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Leonia High School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

District Update: February 2026

Posted Date: 02/02/26 (06:30 PM)


Leonia Public Schools

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

February 2, 2026

District Update: Lions Pride in Action

Good evening,
February may be the shortest month of the year, but our Leonia Lions are moving through it with a great deal of momentum. This update offers a look "behind the scenes" at the continuous growth within our district.

Here is a quick look at what you'll find in this January update:
  • Around Our Schools: Recaps major events that happened in January.
  • News You Can Use: Shares important information for families, including our 26-27 district calendar, information from the department of health, and updates on new legislative changes.
  • Roaring Achievements: Highlights student achievements from the month of January.
  • Lions Caught Learning: Showcases student learning.
  • Lions in the Wild: Features some of the month's field trips.
  • Upcoming Events: Highlights upcoming events for our entire school community, like the Harlem Wizards on February 28 and the annual Card Party Fundraiser on March 13.
  • Tech Tips & Updates: Provides updates from our Technology Department.
  • In Case You Missed It...: Shares important links and information from previous newsletters.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to make this a productive and successful second half of the school year.

Xanthy Karamanos, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
 

🏫 Around Our Schools

LHS Earns Gold Distinction for Third Year

We are thrilled to announce that Leonia High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll with Gold Distinction for the third consecutive year!

This prestigious recognition from the College Board highlights our commitment to broadening student participation and delivering high-level results in our Advanced Placement program. To earn this honor, our seniors achieved remarkable milestones: 73% took at least one AP Exam (Gold level), 56% scored a 3 or higher (Platinum level), and 19% challenged themselves with five or more AP Exams (Platinum level).

Our robust AP program at LHS continues to grow, and we are proud to offer:
  • 28 Different AP Courses
  • 53 Active Sections of AP Classes
  • 24 Highly-Qualified AP Instructors

The AP program allows students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school, fostering the critical thinking and argumentation skills necessary for success in higher education. By seeking out the most challenging curriculum available, our students are not only maximizing their college readiness but also increasing their likelihood of long-term academic success.

Congratulations to our students and staff on this incredible achievement!

A Legacy Reclaimed: LHS Wrestling Clinches First League Title in 60 Years

The LHS Lions Wrestling Team reached a monumental milestone this season, making history by clinching their first league championship since 1966.

This long-awaited title was secured with a commanding 42–21 victory over Elmwood Park High School, a performance that perfectly encapsulated the team’s dominance on the mat.

This championship is a testament to the extraordinary hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment displayed by the athletes and coaching staff all season long. By breaking a nearly six-decade drought, these wrestlers have not only brought pride to Leonia High School but have also cemented their own legacy within the storied history of our athletic program.
A large group of young athletes and coaches pose for a photo on a red gymnasium floor.

Empowering Our Educators for Student Success

Our dedication to student success goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to continuous learning for our educators. During the January 20, 2026 delayed opening, staff across all three schools engaged in specialized sessions designed to bring the latest educational strategies directly into the classroom.

  • ACS: We highlighted the incredible expertise within our own school community. Staff members led engaging sessions in their areas of strength, sharing practical strategies and insights with colleagues. Staff explored topics such as navigating developmental language disorders, effective differentiation, and bridging cultural awareness in the classroom.
  • LMS: Educators focused on strengthening gifted and talented practices, and explored how to integrate AI tools to add greater rigor and challenge to their daily lessons.
  • LHS: Faculty led sessions on advanced instructional techniques, including designing Socratic seminars, using AI-driven feedback tools like Brisk and Magic School, and refining best practices for AP-level courses.
  • District-wide: Our paraprofessionals and support staff participated in intensive workshops on the "Language of Behaviors" to better support student needs.
We are proud of our teachers for their hard work and passion in ensuring Leonia remains at the forefront of educational excellence!
A group of adults are seated at tables, facing a projector screen and a speaker, in what appears to be a school cafeteria or meeting room.
A presenter stands before a screen displaying "CONFERENCING CHAMPIONS: UNLOCKING STUDENT VOICE" to an audience.

LHS Literary Magazine Wins Superior Distinction

We are thrilled to announce that the Leonia High School Literary Magazine has been awarded Superior Distinction in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Contest! This prestigious honor from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) highlights the very best in student-led publishing and celebrates the incredible art and craft of writing within our school.

