This winter, students from across the district convened to celebrate the winter season through music in a series of joyful and well-attended Winter Concerts. The events showcased the creativity, dedication, and talent of students in Kindergarten through sixth grade, reflecting the incredible work of our music educators.

The concerts featured a wide variety of performances. The fifth and sixth grade band, under the direction of Mr. Kubowicz, impressed audiences with several winter-themed medleys. The wind, percussion and bass ensembles performed individual selections before joining forces as a full band to play festive favorites like “Frosty the Snowman” and the soulful “Blue Mood.”

Led by Ms. Connolly, the fifth and sixth grade chorus brought charm and energy to the stage with their performances of “Ugly Sweater” and “Winter Song,” adding humor and warmth to the program.

Students in general music classes also took center stage under the direction of Mr. Scott Burzynski and Ms. Emily Chen, presenting engaging grade-level performances that incorporated recorders, handheld percussion instruments, visual props, and lively singing. Every student, from the youngest Kindergartners to the upper grades, had an opportunity to perform and contribute to the concert’s success.

A highlight of the program included stunning performances by the Orff Ensemble, Band, and Chorus, each demonstrating a high level of musical skill and preparation. Special thanks go to Mr. Gorin and Ms. Bernal for their ongoing support of the district’s instrumental and choral programs.

The annual Winter Concert, co-hosted by Mr. Burzynski and Ms. Chen, also included students from several classes from the district’s LLD program. The inclusive nature of the concert and the enthusiastic performances created a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.

On the morning of March 31, 2025, the auditorium at Kearny High School came alive with the sound of music during the district’s first-ever Vocal Extravaganza — a showcase of student talent, collaboration, and the arts.

Students from across the district gathered to perform in a supportive and spirited environment. Each participating school had the opportunity to take the stage and showcase one or two vocal pieces, delighting the audience with a range of musical styles and impressive performances. The energy was uplifting, with students cheering each other on and celebrating their shared love of music.

KHS Choral Director Owen Seaver opened the event with a vocal warm-up, offering students a glimpse into the techniques used in the high school choral program. This collective start set the tone for a morning filled with enthusiasm and connection.

A particularly memorable moment came when students joined together for a group performance accompanied by Mr. Scott Burzynski on Kearny High School’s historic Skinner organ. The powerful sound of the organ, paired with the voices of students singing in harmony, filled the auditorium and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of music educators Yulema Bernal, Scott Burzynski, Milly Gonzalez, Amy Connelly, and Owen Seaver. Their commitment to music education was evident in every detail of the performance.

Kearny schools students and staff enthusiastically celebrated Read Across America Week — a nationwide initiative that promotes a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages.

Throughout the week, classrooms were transformed into hubs of creativity and literary exploration. Students showed their enthusiasm by dressing up as their favorite book characters, from beloved storybook heroes to classic literary icons. Hallways and classrooms were filled with colorful costumes and smiling faces, all paying tribute to the books that inspire and delight.

In addition to character day, students embarked on book-themed scavenger hunts, using their literacy skills to search for clues and discover new titles along the way. The engaging activity turned reading into a playful adventure, reinforcing comprehension skills and encouraging curiosity.

One of the most cherished moments of the week was cozy reading time, where students grabbed their flashlights, found a comfy spot, and curled up with a good book. These quiet, reflective moments emphasized the personal joy that comes from getting lost in a great story.

Adding to the excitement, schools welcomed mystery readers—surprise guests including staff members, community leaders, and even family members—who popped into classrooms to share their favorite books. These visits helped build excitement around storytelling and modeled the importance of reading for pleasure.

The week-long celebration served as a meaningful reminder that reading is not only fundamental, but also fun, social, and empowering. Through creative activities and community participation, our schools are continuing to foster a culture of literacy and a deep love of reading among all students.

This winter, Kearny’s elementary schools marked an important milestone in the school year — the 80th, 90th, and 100th days of learning! To celebrate the academic and social growth of our students, schools across the district hosted themed spirit days and engaging classroom activities that blended fun with learning.

At Franklin and Garfield, students transported everyone to the past by dressing up in 100-year-old fashions, complete with suspenders, spectacles, canes, and gray hair wigs. Classrooms were filled with centenarian-style students joyfully participating in math, writing, and art activities centered around the number 100.

