Dear Linden Families,
The fun starts in just a few hours! Join us TODAY, Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Linden High School PTA Community Flea Market in the LHS parking lot and gym.
Explore 70 vendors featuring household finds, apparel, handmade crafts, jewelry, community resources and more. Bring the family, meet your neighbors and make it a Saturday of discovery!
Thereโs still time to join us! See the attached flyer for details.
The fun starts in just a few hours! Join us TODAY, Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Linden High School PTA Community Flea Market in the LHS parking lot and gym.
Explore 70 vendors featuring household finds, apparel, handmade crafts, jewelry, community resources and more. Bring the family, meet your neighbors and make it a Saturday of discovery!
Thereโs still time to join us! See the attached flyer for details.
October 2, 2026
Dear Linden Families,
As we step into October, I am proud to share that our students are showing up and roaring. Perfect attendance for September reached 57.2 percent, up from 53.9 percent last September. This progress reflects the commitment of our families, the care of our staff, and the effort of our students. Our #LPS_ShowUpandRoar campaign continues to energize our schools, and we will keep building on this momentum together.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our school community stands together to promote awareness, honor survivors, remember those who have fought bravely, and support the search for a cure. We invite everyone to join us for our 3rd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, at Tiger Stadium. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The flyer has been sent, and all participants must register. October is also National Principals Month, and I am grateful to our principals and vice principals for their leadership, their vision, and the way they show up for students, staff, and families every day.
Today, we also celebrate Custodian Appreciation Day. Happy Custodian Day to the dedicated custodians who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming. Their behind-the-scenes work makes it possible for teaching and learning to thrive, and we are deeply grateful.
Our students also have a chance to use their creativity for a good cause. We are asking every student to draw a piece of art for our upcoming health fair on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at School No. 1. The art assignment has been shared with teachers and students, and completed drawings must be submitted to your child's teacher by October 8. We cannot wait to see what our young artists create.
This week, our staff came together for our first Mission Possible Monday, when every team member wore a Mission Possible shirt as a symbol of the work that unites us. Our mission is shared, and when we move forward as one team, the impossible becomes possible for our students.
I also want to remind our families that this fall, our district will participate in the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey. Developed by Rutgers University, the survey gathers multiple perspectives on school climate and the experiences of members of our school community. The feedback will help us understand what is working well and where we can grow, and the results will guide school and district planning as we continue to create positive, welcoming, and supportive learning environments for all students.
The survey is anonymous and voluntary, and students, parents, caregivers, and school staff will each have an opportunity to participate. Results are combined by respondent group, so no one will have access to an individual's answers. The student survey will be administered from October 5 through November 2, 2026. A separate communication with instructions for the parent and caregiver survey has been sent. Your voice matters, and I hope you will participate.
Finally, a flyer has gone out about the T-Mobile Project 10Million program, which offers a free internet-enabled device and free high-speed internet to eligible families. Please review the flyer for details. Thank you for your partnership, and I wish our entire Linden community a strong and purposeful week ahead.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Linden Families,
As we step into October, I am proud to share that our students are showing up and roaring. Perfect attendance for September reached 57.2 percent, up from 53.9 percent last September. This progress reflects the commitment of our families, the care of our staff, and the effort of our students. Our #LPS_ShowUpandRoar campaign continues to energize our schools, and we will keep building on this momentum together.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our school community stands together to promote awareness, honor survivors, remember those who have fought bravely, and support the search for a cure. We invite everyone to join us for our 3rd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, at Tiger Stadium. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The flyer has been sent, and all participants must register. October is also National Principals Month, and I am grateful to our principals and vice principals for their leadership, their vision, and the way they show up for students, staff, and families every day.
Today, we also celebrate Custodian Appreciation Day. Happy Custodian Day to the dedicated custodians who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming. Their behind-the-scenes work makes it possible for teaching and learning to thrive, and we are deeply grateful.
Our students also have a chance to use their creativity for a good cause. We are asking every student to draw a piece of art for our upcoming health fair on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at School No. 1. The art assignment has been shared with teachers and students, and completed drawings must be submitted to your child's teacher by October 8. We cannot wait to see what our young artists create.
This week, our staff came together for our first Mission Possible Monday, when every team member wore a Mission Possible shirt as a symbol of the work that unites us. Our mission is shared, and when we move forward as one team, the impossible becomes possible for our students.