The REALM program recognizes exceptional literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers, encouraging schools to provide a platform for creative expression. This year was particularly competitive, with 456 student magazines nominated from 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries. To earn a "Superior" rating among such a vast international field is a testament to the talent and dedication of our student editors, writers, and artists. To learn more about the REALM Program and view this year’s honorees, you can visit the NCTE website here.

Congratulations to Ms. Mulholland and all of the students involved in the literary magazine!

While Schools Were Closed: Admin PD Focuses on Strategy and Safety

On Monday, January 19, our district leadership team engaged in a full day of specialized professional development designed to strengthen both our school culture and our safety protocols. The morning session featured an insightful "Reset" Book Chat, providing administrators with a dedicated space to align on shared goals and collaborative practices essential for advancing our district’s long-term strategic plan.

The afternoon session transitioned to a high-level School Safety Workshop led by Dr. Patrick Kissane, a premier expert in public and school safety. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kissane provided vital training on our Memorandum of Agreement with our local law enforcement, mandatory reporting requirements, and specific safety protocols and procedures. These collaborative sessions ensure our leadership team remains at the forefront of school safety standards, fostering a secure and supportive environment for our entire school community.

Leonia-Edgewater Administrative Summit: Part 2

In January, we held our second Leonia-Edgewater Administrative Summit, continuing our collaborative efforts with our colleagues from Edgewater on shared educational priorities. A primary focus of the discussion was the strategic approach to a cell phone ban and how we plan to align our implementation across both districts. By working together, we ensure that our administrative teams remain synchronized on policies that impact our students and the broader community, fostering a consistent and focused learning environment for our school community.
 

📰 News You Can Use

District Academic Calendar 2026-2027



Note: This calendar was approved by the Board of Education at the January 20, 2026 meeting.

Health Matters: When to Keep Your Child Home from School

As we navigate the winter season, we want to ensure all our students remain healthy, energized, and ready to learn. To help maintain a safe environment for everyone, we encourage families to review the latest guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health regarding when to keep a child home from school.

The Department of Health gives three questions to consider - If you answer "Yes" to any of the following, please keep your child home:
  • Does the illness prevent your child from comfortably participating in school activities? 
  • Does your child require more care than staff can provide without affecting the safety of others? 
  • Could other children get sick from being near your child?
👉 For a helpful reference on managing common symptoms and deciding when it's best to rest at home, you can view the full NJ Health guide here.

Governor Murphy Phones Free Legislation

In January, Governor Phil Murphy officially signed "bell-to-bell" legislation requiring all New Jersey public schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day. Designed to improve student focus and mental health, the law takes full effect for the 2026–2027 school year. The NJDOE emphasizes that while students remain phone-free to limit digital distractions, schools must maintain clear channels for emergency communication and accommodate students with documented medical or educational needs.

In Leonia, we have been taking a proactive approach to student cell phone usage for some time. While we successfully updated our district policies and handbooks in August 2025, we will continue to evaluate and strengthen our practices to ensure full alignment with these new state mandates. To learn more about the recommendations from the New Jersey Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents, we encourage you to visit the Growing Up Online report here.

Transition to Digital Legal Public Notices

Transparency and community engagement are cornerstones of the Leonia Public Schools. As we adapt to the changing landscape of local media, we want to share an important update regarding how we communicate official district business, such as Board of Education meetings and bid solicitations.

Under the Public Notice Publication Reform (SB 4654), New Jersey is modernizing how public entities share legal notices. As local print newsrooms shift to paid models or reduce frequency, the state is transitioning legal notice requirements from traditional print publications to official government websites, effective March 1, 2026.

Leonia has officially implemented these changes, by launching a dedicated Legal Notices page on our district website, which can be easily accessed from our District Homepage. The photo here shows exactly where you can find this new page.

Friendly February from the Action for Happiness

February serves as a wonderful reminder to be intentional about the way we connect with those around us. A friendly word, a thoughtful check-in, or a moment of genuine listening can profoundly strengthen relationships and brighten someone’s day, including your own.

Throughout this month, we encourage our entire school community to look for small, meaningful ways to lead with friendliness. By creating these moments of connection, we can work together to make our schools and our lives feel a little lighter and a lot more supported.

👉 Click this link to access the Friendly February Calendar from the Action for Happiness Organization.

Inclement Weather Schedule Changes

In the event of a school closing, delayed opening, or emergency announcement, Leonia Public Schools will share information through text, email, our website, and notifications through our ParentSquare app.

