LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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

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 day—resilience 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 school’s 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

September 12, 2025

Dear Linden Families,

Safety and security are ever-present concerns for our parents and our Linden community. As parents, you play a critical role in helping us maintain a safe environment for our children. In partnership with Mayor Derek Armstead and local agencies, we all understand that communication with parents is essential when alleged school threats are made. These situations are very difficult and frustrating, but we want to reassure you that every threat is taken seriously and addressed with professionalism, care, and thoughtfulness, with students as our priority.

The Mayor and I both grew up in Linden alongside many of our police officers, firefighters, teachers, and staff who serve our community today. Whether you are a lifelong resident or newer to our community, we all share the same commitment to protecting every student. We are committed to keeping you informed while balancing the need to protect our students and respect the legal limits of what we can share during investigations. We have implemented security protocols that allow us to keep our students safe. A shelter-in-place notification was sent to all families. Our district did not go into a Lockdown procedure.

Violence has no place in our schools. Our team encourages you to speak with your children about reporting anything deemed a threat. As the Mayor says, “If you see something, say something.” In our schools, notify an administrator, teacher, or staff member if you see something. Reminder, our notification system includes our new LPS Mobile App available for you to download in addition to text messaging, emails, and telephone calls. Please ensure your contact information is updated in our Genesis Portal. Contact your school's principal if you need assistance accessing or updating your information.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for working in partnership with us to ensure the safety of our students and staff of Linden Public Schools. We will continue to provide updates as they become available, and your safety and peace of mind are our highest priorities during this time. Please contact your building principal with any immediate concerns. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Be well,

Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Students,

Wow — what an incredible start to our school year! Your bright smiles, your laughter echoing through the halls, and the sheer energy you bring have filled my heart with overwhelming joy and gratitude. Every time I step into one of our schools, I am reminded why this community is so special: you. Your teachers have been sharing their excitement with me, too. I have been hearing, “So far, so good!” They tell me you are focused and ready to learn — and I have seen it with my own eyes. Here is what stood out to me as I visited your classrooms and walked through your hallways during these first three days:

R - Resilience: You have shown me what it truly means to be strong. Even when things feel new or challenging, you keep trying. You do not give up. Our varsity football players told me they are determined to keep their heads in the game and practice mental toughness on and off the field. I watched 6th graders wrestle with stubborn locker combinations — and win! These small victories matter because they reveal a bigger truth: resilience is your superpower.

O - Opportunities: Everywhere I looked, I saw curiosity at work. I heard students asking great questions. Two 7th graders proudly told me how they have been strategizing the fastest route to science class — not just to avoid being tardy, but to stay on track for their dream of becoming valedictorian, one even saying, “a second time!” That is the spirit I love to see. Never settle. Keep exploring, keep questioning, keep learning. That is how growth happens.

A - Achievement: One 3rd grader was honest: he would rather play video games at home. (I understand — we all have days like that!) However, when asked what he was writing for a writing prompt on how he could help in the classroom, he wrote that he would help others by working alongside them. That moment captured the very heart of kindness and leadership. Moreover, our youngest students melt my heart. When I ask our Pre-K and Kindergarten friends how they get home, they excitedly tell me about mommies and daddies, grandparents and siblings, even sharing details about cars, canes, and carriages. Their answers reminded me of how deeply we are all connected — and how thankful they are for the people who care for them. Achievement is not just about grades but about kindness and inspiring hope.

R - Relationships: Some of our seniors told me they are both nervous and excited for this final year of high school — a milestone that feels both thrilling and a little bittersweet. Two 7th graders shared that they have been best friends since they were three years old! Friendships like these remind me that relationships are at the core of who we are. Whether it is a lifelong friend or someone you just met, a human connection is what makes our journey meaningful.

Watching our District’s Vision come alive as you uncover your unique potential fills me with the most pride. Your creativity, individuality, and style shine through in every project you complete, every question you ask, and every choice you make. Tomorrow, we move into our first whole week of school. Remember this: it is okay to be still adjusting. You are doing wonderfully. We are learning, growing, and ensuring everyone hears our R.O.A.R.

We are also kicking off something exciting this month: our new program, #LPS_ShowUp&ROAR. September is all about attendance — showing up every single day. Because when you show up, you ROAR. Each day you walk through those doors, you send a message: I am here. I am ready. I am unstoppable. I believe in you — every single one of you. Keep showing up, keep rising higher, and keep making us proud. And finally, a warm shout-out to our families. Your partnership and support have made this first week smoother. You are the foundation that makes everything possible. To all our Grandparents, Happy Grandparents Day! I am a proud Grammy of five younger humans; it is a beautiful connection.

