It’s wonderful to see the school buzzing with energy again! Classrooms are full of curiosity and engagement. Students are diving into lessons that challenge and inspire. See below for some highlights of the learning taking place across the building.
Since the start of the year, 35 colleges have visited LHS, including 25 just this past week! Our Student Services office has been a hub of activity, with students stopping by to meet college representatives, ask questions, and explore all the programs and opportunities each school offers. It’s exciting to see so many students taking the next steps toward their futures.
A reminder that there will be no school on Tuesday, September 23rd in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Next week, FlexTime signups will open as we get ready for our first day of Open Flex on October 1st.
This has been a very strong start to the school year, and it’s exciting to see the energy and engagement across our classrooms and throughout the building. We want to keep this momentum going, continuing to build excitement, curiosity, and collaboration as the year unfolds. With so many opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, there’s plenty to look forward to at LHS!
GO LIONS!
Chuck Kalender, Principal
|
|
The 2025 National Recognition Program awarded over 280,000 high-performing students to help them stand out to colleges
Leonia, NJ – Leonia High School is proud to celebrate the achievements of its students who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program.
The program, available on BigFuture®, helps students stand out on college and scholarship applications. Every year, talented students claim an award based on their achievement on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams.
In 2025, the program offered three awards to students of all backgrounds and across schools nationwide: FirstGeneration Recognition Award, Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, and for the first time, the School Recognition Award, to honor top-performing students in every high school, including lesser-known schools.
This year, 39 students at Leonia High school were awarded. Nine students earned the FirstGeneration Recognition Award and thirty-three students earned the School Recognition Award.
Students verify their eligibility during their sophomore or junior year by meeting the following criteria:
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (10th, 11th), PSAT 10 (10th), and/or AP Exams (by the end of 10th).
- Earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) by the time of submission.
- Be one of the top 10% of test takers in their high school, among first-generation college students in their state, and/or among rural and small-town students in their state, OR earn a 3+ on 2 or more distinct AP Exams in the 8th, 9th , and/or 10th grade.
The recognition serves as a signal for colleges eager to recruit awardees and as an opportunity for communities to celebrate students as they start a new school year. Thousands of nonprofit colleges and scholarship organizations using the College Board Student Search Service™ can connect with awardees during the recruitment process to share more about their postsecondary programs.
“We are deeply committed to clearing a path for each and every student to take ownership of their future. We are excited that this program recognizes achievements of students across the country,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “With the highest participation in the program’s history this year, we are proud to support these students on their future paths.”
About BigFuture
BigFuture® is a free, online resource that helps students take the right first step after high school. We help you plan for college, pay for college, and explore careers. Whether you’re interested in a four-year university,community college, or career training, BigFuture has what you need to start planning your future, your way. Bigfuture.org
|
We’re excited to share a new, convenient way for parents to report student absences. The Notify Attendance Office feature in the Genesis Parent Portal allows you to let us know if your child will be out of school, no phone call or note required.
To use this feature:
- Log in to your Genesis Parent Portal.
- Click Attendance in the menu
- Then select Notify Office
- Select the date(s) and reason for your child’s absence. If you have more than one student at LHS, click the checkbox for the appropriate student.
- Click the green button "Submit to Office"
The attendance office will receive the information instantly. This new tool makes reporting absences easier, faster, and more accurate.
See the photo below for an example.
|
For the safety of our students and staff, please remember that all student drop-offs must take place at The Circle outside of the Peace Garden Entrance.
-
Ray Avenue Parking Lot: There is no student drop-off allowed in this lot. If you are dropping off on Ray Avenue, students must exit the vehicle on Ray Avenue itself and walk to the building. The lot cannot be used as a turnaround. Doing so creates congestion and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and staff who are parking.
-
Annex Parking Lot: Student drop-off is also not permitted here for the same safety reasons.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and smooth arrival for everyone.
|
Consistent attendance and punctuality are two of the most important factors in a student’s success at LHS. At Leonia High School, absences and tardies are tracked closely, and students risk losing credit for courses if they exceed the allowed number of absences. Being on time to school and to every class is just as important, as it minimizes disruptions and helps students stay fully engaged in their learning. Regular attendance builds strong academic habits, keeps students connected to their teachers and peers, and ensures they don’t fall behind. We encourage families to schedule all appointments after school hours whenever possible to limit time away from class. Please take a few minutes to review the full attendance policy and guidelines in the Student Handbook so that expectations are clear for both students and parents. |
|
We are excited to celebrate our newest academy students at the Academy Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, October 7th, at 6:00 PM in the LHS Little Theater. All students who were accepted into an academy program last spring are invited to attend along with their parents. Contact your academy advocate with any questions. |
|
This week, the LHS Student Services team has been actively helping seniors navigate the college application process. LHS school counselors visited senior English classes to provide an overview of the college application process. During these sessions, counselors discussed upcoming college representative visits at Leonia High School, key college and financial aid deadlines, the transcript release form, and how to request letters of recommendation and transcripts in Naviance. Students also received guidance on linking their Common App and Naviance accounts to simplify the application process.