Meanwhile, Roosevelt and Washington Schools turned up the nostalgia with '80s and '90s dress-up days. Students and staff came dressed in neon colors, denim jackets, scrunchies, and vintage band tees, bringing iconic decades back to life while celebrating 80 and 90 days of learning with music, games, and lessons inspired by the eras.

Over at Schuyler School, third graders “glowed to grow” during a special glowstick-themed event that celebrated their academic progress and bright futures. Classes around the building joined in the fun with hands-on learning experiences related to the number 100 — from counting and patterning activities to STEM challenges and art projects.

These themed days were a creative and joyful way to recognize the hard work of students and teachers throughout the year. With each day of school, our Kardinals grow smarter, stronger, and more confident, and these celebrations were a perfect way to honor their continued progress.

Kudos to all of our Kearny students and staff for making the first 100 days of school unforgettable!

Kearny High School successfully hosted its first ever Career Fair, providing students with a valuable opportunity to explore diverse career pathways. The event featured over 50 career opportunities, including local self-employed businesses, vocational and trade schools, community colleges, and civil service organizations. Students engaged with industry professionals, allowing them invaluable insights into various fields and potential career paths. The event fostered meaningful interactions and informed decision-making for students as they plan for their futures.

4th and 5th Grade Students participated in "A Day of Computing" at Montclair State University. The workshop offered interactive and engaging STEM based activities, ranging from Robotics to Coding.

The Kearny School District is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students from Roosevelt Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Garfield School at this year’s Hudson County STEM Showcase and NJIT eSTEM Competition. Their creativity, innovation, and dedication to STEM learning were on full display!

At Roosevelt Elementary, Declan Coleman explored the fascinating properties of Oobleck, while Eian Veiga investigated natural water filtration in his project, Hydro Clean. Meanwhile, Savannah Rusek, Amelia Azurdia, and Sophia DeRay crafted healthier, naturally flavored gummy bears in Sweet and Safe.

Lincoln Middle School students showcased their tech skills with the 3D Benchmark Battle, a project testing computer performance for animation, while a team of sixth graders from Garfield School took on the NJIT Elementary eSTEM Challenge.

Garfield School’s young engineers impressed the judges by developing a pet harness with a rain sensor to aid in natural disaster response. Their hard work earned them Third Place in Device Design and Third Place Overall against 29 competing schools!

The district extends heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated advisors: Mrs. Nolan, Mrs. Galella, Ms. Curry, and Mrs. Patty Hester-Fearon, as well as our coordinator: Instructional Supervisor Mrs. Crisatlli, for guiding our young scientists and engineers.

Congratulations to all our students for their inspiring achievements!

Kearny High School students had the opportunity to reflect and rejuvenate at the annual American Heart Association Wellness Fair, led by District Supervisor of Physical Education and Health Mrs. Pais-Sotelo. The Fair offered the opportunity for our high school students to meet with local community leaders specializing in mental health and wellness support and the prevention of substance abuse.

Our local and high school organizations set up booths around the gymnasium promoting a healthier lifestyle for all of our students. From fitness and nutrition experts, to mental health advocates, and even our renowned KHS Gaming Club, all of our participants were eager to share strategies for a positive and healthy lifestyle. Their presence underscored the importance of building strong connections between schools and local support systems, ensuring students know where to turn when they need help or encouragement.

Held in the KHS gymnasium, the fair brought together a vibrant mix of local organizations, high school clubs, and health professionals. Booths were arranged throughout the space, each offering resources, activities, and conversations centered on living a healthier lifestyle. From tips on fitness and balanced nutrition to guidance on managing stress and preventing substance abuse, the fair was a hub of valuable information and support.

To keep the conversation going beyond the event, a dedicated website has been launched featuring resources, photos, and ways to stay engaged with health and wellness year-round. Visit our Wellness Fair webpage, linked below, to learn more and stay connected.

The annual AHA Wellness Fair continues to be a favorite tradition at Kearny High School, encouraging students to take charge of their own well-being and to explore all aspects of a balanced, healthy life. Mrs. Pais-Sotelo’s leadership in bringing this meaningful event to life once again served as a reminder of the district’s commitment to whole-child wellness—mind, body, and heart.

From March 24–28, 2025, Kearny’s elementary schools came together to celebrate Wellness Week, a district-wide initiative led by the District Coordinator of Health and Wellness, Jennifer Mead, M.Ed., BS, RN, CSN. Designed to foster mindfulness, connection, and healthy habits, the week offered a meaningful experience in wellness and mental health awareness for students and staff alike.