I also want to remind our families that this fall, our district will participate in the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey. Developed by Rutgers University, the survey gathers multiple perspectives on school climate and the experiences of members of our school community. The feedback will help us understand what is working well and where we can grow, and the results will guide school and district planning as we continue to create positive, welcoming, and supportive learning environments for all students.
The survey is anonymous and voluntary, and students, parents, caregivers, and school staff will each have an opportunity to participate. Results are combined by respondent group, so no one will have access to an individual's answers. The student survey will be administered from October 5 through November 2, 2026. A separate communication with instructions for the parent and caregiver survey has been sent. Your voice matters, and I hope you will participate.
Finally, a flyer has gone out about the T-Mobile Project 10Million program, which offers a free internet-enabled device and free high-speed internet to eligible families. Please review the flyer for details. Thank you for your partnership, and I wish our entire Linden community a strong and purposeful week ahead.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Dear LPS Families,
Three stages. Big sounds. Delicious flavors. And a whole afternoon of family fun! Tomorrow, Linden City Hall comes alive for the Linden Fall Festival: โThe Many Flavors of Linden.โ Bring the kids, meet up with neighbors and make a day of it!
-- Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 3
-- 1โ9 p.m.
-- Linden City Hall
Hosted by Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Department of Parks & Recreation, the festival features DJs and live music, dancing, food trucks, games and activities, live wrestling matches, a classic and custom car and motorcycle show, eating contests, and a vendor marketplace.
Come for the food. Stay for the music. Make some memories together!
See the attached flyer, gather the family and join the celebration tomorrow!
Three stages. Big sounds. Delicious flavors. And a whole afternoon of family fun! Tomorrow, Linden City Hall comes alive for the Linden Fall Festival: โThe Many Flavors of Linden.โ Bring the kids, meet up with neighbors and make a day of it!
-- Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 3
-- 1โ9 p.m.
-- Linden City Hall
Hosted by Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Department of Parks & Recreation, the festival features DJs and live music, dancing, food trucks, games and activities, live wrestling matches, a classic and custom car and motorcycle show, eating contests, and a vendor marketplace.
Come for the food. Stay for the music. Make some memories together!
See the attached flyer, gather the family and join the celebration tomorrow!
Learning doesnโt stop when the school day ends. Linden Public Schools is helping eligible families stay connected through T-Mobileโs Project 10Million, offering:
-- A free Wi-Fi hotspot
-- 200GB of free data per year
-- $0 monthly bills
From homework to school updates, a reliable connection helps families keep learning and stay informed.
Need help applying or checking eligibility? Contact your schoolโs main office or the LPS IT Department at 908-587-3263.
Stay connected. Keep growing. See the flyer for more information!
-- A free Wi-Fi hotspot
-- 200GB of free data per year
-- $0 monthly bills
From homework to school updates, a reliable connection helps families keep learning and stay informed.
Need help applying or checking eligibility? Contact your schoolโs main office or the LPS IT Department at 908-587-3263.
Stay connected. Keep growing. See the flyer for more information!
Facing Your Fears: Free Anxiety Program for Autistic Children Ages 8โ14
Montclair State Universityโs Autism and Neurodevelopment Lab is seeking families for Facing Your Fears, a research study offering a free, 14-week cognitive behavioral therapy program designed to help autistic children ages 8โ14 manage anxiety.
Children participate alongside a parent or primary caregiver who lives with them. Participation includes in-person lab visits in Little Falls and weekly 90-minute group sessions. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a waitlist group that receives the intervention after a waiting period. Families who complete the study will receive a $150 gift card, and free parking is available at the lab.
To learn more, email erinkanglab@montclair.edu, call 973-655-3615, or scan the QR code on the accompanying flyer to complete an interest form.
This study has been approved by Montclair State Universityโs Institutional Review Board, #FY23-24-3257.
Linden Public Schools is sharing this information as a community resource. The district does not endorse, sponsor, or recommend this program. Participation is voluntary, and families should determine whether it is appropriate for their child.
Montclair State Universityโs Autism and Neurodevelopment Lab is seeking families for Facing Your Fears, a research study offering a free, 14-week cognitive behavioral therapy program designed to help autistic children ages 8โ14 manage anxiety.
Children participate alongside a parent or primary caregiver who lives with them. Participation includes in-person lab visits in Little Falls and weekly 90-minute group sessions. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a waitlist group that receives the intervention after a waiting period. Families who complete the study will receive a $150 gift card, and free parking is available at the lab.
