10-22-2025

The Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Day was a successful event, including the participation of the Multi-Cultural Club, HHS Performing Arts Club, Dance Team (Ella Alberta & Faith Martinez), Spanish Club, Bear Cave, and numerous volunteers. Senior Jafet Saenz worked the Bear Cave swag sale throughout the entire event, and as a result, $160 was generated and delivered to the Bear Cave and Senior Kamila Castro was also exceptional.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped the Alberta family raise a generous donation for Tackle Kids Cancer.

Article and Photo Via TapInto Hawthorne:

At the Hawthorne High School (HHS) Homecoming football game at Allison King Field last Friday, October 10, 2025, the HHS graduating Class of 1970 presented the school with a commemorative plaque recognizing 55 years of support for the Mary Jo DeFranco Memorial Scholarship. In addition, the class members, who celebrated their 55th reunion over the weekend, also presented the school Student Council a check for $5,500 to be applied to this memorial scholarship in honor of their deceased classmate.

The candlelight award ceremony was held before the Bears Homecoming Football game at the classes’ tailgate. Pastor Howie Van Dyk opened the ceremony with a memorial prayer for Mary Jo and included recognition of all the HHS students who faced the challenges and persevered through the years to continue this scholarship. About 45 classmates and guests attended the event. John Phelps presented the plaque to Student Council Advisors, Danielle Russo and Bailey Hansen, while Class President Jim Van Orden presented the school representatives with the check, assisted by Linda Oppelaar VanHine and Phyllis Pompeo-Phelps. The leadership for the classes’ fundraising drive was provided by Peter Palko, President, and Walt Poremba, Vice President of the 1970 Student Council. Click here to read more.

• 11/4 - Election Day: Schools Closed for Students - Professional Day for Staff
• 11/6 & 11/7 - Schools Closed for NJEA Convention
• 11/12 & 11/13 & 11/14 - K-5 Parent Conferences - Early Dismissal K-5 ONLY
• 11/26 - One Session Day
• 11/27 & 11/28 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

• 10/23 - Band Pasta Dinner
• 10/24 - Spirit Day RES
• 10/24 - Spirit Day WES
• 10/24 - Hispanic Celebration HHS
• 10/24 - Halloween Dance JES
• 10/24 - Halloween Dance LMS
• 10/25 - Trunk or Treat WES
• 10/27 - Teddy Roosevelt's Birthday!
• 10/30 - Laps for Lincoln LMS
• 10/31 - Halloween Parade JES
• 10/31 - Halloween Parade WES
• 10/31 - Halloween Parade RES
• 11/17 - Elective Expo HHS
• 11/21 - Turkey Trot JES
• 11/21 - Spirit Day WES
• 11/24 - Fall Sports Awards HHS

📅Tuesday, November 11, 2025

🕒6:30pm

📍Washington Elementary School Gym

Click here to download Washington ML Parent Engagement Night flyer

📅Thursday, November 20, 2025

🕒6:30pm

📍Roosevelt Elementary School Gym

Click here to download Roosevelt ML Parent Engagement Night flyer

The Week of Respect, organized by our guidance counselor, Miss Strom, was a school-wide celebration promoting kindness, inclusion, and positive behavior. Each day featured a themed message shared during morning announcements to inspire students to practice respect in their words and actions. Throughout the week, students took an anti-bullying pledge, committing to help create a safe and supportive school community. The week culminated in a creative, school-wide activity where students used sidewalk chalk to write uplifting messages and draw pictures that expressed respect, kindness, and self-love. Thanks to Miss Strom’s thoughtful planning, the week provided meaningful opportunities for students to reflect on how they can show empathy and care toward others—and themselves.

Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students had an exciting visit from the firefighters of Hawthorne Engine 4! The children loved learning about fire safety, meeting our brave firefighters who keep our community safe, and exploring the firetruck up close. A big thank-you to our local heroes for an unforgettable and educational experience!

Our Roughriders did an amazing job showing respect this week! We dressed to impress, were kind to one another, and celebrated our differences. Students stood up against bullying and showed their Roughrider pride in every way! This must be the place — Go Roughriders!

Two classes, one awesome collaboration! Mrs. Diorio’s and Mrs. Casey’s students are building social skills through fun, respect-themed activities! Go Roughriders!

Our Wildcats participated in a school-wide activity where students used chalk to creatively express positive affirmations that encourage respect, kindness, and self-love.

Thank you to the Hawthorne Fire Department for coming to teach Washington School all about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week! Here is Ms. Rossi's class learning about the fire trucks!

Den Day at Lincoln Middle School is a special time for students in grades 6 through 8 to come together, build new friendships, and strengthen their sense of teamwork and community. During this Den Day, students listened to the Tyler Clementi Upstander Declaration and signed a pledge to be upstanders, standing up for kindness, inclusion, and respect. They also created colorful “Upstander Arrows” to symbolize their commitment. In part two of the day, each den painted a collaborative canvas and wrote I AM statements to highlight the positive qualities every member brings not only to their den, but to Lincoln Middle School, the Hawthorne community, and beyond.

Lincoln Middle School was honored to host Chief Joseph ole Tipanko of the Maasai Tribe of Kenya for a special student assembly. Students and staff were excited to learn about and experience the rich traditions and culture of the Maasai people.

During the presentation, Chief Joseph shared how the Maasai community works to preserve its centuries-old heritage while adapting to the challenges of modern society. He also spoke about the great qualities of a leader as well as the food, education, clothing and life of the Maasai people.

To support these efforts, Chief Joseph sold handmade jewelry and art during student lunches, with proceeds going toward water and education projects for the Maasai people. In addition, the LMS Student Council hosted a pretzel sale and proudly donated more than $400 to help fund these important initiatives.