Throughout the week, students at Franklin, Garfield, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Schuyler, and Washington Elementary Schools engaged in daily mindfulness activities, such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, aimed at improving focus and reducing stress. The initiative also introduced a homework-free week, giving families more time to enjoy outdoor play, game nights, cooking together, and reading.

Special events brought each school together as a community. During “Chalk the Walk,” students decorated sidewalks with messages of gratitude. Recognition Walls at each building filled with colorful notes of appreciation created a culture of kindness. The “Walk Around the Block” event encouraged everyone to connect with nature and one another.

Grade-level assemblies included visits from health professionals for PreK-K, a heartwarming reading of Karli and the Star of the Week for grades 1–3, and wellness talks on portion control and healthy nutritional choices for grades 4–6.

Evenings featured wellness classes for families, including yoga and relaxation sessions that fostered mindfulness beyond the school day.

Wellness Week was a powerful reminder of how school communities can prioritize well-being. Kearny’s elementary schools truly embodied the spirit of care, connection, and community—laying the groundwork for healthier habits and happier learners.

District music teachers Yulema Bernal, Milagros Gonzalez, and Owen Seaver proudly represented our schools at the American Young Voices workshop with Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated conductor and composer Francisco Núñez. This incredible opportunity prepares their students for the highly anticipated concert in June. Additionally, talented young voices from Lincoln Middle School, Roosevelt School, and Schuyler School were featured at the event. The workshop provided valuable insights and inspiration, ensuring a memorable performance for all involved. Our students and educators were thrilled to be part of this magical musical experience.

Franklin’s Pre-K 4 students recently dove into an exciting and educational unit of study focused on a place full of everyday wonder and valuable life lessons: the grocery store! This theme is part of the larger preschool curriculum that helps young learners make sense of the world around them by exploring familiar community spaces through imaginative play and hands-on learning.

The grocery store unit offered a perfect blend of academic, social, and practical skills development. Through engaging lessons, students learned about the many roles people play in running a grocery store, from stock clerks and cashiers to bakers and shoppers. They explored how food gets to the shelves, what kinds of goods can be found in different aisles, and how people make choices based on needs, preferences, and budgets.

The highlight of the unit was the grand opening of Franklin’s Grocery Store, a student-created marketplace. The space was transformed with shelves, shopping carts, a checkout area, and a bakery section. Children took on a variety of roles: they greeted each other as customers, scanned items and handed out receipts at the register, bagged groceries with care, and even pretended to bake cookies in their very own pretend bakery.

In addition to dramatic play, the students practiced important early literacy and math skills by writing shopping lists, identifying food labels, cutting out coupons, and categorizing items by type and quantity. These activities not only supported academic growth but also fostered independence, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Through this fun and immersive experience, Pre-K 4 students developed a deeper understanding of their community and built foundational life skills such as communication, organization, money awareness, and turn-taking.

We are so proud of our youngest learners and the creativity and joy they brought to Franklin’s Grocery Store. This memorable unit is just one example of how play-based learning builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning and practical knowledge.

We extend our sincere appreciation to music teachers Denise Mitchell and Amy Connolly for leading our PreK students in their debut musical performance. The farm-themed showcase, Let’s Make “MOOsic!”, featured interactive musical arrangements celebrating farm animals and rural life. Dressed in charming farm attire, our youngest learners captivated their peers with enthusiastic and heartfelt performances.

Garfield School was proud to welcome the Superstar Character Academy for a dynamic and engaging assembly experience designed to promote positive character development among students. All students and teachers in grades K–6 participated in the interactive event, which focused on key values including honesty, respect, fairness, and leadership.

The program, based on "7 Habits of Happy Kids: The Leader in Me" by Sean Covey, provided students with practical strategies for making responsible choices and becoming positive leaders in their school community. Through interactive lessons, energetic presentations, and relatable examples, the assembly encouraged students to reflect on their personal behavior and how it impacts those around them.

Garfield School remains committed to fostering a culture of character, respect, and leadership, and the Superstar Character Academy provided a meaningful and memorable opportunity to reinforce those values.

Garfield School Engineers took on the challenge of designing a device to improve natural disaster preparedness, response, or recovery, and their innovative solution earned them two medals and a trophy at NJIT’s Elementary STEM Competition!