To learn more, email erinkanglab@montclair.edu, call 973-655-3615, or scan the QR code on the accompanying flyer to complete an interest form.
This study has been approved by Montclair State Universityโs Institutional Review Board, #FY23-24-3257.
Linden Public Schools is sharing this information as a community resource. The district does not endorse, sponsor, or recommend this program. Participation is voluntary, and families should determine whether it is appropriate for their child.
๐ WEAR PINK. WALK STRONG. STAND TOGETHER. ๐
Linden Public Schools invites our community to join us for our Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, at Tiger Stadium.
Come walk, celebrate, support, and honor the survivors, caregivers, families, and loved ones whose stories inspire us every day.
-- 9 AMโ12 PM | Check-in: 8:30 AM
-- Tiger Stadium, Linden
-- Family activities + community spirit
Register today using the QR code!
Linden Public Schools invites our community to join us for our Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, at Tiger Stadium.
Come walk, celebrate, support, and honor the survivors, caregivers, families, and loved ones whose stories inspire us every day.
-- 9 AMโ12 PM | Check-in: 8:30 AM
-- Tiger Stadium, Linden
-- Family activities + community spirit
Register today using the QR code!
Families First: 3rd Annual Back-to-School Health Fair
Families are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Back-to-School Health Fair this Saturday, featuring a variety of free health screenings, services, resources, and giveaways for the community. Services include vision and dental screenings, health screenings, mental health resources, social services, and more.
๐
Saturday, October 3, 2026
โฐ 11:00 a.m. โ 3:00 p.m.
๐ Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Please see the attached flyer for complete details and information about the services available.
๐ You're Invited to Two Special Multilingual Learners Department Events! ๐
The Linden Public Schools Multilingual Learners Department invites students, parents, and families to participate in two upcoming events this October: the Bilingual Parent Advisory Meeting and a special Celebrating Traditions, Honoring Cultures event recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and Polish Heritage Month.
These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect with our school community, learn more about the Multilingual Learners program, and celebrate the rich cultures that make our district so diverse.
Please see the attached flyers for event details, registration information, and additional important information. We look forward to seeing you there!
September 18, 2026
Dear Linden Families,
At Linden Public Schools, we want every student to feel safe, supported, connected, and valued at school. One of the best ways for us to understand how we are doingโand where we can continue to growโis by listening to the voices of our students, families, and staff.
This fall, our district will participate in the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey. The survey was developed by Rutgers University and is administered to help schools gather multiple perspectives on school climate and the experiences of members of the school community.
The feedback collected through the NJ SCI Survey will help us better understand what is working well in our schools and identify areas for improvement. Survey results will be used to support school and district planning and our continued efforts to create positive, welcoming, and supportive learning environments for all students.
The NJ SCI Survey is anonymous and voluntary. Students, parents/caregivers, and school staff will have an opportunity to share their perspectives. A separate communication with instructions for completing the parent/caregiver survey will be sent in October. Your voice is important to us, and we hope you will participate.
School and district staff will be able to view survey results through a password-protected online platform. Individual responses are combined by respondent group for reporting purposes. For example, parent/caregiver responses will be combined with responses from other parents/caregivers. No one will have access to an individual respondentโs answers.
The student survey will be administered from October 5, 2026, through November 2, 2026. Families may preview the student survey questions in advance using the links below:
Students Grades 3-5 Survey; Students Grades 6-12 Survey.
The student survey gives us an important opportunity to hear directly from students about their experiences at school. However, participation is voluntary, and your child does not have to participate in the survey. If you have questions about the survey or would prefer that your child not participate, please contact your childโs building principal by October 2, 2026.
If you do not contact the school by October 2, 2026, it will be understood that you give permission for your child to participate in the survey should your child choose to do so.
Thank you for partnering with us and for helping us better understand the experiences of our students and families. Your feedback helps us continue building school communities where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Enjoy the weekend and remember there is no school on Monday, September 21, in observance of Yom Kippur.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Students,
What connects you to Hispanic culture?
As National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Optimumโs 19th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest invites you to explore how a Hispanic person, tradition, cultural value, work of art, historical contribution or community organization has inspired you.
In 500 words or less, explain what you learned and how that influence shaped your perspective, goals or connection to your community.
Your story could earn you an exciting prize, including a $3,000 scholarship or an iPad!
