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 doing—and where we can continue to grow—is 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 respondent’s 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 child’s 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

🎃 Save the Date for Linden's 73rd Annual Halloween Parade! 👻

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! 🍂🎃

🎤✨ Don't miss "Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience" at the Many Flavors of Linden Fall Festival! ✨🎤

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 Linden’s Community!

Please see the attached flyer for additional event details. We hope to see you there! 🎶🍂

💉 Back-to-School Vaccinations & School Physicals 🩺

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

📣 Linden Public Schools Families — Summer Mailing is Here!

Summer mailing information was emailed to families on Friday, August 21st, and student schedules are now LIVE in Genesis! 

✅ Log in to the Genesis Parent Portal
✅ Complete all required school-related forms electronically

✅Review your child’s schedule/classroom assignment

Please contact your child’s school with any questions or if you need additional information.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead. Let’s ROAR into the 2026–2027 school year! 🧡🖤🐾

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.

⚽ Join the Linden United Soccer Club! 🌟

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! ⚽💚

📢 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:
✅ Verify you know your Genesis Parent Portal username and password.
✅ 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 2026–2027 school year.

Let's ROAR into another great school year!

🎒 Backpack Giveaway & ML Department Orientation Day! 📚

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!

🏈 Join the Linden Bengals Pop Warner Football Program! 🐅

Registration is now open for the Linden Bengals Pop Warner Football Program, offering both flag and tackle football for youth ages 5–11. This is a great opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, build teamwork, and have fun in a positive and supportive environment.

Please see the attached flyer for registration information, required documents, practice details, fees, and contact information. Register today and be a part of Bengal Pride! 🧡🖤

Get Active This Summer with Linden Parks & Recreation!

The City of Linden Department of Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of exciting summer sports programs, including baseball, softball, tennis, wrestling, track & field, and cross country/track conditioning for children and teens.

Please see the attached flyers for program descriptions, dates, registration information, eligibility, and contact details. We encourage families to register early, as space may be limited.

City of Linden to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

The City of Linden is proud to announce that commemorative America's 250th Anniversary banners will be displayed along Wood Avenue beginning this Monday as the city joins communities across the nation in celebrating this historic milestone.

Residents are invited to join us on Wednesday, July 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as the City of Linden hosts its Happy 250th Birthday America Celebration.

The evening's festivities will include:
- A Flag Raising Ceremony on the steps of City Hall
- A reading of the Declaration of Independence
- A special presentation of a commemorative gift to the City of Linden from the Armstead family
- A community barbecue with music at the Promenade

"This celebration is an opportunity for our community to come together in unity and patriotism as we honor our nation's history, celebrate our freedoms, and look forward to America's next 250 years," said Mayor Derek Armstead.

The City of Linden encourages residents of all ages to bring their families, friends, and neighbors for an evening of patriotism, fellowship, music, and community spirit.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 1
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Steps and the Linden Promenade

Come celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with the City of Linden as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look toward a bright future together.

The Linden Public Library is offering a variety of free summer programs for children and teens throughout the summer.

Check out the attached flyers for program schedules, registration information, and event details. We encourage families to take advantage of these exciting opportunities to learn, explore, and stay engaged all summer long!

🏀 Linden Tigers Basketball Camp Registration Now Open! 🏀

The City of Linden Department of Parks & Recreation invites Linden students entering 3rd through 8th grade to participate in the Linden Tigers Basketball Camp from June 29 – July 2 at the Linden High School Gym.

Camp runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to boys and girls. Participants will have the opportunity to develop basketball skills, build teamwork, and learn from Director Desmond Wade and the Linden High School Basketball Staff.

📅 June 29 – July 2
📍 Linden High School Gym
💲 $30 Registration Fee
🥪 Please bring lunch daily
🏠 Open to Linden residents only

To register, visit www.linden-nj.gov/register. First-time registrants should contact the Department of Parks & Recreation at (908) 474-8600 for assistance.

See the flyer for complete details and registration information. 🐯🏀