Superintendent's Corner Column

The Long Echo

June 26, 2026

"Often when you think you're at the end of something,

you're at the beginning of something else." Fred Rogers

Every June, I come back to the same subtle truth. A school year doesn’t really end. It lets go. This past Tuesday, we watched the Fair Lawn High School Class of 2026 cross the stage, prepared to enter a world they’re ready for. As they go, they leave behind something that stays with us in the halls long after the chairs are stacked and the gowns are stored.

You could call it an echo. Four years of choices, effort, and courage don’t just disappear at graduation. They continue. Younger students watching in the bleachers noticed it. The teachers who guided our seniors will see it for years in the students who follow. That’s what this work is truly about. What we do together doesn’t end with a diploma. It moves forward and grows.

We’re proud of what these graduates have accomplished in the classroom, on stage, behind the scenes, on the field, and in the lab. But what actually stands out in each of our graduates can’t be included on a transcript. It’s their character, their curiosity, and their steady willingness to help those around them. Awards fade over time, but how a young person treats others does not.

We’ve celebrated many ceremonies this spring, from Moving Up to graduation. They aren’t just endings. Each of these milestones shows us something important. Growth is always possible, progress isn’t always a straight line, and becoming who you’re meant to be is the real lesson of life. Every student who crossed the stage this year showed that to themselves, their families, and to all of us.

As summer begins, be sure to see rest as a necessity, not a luxury. Take time to recharge and reconnect with those who matter most to you. The work we do, believing in children and never giving up on their potential, asks a lot from us. It deserves its own season of renewal.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for showing every day that education changes lives. Change doesn’t stop when the school year ends. It continues.

Wishing you a summer of rest and reflection, and to everything waiting for us in the fall.

With gratitude,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Sun Shines Brightly on FLHS Class of 2026

After some late-afternoon showers, a picture-perfect evening emerged Tuesday... just as Fair Lawn High School's junior honor guard & seniors rounded the corner and marched proudly onto Sasso Field. More than 400 students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas with family, friends, and Fair Lawn first responders loudly cheering them on from the bleachers and beyond.

Before the caps flew at Sasso, though, a first-of-its-kind ceremony took place in the B-Gym that very morning. Partnering with the Child Study Team, FLHS administration hosted its inaugural Alternate Graduation Ceremony to honor five students and their achievements in a supportive, comfortable space. The CST says an event like this ensures that every student has an opportunity to celebrate this important milestone in a manner that best meets their individual needs. As the ceremony wrapped, we watched proudly as this quintet moved their tassels and officially became FLHS grads!

Senior Accomplishments Span Scholarship, World Language, and More

We'd be remiss to not mention just a few of the phenomenal accomplishments across the Class of 2026:

Fifteen National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students, plus one Finalist
Seniors were awarded more than $130,000 during the annual Scholarship Night. Of course, awardees had to promise Principal Paul Gorski to only use the funds for academic reasons, not late-night snack runs!
Sixty-one seniors met the NJ Seal of Biliteracy across nine different languages. Six of these students earned additional recognition for 2 different languages other than English

We are so proud of each and every one of you. Keep shining bright in all your future endeavors!

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.