Submission deadline: Oct. 15
Contest details and official rules: www.Optimum.com/HHM
Celebrate the voices, experiences and traditions that keep Hispanic culture vibrant across generations. Your story matters. Share it!
What connects you to Hispanic culture?
As National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Optimumโs 19th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest invites you to explore how a Hispanic person, tradition, cultural value, work of art, historical contribution or community organization has inspired you.
In 500 words or less, explain what you learned and how that influence shaped your perspective, goals or connection to your community.
Your story could earn you an exciting prize, including a $3,000 scholarship or an iPad!
Submission deadline: Oct. 15
Contest details and official rules: www.Optimum.com/HHM
Celebrate the voices, experiences and traditions that keep Hispanic culture vibrant across generations. Your story matters. Share it!
๐ Save the Date for Linden's 73rd Annual Halloween Parade! ๐ป
Mark your calendars for one of Linden's favorite fall traditions! Join us on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as the 73rd Annual Linden Halloween Parade steps off at 2:00 p.m., featuring this year's special theme celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
Whether you're participating in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, it's sure to be a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family. Please see the attached flyer for lineup information, committee meeting dates, parade details, and additional event information.
We look forward to celebrating Halloween with our community! ๐๐
๐คโจ Don't miss "Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience" at the Many Flavors of Linden Fall Festival! โจ๐ค
Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate with "Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience" during this year's Many Flavors of Linden Fall Festival! This exciting tribute performance is sure to be a highlight of the day for Swifties of all ages.
Join us on Saturday, September 26 at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade Stage for a 2:00 p.m. performance. Attendees will also receive a Swifty gift bag while supplies last.
Then enjoy some treats and the many activities that the Fall Festival has to offer. Come celebrate the many flavors of Lindenโs Community!
Please see the attached flyer for additional event details. We hope to see you there! ๐ถ๐
September 4, 2026
Dear Linden Families,
The school year is off to a strong start, and our attendance data shows it. As we complete the first three days of the 2026-2027 school year, the chart below highlights positive gains in student attendance compared to the same period last year, reflecting our shared commitment to our district goal of supporting student growth and academic achievement through consistent attendance and data-driven instruction.
Student attendance is essential to academic success. As we focus on reading, writing, and literacy across all grade levels, consistent attendance ensures that students receive the instruction and support they need to grow as learners. Let's keep this momentum going. Together, we can build on this strong start by ensuring every student is present and ready to learn.
I want to thank all employees and families for helping ensure a smooth and safe opening of the school year. The successful start of a new school year depends on the contributions of many individuals working together in the service of our students. This collective effort supports the educational environment we strive to provide for every child.
I also encourage families who have not yet completed their annual Genesis electronic forms to do so as soon as possible. We are approaching 85% completion districtwide and look forward to reaching full participation in the coming weeks. It is important that we have updated and accurate parent and emergency contact information to support student safety and ensure timely communication throughout the school year.
Please note that schools will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Students will return on Tuesday, September 8, for full-day instruction. Thank you for your continued support of our #LPS_ShowUpANDROAR commitment as we begin another year of learning and growth.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Linden Families,
The school year is off to a strong start, and our attendance data shows it. As we complete the first three days of the 2026-2027 school year, the chart below highlights positive gains in student attendance compared to the same period last year, reflecting our shared commitment to our district goal of supporting student growth and academic achievement through consistent attendance and data-driven instruction.
Student attendance is essential to academic success. As we focus on reading, writing, and literacy across all grade levels, consistent attendance ensures that students receive the instruction and support they need to grow as learners. Let's keep this momentum going. Together, we can build on this strong start by ensuring every student is present and ready to learn.
I want to thank all employees and families for helping ensure a smooth and safe opening of the school year. The successful start of a new school year depends on the contributions of many individuals working together in the service of our students. This collective effort supports the educational environment we strive to provide for every child.
I also encourage families who have not yet completed their annual Genesis electronic forms to do so as soon as possible. We are approaching 85% completion districtwide and look forward to reaching full participation in the coming weeks. It is important that we have updated and accurate parent and emergency contact information to support student safety and ensure timely communication throughout the school year.
Please note that schools will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Students will return on Tuesday, September 8, for full-day instruction. Thank you for your continued support of our #LPS_ShowUpANDROAR commitment as we begin another year of learning and growth.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
๐ Back-to-School Vaccinations & School Physicals ๐ฉบ
Help your child get ready for the new school year! RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health and Union County, is offering a Back-to-School Vaccination & School Physical Clinic for children from Pre-K through age 18.
