๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค๐ฌ: ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ
๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐, ๐ฟ๐๐. 8, 6 ๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐ก ๐๐ค. 4
Our ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค๐ฌ: ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฒ๐ ๐. ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ฌ begins TONIGHT โ and we would love to see you there!
Monday, December 8
6:00 PM
School No. 4
โ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฟ
๐๐ก๐๐๐จ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ง๐๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง.
Workshop 1: Welcome & Understanding Our Vision
โWe Need You โ ALL Means ALLโ
This kickoff session will:
Help you discover how parents can make a meaningful difference
Share the districtโs vision and strategic plan
Introduce the purpose and power of Parent Advisory Councils
Launch a yearlong academy rooted in partnership, voice, and leadership
Join Linden Public Schools in Spreading Holiday Joy!
This season, letโs come together to make a childโs holiday a little brighter! Our Annual Toy Drive is in full swing, and weโre calling on you to be part of the magic.
Simply bring any new, unwrapped toy to your neighborhood Linden Public School and place it under the Giving Tree. Letโs fill those branches with hope and gifts for our communityโs children.
Deadline: December 15th
Contact: For more info, reach out to Mr. Ryan Devaney at 908-486-2800 Ext. 80040.
Letโs show the power of giving and make this holiday season truly special. Thank you for your generosity!
#LindenPublicSchools #ToyDrive #SeasonOfGiving
#LindenPublicSchools #ToyDrive #HolidayGiving
Dear Linden PS families,
The Multilingual Department is collecting coats, hats, gloves, and other winter gear to help keep students warm this winter. New, gently used, or washed donations can be dropped off at all schools and at The Multilingual Welcome Center (PDRC) until Thursday, December 18th. Thank you for your consideration with this initiative. Please see the flyer for more information.
Itโs Concert Season in Linden!
Our Winter Concert & Art Showcase Series kicks off this week โ a festive celebration of music, creativity, and Tiger Pride across all our schools!
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 3 โ Linden High School
Dec. 9 โ School 2 โข School 4 (at Soehl)
Dec. 10 โ Soehl
Dec. 11 โ School 6 โข School 8
Dec. 16 โ McManus
Dec. 17 โ School 1 โข School 9 (at McManus)
Dec. 18 โ School 5 โข School 10 (at McManus)
Jan. 8, 2026 โ Linden High School Bands
Start Times:
Middle School Vocal โ 6:00 PM
Middle School Instrumental โ 7:00 PM
All Elementary & High School โ 7:00 PM
Come out and celebrate our talented student artists and musicians!
November 26, 2025
Dear Linden Families,
๐๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐, ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฐ๐ก๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐ ๐๐ง ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ. ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ.
๐๐จ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: You bring life to our hallways and hope to our future. Your determination and growing confidence remind us why we do this work.
๐๐จ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐: You show up fully, consistently, and wholeheartedly. Whether teaching, leading, comforting, or guiding, you hold our district up with grace and heart.
๐๐จ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฌ: Thank you for the morning routines, the homework pep talks, the trust you place in us, and the generous partnership you offer. Your belief in our mission and in your children fuels everything we do.
๐
๐ค๐๐ฃ ๐๐จ: ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐จ โ ๐๐ค๐ช ๐๐ช๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง
Speaking of partnership, I am excited to invite you to our Tiger Talk with the Superintendent: Parent Voice Advisory Academy. This four-workshop series is designed to deepen our connection and ensure your voice shapes the future of our district.
๐
Workshop 1: Monday, December 8 | School No. 4 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Welcome & Understanding Our Vision โ Discover how you can make a difference
๐
Workshop 2: Wednesday, February 18 | McManus Middle School | 6:00-8:00 PM
Your Child's Success โ Navigate our programs and pathways
๐
Workshop 3: Monday, April 27 | Linden High School | 6:00-8:00 PM
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support โ Access resources to support your child
๐
Workshop 4: Wednesday, June 3 | School No. 1 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Leadership & Taking Action โ Lead with confidence and shape our future
Spanish translators available | Refreshments served |
These workshops will prepare you to join our District Parent Advisory Council, where you will work directly with our Board of Education, Cabinet, and me to influence district policy, programs, and prioritiesโyour perspective matters. Your voice shapes our decisions. Moreover, we truly need you.
As we step into this Thanksgiving weekend, may your homes be filled with warmth, peace, gratitude, and all the small joys that make this season meaningful. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education and our entire district team,
๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐!
