Dear Linden Families,
As we conclude October with students roaring in pink, pumpkin carving displays, and joyful Halloween parades, I am writing to share school highlights and important reminders as we welcome November.
๐พ๐๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐จ๐ข ๐๐จ ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐๐ช๐จ, ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ก ๐พ๐ก๐ค๐จ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐จ
Linden Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 4, and on Thursday, November 6, and Friday, November 7, for the NJEA Convention. Students will have two days of school before the weekend. These instructional days are critical to maintaining academic momentum. I encourage all families to prioritize attendance. Your commitment to having your child in school each day makes a meaningful difference. We have seen positive progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, and we must collectively sustain this improvement.
๐ผ๐จ๐จ๐๐จ๐จ๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ฟ๐๐ฉ๐
Our elementary and secondary schools completed the NJSLA Adaptive Field Test. I appreciate the collective effort that ensured our success. Test coordinators, teachers, technology staff, and administrative teams all displayed exceptional readiness and adaptability during this process. Our students showed remarkable concentration as they engaged with this new assessment format, yielding important insights about the testing platform and student progress. Assessment work will continue at Linden High School into next week, providing us with valuable information about the new testing platform and student learning and growth.
๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ
This past month has been rich with learning experiences beyond the classroom. We conducted elementary parent-teacher conferences, enabling families and teachers to collaborate in support of student success. We also observed several important recognition weeks, including School Violence Awareness Week, Fire Prevention Week, Week of Respect, and Red Ribbon Week, which focuses on drug prevention. Each of these initiatives reinforced our commitment to creating safe, caring, and healthy school environments. As you prepare for activities and celebrations, please keep safety at the forefront of your mind. Our children depend on us to model responsible choices and to keep them protected.
At the October Board of Education meeting, we shared significant gains in the Spring 2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments and celebrated students who earned top scores. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and families working together in harmony. We are closing gaps and expanding achievement across all levels, and this progress belongs to our entire community.
๐๐ช๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข
Across all grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through high school, we recognize that all behavior is a form of communication. When students struggle to express their needs effectively, we respond by teaching practical communication skills, coping strategies, and respectful behaviors. Most importantly, we listen. I am excited to announce the launch of the Superintendent Student Leadership Team for students in grades six through twelve. In these sessions, students and I will engage in meaningful dialogue centered on our core pillars: activating student voice, building strong relationships, and creating unique opportunities for every learner. Every student deserves to be heard, and every voice matters in our schools. Students will receive an interest application to complete via Canvas.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we are building a school community where every child is known, valued, and supported in reaching their full potential.
Take care,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
As we approach Thanksgiving, Linden Public Schools is coming together to support families in need through our Districtwide Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Weโre inviting students, staff, and families to join us by donating non-perishable food items to your school between now and Friday, November 21, 2025.
All items collected will stay within each school and be shared with families identified as needing assistance โ because when we give together, we grow together.
Letโs show what it means to be a compassionate, caring Linden community.
#LindenStrong #SeasonOfGiving #ThankfulTogether #ROARWithKindness
โฝ Sign Up for the Winter LUSC Youth Development Program! โฝ
Get ready for soccer training this winter with the Linden United Soccer Club's (LUSC) Youth Development Program (YDP)! This program is open to boys and girls aged 3 to 14 years old.
Program Details:
Duration: November 24th, 2025 โ March 18th, 2026.
Days: Monday & Wednesday.
Time: 6:00 PM โ 8:00 PM.
Location: School #10 Gymnasium (280 Highland Ave, Linden, NJ 07036).
Price: $175 (T-shirt included).
SIGN UP TODAY!
For full details, please email lindenunitedsoccerclub@gmail.com or call 908-943-8708.
Savor the Flavor! Get Ready for the Annual Taste of Linden!
Indulge in the best food and drinks Linden has to offer! Join us for a delicious evening featuring samples from nearly 20 local restaurants and businesses, all while supporting a great cause.
Event Details:
What: The Annual Taste of Linden
When: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: The Grand Banquet Hall (12 North Stiles Street, Linden)
Donation/Tickets:
Advance Tickets: $20
At the Door: $25
Featuring Food From:
III Amici Ristorante, Applebee's, Chevy's Fresh Mex, Craven BBQ, Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood, Jersey Mike's Subs, Machichi Bakery & Cafรฉ, Primavera's Cafรฉ Ristorante & Pizza, Starbucks, Uncle Louie G's Italian Ice and Ice Cream, and MANY MORE!
There will also be a 50/50 raffle!
Get Your Advance Tickets!
You can purchase tickets at:
Metro Liquors
Primavera's
Chemical Services, Inc. (1711 W Elizabeth Ave, Linden)
For more information, contact June Lazaro at 908-930-8310 or Junlazaro@verizon.net
๐ Get Ready to Decorate and Dine! Pumpkin Painting Pizza Party! ๐
Join the City of Linden Department of Parks & Recreation for a festive fall event!