Using the Engineering Design Process, students had just seven weeks to complete their prototype. Inspired by a story about two dogs lost during Hurricane Katrina, they focused on how pets are affected during disasters. Their solution and collaborative efforts resulted in a 3D-printed pet harness equipped with a rain sensor that triggers an alarm when wet and displays the owner’s phone number on a Microbit LED screen.

To bring their idea to life, students learned how to code the Microbit, wire the rain sensor, create 3D models using Tinkercad, and document their progress in an Engineer’s Logbook. They met weekly—often during lunch, recess, and after school—with guidance from teacher coaches Ms. Curry and Mrs. Hester-Fearon, and NJIT mentor Isabella Arias. Their commitment to testing and improving their design paid off.

If given more time, the team shared plans to add a fan to dry the sensor, a louder speaker for the alarm, and a waterproof cover for the harness.

Competing against 29 schools, the Garfield School Engineers proudly represented Kearny School District and brought home Third Place in Device Design and Third Place Overall. Congratulations to Izaabeth, Agustin, Gabriella, Noah, Thierry, and Victoria for their incredible achievements!

Throughout the month of February, Roosevelt School students and staff came together to spread warmth and kindness through a school-wide Pajama Drive, led by teacher Nicole Alessandra. With a spirit of generosity and community, the drive collected brand-new pajamas to benefit patients at Clara Maass Medical Center.

Thanks to the incredible altruism and determination of our Roosevelt community, the school successfully donated 110 pairs of pajamas to the hospital. The pajamas will bring comfort and a sense of home to patients receiving care, many of whom will greatly appreciate the thoughtful gift during their stay.

This annual event has become a cherished tradition at Roosevelt, showcasing the compassionate hearts of our students and their commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom. Each year, the Pajama Drive reminds us that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on others' lives.

We are proud of our students, families, and staff for once again coming together to support such a meaningful cause. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Alessandra for her leadership and to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Pajama Drive a tremendous success!

Roosevelt School students celebrated the spirit of growth and community on Friday, April 25th with a memorable Arbor Day event. Sixth graders, joined by their teachers, Principal Moyano, and Superintendent Encarnacao, teamed up with the Kearny Department of Public Works (DPW) to plant trees around the school neighborhood, helping to make Roosevelt greener — one tree at a time! 🌳

The event was part of a broader initiative led by the Kearny DPW, which is working throughout the community to raise ecological awareness through outreach programs in local schools. By engaging students directly, the DPW hopes to inspire the next generation to take an active role in caring for the environment and understanding the importance of sustainability.

Roosevelt’s sixth graders were eager and excited to participate in the ceremonial tree planting. Shovels in hand, they worked alongside DPW staff and school leaders, learning firsthand about the impact trees have on the environment — from improving air quality to providing habitats for local wildlife. The experience gave students a sense of pride and responsibility, knowing they were making a lasting contribution to their community.

This Arbor Day celebration highlighted the power of collaboration between schools and community organizations and underscored the importance of environmental stewardship. Roosevelt School is proud to support opportunities that connect students with real-world issues and encourage them to be active, thoughtful citizens.

A big thank you to the Kearny DPW for their partnership and to our amazing sixth graders for their enthusiasm and hard work!

Excitement filled the air at Schuyler School as our PreK 3 classes hosted their first-ever Balloon Car Derby. This special event was a wonderful opportunity for our youngest learners to explore basic science concepts, practice their fine motor skills, and most importantly, have fun with their families.

In preparation for the big day, students worked together to create colorful "roads" using sidewalk chalk, which set the perfect scene for their balloon-powered car races. They eagerly welcomed their parents into the fun, inviting them to assist in launching the cars and cheering on the racers.

To celebrate their racing success, students received special temporary racing tattoos, adding an extra layer of excitement and pride to the day.

Events like the Balloon Car Derby highlight the importance of hands-on, interactive learning in early childhood education and demonstrate the powerful role family engagement plays in student success. We are so proud of our PreK 3 students for their creativity, enthusiasm, and teamwork — and we can't wait to see what they "race" toward next!

A huge thank you to our PreK 3 teachers and families for making this inaugural event a memorable experience for everyone involved!

As part of the Kearny School District's ongoing Family Engagement Night series, Schuyler School families came together to celebrate the rich diversity of our community through a special event: United in Diversity.

This meaningful evening provided our families with the opportunity to honor their respective heritages by sharing personal stories, traditions, and experiences that have shaped who they are. Together, families created beautiful family trees, decorated cultural flags representing their backgrounds, and crafted unity bracelets as symbols of connection and togetherness.