"We Need You โ All Means All" - Your Voice, Your Impact, Your Community - The Mission is Possible
With gratitude and ROAR spirit,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Linden Families,
As we enter this joyful season, I want to proudly reaffirm a promise at the heart of our mission: the safety and well-being of every student remain our unwavering priority. Every day, our administrators, staff members, and security professionals work in harmony with local law enforcement to create learning spaces that are safe, welcoming, and filled with possibility -- strengthening our commitment through continuous refinement of our protocols and your powerful partnership as families.
Student Uniform Update: Revisions have been made to Board Policy #5511, Student Dress and Grooming, expanding on what is and is not permitted. The revised policy takes effect today, November 21. You can view the updated policy on our website or by clicking here: https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?PolicyID=5511&id=5b6aee7514964a8c9ff390499621a6ab
Student Safety and Security: I want to address concerns that have been raised regarding safety and security at McManus Middle School. Yesterday, we learned that pictures from our middle school were posted on social media. These pictures show construction materials in the area where bathroom renovation work is being conducted. One picture shows dust on the floor from ongoing construction work. We want to assure you that this dust is not hazardous - our Business Administrator has confirmed there are no hazardous materials present. This is an active construction site that manages our facilities for students and staff.
Another picture shows a door propped open in a staircase. The picture is during a contractor delivery, after our 2:40 PM student dismissal. Although this door is not regularly used, leaving any entrance unattended is a serious breach of our security protocols. All building entrances must always be secured, even during contractor deliveries. This matter is under active investigation, and we followed up with the construction company to ensure this does not happen again. At last nightโs Board of Education Meeting, the Senior Associate from the firm addressed the public to reiterate their expectations that student safety is a top priority.
I want to be clear about our expectations: staff are required to report any safety and security concerns through proper channels immediately. Instead, these images were shared externally and posted on social media, including pictures with students visible. This is not acceptable. Our protocols are in place to ensure the safety and privacy of our students.
Student and staff safety is our absolute priority. We take every security concern seriously, investigate thoroughly, and take appropriate action.
Thanksgiving Break School Closures: Thanksgiving Break begins on Wednesday, November 26, with a half-day schedule, no lunch served, and schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Please have your children in school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to combat Chronic Absenteeism. Our chronic absenteeism rate is declining in multiple grades, and we are thankful for your commitment to having your children in school. We have so much to be thankful for, beginning your continued partnership, knowing We Need You, All Means All.
In closing this message of celebration and gratitude, every success we celebrate, or improvement made, from academics to arts, from safety to student growth, comes from the dedication of our families, staff, board of education members, and community partners. Linden is strong because we uplift one another, and our students benefit most of all.
.Take care and be well,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Snapchat & Instagram Risks: LIVE district parent event!
Is your teen begging for (or already using ) Snapchat and Instagram?
If so, tune in as Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, along with a panel of superintendents and SmartSocial, goes LIVE to explain why teens flock to Snapchat and Instagramโand the risks every parent should understand.
These apps can be fun and creative, but big risks are hiding behind features like disappearing chats or โspamโ and โfinstaโ accounts. What feels private to your teen can actually fuel comparison, anxiety, cyberbullying, and risky behavior.
Youโll learn how to:
Understand why and how teens use these apps to connect
Spot the hidden risks of disappearing messages and secret accounts
Discover how filters, streaks, and Snap scores affect self-esteem
Get practical strategies to guide, protect, and reconnect with your child
LIVE Parent Event: Snapchat & Instagram Teen Risks: Hidden Dangers of Disappearing Messages & Secret Accounts
( You're welcome to bring your student!)
When: Wed. Nov 19th at 7 PM (ET)
Where: Register now to be entered for a chance to win a Kindle or 3D Printer*!
November 14, 2025
Dear Linden Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we move through the fall season. I am writing to share important updates regarding student progress, upcoming events, and district highlights.
Report Cards and Parent Portal Access
Middle and high school report cards will be viewable in Genesis on Wednesday, November 19. All parents should have access to the Genesis Parent Portal, which provides an overview of student performance and attendance. If you do not currently have access, please contact your school's principal for assistance. Middle and high school parent-teacher conferences will take place at the beginning of the new year. A reminder will be sent as the date approaches.
