Hawk Happenings

Our two Field Days were a big hit! Students in Pre-K through Grade 2 enjoyed one exciting day, while Grades 3–5 had their turn the next. Everyone had a blast participating in fun relays and enjoying delicious snacks provided by our amazing PTO. A huge thank you to Mr. C, Mr. Hodge, and our BHS volunteers for helping make these days such a success!

What an incredible show! The Steen School Talent Show highlighted the amazing talents of our very own Steen Hawks. From dancers and singers to musicians, gymnasts, and even magicians, our students truly impressed! Performers had the chance to showcase their skills for both their peers and families. A big round of applause to all who participated, and a special thank you to Ms. Skrnich for organizing such a fantastic event!

Our Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Bixby School! They toured their future classrooms, met new friends, spent time with Principal Ortiz, and participated in some fun and engaging activities. It was a wonderful way to help them feel comfortable and excited about this next step in their school journey!

A heartfelt thank you to our AMAZING Steen School PTO for making Teacher Appreciation Week so special! Throughout the week, our staff was showered with delicious food (homemade too!), thoughtful treats, and generous gifts. The Disney-themed celebration brought magic to every day, with breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and surprises that truly made our staff feel appreciated. Thank you for including our entire school community in the fun—we are so grateful for your kindness and support!

To add some extra excitement to Teacher Appreciation Week, Principal DeCongelio created a one-of-a-kind Teacher Appreciation Bingo Game! Each teacher received a unique Bingo board filled with hilarious and creative challenges—think popping into another classroom, striking a handstand, turning into a robot, freezing mid-sentence, singing a song, and more. To keep things interesting, the winning Bingo pattern changed daily, keeping everyone on their toes! The entire school—students and staff—had a blast watching the fun unfold. Congratulations to our lucky winners: Ms. Smith, Mrs. Silletti, and Mrs. Mawer!

A very special shoutout to our amazing school nurse, Mrs. Buonadonna! Thank you for all that you do to keep our students healthy, safe, and feeling their best every day. We appreciate your care, kindness, and dedication—today and always!

Ms. Hrabovsky and the BHS Math Club brought the fun to our Pre-K and Kindergarten students with an exciting visit! They set up interactive math activities on the playground that combined sports, movement, and learning. Our young learners had a blast playing the games while strengthening their math skills. We love opportunities for inter-school collaboration—thank you to BHS for making it such a special experience!

Our Kindergarten students had an unforgettable time on their field trip to Planet Playskool in Paramus! This brand-new creative play center featured exciting Hasbro-themed play areas that sparked imagination and exploration. From start to finish, our students loved every moment of hands-on fun and interactive play. What a fantastic day of adventure and learning!

Our second graders became real scientists during their exciting trip to the Liberty Science Center! They had an amazing time exploring the many hands-on exhibits and interactive activities the center has to offer. It was a fun-filled day of discovery, learning, and curiosity in action!

Our 5th Graders had an awesome time at the Bronx Zoo this month!

Our preschool students had a wonderful day on their field trip to Van Saun Park! They enjoyed seeing a variety of animals, playing on the playground, riding the train, and spinning on the carousel. With beautiful weather and lots of smiles, it was a perfect outing full of fun and exploration!

It was a beautiful day for a trip to the Turtle Back Zoo! Our first graders had a fantastic time getting up close and personal with the animals, especially the giraffe, who was a big favorite. A memorable day full of wonder and excitement for our young explorers!

"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

Kindergarten - Daliah Marin & Kamila Martinez

1st Grade - Dariel Urena Salce

2nd Grade - Ethan Marin & Liam Rosa Rodriguez

3rd Grade - Anailyssa Aguilar

4th Grade - Chanelly Inga & Ana Sofia Lopez Florez

5th Grade - Heily Terrero Alvares, Jansel Tavarez-Marte & Abdulmuiz Ahmodu

Staff - Mr. Charles Velez

Congratulations to our May Staff Member of the Month: Mr. Charles Velez! Mr. Velez joined our staff in November as one of our kindergarten teachers. He comes to work each day with a positive attitude and a desire to make learning fun! Mr. Velez has built strong rapport with his students and has created a welcoming classroom environment. He is a team player and is constantly collaborating with various other staff members. Mr. Velez is committed to being a lifelong learner and is always finding ways to grow his craft as an educator. Mr. Velez is up for any challenge that comes his way and enjoys being a problem solver! Prior to coming to Bogota, Mr. Velez taught 8th grade. His hobbies include video games, sports, Pokemon, and listening to music. We are so lucky to have him on our team. Congratulations Mr. Velez! Well deserved!

From Tuesday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 18, students will follow a single-session schedule. The last day of school is Wednesday, June 18.

• 6/10 - PreK Ceremony 10AM
• 6/12 - Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony 11:30AM
• 6/12 - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony 6PM
• 6/10-6/18 - Half Days (12:40 dismissal)
• 6/18 - Last Day of School

Spring is in the air (and so is pollen)! Many children experience symptoms of seasonal allergies including itchy / watery / red eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, and coughing. These symptoms can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from illnesses. Please consult with your child’s pediatrician to determine if your child is experiencing allergies and what treatment is most appropriate. It is often helpful for people who experience seasonal allergies to shower daily to remove pollen from their hair and to wash their hands and face (especially around the eyes and nose) after coming in from outside. A hat, sunglasses, and/or a mask can also help to reduce the amount of pollen that enters the eyes, nose, and mouth while outdoors. As a reminder, no medications, including eye drops, may be carried or administered in school without a signed order from your child’s doctor. If your child needs to remain indoors during gym and recess due to seasonal allergies, please notify the school and have your doctor write a letter indicating that it is necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Buonadonna, the School Nurse at 201-342-6446 x 3002 or jbuonadonna@bogotaboe.com.

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Location: 134 West Main Street, Bogota, NJ, USA
Phone: 201.342.6446