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Leonia High School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

The Roar Report vol.17 - LHS Newsletter

Posted Date: 01/09/26 (04:37 PM)


Leonia Crest

Leonia High School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

THE ROAR REPORT

 
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Message from the Principal

As we wrap up our first week back from the two week winter break, it is clear we jumped right back into a very busy stretch. There is a lot of important information packed into this newsletter, and I encourage you to take some time to read through it carefully.

A few key academic dates to keep in mind. The second marking period ends on Tuesday, January 20th, and midterm exams will begin on Wednesday, January 21st. The full midterm exam schedule is included in this newsletter and will be especially important for students and families to review as we prepare for the next couple of weeks.

We also look forward to welcoming families back for the first Home and School Association meeting of the new year on Monday night at 7:00 pm in the LHS Media Center. A virtual attendance link will also be available for those who prefer to join from home.

It has been an exciting start to the winter season around the building. Our winter sports teams are off to tremendous starts, with several teams earning spots in the North Jersey Top 25 rankings. Our clubs have also been very active. Nearly 60 students hit the slopes at Mountain Creek with the Ski and Snowboard Club, and both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Debate teams opened the year with strong performances.
In addition to academics and activities, there are several upcoming community events highlighted in this newsletter, including the Senior Class Card Party, the Harlem Wizards, and Beat Night. These events, along with important school updates, make this a newsletter you will not want to skip.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I look forward to another productive and successful stretch as we move further into the winter season.

GO LIONS!
Chuck Kalender, Principal
 

Midterm Exams Begin January 21st

Midterm Exams will take place January 21–26. The second marking period officially ends on Tuesday, January 20.

We will hold Pre-Exam Day on Friday, January 16, to allow students time to prepare. Due to a delayed opening on January 20 for staff professional development, that day will also serve as an abbreviated review day.

The first day of the third marking period will be Tuesday, January 27. Please plan accordingly and encourage students to use the review day and Pre-Exam Day to prepare for their exams.

All students are required to take their scheduled exams and must be present for the exam to count. Make-up exams will be available by appointment only and must be accompanied by a doctor’s note for illness. Students must see Mr. Kalender immediately upon returning to school to schedule any make-up exams. Travel is not considered an excused absence, and students who miss a midterm exam due to travel will receive a 0 on that exam.

 

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming HSA Meeting Dates

The Leonia High School Home & School Association invites all parents and guardians to attend upcoming meetings to stay connected and involved in our school community. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:
  • Monday, January 12
  • Monday, February 23
  • Monday, March 16
  • Monday, April 20
  • Monday, May 18
  • Monday, June 15Final meeting of the year
Your participation helps strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Click here to read an important letter from the HSA with more details and updates.
 

Attention LHS Students - BEAT NIGHT - March 6th

The LHS Writers Club is hosting Beat Night on March 6 at 6:00 PM in the Little Theater.

What is Beat Night? It is a student talent show where you can showcase any creative skill—from slam poetry and live bands to magic acts and more. It's the perfect night to share your passion with friends and family!

How to Join:
  • Sign Up: The registration sheet is open! Slots are filled on a first-come, first-signed basis.
  • Link:https://forms.gle/ALNMDAditeSno6BG8
  • Please only sign up if you are 100% sure you can perform.
  • Contact: Email Cristina Mulholland with any questions.


Beat Night March 6th
 

Harlem Wizards Return to Leonia for One Night Only

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 are on sale now!
Harlem Wizards Save the Date
 

ATTENTION SENIORS - It's Time to Order Your Cap and Gown!

It’s time to order your cap and gown for graduation!

Scan the QR code to place your order today and make sure you’re ready for the big day!

Seniors Order Your Cap and Gown
 

LIONS IN THE WILD

Varsity Debate Team Shines at Emerson Tournament

The Debate Team had an outstanding showing today at Emerson High School. Juniors Olivia Gwak and Christopher Lau earned 2nd Place overall, finishing as one of the only teams to go undefeated throughout the tournament. They came just three points shy of 1st Place, which went to River Dell High School.

Adding to the success, senior Arah Cho was recognized with the Best Judge award for today’s competition.

The tournament featured 24 teams from 8 schools across the Bergen County Debate League, making this a strong and competitive field.

