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Leonia Middle School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

The Lion's Roar - June Edition

Posted Date: 06/30/26 (02:42 PM)


Leonia Seal

Leonia Middle School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

🦁 The Lion's Roar - June Edition 🦁

Happy Summer from LMS! 🌞🏖️🍦

As we close another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to express what a genuine pleasure and privilege it has been to work with your children each day. Watching our students learn, grow, overcome challenges, discover new interests, and celebrate their accomplishments has been one of the greatest rewards of this school year.

Our students have so much to be proud of. From impressive academic achievements and artistic performances to athletic competitions, service projects, leadership opportunities, and the countless acts of kindness and perseverance demonstrated throughout the year, they have represented Leonia Middle School with pride. More importantly, they have continued to grow as compassionate, responsible, and engaged young people, and that is something truly worth celebrating.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff. Every day, our teachers, counselors, support staff, custodians, administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, and school safety personnel work tirelessly to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to our school community and for the care they show our students each and every day.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to our families. Your partnership, encouragement, and support play an essential role in your children's success, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us.

As you enjoy this final edition of our newsletter, I hope you'll take a few moments to reflect on the many memories and accomplishments that made this year so special. On behalf of everyone at Leonia Middle School, thank you for allowing us to be part of your children's educational journey.

I wish you and your family a safe, fun, and relaxing summer filled with time to recharge, make wonderful memories, and enjoy one another's company. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall for another outstanding school year.

Have a wonderful summer!

With Lion Pride,
Dave Saco
Principal
 

🎶 Cubs Spring Concert 🎶

Our Cubs Spring Concert was a wonderful celebration of the musical talents of our 5th and 6th grade students! The day was filled with beautiful music, enthusiastic performances, and plenty of school pride as our young musicians showcased the skills they have developed throughout the year. Their hard work, dedication, and confidence were evident in every performance. A heartfelt thank you to our talented students, our outstanding music teachers, and our supportive families for making this special evening such a memorable celebration of the arts at Leonia Middle School!
A group of young students practice playing violins in an orchestra setting, led by a conductor.
A band director leads a group of students playing various instruments in a gymnasium.
A choir director leads a diverse group of young singers standing on risers on a stage.
 

🦁📚 LMS Lions Caught Learning!

Fourth Grade Gets the Inside Scoop on LMS

Our fourth graders had a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from a panel of LMS fifth-grade students, who returned to ACS to share their experiences from their first year of middle school. The student panel offered valuable advice, helpful tips, and words of encouragement as our future Cubs begin thinking about their own transition to LMS.

Following the panel discussion, the fifth graders visited fourth-grade classrooms for smaller Q&A sessions, where students had the chance to ask questions and learn more about academics, activities, friendships, and daily life at the middle school. Thank you to our LMS student leaders for serving as such thoughtful ambassadors and role models—we appreciate their willingness to share their experiences and help our fourth graders feel excited and confident about the journey ahead!
 

Amazing End-Of-Year Events! 🐾🌎🦁

🏛️ 7th Graders Step Back in Time at Historic New Bridge Landing!

Our 7th graders had an unforgettable experience during their field trip to Historic New Bridge Landing, where history truly came to life right here in our own backyard! Students walked across the legendary "Bridge That Saved America," explored the historic Zabriskie-Steuben House, toured the Out Kitchen, tried their hand using tools in the Westervelt-Thomas Barn, and even witnessed an exciting live musket demonstration.

Beyond the fascinating history, what stood out most was the outstanding way our students represented Leonia Middle School. They were engaged, respectful, and impressed our historical guides with their thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity throughout the day.

To wrap up the experience, students completed a follow-up survey to reflect on what they learned, share their favorite memories, and offer suggestions for future trips. Be sure to check out the photo collages for a glimpse of this memorable day of hands-on learning! 📜🌉
A group of 7th-grade students from Leonia Middle School visit Historic New Bridge Landing in June 2026.
A group of students on a field trip at Historic New Bridge Landing, with images showing various historical buildings and outdoor scenes.
 

