awards. Every parent is a member of the Home and School Association.

"National Day of Prayer"

Today is the "National Day of Prayer". Hillside Catholic Academy is observing this occassion this afternoon. The students will go to Christ the King Church. They will
1. Pray silently
2. Hear a selection from the Holy Gospels
3. Pray the Holy Rosary.
This type of day is part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Bronx Zoo"

On Tuesday May 5 members of Hillside Catholic Academy's 6th and 7th grades visited the Bronx Zoo. Despite the rain everyone seemed to learn and enjoy the day. A class trip to the Bronx Zoo is part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"May Crowning"

On Friday May 1, 2009 Hillside Catholic Academy conducted, "The Fifth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy May Crowning." Hillside Catholic Academy students in Grade 2 were responsible for this ceremony. This took place under the leadership of our Grade 2 teacher Ms.Lisa Mruk. May Crowning is part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"First Holy Communion"

On Sunday April 26 eight Hillside Catholic Academy students made their First Holy Communion. Six students are in Grade 2 and two students are in Grade 4. Their teachers are to be commended for getting them ready.

"Earth Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy celebrated, "Earth Day." The students created posters, filled out pictures, took a walk, and planted seeds. This is all part of being good keepers of God's earth. It is all part of the lessons learned as part of our, "quality education."-

"Hillside Catholic Academy students D.A.R.E. to be different"

Today Grade 5 students will participate in their D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony. This is a alcohol and drug prevention program taught by members of the Hillside Police Department. Today the students will receive their D.A.R.E. certificates and D.A.R.E. t-shirts. The D.A.R.E. program is part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy

"N.C.E.A. Convention"

Mr. Michael J. Butchko principal of Hillside Catholic Academy attended the 2009 N.C.E.A. Convention in Anaheim, California recently. During the convention Mr. Butchko attended sessions on development, enrollment management, and how to create Advisory Boards. Taking part in the N.C.E.A Convention is one way Hillside Catholic Academy provides, "a quality education."

"Walk-A-Thon"

Today Hillside Catholic Acadmey will conduct The Fifth Annual Hillside Catholic Academy Walk-A-Thon. The students have received pledges of money for each lap they will walk. This is a wonderful event that builds school spirit.

"Honor Roll"

On Friday April 3 the Honor Roll students for the Second Trimester were awarded their certificated. The presentations were made my Mr. Michael J. Butchko principal of Hillside Catholic Academy and Fr. Aurelio Yanez pastor of St. Catherine of Siena parish. The students received certificates and will be treated to a free dress down day in May. This is all part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Penance"

As part of our Lenten celebration the students at Hillside Catholic Academy took part in a Lenten Penace Service yesterday. Following the ceremony the student received the sacrament of Reconciliation. Taking time out for these types of events is part of the, "faith based environment at Hillside Catholic Academy."

"Holy Childhood Mission"

As part of our Lenten celebration Hillside Catholic Academy is taking part in a drive for Holy Childhood Mission children. The students at Hillside Catholic Academy are being asked to give up snacks. They are asked to donate this money to the Holy Childhood Missions. This drive is all part of the, "faith based," education at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Spring Concert"

On Friday evening March 20 Hillside Catholic Academy conducted The Fifth Annual Spring Concert. The theme of the show was, "The Sounds of Music." The students performed a mix of secular and spiritual music. The show was concluded with the 7th grade performing the Stations of the Cross. The 8th Grade perfomed the story of St. Paul. This was in honor of "Year of St. Paul." The Spring Concert is part of the, "quality education in the faith based environment," of Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Spring Arts Festival"

Today members of our Grades 7 and 8 will take part in the Union County Spring Arts Festival. The students will take part in various competitions and workshops. Hillside Catholic Academy students usually more than hold their own in this competition. Mrs. Jennifer La Grecca our Art teacher has put this trip together. Hillside Catholic Academy's participation in this type of event is all part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Sr. Joan"

On Tuesday March 17 Sr. Joan Amelia Ferruggiaro S.S.J. passed on to eternal life. Sr. Joan was a true friend of Hillside Catholic Academy. She was our Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She was a frequent visitor and worked hard for the success of our school. Sr. Joan was more than a member of the central office staff. She was an advisor, mentor, and friend. She will be truly missed by all. May she rest in the peace of her loving Lord.

"St. Patrick's Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy will celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The students, facutly and staff will enjoy a 'dress down day.' The students will also pray the Prayer of St. Patrick before school, before lunch, and before dismissal. This is all part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Faculty Day of Retreat"

Today the members of the Hillside Catholic Academy faculty will take part in their annual day of retreat. We will be joined by the teachers of Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony's, and St. Mary's. Taking time to reflect and be with God is all part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Victory"

The Hillside Catholic Academy 5th and 6th Grade Boys Basketball team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Fr. Whelen Tournament. The team currently has a 10-9 record and is improving with each game! Basketball is part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Breakfast With Your Principal"

Today Grade 8 students at Hillside Catholic Academy will have a special event. Those who have registered at a Catholic high school will have breakfast with their new principal. The studetns will feast on bagels, juice, and coffee. The principals or their representatives from the following schools will be represented:

Benedictine Academy
Roselle Cathloic Regional High School
St. Mary of the Assumption in Elizabeth
St. Vincent's Academy
Union Catholic Regional High School

"Get Ready for high school"

This week while students in Grades K thru 7 are taking the Terra Nova tests Grade 8 students are getting ready for high school. Speakers from Benedictine Academy and Union Catholic High School are talking about how life in high school differs from elementary school. Providing such a service is all part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Terra Nova Tests"