The team will be back in action soon with Varsity competing on Friday, February 6th at Fort Lee High School and JV competing on Tuesday, February 3rd at Becton High School.

Arah Cho with best judge award
2nd place at the Emerson Debate Tournament

Strong Showing for JV Debate Teams at Cresskill

Two of the LHS JV Debate teams delivered outstanding performances at Tuesday night's tournament at Cresskill High School, winning both rounds of competition. They faced a strong field of 38 teams from eight schools across Bergen County. Each JV team earned a medal for their efforts, marking one of the strongest overall showings for our JV program this season.
The Varsity team is back in action this Friday at Fort Lee High School. Both JV and Varsity squads will also compete in two additional tournaments in February as the season continues toward its conclusion in March.

JV Debate team at Cresskill HS

LHS Ski and Snowboard Club Hits the Slopes

January 8 marked the first successful trip of the season for the LHS Ski and Snowboard Club. Club advisor Mr. Linares led the largest group yet, bringing 59 students and six chaperones to Mountain Creek. With mild temperatures and uncrowded midweek slopes, conditions were ideal for a great night on the mountain. The group included skiers and snowboarders ranging from beginners to advanced riders, all of whom enjoyed building their skills while exploring Mountain Creek’s 38 ski runs. The evening was a great mix of learning, challenge, and time together, and the excitement is already building for the remaining four trips this season.
Ski Club gets ready to depart for Mountain Creek

Honoring a Legacy Through Action: Jahnan Foundation Supports Student Projects

We are excited to share that two student-led projects have been selected to receive support from the Jahnan Foundation as part of its new STEAM Passion Project initiative.
Created in memory of former Leonia High School student Jahnan Rahimpour, the Jahnan Foundation honors his creativity, compassion, and belief in making the world better through action. This initiative funds STEAM-based passion projects that focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and education, all while empowering students to turn meaningful ideas into real-world impact.

This year’s theme centers on environmental issues in our local communities, with an emphasis on sustainability, awareness, and practical solutions. After thoughtful review, the following projects were selected:

  • Flood Mitigation Mapping and Pilot – Renae Thakur
  • Air Quality Awareness and Monitoring – Sean Addy

Both projects reflect the spirit of the Jahnan Foundation’s mission to build a more connected, compassionate, and sustainable future. We are proud of these students for taking on real challenges with curiosity, creativity, and purpose, and we look forward to seeing their ideas come to life.

Congratulations to Renae and Sean on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the Jahnan Foundation for providing our students with the opportunity to dream big and make a difference.

 
Lion in Class

Charged Up and Ready to Learn

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.
Mark Your Calendars

What's Happening at LHS

  • January 13 - DECA Districts at Ramapo College
  • January 15 - LMAC Music Recital
  • January 16 - Pre-Exam Day
  • January 19 - All Closed Closed - MLK Day
  • January 20 - Delayed Opening Staff PD
  • January 21 - Midterm Exams (Periods 1&2)
  • January 22 - Midterm Exams (Periods 3&4)
  • January 23 - Midterm Exams (Periods 5&6)
  • January 26 - Midterm Exams (Periods 7&8)
  • January 27 - Start of Marking Period 3
  • February 16 & 17 -All Schools Closed - Winter Break
  • February 19 - 8th Grade Scheduling Night

 

LIONS CAUGHT LEARNING

Building Career Ready Lions Through ServSafe Certification

Congratulations to all 16 seniors in the Leonia Academy of Hospitality and Culinary Arts who successfully passed the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam. This is a significant accomplishment and reflects the hard work, focus, and professionalism our students continue to show.

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is a nationally recognized, industry valued credential required for many leadership roles in food service and hospitality. It demonstrates a strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, foodborne illness prevention, and safe food handling practices. In many restaurants, at least one certified food protection manager must be on site to meet health department and regulatory requirements.

This certification is valid for five years and gives our students a major advantage as they move into college programs, internships, or directly into the workforce. Earning ServSafe certification while still in high school speaks to the real world, career focused experience our LAHCA students receive and their readiness to step confidently into the hospitality industry.

We are proud of these seniors and congratulate them on earning a credential that will serve them well beyond graduation.