Highlights
We recently honored Veterans Day, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you to all veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service. We recently celebrated our Athletic LHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring our past athletic heroes and their contributions to our district's proud athletic tradition. It was a high-energy experience with past alumni who remain proud and connected to our school district. Orange and Black are not just our colors, but a deep-rooted connection to Tiger Pride that will ROAR for a lifetime. Congratulations to all our inductees.
We celebrate American Education Week (November 17โ21), spotlighting the people who make Linden Public Schools exceptional. This year's theme, "Together for Safe, Just & Equitable Schools," reflects our district's commitment to every student. District-wide celebrations have been sent by building principals.
I invite all parents and guardians to join me for our Smart Social LIVE virtual event on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:00 pm. We will discuss how our students are using social media to communicate and what parents need to know to support their online safety. Wednesdayโs topic is titled: "Snapchat & Instagram Teen Risks: Hidden Dangers of Disappearing Messages & Secret Accounts. https://www.smartsocial.com/event/snapchat-instagram-teen-risks-live-session-3?org=lindenpublicschools
Our Fall Play, "You Cannot Take It With You," will be held Thursday, November 20, and Friday, 21, at 7:00 PM at the LHS auditorium. Tickets are available at: https://lhsnj.booktix.com/dept/main/e/play2025/pal/Ncai9pYByuHzMxBnwWmstXUum
Please note that Wednesday, November 26, is a half-day for all students; lunch will not be served, and the school will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. I wish all families a peaceful and memorable holiday break, filled with love and support.
Community Partnerships
We are grateful for the ongoing partnerships that impact our school community, including our collaboration with the city for food drives and our partnership with the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, which provides mentorship opportunities for our high school students. Our high school students are visiting our elementary schools, bringing awareness to leadership principles and the love of reading. The students are enjoying their experiences, and it is wonderful to witness the older students speaking to their younger selves, while the elementary students listen to their older selves.
We have exceptional students and staff, and thank you for your partnership in your child's education.
Take care,
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
Snapchat & Instagram Teen Risks: LIVE district parent event. Nov. 19!
Is your teen begging for (or already using )Snapchat and Instagram?
If so, join Linden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins along with SmartSocial for a LIVE virtual event, designed to help parents learn why their kids want to Snapchat or Instagram and hidden risks you need to know about!
These apps can be fun and creative, but big risks are hiding behind features like disappearing chats or โspamโ and โfinstaโ accounts. What feels private to your teen can actually fuel comparison, anxiety, cyberbullying, and risky behavior.
Youโll learn how to:
โข Understand why and how teens use these apps to connect
โข Spot the hidden risks of disappearing messages and secret accounts
โข Discover how filters, streaks, and Snap scores affect self-esteem
โข Get practical strategies to guide, protect, and reconnect with your child
LIVE Parent Event: Snapchat & Instagram Teen Risks: Hidden Dangers of Disappearing Messages & Secret Accounts -- https://www.smartsocial.com/event/snapchat-instagram-teen-risks-live-session-3?org=lindenpublicschools
( You're welcome to bring your student!)
When: Wed. Nov 19th at 7 PM (ET)
Where: Register now to be entered for a chance to win a Kindle or 3D Printer*!
https://www.smartsocial.com/event/snapchat-instagram-teen-risks-live-session-3?org=lindenpublicschools
Parent University: Mental Health Matters
Join us for an important session on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB): What Parents/Guardians Need to Know โ and learn how to support your childโs well-being.
-- November 19, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
-- School No. 8 Cafeteria, 500 W. Blancke St., Linden (enter on Spruce St.)
Open to all Linden Public Schools parents and guardians.
For more info, contact Mr. Ryan Devaney at 908-486-2800 ext. 80040.
#LindenPublicSchools #ParentUniversity #MentalHealthMatters #HIBAwareness
Subject: Unlock your FREE SmartSocial access + WIN fun prizes
Dear Parents,
Weโre excited to announce that Linden Public Schools is partnering with SmartSocial for the 2025โ2026 school yearโand your family now has free access to everything you need to help keep your family safe and successful online.
This isnโt just another resourceโitโs your go-to hub to stay informed about AI, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, video games, and online challenges, while also building a stronger connection with your child.
Click here to unlock SmartSocial.com + WIN fun prizes!
https://www.smartsocial.com/members?org=lindenpublicschools
Youโll get access to:
-- 54+ Live Parent Events โ Ask questions, learn from online safety experts, and get entered to win a Kindle, Bluetooth speaker, or 3D printer
-- 450+ On-Demand Resources โ Instantly search for the apps, trends, and topics your family is navigating. Watch quick videos, explore expert-backed guides, and use simple conversation starters to talk with your kids.