Kids can paint their own pumpkin and then enjoy a pizza party!
Details:
What: Pumpkin Painting Pizza Party
When: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 11:00 AM โ 1:00 PM
Where: JTG Recreation Center (330 Helen Street, Linden, NJ)
Important Registration Info:
Fee is only $5.00 per person.
Limited to children 13 and under.
Children will receive a pumpkin to paint and pizza to eat!
Online registration is mandatory. No money will be accepted at the door, and space is limited.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Linden Community Pass website to register today!
(Note: This event is for Linden children only.)
Lindenโs 72nd Annual Halloween Parade is almost here!
Join us on Sunday, October 26, 2025 for a spooky celebration with this yearโs special theme:
Celebrating Lindenโs 100th Anniversary of Incorporation. ๐ฅณ๐
๐ Parade Line-Up: 1:00 PM
๐ Parade Start: 2:00 PM
Donโt miss the Scarecrow Display (Oct. 20 โ Nov. 3) at Linden City Hall and all the fun leading up to parade day!
๐ For more info, call the JTG Recreation Center at 908-474-8600.
Letโs make this yearโs parade the biggest and best yet! ๐ท๏ธ๐งก
Dear Linden Families,
As we move deeper into October, I want to share important updates and reminders requiring immediate attention and participation. October is Fire Prevention Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Violence and Vandalism Awareness Month, and Red Ribbon Week. Our schools are working with our Fire Department and Linden Police Department to spread awareness through community and relationship building.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk: Our second annual breast cancer awareness walk will occur at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, October 18, with registration beginning at 8:30 am. Please come out and show your support for this important cause. This event brings our community together and demonstrates our commitment to supporting one another. Here is the online registration to register for the event. Https://gofan.co/event/4088057?schoolId=NJ20192 Please join our fight against cancer as a unified team.
Student Uniform Update: Revisions are made to Board Policy #5511 Student Dress and Grooming, expanding on what is or is not permitted. The revisions to the board policy will go into effect on November 21, after the second reading at the November 20 Board of Education Meeting. The policy is attached for your review. Reminder, this is the first reading of the policy.
New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA): The Spring 2025 NJSLA individual student report sheets are available to all parents through the Genesis platform https://parents.c2.genesisedu.net/linden/sis/view?gohome=true. I invite you to review your child's results and celebrate their progress. I am pleased with our gains in student achievement, and our district-wide analysis presentation is available on our website.
Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place October 28, 29, and 30, with an early dismissal and lunch served for elementary students. You must sign up through our Genesis Portal. These conferences are essential opportunities to discuss your child's progress, ask questions, and strengthen the home-school partnership. Please make every effort to attend and engage with your child's educators.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: We need your students to come to school. I am pleased to report that our district maintains a high attendance rate of 90% or higher across all schools as we complete the second month. This reflects the collective commitment of our students, families, staff, and community to prioritizing daily school attendance. A 90% attendance rate is commendable, but we aim to ensure every student is present and engaged daily. We will continue working with families and community partners to maintain this positive trajectory and support the students who need additional encouragement or assistance. Every day matters. Every absence impacts learning. Have your students in school, because we need you. All means all.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students. When we work together, show up, and stay engaged, our students thrive. Let us continue to ROAR together.
Take care and be well,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Attention parents and baseball players! The City of Linden Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a FREE Linden Tigers Fall Baseball Clinic.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to sharpen their skills and learn from the best, as the clinic will be instructed by Linden High School Varsity Baseball Coach Craig Goldberg and his staff!
Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Location: Memorial Field, 55 Lower Rd.
Cost: FREE!
Clinic Times (Based on Current Grade):
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: (Grades 3-5)
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: (Grades 6-8)
Register online now at: www.linden-nj.gov/register
If you are a first-time registrant, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 474-8600.
Dear Parent/Guardians:
In the spring, your student participated in the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) administration to measure their academic performance in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science as defined in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). Evaluating the results from statewide testing can be a helpful tool in measuring your studentsโ success in school. For decades, New Jersey has used statewide assessments as a valuable instrument for assessing our studentsโ annual progress.
Your studentโs Individual Student Reports (ISRs) will be available in the Genesis Parent portal on October 15th in the โDocumentsโ section. They are also available in the New Jersey Parent Portal. The online portal includes your studentโs scale score, level of performance, and a video explanation of the score report. The video report communicates information from the ISR through animations and a voiceover in New Jerseyโs top five languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic. The Parent Score Interpretation Guide is also available in those five languages on the portal. The portal allows you to track your studentโs scores from year to year, beginning with spring 2019. If this is the first time you will be accessing the online portal, you must create an account using the unique claim code that is located on your studentโs paper ISR. Additional resources to help support your student can be found on the New Jersey Assessments Resource Center under Parent Resources.