💦 Making a Splash with L.E.A.D.! 🏊‍♀️☀️

Our 5th graders wrapped up the school year with a splash at the annual L.E.A.D. Pool Party—a well-earned celebration after successfully completing the year-long L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program!

Throughout the year, students participated in engaging lessons led by Leonia Police Officer Young Cho, building important life skills centered on making positive choices, demonstrating responsibility, and developing strong character. The pool party served as the perfect way to celebrate their hard work and commitment.

A heartfelt thank you to the Leonia Police Department, especially Officer Cho, for investing in our students throughout the year and for treating our 5th graders to this memorable tradition. We are grateful for our outstanding partnership and all you do to support the students of Leonia Middle School!

A large group of children and adults pose for a photo by a bright blue swimming pool on a sunny day.
 

Celebrating Excellence: NJHS Induction & 8th Grade Awards 🏅🎓

As the school year came to a close, Leonia Middle School proudly celebrated two meaningful traditions that recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our students.

Our National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony welcomed a new class of members who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. We congratulate our newest inductees and commend them for the hard work and dedication that earned them this distinguished honor.

We also celebrated our 8th Grade Awards Ceremony, where students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, citizenship, artistic and musical talents, and contributions to our school community. It was a wonderful opportunity to honor the many ways our students have grown and excelled throughout their middle school journey.

Congratulations to all of our honorees! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the positive impact you will continue to make as you begin the next chapter of your educational journey.
Two students stand at a podium in a gymnasium, with one speaking into a microphone.
Two students stand at a podium, one speaking into a microphone, in a gymnasium with an American flag and blue curtains.
Students and faculty gather in a gymnasium for an awards ceremony, with a stage and blue curtains in the background.
 

🕺✨ A Night to Remember: Our 8th Grade Dance Was a Blast! 💃

Our 8th Grade Dance was an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, dancing, and memories that will last a lifetime! Students arrived dressed to impress and enjoyed a night celebrating their middle school journey alongside friends and classmates. From the packed dance floor to a delicious dinner and countless smiles, the energy throughout the evening was truly contagious.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated staff and our generous Home & School Association for transforming our gymnasium into a beautiful dance hall worthy of this special celebration. Their hard work and support helped create a magical evening for our students. As our graduates prepare for their next adventure, we are so grateful they were able to share one more incredible night together at Leonia Middle School. Congratulations to the Class of 2026—we hope you'll cherish these memories for years to come! 🎓❤️

Large illuminated marquee numbers spell out '2026' with a crescent moon and stars as decoration.
Young people in formal dresses walk down a red carpet under a decorated archway with lanterns and stars.
A high school gymnasium is transformed into a dance floor with purple lighting and a crowd of students dancing.
Six young women pose for a photo in front of a starry blue backdrop with string lights.
 

🦅🏛️ 8th Grade Adventure in the City of Brotherly Love! 🦒✨

Our 8th grade students enjoyed an exciting and memorable trip to Philadelphia as part of their end-of-year experience. The day began with a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo, where students explored exhibits featuring animals from around the world. They then traveled to the National Constitution Center, gaining a deeper understanding of the founding principles of our nation and the enduring significance of the U.S. Constitution. Students also enjoyed hands-on learning at The Franklin Institute, where interactive exhibits sparked curiosity and creativity in the fields of science and technology. The day included a delicious lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy, providing an opportunity for students and staff to relax and reflect on a wonderful day together. It was a fitting celebration of our students' hard work and accomplishments as they prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.
A group of young people stand at a fence, looking into an animal enclosure at a zoo.
A giraffe with distinctive brown and white markings stands in an outdoor enclosure.
A large group of young people are seated at round tables in a restaurant, enjoying a meal together.
A group of young people are seated at a long table set for a meal in a restaurant.
Two young people in black robes sit behind a wooden desk with red curtains in the background.
Two boys look at a diorama of historical figures in a museum exhibit.
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, beginning with 'We the People,' is inscribed in gold lettering on a purple wall.
A young person stands on a bright green surfboard simulator in an exhibit.
A person reaches for a basketball on a tiered rack marked with heights from 5.5 to 10 feet.
 

