Superintendent's Corner Column


Transforming Tomorrow, Together


November 21, 2025


"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." African Proverb

Every parent in Fair Lawn shares the same fundamental hope: that their child will thrive, discover their potential, and build a future filled with possibility. That hope is what drives everything we do.


Our annual performance report is ready. It's more than numbers on a page. It's a window into how your children are doing, how we stack up against 21 other districts in northern New Jersey, and where we're headed next. This report is our way of inviting you into the conversation about how we're making that hope real. You'll see authentic data—not just our results, but how Fair Lawn students compare to peers across northern New Jersey. You'll discover where we're leading and where we're strategically focused on getting even better. Most importantly, you'll see evidence of what becomes possible when a community comes together around its children.


What we're sharing here didn't happen in isolation. It's the result of a collective effort. Teachers and education specialists who bring their best to classrooms every day. Support staff—from secretaries to bus drivers to custodians to paraprofessionals—who create the conditions for learning. Administrators and coaches who use evidence to guide their decisions. A Board of Education invested in thoughtful oversight and continuous improvement. And families like yours, who are not just partners but are integral to our mission of supporting your children's growth.


Above all, these results belong to your children—students who have embraced challenge, arrived prepared, and demonstrated what Fair Lawn young people are capable of achieving. Their success is our greatest source of pride and your strongest reassurance that we're on the right path together.


In this first community update, you'll find:

  • Our academic performance in mathematics, literacy, and science compared to 21 peer districts (most recent publicly available data, 2024)
  • Three years of Advanced Placement program growth—more students, better results
  • The strategies and interventions helping us improve


This performance report is the first in a series. In the coming months, we'll share more profound insights into our three district goals: Empowering Pathways to Excellence, Cultivating Belonging & Community, and Building Sustainable Foundations. Each includes specific approaches designed to ensure every student has what they need to succeed.


The numbers matter, but what they represent matters more. Behind every percentage point is a child who can now tackle more challenging reading, solve more complex problems, or imagine possibilities in college-level coursework they might never have considered. That's what we're really measuring—whether Fair Lawn students are gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build meaningful lives.


Please take a look at the full 2024-25 Annual Assessment Performance Report.


Thank you for your partnership. Your engagement makes the difference, and we're grateful for it. Together, we're creating something special: a teaching and learning community where every student truly matters.


Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.


With appreciation,


Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools


Local Veterans Honored Across

Fair Lawn Schools

All last week, students & staff connected with those who served our country as part of Veterans Day events throughout the district. Memorial Middle School’s annual Salute to Service assembly featured a video highlighting all the ways our students give back to their community and beyond. Their main message? "Our acts of service are our thanks to you."


Later in the week, TJMS set up America’s White Table and Lyncrest, Radburn, and FLHS all took a moment to sit back and talk with folks young and old about their time in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and beyond. It’s an honor to have members of the Fair Lawn Veterans Council come through our halls - you are always welcome here.

It's Curtain Up for FLHS Masques Fall Show

Break a leg… or is it Duck Soup? If you’re a member of the FLHS Masques, it’s the latter! This talented group of thespians are taking a nod from their traditions with the aptly-named fall show “Ducksoupapalooza (Vol. 2),” which opened to the public Tuesday night. A series of 6 one-act plays, the show covers genres across outer space to a play on well-known fairy tales. You’ve got a few more chances to experience the magic, including Friday evening and 2 performances Saturday. Click here for tickets and more info!

Radburn Spirit Week Spreads Kindness & Fun

Put a little love in your heart and commit to be kind! Friendly faces with spirited flair graced the classrooms of Radburn Elementary last week as part of World Kindness Week. We stopped by to capture some crazy hats, patterned pajamas, and the kind of camaraderie that happens when everyone comes together for a fun cause. 

Marching Band Snags Silver at

USBands Nationals

A sweet symphony of congratulations is due as our very own FLHS Marching Band & Color Guard earned a much-deserved Open Class III second place win at USBands Nationals on November 8, which took place at MetLife Stadium. The group also earned Best Music and Best Percussion captions out of 14 bands competing in their group. We are so proud of each & every one of our students as well as staff members on this incredible achievement!

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. 

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