In addition, Student Services has created a College Spotlight bulletin board to highlight a variety of postsecondary options, including 2-year colleges, 4-year universities, and trade schools. Students are encouraged to explore the pamphlets available and connect directly with admissions representatives to learn more about each opportunity.
To continue supporting students through this important process, counselors will be offering dedicated FLEX periods focused on college applications beginning in October, giving seniors additional time and guidance to prepare their applications and make informed decisions about their postsecondary plans.
|
A reminder for families: all students are required to use their district-issued Chromebooks while in school. Students should bring their Chromebooks to school every day, fully charged and ready for use. Please note that personal laptops or MacBooks may not be used during the school day.
If a student forgets their Chromebook at home, they will not be issued a loaner. Loaner devices are reserved only for students whose district-issued Chromebook is undergoing repair.
Additionally, to help maintain a focused learning environment:
- Cell phones, AirPods, and headphones may not be used during instructional time.
- Meta glasses and other smart glasses are not permitted at any time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure students are prepared and focused during the school day.
|
- September 23 - Closed: Rosh Hashanah
- October 1 - 1st Day of Open Flex
- October 2 - Closed: Yom Kippur
- October 3 - Delayed Opening: Staff PD
- October 6-10 - Week of Respect
- October 7 - Academy Induction Ceremony
- October 13 & 14 - Senior Portrait Makeups
- October 15 - PSAT Day Grade10/11: Special Schedule
- October 20 - Closed: Diwali
- October 23 - FAFSA Night
- October 30 - LHS Open House
- October 31 - Single Session Day
|
|
Leonia High School has many opportunities for students to get involved, and our Club & Activity Book is your guide to everything happening this year. From academic clubs to special interest groups, there’s something for everyone.
Many clubs have already started meeting, so now is the perfect time to explore your options. Students are encouraged to listen to the morning announcements, check the signs posted around the building, or reach out directly to the advisors listed in the Club & Activity Book to learn more.
Take a look, find a club that sparks your interest, and join the fun—this is your chance to make the most of your time at LHS!
|
This week, our classrooms came alive with discussion as students took part in Socratic Seminars in both ELA and History. A Socratic Seminar is a student-led conversation where participants ask questions, share ideas, and respond to one another to deepen their understanding of a text or topic.
In Ms. Bernstein's English II class, students explored theme and symbolism in Hills Like White Elephants, analyzing the subtle choices and meanings in the story. Meanwhile, in Mr. Butryn's AP US History II class, students debated the roles of captains of industry and robber barons during the 19th-century industrial age, weighing different perspectives and historical impacts. In both classes, students were actively listening, building on each other’s points, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue, exactly what engaged learning looks like!
|
This week, In Ms. Sommer's English 2 Honors students engaged in collaborative discussions focused on what makes an essay strong and effective. Working in small groups, they analyzed sample essays to identify key components, including thesis statements, supporting evidence, and cohesive structure. By sharing insights and giving each other feedback, students strengthened their understanding of essay writing and honed the skills needed to craft compelling arguments. |
This week in Art classes, students dove into hands-on learning and creative expression. In Ms. Breyer's Creative Crafts class, students explored watercolor painting techniques, experimenting with washes, layering, and blending. They also discussed complementary color studies, gaining a deeper understanding of how colors interact to create striking visual effects.
Meanwhile, in Ms. Rovelli's Ceramics 1 class, students practiced the pinch pot technique, shaping clay into pumpkins and vases. This exercise helped them develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for form, texture, and three-dimensional design.
Both classes showcased the creativity and skill of our students as they continue to explore different artistic mediums.
|
In Ms. Kelty's AP European History class this week, students took a creative dive into Renaissance art with a unique, hands-on activity. To explore Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, each student was given just three primary colors and asked to recreate the famous fresco.
The twist? A printed version of the painting was taped under their desks, and students had to lie on the floor to mimic the experience of working on a scaffold in the Sistine Chapel. This exercise gave them a firsthand appreciation of the skill and complexity involved in mixing colors and creating a fresco while working in such challenging conditions.
The project combined art, history, and a bit of physical challenge, helping students connect with the Renaissance in a memorable and engaging way.
|
The Historians & Democracy Club will be hosting a Voter Registration Drive. Students must be 17 years of age to register and turn 18 by the November election.
-
Dates: September 22-25
-
Days: A Day, C-D Days
-
Time: Flex Period
-
Location: Room 214
|
|
Beginning October 1st, Open Flex will go live!
Students will be required to sign up for FlexTime activities in one of two ways:
- Through the FlexTime Manager icon in Classlink
- By downloading the Securly Flex App (available in the App Store, Google Play, or wherever you get your apps)
A few important reminders:
- Students must select their FlexTime activity at least 2 days in advance (not counting weekends).
- If a student does not make a selection before the deadline, the system will automatically assign them to an activity.
- Once the system locks, changes cannot be made.
To help students get started, we’ve included short instructional videos that walk through how to sign up for activities in Securly Flex. We encourage all students to download the app and/or try the Classlink option now so they’re ready when Open Flex begins.
|
Click to access the 25-26 Modified Rotating Block (MRB) Schedule. |
To learn more about our schools, follow us on:
100 Christie Heights Street
Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: (201) 302-5200
|
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
