LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Youth & Teen Self-Defense Program!
The City of Linden's Department of Parks and Recreation, under Mayor Derek Armstead, is offering an Eight Week Self Defense Program.

This program, led by Instructor Shihan Rahim and assistant instructors, is designed to build confidence, discipline, speed, strength, and awareness to protect oneself from harm. The Winter Session will focus on teaching martial art strikes, blocking, tumbling forward, back rolls, and various techniques.

Program Details:

Program Duration: October 27th – December 15th (Every Monday).
Location: JTG Center (330 Helen St.).
Cost: $50.

Class Schedule:
Youth (5-12 years old): 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Teens (13-17 years old): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

If you have any questions, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (908) 474-8600.

Dear Linden Families,

We are in the second month of the school year and are off to a great start. Our fall sports are in full swing, and we are proud of our students' athletic performances. September has been an exceptional start to the 2025-2026 school year. Our students have returned with energy and focus, our educators deliver excellent instruction, and our buildings are alive with learning. When I walk through our schools, I see our ROAR values in action every 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

Free ESL Classes for Linden Public Schools Parents

Linden Public Schools' Multilingual Learner's Department is offering
Free English/ESL Parent Classes!
These classes are designed to help you learn English and support your child's success.

Who can apply: Only parents of Linden Public Schools Multilingual Learner (ML) students.

When: Wednesdays, from October 29th through March 25th.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Where: Linden High School, 121 W St Georges Ave.

Levels Available: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate/Mid, and Advanced/Citizenship.

How to Register:
You must register using the QR code provided on the flyer.

For more information, please contact:
The Multilingual Welcome Center at 908-486-2800 ext. 8053
ML Welcome Center Coordinator, Jasmine Dupree, at 908-486-2800 ext. 80525 or jdupree@lindenps.org.

Together We're Stronger: Pink Day!

Linden Public Schools invites all students and staff to join us as we show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 🎗️

On Thursday, October 16th, let's stand United in hope by wearing PINK district-wide!

Wear pink to honor and support the fighters and survivors of breast cancer.

Fall & Spring Music & Arts Classes Are Open!

Give your child (Grades K-12) the gift of creativity with Afterschool and Saturdays Music & Arts Classes at The Institute of Music for Children!

Registration is now open for our Fall and Spring Semester 2025-2026.

We offer a wide variety of classes, including:
Instrumental Music: Guitar, Piano, Violin, Drums, African Drumming, and more.
Performing Arts: Hip Hop Dance, Ballet, Singing, Acting, and Theatre.
Visual & Media Arts: Art, Painting, Filmmaking, Recording Studio, and DJ.
Specialty Classes: Young Chefs, Karate, and Crochet.

New Offerings for this semester include Documentary Filmmaking and The Nutcracker with Nimbus Dance Company.

Classes are held one day per week, and we offer Payment Plans and Sibling Discounts.

The deadline to register is October 14.

How to Register:
Visit bit.ly/IMCAI26Reg
Or Call 908-469-1211

You can also learn more at one of our Open Houses on Saturday 10/4/25 or Wednesday 10/8/25 (sign up at bit.ly/IMCOpenHouseAI26).

The Union County Division of Children and Youth Services is offering Anger Management Group Sessions for youth ages 13–18.

📅 Sessions run on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 PM (Nov. 13 – Dec. 16).
📍 Location: 50 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ

✅ Refreshments will be provided!

👉 To register, call (908) 527-4098 or email nnunez@ucnj.org

Let’s work together to build healthy coping skills and strong futures! 🌟

🎉 Union County 2025 Family Fun Day! 🎉
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of live performances, games, food, and kids activities!

📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕑 2:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Warinanco Sports Center Parking Lot, 1 Park Drive, Roselle

✨ Free for everyone! ✨
The event also includes the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards, honoring local community leaders.

More info ➡️ ucnj.org/hhm

⚽️ Join Linden United Soccer Club this Fall! ⚽️

LUSC is offering Saturday soccer sessions for kids ages 4–14 at FBCOL Soccer Field, starting Fall 2025!
Led by experienced staff including a college coach and former semi-pro athlete, sessions are just $10 per player.

