09-10-2025
Hawthorne Schools Report “Monumental” Growth in State Test Scores
The Hawthorne School District is highlighting substantial improvements in student academic performance, particularly in state assessments for math and English Language Arts (ELA).
During the July 15 Board of Education meeting, district administrators presented data from the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA), showing measurable gains in student achievement over the past year.
In high school mathematics, the proficiency rate reached 50%, a milestone not seen in several years. “We have not seen numbers in math in high school in the fifties since I’ve been here,” said Dr. Kristen Trabona, Director of Education, who led the presentation. “We are finally seeing that gap decrease.”
Dr. Trabona pointed to the Class of 2026 — students who were in sixth grade during the COVID-19 lockdown — as a group demonstrating encouraging academic recovery. “It’s a snowball, and we’re moving in the right direction,” she said.
ELA scores remained steady at 88.6% graduation-ready for the third consecutive year.
Click here to read the full article from TapInto Hawthorne (article by Joseph Murray)
Hawthorne Public Schools Important Dates
- 9/23 - Board of Education Meeting
- 10/13 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Day for Staff
Back to School Nights
- Thursday, September 11th - Roosevelt Elementary BTSN
- Wednesday, September 17th - Jefferson Elementary BTSN
- Thursday, September 18th - Hawthorne High School BTSN
- Wednesday, September 24th - Lincoln Middle School BTSN
- Monday, September 30th - Washington Elementary School BTSN
PTO Meetings
Kick off the new school year and meet new Superintendent, Matt Mignanelli, at the PTO meetings!
- 9/10 Jefferson ES
- 9/15 Lincoln MS
- 9/16 Washington ES
- 9/18 Roosevelt ES
- 9/25 Hawthorne HS
School Events
- 9/12 - Battle of the Boroughs Dance LMS PTO
- 9/19 - Spirit Day RES
- 9/19 - Fall Festival JES (9/26 rain date)
- 9/19 - Film on the Field WES PTO
- 9/20 - Back to School Kick Off RES (9/27 rain date)
- 9/23 & 9/24 - Book Fair RES
- 9/26 - Spirit Day WES
- 9/26 - Fall Festival LMS
- 10/1 - Homecoming STUCO Event HHS
- 10/4 - SATs @ HHS
- 10/6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - STUCO Spirit Week @ HHS
- 10/10 - HHS Homecoming Game & Ceremony and Cubs Night
- 10/10 - Spirit Day RES
- 10/15 - 8th Grade Open House at HHS
Kelly Hawruk - Hawthorne High School - Teacher of Social Studies (Law & Criminal Justice)
Ms. Kelly Hawruk – Inspiring the Next Generation of Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals: Ms. Kelly Hawruk, now in her 13th year at HHS, brings more than 20 years of legal practice to her classroom through real-world experience. She earned her B.A. in Government and Juris Doctorate from Western New England University and practiced litigation in the areas of civil, criminal, and business law, along with family, domestic violence, real estate, and inheritance law. Students in her Introduction to Criminal Justice class have welcomed Judge Meola and Hawthorne Police Captains King and Carr, who shared valuable insight into the legal system and modern policing practices such as de-escalation, investigations, and body cameras. To recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Ms. Hawruk and her students created posters and led a “locker slam” with magnets carrying important awareness messages, supported by the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking. By bringing real-world issues and professional expertise into her courses, Ms. Hawruk raises awareness, enriches student learning, and inspires young people to make a positive impact through careers in law and law enforcement.
Jefferson Elementary School
Hailee Bosgra, Everett Serafin, Jack Garofano, Emma Spohn
Thank you to our 5th Grade Helpers at Thomas Jefferson School. Each year, many of our 5th graders apply to be a 5th Grade Helper during arrival, dismissal, and lunch. Hailee, Everett, Jack, and Emma have been doing a great job helping our younger students wait on the patio for their pick up at dismissal.
Roosevelt Elementary School
Austen Authers
Ms. Verrone reports that Austen starts each kindergarten day with a big smile. He's the sweetest little boy - so respectful, kind and always remembering his manners!
Washington Elementary School
Fernanda worked extremely hard over the summer on a reading packet given to her by Ms. Locher, her ML teacher. Fernanda has become a model student and we are so very proud of her!
Lincoln Middle School
Landon Riley
Landon truly exemplifies the "Be A Bear" motto at LMS through his dedication, leadership, and well-rounded involvement in school life. In the winter, you’ll find him on the wrestling mats representing LMS with pride. He’s also an active member of the Network program and has participated in the LMS Spelling Bee. Last year, Landon served on the LMS Student Council, and this year, he’s aiming even higher by running for Student Council President. His favorite class is STEM, where one of his most memorable projects involved designing and building a race car using unconventional materials.
Hawthorne High School
Christopher Estevez
Christopher Estevez, a Hawthorne High School senior, was the lead of this year's week-long Financial Planning Academy at William Paterson University. Funded by the Charles Schwab Foundation, the financial camp which ran from August 18-22, focused on leadership, communication, team building, entrepreneurship and marketing skills. Estevez led each of his team members to win $500. (article from TapInto Hawthorne, written by R Greene, photo by Alex Clavijo)
Hawthorne High School
Ella Alberta
A Hawthorne High School junior, Ella Alberta shines as a leader both inside and outside the classroom. She has earned High Honor Roll every marking period since she joined HHS and is a dedicated member of the Performing Arts Club, Dance Team, and Tech Crew for the school musicals, where she brings creativity and energy to every performance.
Beyond the arts, Ella leads the Go Gold Fundraiser for Tackle Kids Cancer, showing her commitment to making a difference in the community. Last year, under Ella’s leadership, HHS raised over $3,000 in support of pediatric cancer research and care.
This September, we’re going GOLD again with hopes of topping that number. You can purchase a gold ribbon for $2 or a “Go Gold” t-shirt for $15 by clicking here. Each purchase includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win a signed jersey from Tackle Kids Cancer spokesperson Eli Manning. T-shirt orders are due September 15th and will be available for pick-up the week of September 22nd. On Friday, September 26, 2025, join us for the GOLD OUT football game, wear your gold, support the Bears, and help us continue Ella’s incredible work to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer.
Athlete/Club Spotlight
Dylan Mejia NJIC Offensive Player of the Week
Dylan Mejia was chosen as the NJIC Offensive Player of the Week after his week 1 performance against MKA. Dylan was 8/16 Passing for 140 yards and 3 TDs. He also carried the ball 10 times for 2 TDs.
Hawthorne High School
Lincoln Middle School
Jefferson Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary
Washington Elementary
HHS Athletics
The Bear Cave
18-21 Transition Program
The Bear Cave serves students aged 18-21 with the goal to develop skills using community based instruction to ensure a successful transition from school to adulthood.
Follow on Instagram - @bearcave_hawthorne