PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Hillside Middle School Community,

Hello! My name is Jason Quartararo (pronounced Quarter-Arrow), and I am proud to be starting my fourth year as principal of Hillside Middle School. Hillside holds a special place in my heart—I actually began my career in education here as a long-term substitute teacher before moving on to a full-time teaching position in Moorpark. Since then, I have served as assistant principal at Santa Susana High School and principal at Chaparral Middle School in Moorpark. Returning to Hillside as principal has truly felt like coming home.

At Hillside, we believe that building strong, trusting relationships is the foundation for student success. Whether it's the connection between staff and students, or the vital partnership between home and school, relationships matter. We are committed to working closely with our families and community to create a positive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Open and effective communication is one of our top priorities. We use a variety of platforms to keep families informed, including The Hillside Happenings, our weekly online newsletter that highlights important events and updates from campus.

I am excited for you to meet our incredible leadership and counseling team. Assistant Principals Mr. Thomas Buckle and Ms. Christine Lobitz bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our school. Supporting our students’ academic and social-emotional growth are our outstanding school counselors: Ms. Cheri Toyen, Mr. Matthew Thompson, and Mrs. Lisa Hotz.

We’re looking forward to another great year of learning and growth at Hillside. Thank you for being part of our community.

Warm regards,
Jason Quartararo
Principal, Hillside Middle School