Ms. Abaza shared, "Our Broadcasting 1 students have officially wrapped up their very first editing project, and we couldn’t be more proud! After diving into a challenging introduction to our editing software and a hands-on camera lesson, these students put their new skills to the test in a creative Scavenger Hunt Project. They were tasked with capturing footage using proper techniques, following a camera shot list, and editing it all together in a way that reflected their personal style and vibe, for the very first time! It was amazing to see their creativity shine through.

Each project was unique and showed just how much they’ve learned in a short amount of time. Click to see the awesome student example from the project: Video Scavenger Hunt First Editing Project

Check out more on our YouTube channel@BearsBroadcasting! And be sure to follow us for more student work dropping soon.

You can also keep up with us on Instagram@bearsbroadcasting for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more Broadcasting highlights!

Way to go, Broadcasting 1, you crushed it!"

Ms. Abaza shared, "While our Broadcasting 2 students are busy with pre-production for the Hawthorne Show and the upcoming Fall Highlight Reel, they took a fun break to capture some exciting moments from our amazing Spirit Week! Our talented students and staff went all out with creative costumes and spirited energy, making this week one to remember. Thanks to our Broadcasting 2 crew, you can now enjoy a glimpse of all the vibrant outfits and enthusiastic participation. Check out the Spirit Week footage here!

Stay tuned for more updates as the Hawthorne Show and Fall Highlight Reel come to life!

Hawthorne High School Boys and Girls soccer will be hosting a Pink Out for survivors of breast cancer in conjunction with Midland Park soccer teams on Saturday Oct. 18. The boys play at 10am with a ceremony to honor those survivors to follow and prior to the girls game at 12pm.

Congratulations to Damian DelValle on being named NJIC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3/3 on extra points and hitting a 30 yard field goal which proved to be the difference in the Bears 24-20 win over Saddle Brook

Congratulations to our Volleyball Team as they won their 1st round County Tournament match with Eastern Christian.

Axel and Logan Steyling

This month, we’re proud to shine our Student Spotlight on Axel and Logan Steyling, our terrific first-grade twins! Axel and Logan are two of the most hardworking, respectful, and kind students at Jefferson School. They bring positivity and enthusiasm to everything they do—whether it’s helping a classmate, lending a hand to a teacher, or giving their best effort in the classroom.

Their teachers describe them as thoughtful, friendly, and always willing to help others. Both boys set a wonderful example for their peers through their strong work habits and genuine love of learning. In addition to their classroom achievements, Axel and Logan are known for their great manners, athleticism, and the kindness they show to everyone around them.

Jefferson School is lucky to have such outstanding students—keep up the great work, Axel and Logan!

Jaxon Alcoser

Jaxon recently was recognized by Mrs. Drexler for showing good character at Roosevelt School. He loves playing soccer, tennis, kickball, and swimming. He enjoys art and traveling as well! His older brother Gabriel is in 8th grade at LMS and they have two pet frogs named Squirt and Squiggles. His favorite Roosevelt School memory is the Harlem Wizards game.

Dayana Benitez Rodriguez

Dayana has been chosen by her teacher because she is always respectful to all teachers and her friends! Respect Month is the perfect time to recognize Dayana! We are so proud of you!

Kadynce Bailey

Kadynce shows respect in the way she carries herself. She is composed and considerate of those around her. She is a hard-working, dedicated student and a kind, caring friend. Kadynce cheers for the Cubs and is considering joining the LMS track team this year. Her favorite part of coming to school is seeing everyone and having the chance to connect with friends and classmates each day. Kadynce is being recognized for consistently demonstrating respect and setting a positive example for others at Lincoln Middle School.

Connor Arabia

Connor Arabia (pictured on the left) is a senior at HHS who has taken on multiple leadership roles in the music program. He currently serves as the Drum Major for the Marching Bears and volunteers as a teacher’s assistant in Mr. Franklin’s Music Technology class, a course he previously completed. Connor has been creating music since the age of four and continues to apply his skills through advanced coursework and support for his peers.

Beyond the classroom, Connor is a professional go-kart racer known as CJ Arabia on the track. He balances his love of racing with a strong commitment to music, currently enrolled in AP Music Theory and composing his own original pieces, one of which was featured in last year’s Spring Concert, with another planned for this year. Looking ahead, Connor hopes to pursue a career as a professional driver in Formula 1 or IndyCar while studying Music Technology in college. His creativity, leadership, and drive truly make him a standout member of the Class of 2026.

Saturday, October 25th 6pm - 8pm

828 Lafayette Ave, corner of Goffle Road

Family Friendly - Open to all residents

Entrance is Free!

All ages K - 8th

No equipment required

All experience levels welcome

Saturday, October 25th, 10am - 12pm WAG 1 Baseball Field

Click HERE to register!

Attention K - 5th Grade!

2nd and 4th Thursdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Check out the schedule for Hawthorne Boys & Girls Club: Athletics, Social Recreation, Teen Programs and more!

Click on the links or flyers below:

• Basketball Night (High School Event) - October 24 Join us for Basketball Night on Friday, October 24, 2025. All high school youth members and non-members are invited! Pre-register and hold your spot today! This is a free event! Hope to see you there!

• Youth Basketball League - Registration is now open for our Youth Basketball League (3rd-8th grade). Drafts begin the week of 11/24

Registration for Hawthorne Jr Wresting 2025-2026 will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6pm - 8pm at Franklin Field (Cubs Den) adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club.

Email hawthornewrestingling@gmail.com for more information