The event served as a powerful reminder that while we each bring unique histories and traditions, we are united as one school community. Thank you to all the families who participated and helped make this celebration of culture, identity, and unity so special!

As part of the Kearny School District's ongoing Family Engagement Night series, Washington School families came together to enjoy a heartwarming and creative craft night. With markers, scissors, and paper in tow, our families shared smiles and made memories while gluing and glittering their spring-themed crafts including Sand Art and Rain Makers. The smiles were wide, the crafts were colorful, and the memories made are sure to be everlasting.

Washington School lit up with excitement as students in the LLD (Language and Learning Disabilities) program enjoyed a vibrant and engaging Glow Social — a sensory-friendly celebration filled with fun, creativity, and skill-building.

The event featured a wide variety of hands-on activities designed to support student development while creating a joyful, inclusive atmosphere. Students rotated through engaging stations including crown-making, painting, car racing, temporary tattoos, and STEM challenges, all set under glow-in-the-dark lighting that added an extra layer of excitement. The celebration concluded with a lively dance party, where students had the chance to express themselves through movement and music.

Each activity was intentionally designed to help students strengthen communication, pragmatic (social interaction), fine motor, and gross motor skills — all while having a blast with their peers and teachers.

A special thank you goes out to the LLD6 Snack Shop, whose sponsorship helped make the event possible. Their support contributed to an unforgettable day for students, filled with fun, learning, and community spirit.

Events like the Glow Social highlight the importance of inclusive celebrations that support growth in all areas of student development. Kudos to the Washington School staff for organizing such a meaningful and memorable experience for their learners!

On March 22nd, Washington School proudly united as a community to show compassion, support, and acceptance for all in celebration of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Students and staff wore blue and gold, the official colors of Down syndrome awareness, to symbolize love, understanding, and unity across our school.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities. They interacted through collaborative games, working together to build teamwork and appreciation for each other's unique strengths. Informative activities helped students learn more about Down syndrome, encouraging thoughtful discussions around inclusivity, acceptance, and respect. Through creativity stations, students expressed their support through projects and challenges that celebrated the beauty of individuality.

This special day offered our students a meaningful opportunity to not only raise awareness but to practice the values of empathy, kindness, and inclusion. Washington School remains deeply committed to fostering a community where every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

Thank you to all of our students, staff, and families for making World Down Syndrome Awareness Day such a memorable and impactful experience!

A group of enthusiastic 7th and 8th grade students recently attended the Young Women’s Conference (YWC) in STEM at Princeton University, accompanied by Instructional Supervisor Karen Cristalli, and Science educators Patty Hester Fearon and Jackie Gallea.

The YWC is an annual event designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in middle and high school girls. Students engaged in a dynamic day filled with inspiring talks from female scientists and engineers, hands-on STEM activities, and interactive poster sessions and demonstrations showcasing real-world applications of STEM fields.

This empowering experience helped students envision future careers in STEM and highlighted the importance of representation, innovation, and curiosity in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

In celebration of National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, Lincoln Middle School hosted their first ever Spanish Spelling Bee on April 22, 2025. Following the official rules of the National Spanish Spelling Bee, the event showcased the incredible language skills of 18 extraordinary students who competed across 7 challenging rounds with enthusiasm and pride.

Congratulations to our top spellers:
🥇 1st Place Champion: Emily Alarcón Gallegos (7th Grade)
🥈 2nd Place: Joselyn Espinoza Morquecho (8th Grade)
🥉 3rd Place: María Paz Gutiérrez Merizalde (8th Grade)

Thank you to Instructional Supervisor Karen Cristalli and Instructional Coach Stephani Estrella Tran for making this event possible. Thank you also to our guest judges: Ms. Urra, Ms. Suleiman, Ms. Salvat-Vives, and Ms. Connolly for their time and support.

Kearny High School senior Sebastian Andaluz has achieved an extraordinary milestone — acceptance into 23 colleges and over $1.5 million in scholarship offers. His accomplishments recently earned him a personal congratulatory phone call from Governor Phil Murphy.

Sebastian is not only an academic standout but also a skilled athlete. As the starting goalie for the Kearny Ice Hockey Club, his exceptional goaltending helped lead the team to a division title this season.

