Hawk Happenings

October was a busy and exciting month across our school! Our students were fully immersed in hands-on learning, creative projects, and lots of fall fun.

Inside the classrooms, our young scientists dove into fascinating investigations—from exploring weather patterns and different forms of energy to examining the skeletal system up close in third grade. Fourth graders even became environmental engineers, creating “dirty water” with soil collected from our garden and then using everyday materials to filter and clean it during their water-purification experiment.

Beyond academics, October was packed with special events and community-building activities. Students enjoyed their first field trips of the year, including fifth grade’s visit to Veolia, and practiced teamwork and sportsmanship during PE and recess. We kicked off the month with our first dress-down day, Fandom Day, and continued the fun with spirited Friday Fun afternoons. Band has officially returned—filling our hallways with music—and Student Council launched its new year of leadership and service. We also celebrated Fire Prevention Week and Week of Respect, reinforcing kindness, safety, and responsibility throughout our school.

Our hallways were filled with festive fall art, pumpkin projects, and Halloween decorations, bringing an extra dose of seasonal cheer to our building. We closed out the month with smiles, laughter, and a strong sense of community.

Thank you to our amazing staff, students, and families for helping make October a wonderful month of learning, discovery, and school pride.

Here’s to a fantastic November ahead! 🍂✨

Fandom Day was a huge success! Students and staff proudly showed off their favorite characters, teams, and interests—filling the halls with creativity and school spirit. A big thank-you to our amazing PTO for sponsoring such a fun and memorable day!

What a perfect way to end the week—with smiles, laughter, and lots of fun in Ms. Carola’s class!

Student Council held its first meeting of the year! We’re excited to see all the creative ideas and strong leadership this group will bring to our school.

Our 4th and 5th-graders enjoyed a special band assembly, where high school band members performed and shared information about the different instruments students might want to play. A fun and inspiring experience for our future musicians!

During Fire Prevention Week, our students learned important fire safety tips to keep themselves and their families safe. A big thank-you to our local firefighter for visiting and teaching us how to be fire smart!

Week of Respect was a great one here at Steen School! Our students showed teamwork, kindness, and positivity all week long—proving that respect really does make our school stronger.

Our fourth graders explored the science of water purification! They collected dirt from the garden to create “dirty water” and then used everyday materials to filter and clean it—getting a hands-on look at how purification works in real life.

🏅 Ms. Kelemen’s HS intern, Ms. Ana, brought in some of her cross country and track medals to share with our 3rd graders! They loved hearing about her dedication, hard work, and the exciting world of student athletics. Inspiring future champions! 💪✨

After learning all about the skeletal system, Mrs. Cataldi’s third graders made cranium masks in science and proudly paraded around to share them with the main office and Mrs. Stol’s class. No bones about it—they’re scary good!

Our third graders had a special visit from the Veolia Water Treatment Plant! They learned all about the water cycle and discovered how water treatment helps keep our environment clean.

Ms. Trupp’s 5th-grade class dove into ecosystems! Students played a game to explore how ponds stay healthy and what fish need to survive in a balanced environment.

Third grade had a blast creating multiplication monsters! Students rolled dice and multiplied to decide how many eyes, arms, horns, teeth, and legs their monsters would have. Math + creativity = the perfect combo!

Our fifth graders visited the Veolia Water Treatment Plant to learn how our water is cleaned and made safe to use. Afterwards, they put their knowledge into action by helping clean up the environment and picking up trash in the area—a hands-on way to make a difference!

Halloween was spook-tacular! From our festive parade filled with creative costumes, to classroom parties, treats, and tons of smiles —students had a frightfully fun day celebrating together. A huge thank-you to our families and staff for making the day magical!

Our Student Council Kindness Coin initiative continues this year! Throughout the month, students who are caught performing an act of kindness without being asked are given a paper yellow coin on our pot of gold mural. At the end of the month, these students are recognized over the loudspeaker and presented with a certificate. Congratulations to all of our Kindness Coin recipients!

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.

"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 - Jackcel Pelegrin, Gohar Imran, Gabriel Analuisa

4th Grade - Aislynn Boadi, Lucia Wells

5th Grade - Nahyonys Cabrera-Reyes, Valerie Argueta, Mackenzie Hordern, Emma Loza

Staff - Ms. Cataldi

For our staff HAWK of the month, a colleague describes this teacher as extremely helpful, patient, informative, and kind. She’s the first to lend a hand, answer a question, or share an idea that makes everyone’s day a little easier. This teacher goes out of her way to support her fellow teachers, always thinking of others and making our lives smoother and brighter in the process.

She manages an energetic class with grace, humor, and a positive attitude. No matter what the day throws her way, she somehow handles it all with a smile. Her students love her energy, her lessons are always engaging and fun, and her test scores speak for themselves—proof that learning can be joyful and effective at the same time.

This teacher is also an incredible support to Ms. Decongelio, always embracing her philosophy of “you have to have fun in everything we do.” She brings that same joy to her colleagues, lifting spirits and making everyone around her feel good. Whether she’s helping plan something, sharing a laugh, or offering advice, her presence makes our school a better place every single day.

Congratulations to our Hawk Staff of the Month. Thank you for your kindness, positivity, and for reminding us all that teaching—and teamwork—should always come with a smile. Congrats to Ms. Cataldi.

Tickets On Sale Now! Wicked: For Good Premiere!

Join us on Friday, November 21, for a private Steen-only theater event featuring the premiere of Wicked: For Good! Enjoy a night of music, friendship, and school spirit.

Don’t forget to grab our limited-supply Wicked for Good Friendship Bracelet Set—a fun and meaningful way to celebrate kindness and connection!

🎟️ Purchase your tickets (and bracelets) here by clicking on the photo directly!

• 11/4: PTO Meeting (7PM)
• 11/4: No School (Election Day)
• 11/6-7: No School (NJEA Convention)
• 11/11-13: Parent/ Teacher Conferences- Single session Days
• 11/26: Single Session
• 11/27-28: No School (Thanksgiving)

Here are a few friendly reminders to help keep everyone feeling their best:

• Handwashing: Encourage your child to wash hands regularly—especially before eating and after using the restroom.

• Rest & Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and healthy meals support learning and immunity.

• 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.

Twitter: @LillianMSteen1

Facebook: Lillian M Steen Elementary School Bogota NJ

Instagram: lmsteenschoolBogota

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