To stay connected, be sure to download the ParentSquare app, and confirm your phone number and email address is up-to-date in your Parent Portal.

👉 Visit our Inclement Weather page for more information.
 

🏅 Roaring Achievements

Career Ready: LAHCA Seniors Achieve 100% Passing Rate on ServSafe Exam

As a core component of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, seniors in the Leonia Academy for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (LAHCA) recently completed the rigorous ServSafe Food Protection Manager Assessment.

We are incredibly proud to report that every single LAHCA senior passed the exam!

This professional certification is valid for five years and provides our students with a prestigious, industry-valued credential as they prepare to step into their next chapter in the culinary and hospitality world. Congratulations to our seniors on this impressive professional milestone!

LHS Student Receives NJ Governor's Award

Congratulations to LHS cellist Mina Kim on receiving the NJ Governor's Award in Arts Education!

This award is presented to several students throughout the state each year for achievement in dance, music, visual art, theater, media arts, creative writing and arts advocacy, and is among one of the highest honors in arts education in the state.

Mina will receive the award at the New Jersey Music Education Association's annual conference on February 20th in Atlantic City. Way to go Mina!

LHS Choir Excels as North Jersey Region 1 Honor Choir Selected

Leonia High School proudly announces that the following students were selected by audition to participate in the North Jersey Region 1 Honor Choir, a prestigious ensemble representing the top high school singers from the northern third of New Jersey. Acceptance into this highly competitive ensemble is the result of outstanding musicianship, dedication, and preparation. We are extremely proud of these students for representing Leonia High School with distinction.

This year marks a historic achievement for Leonia High School, as we celebrate a new school record for the greatest number of students ever accepted into the North Jersey Region 1 Honor Choir. This accomplishment reflects the strength, depth, and excellence of our choral program.

Congratulations to:
  • Soprano I: Belina Chung (20th), Hannah Lee, Ellison Ryu, Isabella Yang
  • Soprano II: Sarah Paez (12th)
  • Alto II: Lena Frost (20th), Olivia Gwak, Sofia Juric, Kennedy Meals
  • Tenor I: Nicolas Park (2nd)
  • Tenor II: Halanc Hwang (7th), Gangmin Lee
  • Bass II: Ronald Cho, Michal Lee, Seungheon (David) Oh (4th)

Note: Numbers listed in parentheses indicate each student’s individual ranking within their voice part.

LMS & LHS Orchestra Students Selected for Region 1 Honors

Congratulations to our outstanding orchestra students from both the middle and high schools for being accepted into this year’s Region 1 All North Jersey Orchestras!

We are incredibly proud of LMS students Gaon Choi, Ain Kim, Skylar Kim, and Madison Um for being named to the Intermediate Orchestra, as well as LHS musicians David Kim, Kayla Park, and Kaylin Park for their selection to the High School Orchestra.

Special recognition goes to Madison Um and Ain Kim, who earned the two highest viola scores in the region and will sit first stand, and to Kayla Park, who tied for the highest cello score in the region!

You can catch these talented Lions in action at the regional concert on February 15th at Parsippany Hills High School. Way to go, Lions!
 

🦁 Lions Caught Learning

Kindness Starts With Me at LMS

On January 7, students participated in the Kindness Starts With Me Assembly, an engaging and interactive presentation focused on self-worth, empathy, and the power of kindness. Through age-appropriate assemblies, students from all grade levels learned that each individual is a unique gift and explored practical ways to stand up for themselves and others.

For our 7th and 8th grade students, the presentation emphasized avoiding unhealthy comparisons—particularly on social media—and the importance of choosing to be an upstander rather than a bystander. Students also discussed how words can hurt or heal and were introduced to simple, effective strategies to use when feeling overwhelmed. This assembly reinforced our ongoing commitment to fostering kindness, confidence, and a positive, supportive school community.

ACS is Building Stronger Friendships

This month, Ms. Lindbloom visited Mrs. Fisher’s 3rd grade class to lead an engaging and meaningful discussion on navigating the ups and downs of friendships. During the lesson, students explored common social challenges and practiced positive strategies for resolving conflict.

By focusing on these essential social-emotional skills, the lesson empowered students to strengthen their relationships, build empathy, and make thoughtful choices when faced with disagreements. It is wonderful to see our young learners developing the tools they need to foster a supportive and kind classroom community!

Lions Helping Lions: LHS Midterm Prep

To prepare for midterms, the National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society hosted drop-in tutoring in the Media Center. Tutors were available in all subject areas to help students review and prepare for next week’s midterm exams. The sessions were very well attended, which speaks to the strong culture of support among our students.