Before They Took the Plunge... They Made a Splash! 🏊‍♀️🍕🎶

Our graduating 8th graders wrapped up their time at Leonia Middle School in the best way possible—by making a splash at our annual End-of-Year Pool Party! Students spent the day swimming, shooting hoops on the basketball court, challenging friends to ping pong matches, enjoying a delicious pizza lunch, and loved the party music provided by our DJ. It was the perfect celebration of an unforgettable middle school journey!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredibly generous Home & School Association for sponsoring this cherished annual tradition and giving our graduates such a memorable sendoff. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated faculty and staff, whose support and supervision helped make the day safe, fun, and full of smiles. Congratulations to the Class of 2026—we hope you carry these wonderful memories with you as you dive into high school!

People of all ages enjoy a refreshing swim in a large outdoor pool on a cloudy day.
People of various ages enjoy a sunny day swimming in a large outdoor pool with a blue slide.
Five friends wearing colorful leis pose by a bright blue swimming pool.
 

🏅 8th Grade Field Day: Games, Grit & Lion Spirit! ⚽🏐

Our 8th Grade Field Day brought out the best of friendly competition, teamwork, and school spirit! Students rotated through exciting matchups in soccer, volleyball, kickball-baseball, and a high-energy tug-of-war that had everyone cheering from the sidelines. The fields and gym were filled with laughter, determination, and plenty of proud moments as students gave it their all in every event.

A huge thank you to our amazing PE teachers for their creativity, planning, and hard work in organizing such a fun and seamless day. Their efforts made this an unforgettable celebration of our 8th graders as they headed toward the finish line of middle school! 🎉

Students in pink attire play volleyball in a gymnasium with a scoreboard visible.
Children in athletic wear play soccer on a bright, grassy field with trees in the background.
A group of young people play kickball on a dirt field under a cloudy sky.
A group of young people in pink tutus and athletic wear play soccer on a grassy field.
Students in two teams pull on a rope during a tug-of-war competition on a grassy field.
A group of children and adults participate in a lively tug-of-war competition on a grassy field.
Children in orange vests play a game on a grassy field with trees in the background.
 

🥯 Rise & Shine, Class of 2026! Our First Ever 8th Grade Bagel Breakfast 🎉

We kicked off the last day of school in the best possible way with our first-ever 8th Grade Bagel Breakfast! Our graduating students gathered together to enjoy a well-deserved morning celebration filled with fresh, delicious bagels and plenty of smiles as they marked the final chapter of their middle school journey.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our Home & School Association for generously funding this wonderful new tradition and treating our students to such a memorable send-off breakfast. Your continued support helps create lasting moments that our students will carry with them long after they leave LMS.

Following breakfast, our 8th graders headed into extended PE games, bringing energy and laughter to the gym and fields one last time as a class. The celebration continued with yearbook signing, where students shared memories, messages, and a few final laughs with friends and teachers before officially stepping into summer—and the next exciting chapter ahead.
Students gather in a brightly lit school cafeteria, sitting at tables and interacting.
 
A white sign with the words 'COMING UP NEXT...' in black and red.

For Your Planning...

  • JUNE 26 - Enjoy Your Summer!
  • JULY 3 - District Closed for Independence Day Observance
  • SEPT 3 - First Day of School - Single Session Day for Students
  • SEPT 4 - Single Session Day for Students
  • SEPT 7 - Schools Closed for Labor Day
  • SEPT 12 - Schools Closed for Rosh Hashana
  • SEPT 17 - LMS Back To School Night 6:30pm
  • SEPT 18 - LMS Single Session Day
  • SEPT 21 - Schools Closed for Yom Kippur
  • OCT 12 - Delayed Opening for Students for Faculty/Staff PD
  • OCT 13 - LMS Photo Day
 
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Leonia, NJ 07605
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