Superintendent's Corner Column

The Sound of the Season

December 23, 2025

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi

There's no place like Fair Lawn Schools for the holidays.

This month reminded me why. Our students filled auditoriums with music, including jazz, chorus, and band. And they filled hearts through service.

The Interact Club delivered gifts to Paterson School 13.

A team of student "elves" wrapped over 2,000 presents in a single day for families in need.

These aren't assignments. They are choices our kids make because they understand what this season is really about.

Thank you for raising young people who give back. That's the real gift.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a healthy new year.

With gratitude and admiration,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Winter Concerts Bring Festive Feels Across Schools

Oh, there’s no place like Fair Lawn Schools for the holidays! We’ve had a fantastic month listening to the sweet sounds of student musicians at their winter concerts. Check out this highlight reel featuring FLHS, Edison, & Westmoreland as their jazzy beats and singalong songs kept our toes tapping! Stay tuned for Part 2 - featuring Forrest, Lyncrest, Radburn, and Warren Point - as well as a post sharing some of our favorite concert photos later this week.

The new year has more musical moments in store with concerts at the high school, TJMS, MMS, and Milnes in January & February.

Gifts & Gratitude at Fair Lawn High School

The season of giving brings us two great stories out of FLHS this month. We first would like to give kudos to the Interact Club, who brought gifts galore to Paterson School 13 last week. Students say the annual trip is a magical one, and nothing compares to seeing the real impact of generosity and giving back to others.

And you may want to enlist a Fair Lawn High School student to wrap your gifts next year … because a group of elves managed to knock out 2000+ presents last Friday in the A-Gym. The school worked with local non-profit Moment of Silence, Inc. to help out with their “Santa Comes to Paterson” event. After loading up the loot, law enforcement (plus Santa, of course) headed out this past Sunday to spread holiday cheer throughout the city.

We’re so proud of all the ways our Fair Lawn students give back in their community and beyond.

About the Fair Lawn Public School District: Fair Lawn Public Schools, where excellence in education meets the vibrant spirit of our community. With a population of over 35,000 residents, Fair Lawn is a thriving hub of diverse cultures, ideas, and talents, and our school district reflects this rich tapestry. Comprising ten schools from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for approximately 5,700 students. Our dedicated team of 1,200 staff members works tirelessly to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The leaders of tomorrow attend Fair Lawn schools today. We believe in nurturing the unique potential of each learner, fostering a love of learning, and preparing students to become compassionate, confident, and contributing members of society in classrooms that are dynamic spaces where personalized instruction, innovation, and collaboration flourish. Fair Lawn Public Schools is a place where students discover their passions, unlock their potential, and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.