We have made it to October! With the first month of school behind us, it has been great to see students settling into their routines, building connections, and getting involved in all that LHS has to offer. There is plenty to celebrate as we begin a new month.
This week’s newsletter offers a look at the learning happening across our school, from creative projects in our classrooms to opportunities for students to explore future careers. Our STEM Academy guest speakers and DECA Day gave students valuable perspectives from professionals and helped them connect their interests to possibilities beyond high school.
We are also proud to recognize our 17 National Merit Commended Students. This recognition reflects their academic achievement and dedication, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with our school community.
As clubs and activities get underway, we encourage every student to find a way to get involved. Joining a club, attending an event, or trying something new can help students build friendships and feel more connected to LHS. Families can also support upcoming class activities through the Double Good Popcorn fundraiser highlighted in this newsletter.
Please take a few minutes to review the important reminders below, including our attendance reporting procedures and the new main parking lot traffic pattern beginning Monday, October 12. Your cooperation helps us keep our campus safe and our school day running smoothly.
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hank you for your continued support and partnership. Have a wonderful weekend, and welcome to October!
Go Lions!
Chuck Kalender
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Our Double Good Popcorn fundraiser is underway, benefiting each LHS class! All students can participate by creating their own online store and selling popcorn. Check out the flier below for instructions to get started.
The fundraiser ends Monday, so there’s only a short time to participate! Encourage your child to join in and help their class raise funds for future activities. Thank you for your support!
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Beginning Monday, October 12, Leonia High School will implement a new traffic pattern in the main parking lot on Christie Heights Street to improve safety for students and staff.
Please follow these new directions:
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Entrance: The rear lane near student parking will be the only entrance into the main parking lot. All other lanes will be closed to entering traffic.
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Exit: All vehicles must exit using the lane closest to the school, near visitor parking.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Parents and guardians should use the main circle at the Peace Garden entrance for student drop-off and pick-up. Dropping off students or waiting to pick them up in the main parking lot is not permitted.
Student drop-off is also not permitted in the Ray Avenue parking lot along the baseball fields. Families approaching from that side of the building should drop students off on Ray Avenue, where they can walk onto campus.
Thank you for following these procedures and helping keep our parking lots safe for students and staff. Please share this information with anyone who drives your student to or from school.
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Please review these reminders to help us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure we know your student’s whereabouts.
Reporting an Absence
A parent or guardian must report all absences by 8:30 AM.
- Before 8:00 AM: Use the Parent Attendance Notes feature in the Genesis Parent Portal.
- After 8:00 AM: Call the Attendance Office at 201-302-5200, ext. 5204.
- Religious holidays: Call the Attendance Office directly to provide advance notice.
If an absence is not reported by 8:30 AM, the Attendance Office will call home to verify the student’s whereabouts.
Doctor’s Notes
All doctor’s notes for absences must be submitted within two weeks of the date of the absence. Notes submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
Late Arrivals
Students arriving late must sign in at the Attendance Office or attend homeroom. Students who go directly to class without doing either will be marked absent for the full day.
Make-Up Work
Students are responsible for contacting their teachers to request missed work and arrange make-up assignments or quizzes.
Athletics and After-School Activities
Students must arrive at school by 10:30 AM to participate in that day’s after-school activities or athletics. Students who leave school early are ineligible to participate that day.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping your student stay on track with attendance and school responsibilities.
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Get ready for the ultimate journey of a lifetime. This isn't just a school trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across England that will never happen again!
Step into thousands of years of epic history as you explore ancient castles and legendary landmarks, immerse yourself in a vibrant culture like no other, and embark on a mouthwatering culinary tour, from iconic fish & chips to famous street food markets. From legendary city streets to breathtaking sights, every single day is packed with exciting, hands-on discoveries that bring learning to life!
This is a one-time-only opportunity for students to explore the world with their closest friends while giving parents complete peace of mind. Don't let the chance pass you by!
How to Sign Up:
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Leonia High School is proud to announce that 17 members of the Class of 2027 have been named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. This national honor recognizes their exceptional academic promise.
The Leonia students join approximately 34,000 Commended Students nationwide. They placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, this distinction recognizes their strong academic ability and potential for success in college.
Each honoree will receive a Letter of Commendation from Leonia High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program.
Leonia High School celebrates the dedication and hard work of these 17 seniors, along with the teachers and families who have supported their academic growth. Their achievement is a source of pride for the entire school community.
Congratulations to our Commended Students on this outstanding recognition. We look forward to celebrating their continued accomplishments as they prepare for the next chapter of their education.
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Yesterday, Leonia DECA hosted DECA Day, giving members an opportunity to learn more about the organization, prepare for competitions, and strengthen their connections within the chapter. Students explored role-plays, competitive events, and the many opportunities available through DECA. Interactive activities throughout the day kept members engaged while building teamwork and a sense of community.
A highlight of the event was a panel of local business professionals who shared their career paths, described their daily responsibilities, and offered advice to students interested in business and related fields. Their insights provided valuable real-world perspectives that members can draw on as they prepare for competitions later this year. We thank our guest speakers for volunteering their time and sharing their experiences with our students.
DECA Day was a successful start to the year, helping members feel more informed, connected, and ready for the opportunities ahead. We look forward to seeing what Leonia DECA accomplishes this year!
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Latin 1 students brought mythology to life as they explored Greco-Roman deities! Through class discussions, students learned each deity’s Greek and Roman names, realm of power, and associated symbols and animals. They then selected a deity and created a drawing incorporating these details. Their artwork is now on display in the Latin classroom, showcasing their creativity and understanding of ancient mythology. |
Our STEM Academy students recently explored the possibilities of healthcare and life sciences during an engaging guest speaker event featuring two industry leaders.
Dr. Ita Duron, Executive Director of Global Strategies & Collaborations at MCPHS, shared guidance on educational and career paths for students interested in healthcare. She also introduced developments in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data science, highlighting opportunities in research labs, pharmaceuticals, and public health.
Dr. Timur Yusufzai, Executive Director of the Center for Life Sciences and founder of multiple research labs and startups, built on those ideas with insights into entrepreneurial research, industry trends, and the future of life science careers.
Thank you to both speakers for bringing their experiences and expertise to LHS! Opportunities like these help our students connect classroom learning to future possibilities as they discover their interests and plan their next steps.
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We are proud to recognize one of our LHS students, Eunice Hwang, for an outstanding achievement in the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s David McCullough Essay Prizes.
The competition received 765 submissions, and Eunice's essay was selected as one of just 23 finalists. A jury of distinguished historians reviewed the finalist essays and commended the quality of the research, writing, and historical analysis demonstrated in the work.
Being named a finalist among hundreds of submissions is an impressive accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work, scholarship, and writing skills of Eunice.
Congratulations on this well-deserved national recognition!
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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. |
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.
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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- 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
- November 3 - Delayed Opening for Students/Staff PD
- November 5/6 - NJEA Convention All Schools Closed
- November 12 - Academy Open House Grades 7/8
- November 13 - Homecoming Dance
- November 16 - LHS HSA Meeting 7PM
- November 19 - College Planning Night
- November 20 - Celebrating 250 Years: Through the Mists of Time-Washington's Retreat Reconsidered
- November 25 - Single Session Day
- November 26/27 - Thanksgiving Break All Schools Closed
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Come out and show your Lion Pride by supporting our LHS athletic teams! Click here to view the schedule and cheer on our Lions! |
Click to access the 26-27 Modified Rotating Block (MRB) Schedule. |
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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