Hawk Happenings
November 2025 Edition
November Recap
November was a busy and meaningful month at Steen School, marked by community engagement, fundraising success, and continued academic progress. We kicked off with our successful Gertrude Hawk fundraiser, proudly congratulating Ms. Gorrin’s and Mrs. Sanchez’s classes for raising the most money, earning them a special PTO-sponsored pizza and cupcake party. Community spirit continued with our Pajama Dress Down Day on November 25, where students came to school cozy, while their donations supported our fifth grade. Despite the shorter schedule, students remained focused, making excellent academic strides through hands-on activities and classroom collaboration, before wrapping up the month with a single-session day on November 26 and enjoying a well-deserved Thanksgiving break. November was full of warmth and hard work, and we eagerly anticipate all that December will bring.
Veteran's Day!
In a meaningful act of service, the Student Council dedicated a portion of their November meeting to honoring our nation's heroes by placing flags outside Steen School. This heartfelt tribute was a way for the entire school community to express profound gratitude to the Veterans who have so bravely and selflessly served, recognizing their courage, sacrifice, and the fundamental freedoms they protect.
Student Council- Red Ribbon Week
The Steen School Student Council took a wonderful step toward promoting health and growth by planting daffodils in honor of Red Ribbon Week. These bulbs symbolize hope, growth, and our shared commitment to making positive, healthy choices throughout the year. We look forward to seeing them bloom this spring!
Gertrude Hawk Winners!
A huge round of applause and congratulations to Ms. Gorrin’s class and Mrs. Sanchez’s class!
These two classes raised the most money during our Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser and have earned themselves a well-deserved PTO-sponsored pizza and cupcake party!
Great job showing off that Steen Hawk spirit!
Turkey Disguise
Mrs. Breiner’s 4th grade class proudly showing off their completed Turkey Disguise projects 🦃🎨
So much creativity, effort, and fun on display—great work, everyone! 👏✨
Kindness Counts
The Student Council's popular Kindness Confetti initiative is back and going strong this year!
This program celebrates students who are "caught" performing an act of kindness without being prompted. When students demonstrate this selfless behavior, their name is written on a colorful piece of "confetti," which is then proudly displayed in the main hallway for all to see.
At the end of the month, these exemplary students are recognized over the loudspeaker and presented with a certificate.
Congratulations to all of our recent Kindness Confetti recipients for making Steen School a kinder place!
Show your Spirit
Introducing our NEW Spirit Wear Site!
Same great prices, now with monthly delivery for fewer delays and easier ordering. Show your Steen pride and shop today! Click the photo to order directly.
Student Hawks of the Month
"Hawk of the Month Recognition Program." This program is designed to "spotlight" students who bring positive energy to our school. They are uplifting, positive, hard-working, kind, etc. students who are always trying to help, care for others, be a good friend, etc.
Each month staff are given the opportunity to select a student who exemplifies one or more of the characteristics and/or traits outlined below:
- Participates in clubs, extracurricular activities, sports, and/or events and acts as a leader or team player.
- Works hard in class (regardless of grades) to be their best student.
- Consistently demonstrates maturity and is a positive role model.
- Behavior regularly reflects above and beyond what is expected of a student.
- Any other reason you think they should be recognized!!
Hawk Students of the Month
3rd Grade - Patrick Beaumont, Crisly Elias Urizar, Jerman Huerta Benavides
4th Grade - Daenerys Menendez, Sophie Nunez, Junir Soliman, Genesis Aguilar Barrientos, Jaxon Vazquez
5th Grade - Mya Castro Ramirez, Caiden Villatoro
Staff - Mrs. BuonaDonna
Staff Hawk of the Month - Mrs. BuonaDonna
For our staff HAWK of the month, we are delighted to honor this incredible staff member this month. This person is an unwavering foundation of health and wellness in our building. She consistently gives 200% to our students and staff, running an in-demand office that serves as our one-stop shop for everything from routine medication to unexpected emergencies. The volume of care she provides is remarkable; she manages a constant "revolving door" of every symptom imaginable, often working through her breaks to ensure every patient is seen and treated.
Her dedication does not go unnoticed. Colleagues praise her work ethic and compassion: One says "This staff member has a really important job that I think sometimes is easy to go unnoticed. We send students down to her when they're not feeling well, but we don't see the exceptional care they are receiving. She is ready to heal, and she treats every person that walks through her door—student, teacher, or any adult—with kindness and patience. She is so appreciated!"
Another teacher notes, "If I ever have to send a student to the nurse, I know they are in great hands! She meets each student with care, kindness, and patience. She’s been great to work with and even provided support to me personally, which I deeply appreciated."
So we say Thank you for your commitment to keeping our entire community safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Congratulations to our Staff Hawk of the Month, Nurse B!
PTO Corner
Upcoming Events
- 12/1- PTO Meeting (7PM)
- 12/23- Single Session
- 12/24- 1/2- Winter Break
- 1/5/26- Return to School
Nurse's Corner
Here are a few friendly reminders to help keep everyone feeling their best:
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Handwashing: Encourage your child to wash hands regularly—especially before eating and after using the restroom.
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Rest & Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and healthy meals support learning and immunity.
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Illness: If your child feels unwell, please keep them home and notify the school so we can support their recovery and protect other students.
Birthdays: ONLY treats labeled as nut free/made in a nut free factory will be allowed in school. We have severe nut allergies. Thank you for your understanding.
Lillian M. Steen School
Facebook: Lillian M Steen Elementary School Bogota NJ
Instagram: lmsteenschoolBogota
Location: 134 West Main Street, Bogota, NJ, USA
Phone: 201.342.6446