This week the students at Hillside Catholic Academy in Grades K thru 7 will be taking the Terra Nova Tests. These tests will show how Hillside Catholic Academy students stand against other Catholic school students in the country. In the past Hillside Catholic Academy students have scored higher than they were anticipated to in a number of areas. This is all part of the, "quality eduction," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Ash Wednesday"

Today Hillside Catholic Academy begins the celebration of the Lenten Season. We will begin by attending the 8:00 a.m. mass at Christ the King parish. At this liturgy the students and faculty will receive ashes. This will be a season of prayer, service, and contributions to charity. This is all part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"State Band"

On Saturday February 27 Hillside Catholic Academy will host Future Musicians Inc. State Band Competition rehearsal. Future Musicians provides Hillside Catholic Academy with Mr. Claude Washington our Music teacher. A strong music program is all part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Cathoilc Academy.

"At the Apollo"

On Friday February 20 the Grade 8 students treated the school to "A Night at the Apollo." The students sang, danced, recited poems. It was a display of talent typical of Hillside Catholic Academy students. This program ia a part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy

''D.A.R.E."

This morning our Grade 5 students will take part in the D.A.R.E. Program. This program teaches students about the hazzards of taking drugs. It is part of the commumity serivce provided by the Hillside Township Police Department. Programs such as these are all part of the "quality education" at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"SMART Boards"

Yesterday our second SMART Board arrived. This board will be placed in our Grade 2. This is all part of our plan to bring more technology to our school. The SMART Board was purchased with funds from the Union County Educational Services Commission. The purchase is part of the move to bring more technology to our course of study. All of this is part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Foresnics Team"

The Hillside Catholic Academy Foresnics Team competed yesteday at St. James in Springfield, New Jersey. Hillside Catholic Academy students Eloni Johnson and Jada Hoyle received Honorable Mention. Taking part in this type of competition is part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Be Wowed on a Wednesday"

Hillside Catholic Academy is offering a unique marketing plan, "Be Wowed on a Wednesday." On any Wednesday until May you may come in and see us in action. You may visit the classroom, view the course of study, talk to the teachers, and just be 'WOWED'. Call the school to make an appointment today.

"Black History Month"

February is "Black History Month." Hillside Catholic Academy will celebrate this time each morning. The students will hear about the contributions of important African-Americans to the history of our nation.

"St. Blaise Day"

In honor of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, today students at Hillside Catholic Academy will have their throats blessed. This ancient ritual is all part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Catholic Schools Week Conclusion"

Today we conclude "Catholic School Week." As a result of our snow day on Wednesday we have moved our ,"Soup-er Bowl," to today. The students are to bring in a can a soup in return they may wear the jersey of their favorite team. At 9:30 a.m. we will conclude the week with our "Catholic Schools Week Mass." Today as part of "Faculty Appreciation Day" our faculty will enjoy lunch from our Home and School Association. All in all this has been quite a week!

"Spirit Day"

Today Hillside Catholic Acadmey conitnues it's celebration of Catholic Schools Week with "Spirtt Day." The students are to wear our school colors of green and gold. Later in the afternoon the Boys and Girls basketball teams will play a game at our pep rally. These social events are all part of the, "faith based education," at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"Crazy Sock Day"

Today we continue our celebration of Catholic School's Week with "Crazy Sock Day." The students are to wear the craziest socks they own. The students will also compete in our Jeopardy Challenge. The winners of each competition will have donation made to their favoirte charity. All in all it should be another day of fun.

"Catholic Schools Week"

This week is Catholic Schools Week. The theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools Celebrate Service." Today the students will be decorating their classroom doors. The doors will denote the ways these students plan do render service to their school, churches, homes, and communities. These petitions of service will be part of the offertory procession at the concluding Catholic Schools Week Mass. This is part of the "faith based education" at Hillside Catholic Academy.

"President Obama"

Hillside Catholic Academy witnessed the swearing in of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States. The day began with a decade of the Holy Rosary for the success of his administration. The students watched his swearing in and address to the nation on television or via the internet. Our thoughts and prayers are with our new president.

"Holiday Weekend"

Hillside Catholic Academy will be closed on Monday January 19 because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

"Basketball Season"

The basketball season is in full swing at Hillside Catholic Academy. Basketball is run on four leves. Boys 4th, 5th, and 6th Grades, Girls 4th, 5th and 6th Grades. Boyss 7th, and 8th Grades, Girls 7th and 8th Grades. These programs are an important part of the, "quality education," at Hillside Catholic Academy. Teaching fair play is part of the, "faith based education," we pride ourselves in providing.

"Grade 8 Meeting"

Tonight Hillside Catholic Academy will conduct it's Second Grade 8 meeting. The following topics will be discussed;
1. High School acceptance
2. Class Trip
3. Fund raising
4. Yearbook
5. Graduation Day

This is an important meeting that all Grade 8 parents are expected to attend.

"Feast of The Three Kings"

On Tuesday January 6, 2009 Hillside Catholic Academy celebrated the "Feast of the Three Kings." Fr. Sergio from Christ the King parish came and blessed each classroom and the Main Office. This blessing will give our school strength for the years to come. This celebration is part of the, "faith based education", at Hillside Catholic Academy

"A New Year"

Hillside Catholic Academy returned to school on Monday January 5. 2009 promises to be an important year. During the last week in March we will be visited by a team from the Middle States Committtee. This will be our first certification. We are very busy to show them everthing we do. In June the 5th class in the history of Hillside Catholic Academy will graduate. These are only two the the many exciting events that will take place this year.