As we calendar gets set to turn to August, it's hard to believe that summer is already about halfway over. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to travel, relax, recharge, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. While there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy, our staff has already begun preparing for another outstanding school year at Leonia High School.
Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing important information to help students and families prepare for a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year. This mid-summer update includes reminders about school policies, expectations, and several important changes for the year ahead. Taking a few minutes to review this information now will help ensure a smooth transition back to school in September.
We are looking forward to welcoming our students back into the building and beginning another year of learning, growth, and achievement. Until then, I hope you continue to enjoy the remainder of your summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone September 3rd.
GO LIONS!
Chuck Kalender, Principal
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One of the biggest changes at Leonia High School, and in every public school across New Jersey, will take effect this September with the implementation of new "Bell to Bell" Internet-Enabled Device guidelines. These changes are the result of legislation signed into law by the New Jersey Legislature and Governor Murphy earlier this year.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, students will not be permitted to use or possess personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. Internet-enabled devices include any privately owned device capable of accessing the internet, transmitting data, or connecting to online applications and services. This includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, headphones, earbuds, and similar wearable or handheld technologies.
Leonia High School will be implementing an "Off and Away" policy. This means that all personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in a student's locker or backpack for the entire school day. Students may not carry, access, or use these devices during the school day.
To support student learning, every Leonia High School student will be issued a district-owned iPad for instructional use during the school day.
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing additional information with students and families about the new Leonia High School and Leonia School District procedures, expectations, and implementation of the new Bell to Bell Internet-Enabled Device law. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to create a more focused, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
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This fall, Leonia High School is excited to introduce a significant upgrade to our student technology program. Every student will be issued a new district-owned iPad, complete with a keyboard case and charger, for use throughout the school year. This transition from Chromebooks to iPads will provide students with a more versatile learning device that supports creativity, collaboration, and productivity across all subject areas.
Please note that Apple Pencils will not be provided as part of the district-issued equipment. However, students who wish to use an Apple Pencil with their iPad are welcome to purchase their own compatible device.
Over the next few weeks, we will share additional information about the iPad program, including device distribution, expectations for use, and other important details to help families prepare for the start of the school year.
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Mark your calendars! Leonia High School's Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 10. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Little Theater with a brief welcome and opening presentation before families follow their students' class schedules. Additional details, including the full evening agenda, will be shared with families in August. We look forward to welcoming you to LHS!
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After several summers that included major construction and facility improvement projects across Leonia High School, this summer has been relatively quiet. Our primary project is the refurbishment of the first-floor science laboratories in the South Wing. Construction is now underway, and we are excited to see these modernized learning spaces completed and ready for students and staff later this fall. The renovated labs will provide an updated environment that supports hands-on, engaging science instruction for years to come.
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1. School Behavior Expectations
At Leonia High School, we believe in fostering a respectful and supportive community. Our behavior expectations are designed to promote a positive learning environment. All students are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, staff members, and school property. This includes being punctual, prepared for class, and engaging in a manner that is conducive to learning. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.
2. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Expectations and Reporting
The safety and well-being of our students are of utmost importance. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This applies to all student interactions and note that the law does not make allowances for situations in which a student maintains that they were ‘just joking’. Students are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect. Any incidents of HIB should be reported immediately to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Reports can also be made by completing the HIB 338 Form on the District Website or by contacting Ms. Lundy, LHS Anti-bullying Specialist.
3. Attendance Expectations
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. We expect students to attend school daily and arrive on time. Students are expected to be in their first period class by 7:50 AM prepared and ready to learn. If your child must be absent, please notify the attendance office. Notification should be made through the Genesis Parent Parental by clicking on the tab for Attendance Notes. All doctor’s appointments should be made after school hours, as a doctor’s note does not automatically excuse an absence. Excessive absences or tardiness will be addressed in accordance with our attendance policy, as consistent attendance is key to student achievement.
