Hawk Happenings

January was a month of reflection, connection, and leaning into the beauty of this very cold winter season. Our students returned from break with renewed energy, ready to grow and tackle new challenges. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., students from Steen and Bixby Schools bridged our communities through a meaningful letter-exchange service project. This initiative did more than just sharpen communication skills; it fostered genuine kindness and reinforced the power of service. Despite the frost and snow, the halls remained vibrant with winter-themed learning and the steady perseverance of students reaching for their goals.

Warming up with a great book in third grade! There’s nothing like cozy reads and twinning with a bestie to make the school day even better. Cozy vibes, great growth!

"In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Steen School students turned kind words into meaningful action. Every student was paired with a peer at Bixby School to craft a personal note of encouragement. When these 💌 'Kindness Deliveries' arrived, they did more than just spread smiles—they built a bridge between our two schools, reminding us that even the smallest gesture can strengthen the heartbeat of our community."

The Science of the Unseen: 5P dived into the deep end this month! By creating ocean models, students explored the process of salinity and dissolution. They discovered that while salt might "disappear" from sight as it dissolves, it remains a vital part of the water—a great lesson in observing the world beneath the surface.

A Marathon of the Mind! 🏃📚 Our Fifth Graders went the distance this month, completing an incredible 110-minute reading marathon. This challenge wasn't just about finishing pages; it was about building the mental stamina and independence needed for complex reading. To celebrate their focus, their reading work mats are now featured in our hallway gallery. Next time you're in the building, stop by to see the "tracks" of their hard work!

Special Guest Alert: Veolia! 🌊 A huge thank you to Veolia for visiting our Third Grade classrooms! Students were fascinated by "The Journey of Water," learning how the water cycle sustains life around the world. It was a wonderful day of discovery that flowed perfectly with our science curriculum!

The Student Council's popular Kindness Confetti initiative is back and going strong this year!

This program celebrates students who are "caught" performing an act of kindness without being prompted. When students demonstrate this selfless behavior, their name is written on a colorful piece of "confetti," which is then proudly displayed in the main hallway for all to see.

At the end of the month, these exemplary students are recognized over the loudspeaker and presented with a certificate.

Congratulations to all of our recent Kindness Confetti recipients for making Steen School a kinder place!

Plankton is plotting, the Krusty Krab is on the brink, and a coin-powered showdown is underway! The Krabby Coin Showdown is here—so keep those pennies coming and those quarters flying. This battle is far from over, and the race is getting wild! 🪙🔥

"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 - Gabriella Iloski, Aaron Cabral-Gomez

4th Grade - Rosselyn Galvez

5th Grade - Jocelyn Tenezaca, Isa Chaudhry, Jade Koster

Staff - Ms. Parente

This month’s Staff Hawk of the Month is an exceptional teacher who (as noted by her colleague) demonstrates an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every learner in her classroom. She is a dedicated professional who skillfully differentiates instruction, holding high expectations while supporting each student with a genuine balance of kindness and care. Her instructional expertise is matched only by her generous, collaborative spirit, both of which make her an invaluable asset to our school community.

As a quintessential team player, she has been instrumental in implementing our new curriculum, thoughtfully creating and sharing supplemental materials that address the specific needs of her grade-level colleagues. She is a prime example of "finding solutions instead of creating more problems," and she is widely recognized for being "always willing to share and collaborate." Her colleagues have shared wonderful things about her impact, with one stating that she has "truly welcomed" new members to the team and is consistently "willing to help in any way she can," whether by sharing resources, tutoring students, or offering support whenever needed. Open to feedback and eager to grow, she models professionalism and reflective practice in everything she does.

We are so grateful for the energy and expertise she brings to our building every day. Congratulations to our Staff Hawk of the Month... Ms. Parente!

• 2/9- PTO Meeting (7PM)
• 2/16-17- No School: President's Weekend

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

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