A big thank you to all of the NHS and Math NHS tutors for giving their time and sharing their knowledge.

LMS Builds Skills One Square at a Time

Our middle school students have been having a blast in PE class playing the classic playground favorite—Four Square!

Under the guidance of their PE teachers, this fast-paced game is much more than just fun. Four Square helps students build important skills like hand-eye coordination, agility, and spatial awareness, while also reinforcing teamwork, communication, and good sportsmanship. As students rotate through the squares, they practice following rules, resolving conflicts respectfully, and adapting their strategies in real time. It’s a great example of how our PE classes combine physical activity with social-emotional learning, keeping students active, engaged, and learning together—one bounce at a time!

ACS Spelling Stars Shine Bright!

Our 2nd annual 4th Grade Spelling Bee had the entire audience on the edge of their seats as the competition stretched an impressive 20 rounds! Students demonstrated incredible focus, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout.

Congratulations to Mark Kim from Ms. Daley’s class, who earned first place and will represent our school at the Regional Spelling Bee on March 10th. We are so proud of all our spellers!

A special thank you to our 4th grade teachers, and Ms. Lewis Hickman and Ms. Compel for organizing this exciting event for our students!
Two adults and five children stand on a stage, posing for a photo with awards.
A young boy smiles and holds up a certificate while making a peace sign.
 

📷 Lions in the Wild

LHS Singers Deliver Powerful Performance at the 2026 Bergen County Honor Choir Concert

This month, 27 Leonia High School students proudly participated in the 2026 Music Educators of Bergen County (MEBCI) Chorus and Band Concert on Tuesday, January 20, at Paramus High School. Representing LHS with distinction, the singers performed a demanding and diverse choral program that was learned and refined in just three rehearsals.

The concert opened with Non Nobis Domine by Rosephanye Powell and concluded with a powerful rendition of the spiritual John the Revelator, arranged by Caldwell and Ivory, showcasing both musical precision and expressive depth.

Senior Valentina Colacurto was honored with a special pin in recognition of her participation in the Honor Choir for all four years of high school. Additionally, Lena Frost earned the distinction of performing in both the Honor Choir and Honor Band, highlighting her exceptional musicianship.

Let's Go Science: 4th Grade Trip to the MAYO

Our 4th graders enjoyed an exciting trip to the MAYO Performing Arts Center to see Let’s Go Science! 

This high-energy show transformed the theater into a massive laboratory, where students were mesmerized by engaging experiments that made complex concepts feel tangible. By witnessing the principles of physics and chemistry brought to life through interactive storytelling, our students were able to see science in action beyond the walls of the classroom.

It was a fantastic opportunity to spark wonder and inspire our young scientists to look at the world around them through a lens of discovery!

LMS Students Shine At This Year’s Talent Show

The evening was a joyful celebration of the incredible creativity, confidence, and diverse talents within our school community. From impressive instrumental musical performances and powerful vocal numbers to unique talents like showcasing softball skills, our students amazed the audience at every turn.

Performances were shared both live on stage and through video submissions, allowing even more students to participate and be celebrated. The Talent Show was a wonderful reminder of the many ways our students express themselves and the courage they bring to sharing their passions with others.

A special shoutout and heartfelt thank you to our Home & School Association for bringing this event to life and for their continued support of opportunities that allow our students to shine. We are so proud of every student who participated and grateful to our families and staff for making the night such a success!
A young person plays a guitar while seated on a folding chair on a stage.
Two young girls stand on a stage, holding microphones and speaking into them.
 

🗓️ Upcoming Events

👉 Visit our Calendar of Events page to stay up to date with events happening in our schools. Click the "subscribe" button to add our events to directly on your calendar.

Harlem Wizards Event - February 28

Get ready for an unforgettable night of jaw-dropping tricks, high-flying dunks, and nonstop laughs! The world-famous Harlem Wizards are bringing their electrifying brand of basketball entertainment back to Leonia for one night only Feb 28. This is more than a game, it’s a show the whole family will love. Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer, laugh, and be amazed! Tickets go on sale today.

Class of 2026 Card Party Fundraiser - March 13

Mark your calendars for the annual Senior Class Fundraiser!

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Class of 2026 invites the community to the LHS Gymnasium for a Card Party Raffle Trick Tray. Starting at 6:30 pm, guests can enjoy an evening filled with great prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and light refreshments available for sale.

