Superintendent's Corner Column

Cultivating Cultural Bridges

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.

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

We applaud your hard work and continued dedication to uphold the standards and pillars of these societies.

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.

Fair Lawn Schools Art Festival - New Date & Location!

Save the (new) date! We’re thrilled to announce the Fair Lawn Public Schools Art Festival has been rescheduled for May 5 - May 7 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. A district-wide celebration of creativity and expression, the show highlights our students' immense talents across various mediums. Feel free to stop by the opening night (runs from 6:30-8:00 p.m.) or swing through all three days - you don’t want to miss out on this longstanding and cherished school district tradition.

Ramapo College

Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership

2025 COHORT

Dear Fair Lawn Community,

The Fair Lawn Public Schools is thrilled to present a remarkable opportunity that aligns with our mission to advance education and support the professional growth of esteemed educators for learning, teaching, and leading.

We are excited to introduce the second-year partnership between Ramapo College and Fair Lawn Public Schools towards a Masters of Arts in Education Educational Leadership (MAEL), hosted in Fair Lawn. This program is designed to empower passionate educators like yourself to make a lasting impact through learning and leadership as you earn a NJ Principal and Supervisor Certificate.

Program Overview:

NJ Certificate of Eligibility for Principal (36 credits): Equipping you with the necessary credentials for principal roles.

Post-Masters NJ Supervisor Certificate Program (16 credits): Completion in Summer I & II for further career enhancement.

Cohort & Hybrid Model Classes: Taught by outstanding educational leaders in the Fair Lawn Public Schools, offering flexibility and convenience.

Accelerated Option: Complete your MA in just 2 years or accelerate it to 1 year, tailored to your needs.

Affordable & Flexible: Benefit from discounted tuition, tuition reimbursement, payment plans, and financial aid options to make your education accessible.

Next Steps:

The Ramapo College MAEL Program is a graduate master's program open to everyone.

If you are interested in this transformative opportunity, please complete the Google Form below to indicate your interest and to receive details about upcoming Information Sessions. Priority registration will be provided to Fair Lawn faculty and staff.

Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and excellence in education.

http://tinyurl.com/RamapoMAELCohort2025