Practice Tests are also available in the portal for ELA, mathematics, and science. The practice tests are designed to allow users to view and interact with the sample items in the same way students interact with them during testing. The practice test platforms have a default login of โGuestโ; however, users can choose to enter a name when they begin. Users can respond to sample test items and receive a summary score for each unit. Additional resources, such as the Digital Item Library and New Meridian Item Library are also available.
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing these platforms, please reach out directly to your childโs school counselor or principal.
Sincerely,
Dariusz Kondratowicz
Supervisor of Data & Assessment
Lindenโs 72nd Annual Halloween Parade is almost here! Join us on Sunday, October 26, 2025 for a spooky celebration with this yearโs special theme: Celebrating Lindenโs 100th Anniversary of Incorporation. ๐ฅณ๐
๐ Parade Line-Up: 1:00 PM
๐ Parade Start: 2:00 PM
Donโt miss the Scarecrow Display (Oct. 20 โ Nov. 3) at Linden City Hall and all the fun leading up to parade day!
๐ For more info, call the JTG Recreation Center at 908-474-8600.
Letโs make this yearโs parade the biggest and best yet! ๐ท๏ธ๐งก
The City of Linden and the Linden Health Department invite you to the annual Linden Health & Wellness Fair!
Come get valuable screenings and information at no cost.
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Where: School #1 Gym (720 N. Wood Avenue)
Cost: FREE ENTRY! Everyone is Welcome!
FREE Health Services Include:
- Blood pressure & blood sugar tests
- Vision and hearing tests
- Dental health screenings
- Flu vaccinations
FREE Cancer Screenings for uninsured/underinsured! (Colorectal home kits, mammogram prescriptions, prostate blood tests, and more!)
We'll also have local health tables, prizes, and giveaways!
For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at 908-474-8409.
Get ready for an epic morning of food and fun! ๐
Join the Deerfield School 9 PTA for a magical K-Pop Demon Hunters Breakfast fundraiser at Applebee's (671 W Edgar Rd, Linden NJ)!
When: Sunday, October 12th
Time: 8:00 AM โ 10:00 AM
Tickets: $12 per person (child or adult)
Your ticket includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a beverageโall while supporting our students! Dressing Up is ENCOURAGED!
Important Notes:
- Parents must attend and purchase a ticket for themselves as well as for each child.
- Ticket sales are open to everyone! You don't have to attend School 9 to join the fun.
โก๏ธ Purchase your tickets now: https://deerfield9.givebacks.com/shop/items/dcb5ea0b4273
Fill Out Your School Meals and S-EBT Application Today!
Nutritious school meals save parents time, money, and stress! Free school meals can save parents $120 per month in grocery costs per child. Research also shows that receiving free school meals reduces food insecurity and obesity rates.
It's important to submit the School Meals and Summer EBT Application โeven if you qualified for free meals in the past or your school provides free meals for all.
It's More Than a Meal Application!
Submitting the application is vital because it helps secure important resources for our students and school community:
It qualifies students for fee waivers for college applications and admissions tests.
It provides resources for teachers and students.
It secures Federal, state, and local funding for school budgets.
Learn how to apply by visiting your school website or obtain a paper copy at your school!
Youth & Teen Self-Defense Program!
The City of Linden's Department of Parks and Recreation, under Mayor Derek Armstead, is offering an Eight Week Self Defense Program.
This program, led by Instructor Shihan Rahim and assistant instructors, is designed to build confidence, discipline, speed, strength, and awareness to protect oneself from harm. The Winter Session will focus on teaching martial art strikes, blocking, tumbling forward, back rolls, and various techniques.
Program Details:
Program Duration: October 27th โ December 15th (Every Monday).
Location: JTG Center (330 Helen St.).
Cost: $50.
Class Schedule:
Youth (5-12 years old): 5:00 pm โ 6:00 pm.
Teens (13-17 years old): 6:30 pm โ 7:30 pm.
If you have any questions, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (908) 474-8600.
Dear Linden Families,
We are in the second month of the school year and are off to a great start. Our fall sports are in full swing, and we are proud of our students' athletic performances. September has been an exceptional start to the 2025-2026 school year. Our students have returned with energy and focus, our educators deliver excellent instruction, and our buildings are alive with learning. When I walk through our schools, I see our ROAR values in action every dayโresilience in how our students tackle challenges, opportunities being seized in every classroom, achievement at every level, and strong relationships being built between students and staff.
The transition to our uniform policy has gone remarkably well. Our students look sharp, our families have been supportive, and the policy is helping to create a more focused learning environment. Uniforms reinforce that we are one team with one mission: student success.
