6-10-2025 7:58am

ICYMI - Hillside's Roots and Shoots boasts another successful year

Donnella Tilery Editor

The Roots & Shoots program responded with a smart decision when they were forced to shoot and transfer its roots.

The forecast of rain on Saturday, June 7, was threatening the prospects of the 2025 edition of the highly popular Forest Fest, a tradition that is sponsored by the Roots & Shoots Club at the Hillside Intermediate School.

Forest Fest is held on the first Saturday of June each year on the spacious field outside of Hillside, where games, crafts, performances, and exhibits, including animals, are set up to the delight of a usually large crowd from the Bridgewater-Raritan community.

So, Kiran Masud and Sean Smith, the Hillside Teachers who serve as the Co-Adivisors to Roots & Shoots, and Jacquelyn Ciurleo, Hillside’s Assistant Principal, huddled and drew up a game plan.

“I made the call to move things inside early in the morning because of the forecast for thunderstorms. Sean Smith, Kiran Masud, and I worked to come up with an indoor option on Friday based on the weather,’ Assistant Principal. Ciurleo reported.

These three wise forecasters were correct in their wise move.

“Forest Fest took an unexpected turn this year when we had to move it indoors at the last minute due to inclement weather. Despite this challenge, our teamwork made the dream work. A special thank you to our Assistant Principal (Ciurleo) for her leadership and amazing job with her first Forest Fest,’ Ms. Masud revealed.

“A few parents mentioned that they were thankful the event was still able to take place and were happy we could move it inside and not cancel it,” Assistant Principal Ciurleo said.

Hillside’s gymnasium was filled with tables that featured crafts, vendors, and games, while the school’s multi-purpose room was home to a fine collection of fine and performing art shows. A classroom housed seeing-eye dogs, and another room was the venue for Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Robotics Team 303 to show off their prized robot.

“Forest Fest was a great success,” Assistant Principal Ciurleo said. “Moving indoors didn't dampen the fun as students, families, and community members came together to enjoy music from Hillside's chorus, the drama club's performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr. selections, and Hillside's Teacher band, The Hawktones. The event featured interactive booths highlighting animals, the environment, and local programs. Congratulations to our Roots & Shoots Club on another fantastic Forest Fest!”

Ms. Masud also provided her review.

“The event featured a diverse range of vendors, including the Native Plant Society, Seeing Eye Dogs, and a wonderful display of plants donated by our PTO. Guests also enjoyed interactions with a bearded dragon and chickens,” Ms. Masud said. “The atmosphere was elevated with live music, and our farmers market offered fresh produce and flowers for all to enjoy. Additionally, our Roots and Shoots trivia booth challenged students with fun questions about our mission and club.”

While the large crowd and participants remained dry, the Forest Fest produced a nice profit.

“Thanks to everyone’s hard work and support, we raised about $1,900.00, which will contribute to our ongoing initiatives,” Ms. Masud shared. “We truly appreciate all who participated and made this event a success!”