Please see the attached flyer for appointment information, registration instructions, eligibility, event details, and additional resources. Registration is required, so be sure to reserve your child's appointment before the deadline.
September 1, 2026
Dear Linden Families,
One day. That is all that stands between us and a brand-new school year, full of first days, first bells, and first steps into classrooms where our students will grow in ways we cannot yet imagine.
This year's district theme is Back to the Basics, and it is more than a phrase. Our administrative team spent four days this summer recommitting to our mission, vision, and core beliefs, and ensuring reading and writing remain non-negotiable priorities in every classroom, every day. These priorities live through our ROAR and through our continued commitment to Future-Focused Innovation, preparing students for a changing world while staying grounded in what matters most.
If this is your first year with us, know that transitions can bring mixed emotions for families and students, and we are here to help make it smooth.
A few reminders. School begins Wednesday, September 2, with half days on September 2, 3, and 4. Lunch will be served. Student Dress and Grooming District Policy 5511 continues this year as it did last year. Each school has sent families a welcome-back letter with schedule details, and as a reminder, families must sign in to our Genesis Parent Portal to access their child's schedule. If you need help accessing Genesis or your contact information has changed, please reach out to your school.
Showing up matters. This year, we are asking families to join us in #LPS_ShowupAndROAR, carrying that same resilience into daily attendance. If something is affecting your child's attendance, reach out to your school. We want to help.
We also want every family to be aware of our District Policy 5516: Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices. From the opening bell through dismissal, including lunch and passing periods, students may not use personal internet-enabled devices unless an approved exception applies. Bell to bell means devices away. School-issued technology remains available for educational use under staff direction, and approved exceptions, including translation needs, medical monitoring, IEP or 504 accommodations, and caregiving responsibilities, remain in effect. Families should contact their school's administration to document any of these needs. Full details can be found in our Personal Device Policy Quick Reference Guide
We are also sharing the New Jersey Department of Children and Families back-to-school resource packet from the Governor's office.
Thank you for being such an essential part of the Linden Public Schools family. We are ready and determined to make this year our best yet, together. We Need You, All Means All. Enjoy the night before the first day of school experience.
With Purpose,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
๐ฃ Linden Public Schools Families โ Summer Mailing is Here!
Summer mailing information was emailed to families on Friday, August 21st, and student schedules are now LIVE in Genesis!
โ
Log in to the Genesis Parent Portal
โ
Complete all required school-related forms electronically
โ
Review your childโs schedule/classroom assignment
Please contact your childโs school with any questions or if you need additional information.
We are looking forward to a great year ahead. Letโs ROAR into the 2026โ2027 school year! ๐งก๐ค๐พ
NJ FamilyCare Enrollment Event
Do you need health insurance for your child? Families are invited to attend the NJ FamilyCare Enrollment Event to receive assistance with the enrollment process and learn more about available health coverage options.
Please see the attached flyer for event details, required documentation, eligibility information, and additional resources.
โฝ Join the Linden United Soccer Club! ๐
The Linden United Soccer Club (LUSC) is offering exciting opportunities for young athletes through its Fall Youth Development Program and Speed & Agility Clinic. These programs are designed to help players build soccer skills, improve speed and agility, and develop confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
Please see the attached flyers for program details, registration information, schedules, eligibility, and contact information. Register today and be part of the Linden United Soccer Club! โฝ๐
๐ข Attention Linden Public Schools Families!
Beginning this school year, all Summer Mailing information will be sent electronically on Friday, August 21.
There will be no paper mailing.
To ensure you receive important back-to-school information, please:
โ
Verify you know your Genesis Parent Portal username and password.
โ
Be prepared to log in and complete all required school forms online on August 21st.
Taking a few minutes now will help ensure a smooth start to the 2026โ2027 school year.
Let's ROAR into another great school year!
๐ Backpack Giveaway & ML Department Orientation Day! ๐
The City of Linden, in partnership with Linden Public Schools and community organizations, invites Linden families to attend the Backpack Giveaway & ML Department Orientation Day. Families will have the opportunity to receive school supplies (while supplies last), connect with valuable community resources, and enjoy activities for all ages as we prepare for a successful new school year.
Please see the attached flyer for event details, eligibility requirements, and additional information. We look forward to seeing you there!