Admission is just $10 to enter, and both raffle and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase throughout the event.

We hope to see you there!
 

💻 Tech Tips & Updates

The Power of the Prompt: Teaching Students to Ask Better Questions

A crucial new skill for students is learning how to "prompt" technology effectively. We teach them that the quality of the assistance they receive directly depends on the quality of their question. Instead of simply asking for an answer, students are learning to provide AI with necessary context, including:
  • Who they are (the user's role).
  • What they are working on (the task).
  • How they need the information presented (the required style or format).
This practice, known as Prompt Engineering, is not about finding shortcuts; it's about developing clear communication, logical thinking, and the ability to direct technology to meet specific academic goals.

Tech Tip: The "Explain Like I'm 5" Strategy
To quickly get a digestible answer, try changing the AI's persona. For example, if a science topic is too complex, ask Gemini: "Explain this like I'm in 5th grade using a soccer analogy." This simple trick often makes a confusing concept "click."

Structured Prompting: Moving Beyond Basic Queries
While providing context is vital, structured frameworks ensure that a student's prompt includes all elements needed for a high-quality response. Educators are teaching students models like RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) to turn vague requests into precise instructions.

Introducing the RAFT Model
The RAFT model helps students define the four core components of the AI's output, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the academic assignment:
  • R - Role: The professional or persona the AI should adopt.
  • Example: Act as a chemistry tutor.
  • A - Audience: The intended recipient of the final output.
  • Example: ...explaining to an 8th-grade student.
  • F - Format: The required structure or type of output.
  • Example: ...in the format of a quiz or a 3-paragraph summary.
  • T - Topic: The specific subject and key details of the request.
  • Example: ...focused specifically on the theme of madness in Hamlet.
RAFT Example in Action: "Act as a Shakespearean scholar, explaining the themes of Hamlet to an 8th-grade student in the format of a bulleted list of five key points, focused specifically on the theme of madness."
 

✳️ In Case You Missed It...

Missed Our Last Newsletter?

We know families are busy and may not always be able to read updates right away. To easily find our previous posts, use the search bar at the top of your screen to type in a keyword, phrase, or the poster’s name to quickly locate what you need to.

Did you know that school attendance is the leading indicator of your child’s lifelong success?

Every day counts! We want all of our students to show up to school, every day, and we are committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. We are here to help you.

👉 Visit our Attendance Page for more school procedures.

ParentSquare: What is it & How do I use it?

👉 To Learn More about ParentSquare, check out these helpful pages on our district website:

Important Links from our Website

  • 👉 Click here to access the 2025-2026 district calendar.
  • 👉 Visit our Calendar of Events page to stay up to date with events happening in our schools. Click the "subscribe" button to add our events to directly on your calendar.
  • 👉 Food Services: To access more information on our food services and programs, as well as a "how to" video section, please visit our Food Services page.
  • 👉 Tech Help: Click here for information on how to submit a tech help desk ticket.
  • 👉 HIB FAQ Page: To help families better understand Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including key terms, processes, and what to expect during investigations, visit our HIB page.
  • 👉 Student Safety and Well Being: Nothing matters more to us than the safety and well-being of your child. Visit our Safety Page to learn more about how we keep our schools secure and supportive.

Family & Community Resources

We know that strong family partnerships are key to student success. Whether you’re seeking food assistance, mental health services, or community programs, you’ll find quick links and hotlines here. All of these resources are confidential and many are free of cost.

📞 Key Hotlines & Support Services
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime.
  • PerformCare NJ Parent Crisis Hotline: 1-877-652-7624 – Free, in-home mental health support for children.
  • 2nd Floor Teen Support Line: 1-888-222-2228 – 24/7 access for students to speak with a counselor.
  • Center for Hope & Safety: 201-944-9600 – Domestic violence support services.
  • NJ 2-1-1: Dial 211 or 1-877-652-1148 – Connects families with local services and assistance programs.
  • Center for Food Action: 201-569-1804 – Food distribution by appointment (Englewood).
  • CarePlus NJ: 201-986-5000 – Counseling and wellness services.
  • New Bridge Medical Center: 1-800-730-2762 – Counseling and inpatient care.
  • Bergen County Family Services: Click here for more information.
  • Additional Bergen County Resources

If you have questions or need help navigating these supports, please reach out to your child’s school. We are here to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered, every step of the way.
 
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