-- Student-Led Videos โ Short, relatable clips created by teens, for teensโperfect for sparking meaningful conversations at home.
Register now and you'll be entered to win prizes like a Kindle, 3D printer, or Bluetooth speaker!
Weโre proud to offer this to your familyโso you can stay informed, connected, and confident all year long.
Warm regards,
Michael Wattkis
Public Information Officer
Linden Public Schools
Apply Now: Superintendentโs Student Leadership Team Opportunity
Dear Parents,
Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins is excited to announce that 24 students will have the opportunity to serve on the Superintendentโs Student Leadership Team (SSLT) for the 2025โ2026 school year. The deadline to apply is Sunday, November 9.
Dr. Perkins is launching this initiative because she believes that our studentsโ voices, ideas, and leadership truly matter. The Superintendentโs Student Leadership Team is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about being genuine, being willing to grow, and being committed to making a positive impact within our schools and community.
โI grew up believing my dreams belonged to someone else,โ said Dr. Perkins. โI want something different for your children. I want them to believe that their voice matters, their ideas have power, and their leadership can shape the future.โ
Thatโs why she created the Superintendentโs Student Leadership Team -- to give our students a platform to grow, lead, and inspire change from within.
WHAT IS SSLT?
This team will develop your childโs leadership skills through training in emotional intelligence, communication, and advocacy, while providing an authentic student voice to shape district decisions and culture. They will participate in monthly lunch and learns, walking trips to the Administration building, field trips, and direct conversations with me about what needs to change in our schools.
Student LEADERS are special. Membership requires you to:
LISTEN to yourself and others
EMPOWER those around you
ADVOCATE for what is right
DEMONSTRATE leadership daily
ELEVATE yourself and your peers
RELATE authentically with others
SERVE your school community
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Students who want to:
- Find and use their voice
- Lead with purpose
- Make real change in our schools
- Grow their confidence and skills
- Be part of something meaningful
The student does not need to be a straight-A student. They do not need to hold a title. They need to be willing to show up, be honest, and commit to the work.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, you must meet the specific requirements outlined below.
1. I am in good standing with my school attendance
2. I must maintain good academic and behavioral standing
3. I must be available to attend regular meetings during school, after school, and/or on Webex video, including some weekends.
Questions to answer:
1. Write about yourself, what makes you special (100 words or less)
2. What does leadership mean to you? (100 words or less)
In a 250-word narrative answer:
1. Why do you want to be part of SSLT? What do you hope to contribute and gain from this experience? (combines Q3 & Q6)
2. Describe a time when you spoke up about something important to you or advocated for yourself or others. What was the outcome? How did you feel?
3. What is one issue or idea related to student well-being, school culture, or student experience that you would like to help address or improve? Why does it matter to you, and how would you commit to working on it as part of this team? If you are interested in joining the SSLT, you must apply. Twenty-four students will be selected.
HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the application by [November 9, 2025 - 5 DAYS FROM NOW] by 11:59pm.
Application link: Superintendent's Student Leadership Team Application โ Fill out form
Be yourself. Put your responses in another file, then copy and paste them into the boxes.
Remember, your dreams are yours. Let us chase them together.
Best Wishes
Michael A. Wattkis
Public Information Officer
October 31, 2025
Dear Linden Families,
A federal government shutdown will trigger a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1, 2025. At Linden Public Schools, we understand how concerning this news may feel. Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins reassures our families that they are not alone: โWhen our families are worried, we feel it too. Please know that you are not alone. The Linden community is strong, compassionate, and unitedโand we will walk through this together.โ
While our school breakfast and lunch programs will continue without interruption, we understand that some families may feel the effects of this pause right away. To help ensure continued access to food and essential support, please explore the following community and statewide resources:
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
https://cfbnj.org/
New Jersey 211
https://nj211.org/
New Jersey Basic Needs Hub
https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/food/get-food-this-week.shtml
List of Union County Food Pantries
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/food_pantries_in_union_county.htm
Union County Resource Guide
https://ucnj.org/dhs/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2025/05/2025-UCDHS-Resource-Guide-4.pdf
Our Student Services Department has dedicated personnel in each school. School Social Workers and Counselors are available to help connect families with needed resources and provide guidance during this time.
Warm regards,
Michael A. Wattkis
Public Information Officer
Linden Public Schools
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