After reviewing his many college options, Sebastian has committed to Ramapo College, where he plans to major in cybersecurity and international relations. He’ll also continue playing the sport he loves as a member of Ramapo’s hockey team.

During his phone call with Governor Murphy, Sebastian proudly shared his belief that “New Jersey is the greatest state in the country,” a sentiment Governor Murphy enthusiastically echoed — celebrating both Sebastian’s achievements and the strength of New Jersey’s students.

Sebastian credits his success to staying organized, applying early, and relying on the support of his family, teachers, and mentors. His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent, focus, and community come together.

Kearny High School is proud to celebrate Sebastian’s incredible accomplishments and can’t wait to see all he’ll achieve at Ramapo and beyond.

Kearny High School senior Rebecca Fontes was honored at the Montclair Public Library where her award-winning painting took center stage during the AIA Newark & Suburban Architects Student Artwork Exhibition. The event, held on April 6th, celebrated the creativity and talent of high school students from Kearny, Montclair, Newark, and Orange.

Rebecca’s piece was selected as part of the AIA Newark & Suburban’s “The Holidays” Student Art Contest, a program that challenges young artists to explore architectural themes through the lens of holiday celebrations. The exhibition featured a stunning collection of drawings, paintings, and digital renderings, each one a reflection of the students’ unique perspectives and artistic voices.

Receiving an achievement award among such a talented group of peers is a testament to Rebecca's dedication, creativity, and skill. Her work stood out not only for its visual impact but for the thoughtful interpretation it brought to the contest's theme. We are incredibly proud of Rebecca and excited to see where her artistic journey takes her next.

Kearny High School culinary arts students turned up the heat during their first Culinary Arts Food Wars Challenge. Hosted at the high school and sponsored by the KUEZ, the student teams had one hour to create and present an original risotto-themed dish. Distinguished guests included judges Jessica Barahona, Sarah Guzman, Valantis Grymanis, Edson Silva, and Jefferson Oliveira, Linda Kraus D’Isa and Michelle Almeida of KUEZ, Ron Smits, Councilmen George Zapata and Jerry Ficeto, Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, as well as Superintendent Flora Encarnacao and Assistant Superintendent Aliki Bieltz.

Industry professionals from local restaurants including Curiosity by Nest, Denizens NJ, and The Greeks, evaluated each dish based on flavor, creativity, and presentation, offering valuable feedback to the aspiring young chefs. Dishes ranged from balsamic caramelized onion risotto with chicken to "Marry Me Chicken" risotto. The winning team received prizes, including gift cards from the participating restaurants.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to connect our wonderful eateries here in Kearny with these talented students, especially as many of them look towards a career in the culinary arts,” added D’Isa. “We’re also excited to showcase this fantastic program at Kearny High School, one of the many things that makes our Town such a special place to live, work and play!”

Coverage of the competition can be viewed on the KHS Broadcasting Class’ YouTube Channel, as well as a special feature from News12 New Jersey. Click on the link below to access additional media coverage by the Observer.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Linda D'Isa and the KUEZ for initiating and organizing this exceptional culinary competition for our Kearny High School students,” said Superintendent Flora Encarnacao. “This event is more than a culinary showcase; it is an opportunity for our students to connect directly with local businesses, develop real-world skills, and contribute to the vibrancy of our community. We are excited to display the talent and creativity of our students and our culinary program, and we appreciate the KUEZ's partnership in fostering a strong connection between our school and the community.”

Special thanks to Principal Curtis Brack, Vice Principals Rich Tietjen and Jordan Savage, Supervisors Kathleen Astrella and Kevin Pryblick, and Danielle Polk. Coverage on KHS Broadcasting courtesy of hosts Aurora Latona and Jasmine Viera, director Mauricio Gomez, technical director Mauricio Gomez, switcher Thomas Freitas Behrend, camera operator Aymar Hernandez, and reporters Litsy Then and Gabriela Novillo.

Lincoln Middle School students recently concluded their “One Book, One School” initiative in the most memorable, and messiest, way possible! As a culminating celebration of the shared reading experience, students participated in the much-anticipated Pie-a-Teacher Fundraiser, combining fun and philanthropy for a powerful impact.

Seventh and eighth graders had the unique chance to throw pies at brave and spirited teachers and staff members—all in the name of charity. Each donation earned students the opportunity to pie a participating adult, and they didn’t hold back. The event raised funds for UNICEF’s KIND (Kids in Need of Desks) program, which provides desks to students in Malawi, the setting of the novel the school community explored together.