6. Open Campus and Lunch
At Leonia High School, all students have the opportunity to enjoy an open lunch. While students are welcome to eat in the cafeteria, they are also permitted to leave campus during lunch. However, it is crucial that students return to school on time before the start of their afternoon block. Any student returning late from lunch will receive a tardy for their next class. Additionally, seniors and juniors with free periods are entitled to open campus privileges. This means they may leave campus during their free period but must ensure they return before the start of their next scheduled class. Students beginning the day with a free period must report to school prior to the start of their first scheduled period for the day. Any student beginning the day with a free period must sign in at the main office prior to going to their class when they arrive at school for the day. These guidelines are designed to provide students with flexibility while ensuring that academic responsibilities are met.
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All students are required to scan into the building each morning using either their physical barcoded student ID or their virtual student ID available in the MINGA app. Students will be able to access their virtual student ID on their district-issued iPad through the MINGA app, making it easy to scan in even if they do not have their physical ID with them.
A new procedure for this school year is that students will also be required to scan out whenever they leave the building during the school day, including for lunch or during a scheduled free period. Upon returning to campus, students must scan back into the building.
These procedures help us maintain an accurate record of who is in the building at all times and enhance the safety and security of our school community. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in making this process a regular part of the school day.
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A reminder for families: All students are required to use their district-issued iPads while in school. Students should bring their iPad to school every day, fully charged and ready for use. Personal tablets, iPads, laptops, or MacBooks may not be used during the school day unless specifically authorized by the school for an educational purpose.
If a student forgets their district-issued iPad at home, a loaner device will not be issued. Loaner iPads are reserved only for students whose district-issued iPad is being repaired by the school.
Additionally, to help maintain a focused learning environment:
- Cell phones, AirPods, earbuds, and headphones are not permitted at any time.
- Meta glasses and other smart glasses are not permitted at any time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that students come to school prepared, engaged, and ready to learn each day.
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- August 26 - Senior Photos
- August 27 - Senior Photos
- September 1 - PD Day -Staff Only
- September 2 - PD Day - Staff Only
- September 3 - Single Session for students
- September 4 - Single Session for Students
- September 7 - School Closed - Labor Day
- September 10 - LHS Back to School Night
- September 11 - Single Session Day
- September 14 - LHS HSA Meeting
- September 17 - Underclassmen Photo Day
- September 18 - Underclassmen Photo Day
- September 21 - School Closed - Yom Kippur
- September 29 - Financial Aid/FAFSA Night
- October 7 - Senior Phots
- October 8 - Senior Photos
- October 12 - Delayed Opening for Students/Staff PD
- October 16 - LHS HSA Pocketbook Bingo
- October 19 - LHS HSA Meeting
- October 22 - "Pretty in Pink" Day for Breast Cancer Awareness
- October 28 - LHS PSAT Day
- October 29 - LHS Open House for grades 7 & 8
- October 30 - Single Session Day
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**All forms should be dropped off at Leonia High School
Registration is open for all fall athletic programs offered at Leonia High School
Football (start date 8/10), Girls Tennis (start date 8/10), Boys Soccer (start date 8/17), Girls Soccer (start date 8/17), Girls Volleyball (start date 8/17), Boys Cross Country (start date 8/17), Girls Cross Country (start date 8/17)
2026-2027 Sports Physical Updated Forms - Required if Participating in Athletics
If your LHS student plans to participate in any athletic programs for the 2026-2027 school year, the forms below must be completed before participating in any practice or game.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Perrotta, the Athletic Director, at extension 5208 or by email at steven.perrotta@leoniaschools.org with any questions. Thank you.
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LHS HSA Annual Pocketbook Bingo
October 16, 2026
Doors Open 6:00 PM
LHS Cafeteria
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Click to access the 26-27 Modified Rotating Block (MRB) Schedule.
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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!
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To learn more about our schools, follow us on:
100 Christie Heights Street
Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: (201) 302-5200
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