April 4, 2025
“Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions.” Paulo Coelho
What a vibrant few weeks it’s been across our schools! From the colorful celebrations at Radburn’s Mexican Culture Day (where yes, I can confirm grasshoppers do taste like chicken!) to our Honor Society inductions recognizing academic excellence, our students continue to embrace diverse experiences.
Our CTE students gained valuable industry insights during their visit to Doka, where FLHS alum Nicole Childs reminded them to “keep an open mind and a willingness to learn.” Meanwhile, our district-wide Wellness Day brought moments of insight and rejuvenation through a variety of activities.
Finally, mark your calendars for our rescheduled Art Festival, May 5-7 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. This cherished tradition showcases our students’ remarkable talents across various media, and I hope to see you at this celebration of creativity.
Building bridges between cultures, careers, and communities remains at the heart of our educational mission. These experiences help our students develop not just as scholars, but as understanding, well-rounded individuals prepared for our diverse world.
We applaud your hard work and continued dedication to uphold the standards and pillars of these societies.
All my best,
Dr. Rui Dionisio
Superintendent of Schools
Student Leaders Blossom at Honor Society Inductions
A season traditionally seen as a time of growth and new beginnings, spring is also when FLHS students emerge as newfound leaders. Throughout late-February and March, 10 Honor Societies held their induction ceremonies, welcoming a cadre of new students into the fold.
Congratulations to all the new members of the:
- National Honor Society
- Hispanic National Honor Society
- Chinese National Honor Society
- French National Honor Society
- Science National Honor Society
- Math National Honor Society
- National English Honor Society
- Social Studies Honor Society
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
- Art Honor Society
Radburn Culture Day – ¡Viva México!
A fiesta for the ages, Radburn Elementary students recently celebrated their annual Culture Day, with this year’s pick taking the school on a journey through the colorful cultures and states of Mexico. While a mariachi band serenaded students in the multi-purpose room, parents were hand-mashing guacamole and highlighting traditions behind popular holidays like Dia de los Muertos. I even had the opportunity to snack on chapulines (edible grasshoppers) as they are considered a delicacy in parts of Mexico. I can attest – they absolutely taste like chicken.
Kudos to Radburn’s PTA for planning and putting on the full-day festival, their largest of the school year.
High School CTE Classes Visit International Construction Company, Meet Fair Lawn Alum
Fair Lawn High School students enrolled in our Design Technology, Finance, and Global Supply Chain CTE courses got an invaluable lesson last week as they took a trip to Doka’s US headquarters in Kenilworth. IT Coach Jen Lubonski tells us the group got up close and personal with industry experts at the international construction supply company, each providing insight and real-world application of what they’re studying in the classroom.
Big thanks to Doka employee & FLHS Class of 2014 alum Nicole (Pisacane) Childs who took time out of her day to meet up and talk more about the company. Passing along some words of wisdom, Nicole says, “We are a niche market, which will undoubtedly apply to what you are learning. If you don’t like this one, there are millions of others out there. You need experiences; keep an open mind and a willingness to learn and you will be successful.”
Wellness Day Brings Smiles to Staff & Students Alike
“The body is like a piano, and happiness is like music. It is needful to have the instrument in good order.” Henry Ward Beecher
What a joy it was to once again put on our annual Wellness Day across all schools. During the last professional development day, students and staff alike took part in activities that eased the mind, piqued curiosity, or were just plain fun! From a variety of activities, including yoga with therapy dogs, we’re happy our Wellness Coordinators were able to set up successful workshops that were personally tailored to each school’s interests and personality.
Read more in the Superintendent’s Corner Column here.