Through laughter, whipped cream, and generosity, our students demonstrated compassion and global awareness, transforming a schoolwide reading project into real-world change. Bravo to our students, staff, and supporters for making reading, giving, and getting messy all part of the same unforgettable story.

Senior Analyse Armstrong was chosen as Kearny High School’s recipient of the 2025 Hudson County Unsung Hero Award. Presented by the New Jersey School Boards Association, the award recognizes high school seniors who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, demonstrates dedication, a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and makes an impact behind the scenes - all characteristics befitting Analyse. KHS Principal, Curtis Brack and her counselor, Dorian Fasciano were honored to be present at Tuesday night’s ceremony at Secaucus High School to speak on her behalf and celebrate this achievement.

Garfield School Principal Donna Masters and Teacher Kimberly Seeley attended a county-wide recognition luncheon recognizing outstanding companies, municipalities, schools, non-profits, and senior centers for their exceptional achievements. Garfield School was recognized for actively supporting the Hudson County Transportation Management Association’s Safe Routes to School initiative by having them present essential lessons throughout the school year on transportation safety. This was made possible by the efforts of the Garfield School Assembly Committee.

Roosevelt School's Nurse Angela Tejada has been awarded the prestigious Rising Star in School Nursing Award for Hudson County.

Tejada received accolades from the New Jersey State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA) during their Annual Spring Conference, an event that gathers school nursing professionals from across the state to celebrate excellence, share best practices, and recognize outstanding contributions to student health and wellness.

The Rising Star in School Nursing Award is given to a school nurse who demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and dedication early in their career. Nurse Tejada was nominated for her outstanding commitment to the health and well-being of Roosevelt students, her proactive approach to preventative care, and her compassionate, student-centered mindset. She has gone above and beyond to create a welcoming, safe environment where every student feels cared for and supported.

In addition to providing high-quality medical care, Nurse Tejada has taken the initiative to promote health education within the school, collaborate closely with families and staff, and advocate for policies that prioritize student wellness. Her work embodies the mission of school nursing: to help every child reach their fullest potential in a healthy, supportive learning environment.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Nurse Tejada as part of our Roosevelt family. Her dedication and passion for her role make a difference every single day, and we look forward to seeing her continued growth and impact in the years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Nurse Tejada on this well-deserved recognition!

The KHS REACH club had the opportunity to connect directly with a school system in Palisades Canyon, a community deeply impacted by the wildfires that ravaged California in January 2025. Tragically, three out of their four schools were destroyed in the fires. The only remaining school still standing had opened its doors to more than 700 displaced students - an extraordinary act of resilience and compassion.

Thanks to the support of our Superintendent Flora Encarnacao and KHS Principal Curtis Brack, the REACH organization held a fundraiser and was able to donate $900 directly to the Palisades Canyon School System Booster Club to help meet the urgent needs of their students and staff. The students, led by club advisors Laurie Kem and Natalia Viso, sent them the "giant check" pictured here, along with a heartfelt message of solidarity. The school district was incredibly grateful for the donation. In fact, they were so thrilled that they’ve shared the good news in their own newsletter and local newspapers—and even displaying the photo of the check on their walls as a symbol of hope and support. Of the donations, advisor Laurie Keim noted, "It is wonderful to see East Coast students helping their West Coast peers!" California and New Jersey made a bond—strengthened by compassion—that brought us closer together despite the miles between us.

This gesture is just a small piece of the larger recovery journey, but it reminds us how meaningful it is when communities come together to lift one another up in times of need.

Franklin School Student Cole Raia was moved to action after learning about the devastating wildfires in California. He had heard about families losing their homes, firefighters and first responders risking their lives, and entire communities being displaced. The story left him feeling inspired to take action.

In a touching letter addressed to Dr. Cali and Ms. Kerr, he proposed hosting a “Dress Down” day to raise funds for those affected by the fires. Although our district community is thousands of miles from California, compassion knows no distance.

Thanks to his initiative, Franklin School organized a special Dress Down Day, in which students and staff contributed donations in exchange for wearing casual attire. All proceeds were sent to organizations providing relief and support to families affected by the wildfires.

The Kearny School District is proud of Cole for demonstrating leadership, kindness, and a deep sense of social responsibility - true values that are fostered throughout each of our schools.

Due to unused snow days this winter, all school will be closed on Friday, May 23rd and Tuesday, June 10th.