LAHCA seniors show off their ServSafe certificates

New Year’s Goals, French Style

In French II, students took part in an engaging lesson centered on New Year’s resolutions, Les résolutions. They shared personal goals while practicing the near future, building confidence with new vocabulary and strengthening their understanding of future tense structures in French.
Sample student work from French II
Sample student work from French II
 
Lions Athletics

Catch the Action: Winter Sports in Full Swing

The full winter athletics schedule is available on our website.
 

Angelica Do Named NorthJersey.com Female Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to Angelica Do on being named NorthJersey.com Female Athlete of the Week for December 31. This recognition comes after a dominant performance at the 2025 Hawthorne Bears Holiday Basketball Classic, where Angelica scored 44 points and pulled down 20 rebounds across two wins, leading the team to the championship.

This honor marks the second Athlete of the Week award of Angelica’s career, an impressive achievement given how competitive and prestigious this recognition is. As a senior leader on the girls basketball team, Angelica has built an outstanding career, surpassing 1,500 points and nearly 1,000 rebounds.

We are proud of Angelica's hard work, consistency, and impact on and off the court. Click the link to read the full article from NorthJersey.com and learn more about this well earned honor.

Angelica Do Athlete of the Week

Girls Basketball Captures Hawthorne Holiday Classic Championship

Congratulations to the girls basketball team on a strong showing over winter break and a well earned championship at the Hawthorne Holiday Classic.

The girls opened the tournament with a dominant 59–4 win over Passaic Charter. Angelica Do led the way with a triple double, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 steals. Emriqca Jario added 12 points and 13 rebounds, Celeste Garzon scored 13 points, and Dani Daproza filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 10 steals, and 9 assists.

In the championship game, the girls defeated Clifton High School 61–39. Anglica Do recorded another triple double with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals, earning Tournament MVP honors. Dani Daproza also posted a triple double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and an impressive 19 steals.

The girls basketball team now stands at 5–2 on the season and is currently ranked 19th in the latest North Jersey Top 25 girls basketball rankings. The team returns to action tonight at home against Glen Rock at 4:30 pm.  
Girls Basketball Team wins Holiday Tournament

Rolling Strong: Lions Bowl Their Way to a 5–0 Start

The Leonia Lions Bowling Team is off to an outstanding start this season, sitting at 6–0 and holding first place in the NJIC Patriot Division. The Lions have been powered by strong leadership, consistent performances, and high energy throughout the lineup. Senior captain Nathan Kang has been a steady force as the team’s anchor bowler, posting a 170.8 average and delivering in key moments. Junior captain Jonathan Kang has set the tone from the leadoff position, thriving in the role while leading the team with an impressive 180.7 average. The Lions have also seen major contributions from their talented first-year bowlers. Yuto Sasaki (155.6 avg), Yeh-Sung Jun (176.2 avg), and Philip Lee (155.5 avg) have all stepped in confidently, providing depth, consistency, and momentum to the lineup. With strong captain leadership and impactful newcomers, the Leonia Lions continue to prove they are a team to watch this season. 
Bowling Team Picture

Lions Wrestling Cracks NorthJersey.com Top 20

The Leonia wrestling team continues to make its mark this season, earning a No. 20 ranking in the latest NorthJersey.com wrestling rankings. The team improved to 6-1 on the year after a dominant 57-17 win over Manchester Regional on Thursday night.

Individual performances have been just as impressive. Senior Gabe Jang remains undefeated at 10-0, setting the tone with consistency and leadership. Junior Damien Geberovich has also had a strong start, posting a 6-1 record and contributing important points for the team.

With momentum building and tough competition ahead, the Lions are proving they belong among the top teams in the area.

 

2025-2026 MRB Schedule

Click to access the 25-26 Modified Rotating Block (MRB) Schedule.
 
District Calendar
 
Attendance Matters Infographic
 

Stay Connected with the ParentSquare App

If you haven’t already, take a minute to download the ParentSquare App to your phone. The app makes it easy to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening at Leonia High School. You’ll receive real-time notifications and have all school updates, newsletters, and event information right at your fingertips.

Search for ParentSquare in your app store and stay connected wherever you are!
ParentSquare Stay Connected
 
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100 Christie Heights Street
Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: (201) 302-5200
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