In third-grade classrooms, students have shared that the work is challenging as they transition between rooms for different subjects and move from addition to multiplication. Their engagement and willingness to embrace the challenge are impressive. Middle school students have told me the key to success is simply trying their best. At the high school level, students are thinking about life after graduation. I recently spoke with a student who felt barriers between her and her college dreams. These conversations are essential and reflect our strategic plan commitment to giving students a platform to share their thinking. I have also heard concerns that this generation faces many distractions through social media that impact their self-identity, self-worth, and educational stamina. However, our students continue to show up. Our staff has created structured learning environments that promote collaborative thinking and learning. I am proud of how they are helping students navigate their educational experience both in and out of the classroom.
A parent recently informed me that what initially seemed like a lack of resources resulted in staff providing those resources in abundance. The relationships being built with our students and parents are cultivating the partnerships we need. Our strategic plan says we need you because all means all.
Our students are taking grade-level benchmark assessments in reading, language arts, and math to demonstrate their readiness for college and career success in grades 1 through 12. To support their learning, students use our online program Exact Path by Edmentum, which customizes lessons and assessments based on each student's strengths and weaknesses. Students can access Exact Path both at school and at home.
URGENT: Free or Reduced Lunch Application Deadline is October 13 - Free or reduced lunch forms must be completed online before October 13. All parents and guardians should complete the application regardless of whether they plan to accept any support from free or reduced lunch. This is a critical deadline that impacts funding and resources for our entire district. Please act immediately if you have not already done so.
As we continue through October, here are key priorities requiring your engagement. Back-to-school nights allow you to meet your children's educators, the people working with them for the next 158 days. Remember that our home-school connection requires parents to show up. Administrators shared they have been assisting parents in signing up for the Genesis parent portal, which provides access to everything about your child, including attendance, grades, and extracurricular activities. If you need help signing up, contact your schoolโs principal.
I want to remind every student that you belong here, your voice matters, and your potential is limitless. We are building something special in Linden Public Schools, and each of you plays a vital role in that vision. To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children. To our staff, thank you for your dedication. To our students, keep reaching higher. It is an exciting time to be part of Linden Public Schools. We are just getting started, and the best is yet to come. When we ROAR together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
Take care and be well,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Free ESL Classes for Linden Public Schools Parents
Linden Public Schools' Multilingual Learner's Department is offering
Free English/ESL Parent Classes!
These classes are designed to help you learn English and support your child's success.
Who can apply: Only parents of Linden Public Schools Multilingual Learner (ML) students.
When: Wednesdays, from October 29th through March 25th.
Time: 6:00 PM โ 8:00 PM.
Where: Linden High School, 121 W St Georges Ave.
Levels Available: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Mid, and Advanced/Citizenship.
How to Register:
You must register using the QR code provided on the flyer.
For more information, please contact:
The Multilingual Welcome Center at 908-486-2800 ext. 8053
ML Welcome Center Coordinator, Jasmine Dupree, at 908-486-2800 ext. 80525 or jdupree@lindenps.org.
Together We're Stronger: Pink Day!
Linden Public Schools invites all students and staff to join us as we show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! ๐๏ธ
On Thursday, October 16th, let's stand United in hope by wearing PINK district-wide!
Wear pink to honor and support the fighters and survivors of breast cancer.
Fall & Spring Music & Arts Classes Are Open!
Give your child (Grades K-12) the gift of creativity with Afterschool and Saturdays Music & Arts Classes at The Institute of Music for Children!
Registration is now open for our Fall and Spring Semester 2025-2026.
We offer a wide variety of classes, including:
Instrumental Music: Guitar, Piano, Violin, Drums, African Drumming, and more.
Performing Arts: Hip Hop Dance, Ballet, Singing, Acting, and Theatre.
Visual & Media Arts: Art, Painting, Filmmaking, Recording Studio, and DJ.
Specialty Classes: Young Chefs, Karate, and Crochet.
New Offerings for this semester include Documentary Filmmaking and The Nutcracker with Nimbus Dance Company.
Classes are held one day per week, and we offer Payment Plans and Sibling Discounts.
The deadline to register is October 14.
How to Register:
Visit bit.ly/IMCAI26Reg
Or Call 908-469-1211
You can also learn more at one of our Open Houses on Saturday 10/4/25 or Wednesday 10/8/25 (sign up at bit.ly/IMCOpenHouseAI26).
The Union County Division of Children and Youth Services is offering Anger Management Group Sessions for youth ages 13โ18.
๐
Sessions run on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30โ7:30 PM (Nov. 13 โ Dec. 16).
๐ Location: 50 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ
โ
Refreshments will be provided!
๐ To register, call (908) 527-4098 or email nnunez@ucnj.org
Letโs work together to build healthy coping skills and strong futures! ๐