Take care from a student who is always learning,

Your Superintendent, Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins

Dear Linden Families,

I am joyful and excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! Students return on Wednesday, September 3, for a half day with lunch served, including September 4th and 5th. Our dedicated teachers and staff return on Tuesday, September 2, for professional learning that accelerates student achievement. Our school buildings are open and ready to welcome you. As we begin our second year of R.O.A.R., we remain committed to empowering each of you. R.O.A.R. stands for:

Resilience (don’t quit; resilience is our superpower)
Opportunities (don’t settle; be curious and ask questions)
Achievement (inspire hope and unlock peak performance)
Relationships (be kind and connect with those around you)

To our students, you are missed, and we cannot wait to see you. As you prepare for this school year, remember that true success comes from believing in yourself. I know you have incredible potential, and I want to see you participate fully in your learning journey. Be actively accountable for yourself and lift those around you by being your wonderful, authentic self. Here is what I believe will make this a phenomenal year: your voice truly matters to us, and we are eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. We need you to show up, arrive on time, and give your heart to what you do; amazing things will happen.
Families, the new school year brings fresh opportunities for collaboration and connection. I am thrilled to engage with our students as I visit classrooms throughout the coming weeks. To build stronger partnerships with families, I commit to being present, perceptive, and purposeful in my daily interactions with the school community. Please ensure you are signed up for Genesis and have completed all required forms before the school year begins. Our Student/Parent/Teacher Handbooks guide our school practices and expectations, and the link has been emailed to you. You must sign off that you have read the handbooks through your child's Genesis page. Parents must be familiar with the handbook contents to support their child's understanding of our policies and expectations, creating consistency between home and school. If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher, case manager, or principal.

We stand united in promoting community excellence and opportunity on behalf of Linden Public Schools Administration, the Linden Board of Education, and Mayor Derek Armstead. This is our Mission Possible, and together we will help every student learn, grow, and believe in their Linden R.O.A.R. Enjoy these final days of summer.

Take care and be well,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools

Saddle Up for Success - Superintendent Spotlight Message 08/15/2025

Dear Linden Families,

There is an unmistakable buzz in the air as we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, and I could not be more excited to share the momentum building across our district. This week, I enjoyed spending time with our exceptional district administrators during our annual Admin Week. This year's western-themed kickoff blended fun, team building, and focused vision-setting for the year ahead. From professional learning to collaborative planning—and even a little line dancing—our leadership team showed up with passion and united commitment to student success. My message to them was simple: "We lead together. We solve problems together. Moreover, above all, we stay focused on what is best for our students."

September will be here in two weeks. If this is your first year with us, know that we understand transitions can bring mixed emotions for families and students. Our Early Childhood department will send out Preschool Social Stories books for our families, and our middle and high schools have completed orientation sessions. If you need additional support, please reach out—we are here to help make this transition smooth and joyful. In addition, Mayor Armstead and the Mayor's Youth Commission, Communities in Cooperation, Inc., and the Linden Department of Parks and Recreation are hosting the annual Free Backpack Giveaway on Monday, August 25, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Promenade in Linden. All families must register for the event using the attached flyer and QR code. This will be a fun experience for our students and families, and we value our partnership with the community.

Schools will send home their welcome back to school letters in the next few weeks. Student schedules are being finalized and will be available through the Genesis portal. Please ensure you have access to Genesis and contact your school if your address or telephone number has changed. As a reminder, District Policy 5511 – Student Dress and Grooming has been revised and will be presented to the Board of Education for approval at the August 21 board meeting at LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL. Details are available on our website.

Families have been arriving at schools for scheduled pickups to collect their free uniform packages—four shirts per student, individually labeled and ready to go. The excitement has been contagious, with smiles and plenty of Tiger pride. To continue with our Tiger Pride, our Linden Tigers Football team will take the field for their preseason opener on Tuesday, August 19, at Edison High School, led by new Head Coach Mark Ciccotelli, a multi-time state champion known for building powerhouse programs. Do not miss our home opener on Friday, August 29, at 7 PM at Tiger Stadium against longtime rival Elizabeth.

On September 1, we launch our new Strategic Plan, a living guide that will shape our work through visibility, responsiveness, and professionalism—all in service to student growth, equity, and excellence. Thank you for being such an essential part of the Linden Public Schools family. We are saddled up, ready to ride, and determined to make this year our best yet—together!

Enjoy our August weather and be well,

Atiya Y. Perkins, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools