As the Hillside School Improvement Team continues to work towards accomplishing the goals within the School Improvement Plan, we would like our stakeholders to have an opportunity to share their feedback.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions on the linked Google Form, providing positive and constructive insight and support. This survey is open to Hillside staff, parents, and students.
https://forms.gle/KE5HLRVwQYtj74L56
3 months ago, Hillside High School
Come out and support the Hillside boys' and girls' Wrestling team in their first home meet on December 11th at 6 pm. They will compete against Chapel Hill and Athens Drive. Go Hornets!
1 day ago, Hillside High School
Today at Hillside High School, students got a first look at real opportunities in life science careers. The Life Science Career Panel marked the launch of a new partnership between Eli Lilly and Durham County, giving students direct insight into BioWork certifications and the local pathways to earn them.
Thank you to the DPS CTE Department for their steady work and commitment to our students. This partnership opens the door to future careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and helps students see what is possible right here in our community. #WeAreDPS #DPSCTE
2 days ago, Durham Public Schools

Did you know that Durham-native Jordan Estella Hankerson—a 2018 graduate of Hillside High School—is a star in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical? She makes her national tour debut in the role of Ikette.
While at Hillside, Jordan studied theatre under the retired director Wendell Tabb and performed in productions such as Madagascar, Bubbling Brown Sugar, High School Musical, and The Wiz. She was also a member of the Sting Dance Ensemble, the Marching Band, and the Chorus.
Her journey—from Hillside stages to starring in a national Broadway tour—demonstrates the power of our district’s arts programs and the impact educators like Mr. Tabb make. Jordan is now giving back to her local community in a meaningful way.
On Saturday, November 15, Jordan will host an arts workshop at Hillside’s theatre from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception from 11:30 a.m. to noon, co-hosted by the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, to honor her outstanding arts achievements.
📣 Let’s celebrate Jordan’s homecoming. Share this post and join us in cheering on her performance at DPAC, and the inspiring workshop she’s leading for our students! 👏 #DPSArts #DPSProud #HillsideHigh #TinaTheMusical #WeAreDPS #DPSDidYouKnow
2 days ago, Durham Public Schools

Meet Joshua Suiter — a 2018 graduate of Hillside High School — now appearing on the hit new series "All's Fair" streaming on Hulu! He plays the role of Elijah Greene, bringing the charm, talent, and grit from his Durham roots to the screen.
What you may not know:
✨ Joshua began acting at the age of 6 in summer camp productions and later earned a BFA in Professional Theatre.
✨ At Hillside, he excelled in the arts, played roles like the Tin Man in The Wiz, and was crowned Mr. Hillside during his senior year.
✨ He says one of his most memorable moments was receiving a star-shaped sticker in 5th grade from a teacher who believed in him — and he kept it on his door all through high school.
We featured his story back in May with a spotlight article on our DPS Notables blog. If you haven't read it yet, check it out under our News Feed at DPSNC.net or on the DPS App.
📺 Head over to Hulu and watch All's Fair — and when you do, remember: a Hillside Hornet is making waves. #DPSNotables #HillsidePride #AllsFair #Hulu #DurhamTalent
2 days ago, Durham Public Schools
Come out to meet YOUR Hornet basketball teams for 2025-2026, then cheer on YOUR Hornet varsity football team in their round 2 playoff game against Ashley. Hornet Pride!
22 days ago, Hillside High School
Seniors, don’t wait! Order your cap and gown today for January and June 2026 graduations.
Click here to order
about 2 months ago, Hillside High School
We will hold our Student Success & ACT Night on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the cafeteria from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. There will be representation from ACT Prep to discuss all aspects of the ACT.
2 months ago, Hillside High School
Save the date for Home Fest 2025!
2 months ago, Hillside High School
2 months ago, Hillside High School
2 months ago, Hillside High School
3 months ago, Hillside High School
Senior orientation will take place on August 5th with schedule pick up and adjustments beginning from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and the session beginning at 5:00 pm.
Families will have the opportunity to stop at tables during the 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm block to gain more information and speak with representatives regarding the items listed below:
• Parking Passes
• Lunch Passes
• Schedule Change
• Early Graduation Application
• Infinite Campus Access
The orientation will begin with an overview, and families will be directed based on their E (enrollment, enlistment, employment) to have a working session getting them ready for their E.
4 months ago, Hillside High School

🎒 Fill That Bus! Fuel the Year – Starts Today! 🚍
Durham, let’s kick off the school year right! The annual “Fill That Bus! Fuel the Year” school supply drive begins today, running through August 8. Our good friends at the DPS Foundation will be leading the effort in restocking the shelves at Crayons2Calculators so every DPS teacher has the tools needed—completely free—for student success 📝📚
What’s happening:
Community-wide efforts to gather essential supplies—pencils, notebooks, art tools, rulers, folders, tissue, and more.
Drop-off bins are set up around the city (libraries, churches, businesses) and at Crayons2Calculators warehouse, 808 Bacon St., open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 am–3 pm.
Prefer to support digitally? Financial donations help purchase high-need items efficiently.
Why it matters:
Last year, Crayons2Calculators distributed over $129,000 in supplies, supporting 96% of DPS teachers at 59 schools—and many teachers still spend hundreds out-of-pocket.
👉 How YOU can help:
Donate supplies: drop off at Crayons2Calculators or community bins.
Give online: support via financial contributions.
Share & volunteer: host your own drive or help pack supplies.
Let’s come together and ensure no teacher—or student—goes without this school year. 🔗 Visit
www.fillthebus.org for more details and a full list of needed items.
#FillThatBus #DPSStrong #FuelTheYear #Crayons2Calculators
5 months ago, Durham Public Schools
🎨 Huge Congrats to Hillside’s Shanea McLaughlin! 🎉
Shanea has been selected as the student artist for the 2024–2025 DPS Foundation Annual Impact Report — creating all the artwork for this major project! 👏🖌️
Chosen through a competitive interview process, Shanea worked side-by-side with the Foundation’s professional graphic designer, gained mentorship, and earned a stipend for her incredible work.
Shanea brought vision, discipline, and serious creative talent to the table — and we couldn’t be prouder. The future is bright for this rising star! 💫
#DPSArts #HillsideHigh #StudentSuccess #DPSProud #WeAreDPS
6 months ago, Durham Public Schools
🎭 Standing Ovation for Josiah Jennings! 🎭
We're thrilled to announce that Josiah Jennings has been awarded Best Actor at the 2025 DPAC Rising Star Awards, held on Thursday, May 29 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. This prestigious honor recognizes Josiah's exceptional talent and dedication to musical theater. As part of his award, he will receive a $2,000 scholarship and an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®—the Jimmy Awards.
The DPAC Rising Star Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in high school musical theater across central North Carolina. Hosted by Clay Aiken, the event featured 20 student finalists competing live on stage, with winners selected by a panel of esteemed judges.
Congratulations, Josiah! Your passion and hard work have truly shone on stage. 🌟
#DPACRisingStarAwards #DPSProud #WeAreDPS
6 months ago, Durham Public Schools
6 months ago, Hillside High School
7 months ago, Hillside High School
💰 Scholars securing the dollars! 💰
Massive congrats to Karma Livingston of Hillside High School — recipient of both the Cheatham-White Scholarship and The Gates Scholarship. She will be attend North Carolina A&T State University in the fall!
Double the scholarships, full ride, unlimited potential. 🎓🚀 #WeAreDPS #DPSProud
7 months ago, Durham Public Schools
🚀🌱 Big congrats to Hillside High School students Hajira Syed and Dallas Mejia! 🌟
They’ve earned Honorable Mention in the 2025 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM Project for their innovative work on AstroGel — a smart hydrogel designed to help plants grow in space. As we look to the future of space exploration, their project highlights the importance of sustainable farming beyond Earth. 🛰️🌿
We’re proud of their creativity, passion, and commitment to solving real-world challenges!
📸 Check out the full list of honorees:
https://www.exploravision.org/exploravision-2025-honorable-mentions/
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #STEM #ExploraVision
7 months ago, Durham Public Schools