📅 Ages 4–5: 9:00–10:00 AM
📅 Ages 6–14: 10:30–11:30 AM

📍 929 Dill Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

For more info, contact 908-943-8708 or LindenUnitedSoccerClub@gmail.com

📚✨ Calling all middle and high school students! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing how you connect with Hispanic culture in Optimum’s 18th Annual Essay Contest. 📝

🏆 Prizes include a $3,000 scholarship and iPads!

🗓️ Submit your essay by October 31. Learn more and see official rules here: www.Optimum.com/HHM

Let’s celebrate culture, creativity, and community! 🎉

Join Families & Community Together (FACT) for a day of fun, games, activities, food, and more at Warinanco Park Sports Center in Roselle, NJ! This free community event is happening on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of celebration, connection, and wellness.

📍 Location: Warinanco Park Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle, NJ 07203
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12 PM – 4 PM

Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer—we can’t wait to see you there!

Join the Linden Special Education Parent Advisory Council (S.E.P.A.C.) for their Back to School Kick-Off Meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the AOE Building, located at 170 Hussa St.

This is a wonderful opportunity to:

Meet the SEPAC Council Co-Chairs.

Learn about the council's mission and upcoming events.

Connect with other families and share experiences.

What is SEPAC? SEPAC is a parent-led community resource for parents of special needs students. If you have a child with a special need, this group is for you!

Want to attend? Scan the QR code in the flyer for more information and to RSVP.

The Union County Back to School Health Fair is happening Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. 🎒✨

Bring the whole family for free health screenings, vaccines, dental care, vision checks, mental health resources, and so much more to kick off a healthy school year. 🙌

👉 Check out the attached flyers for all the details!

We are excited to invite you to our 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Walk at Tiger Stadium! Last year’s event was a tremendous success — together, we raised over $3,000 in support of breast cancer awareness and research. This year, let’s aim even higher!

Help us top that goal and fill Tiger Stadium with pink as we walk together in support of survivors, honor those we’ve lost, and raise awareness for this important cause. Bring your family, friends, and Tiger Pride! Let’s make this year’s walk bigger, brighter, and stronger. Together, we can ROAR for hope, strength, and a cure.

📍 Location: Tiger Stadium
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕘 Time: Check-In 8:30 a.m., Event Start 9:00 a.m.

Click here to view highlights from our 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

If you are interested joining our volunteer committee to assist with our planning efforts, please Click here to submit your name.
We look forward to seeing you there!

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

🔥 Linden Fire Prevention Night 2025 🔥

Join the Linden Fire Department on October 3rd from 5–7 PM in front of Linden City Hall (301 N Wood Ave) for Fire Prevention Night! This year’s theme focuses on lithium-ion battery safety in your home. Fun, family-friendly activities and important fire safety information will be shared.

Autism New Jersey is excited to invite families in Union County to our FUN FEST: Union County Inclusion Day
at Warinanco Sports Center this Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Join us for a FREE afternoon of connection, creativity, and community for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

✨ Activities include:
Face Painting 🎨
Silent Disco 🎧
Arts & Crafts ✂️
Balloon Art 🎈
Pumpkin Decorating
Drones and Robots
Information Tables ℹ️
…and more family-friendly surprises!

This event is designed to celebrate community, inclusion, and fun, so ALL families are welcome, and we would love for your families to be part of it!

Families can reserve their spots today by registering here:
Fun Fest: Union County Inclusion Day
(or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer)

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has shared two important programs designed to support individuals with disabilities and their families:

🔹 The Blue Envelope Program
This program provides drivers with autism or other sensory disorders a resealable blue envelope to store their documents. It also includes instructions for both the motorist and law enforcement officers to help improve communication and understanding during a traffic stop. Blue envelopes are available at local police stations throughout Union County.

🔹 Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities (AID)
A voluntary program that allows individuals with disabilities or special needs — or their loved ones — to share vital information with first responders. This helps ensure better safety, inclusion, and support during emergencies or other encounters. Learn more at https://www.ucpo.org/aid

We encourage families to review these resources and consider participating in these programs to help foster greater safety and community connection.

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