LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Superintendent’s Spotlight Message – 02/09/2025. Dear Linden Families, Superbowl Sunday Safety: The big game is here today! We are all on the same team, Team Linden. No matter whom you are pulling for this Super Bowl, we are all asking those gathering with friends and family to make the proper choice afterward. Your safety is our number one priority. Those new Senior drivers, be aware of your surroundings as you leave a festive gathering. Mission Possible Monday February 10: We are all cheering for our favorite team, Team Linden. Those who remember the cheer, “Big L Rocks the House,” let us all ROAR together! I celebrate with a focus on food. Food brings out the best conversations with family and friends. Let us “Relish Today,” and we can “Ketchup on Monday” together. Yes, we have school on Monday, where all faculty and staff wear “Tiger Pride Mission Possible Monday,” shirts to empower our R.O.A.R. Inclement Weather Preparation: I have read that the Groundhog predicted six more weeks of Winter this year. Most of the Winter weather will arrive Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week. Please monitor the weather forecasts for this week and prepare for potential disruptions during the school day. I continue to meet with our inclement weather committee, including City Officials. I will update you on adjustments necessary for the school day or after-school activities due to the weather. As you watch the weather forecasts, talk to new drivers to review driving hazards in snow, sleet, and ice. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

DELAYED OPENING - 02/05/2025. Dear Linden Families, Due to the inclement weather conditions, all Linden Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delayed opening on Thursday, February 6, 2025. See the table below with the start times for each school. • Busses will operate two hours from the original pick-up time. • There is no before care when there is a delayed opening. • Parents and Guardians of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools refer to the (UCVTS) Transportation in Inclement Weather form. We will continue to monitor this event, and you will be informed if we must change to an entire school closure, including canceling all after-school events if needed. Remain safe and be well, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 02/04/2025 - Dear Linden Families, The June 2025 primary election day has been changed statewide from Tuesday, June 3, 2025, to Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Board of Education approved this revision to the 2024-2025 school calendar at the January 30 board meeting. The revised calendar has been shared through email and can also be found on our district's website at https://lindenps.org/calendar/ Take care, and thank you for your flexibility, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message 02/02/2025 - Dear Linden Families, As we step into February, our district is buzzing with excitement! From celebrating Black History Month to reaching the 100th day of school, we are reminded of our students and staff’s daily achievements by empowering their R.O.A.R. Honoring Black History Month. Throughout February, our schools will host vibrant celebrations that honor African Americans’ rich history and contributions. We invite our entire school community to participate in these meaningful events, including: • Poetry Readings & Essay Competitions – Showcasing student creativity and voices. • Live Performances & Arts Showcases – Bringing history to life through music, dance, and drama. • Distinguished African American Recognition – Honoring trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. Progress Reports, Report Cards, and ½ of day of School. • Elementary Progress Reports were sent home on January 29. Please take a moment to review them and reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. • Middle & High School Report Cards will be distributed on February 6. • Wednesday, February 5, is a ½ day with lunch served for Staff In-Service Day. 100 Days of Excellence! On February 13, we celebrate 100 days of learning, growth, and success! This milestone is a testament to our students and staff’s hard work. Throughout the day, we’ll shine a spotlight on: Academics | Arts | Athletics | Leadership | Community Partnerships Inclusive Events | Staff Excellence | Infrastructure | Service Projects We’re also excited to partner with the City of Linden as it marks its charter anniversary, strengthening the bond between our schools and the community we serve. February is a month of inspiration, reflection, and celebration. Thank you for participating in this incredible journey—let’s make the next 100 days even more remarkable! Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins. Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/26/2025. Dear Linden Families, At Linden Public Schools, our commitment is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and protected. In challenging times, this commitment becomes even more vital. Recent discussions about potential federal policies targeting immigrant families have raised significant concerns nationwide. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, we want to reaffirm our stance: Linden Public Schools will always be a haven for every student, regardless of their background or immigration status. Linden's strength lies in the diversity and contributions of every community member. By law, every child has the right to a public education, and we uphold this fundamental principle. Immigration status will never determine a student's access within our district. If the national dialogue around immigration enforcement brings uncertainty or fear, we are here to help. Our school counselors, teachers, administrators, and Welcome Center staff are ready to provide support. To ensure we are fully prepared to meet the needs of our students and families, I have established a proactive committee with the Director of our Multi-Language Learners Department dedicated to addressing the potential impacts of federal immigration policies. Our goal is to protect the stability and well-being of our students while creating a comprehensive plan to address these challenges with care and compassion. We assess our community's challenges and concerns and develop protocols to provide students and families with social, emotional, academic, and logistical support. We also coordinate with City Officials, the New Jersey Department of Education, and education experts to offer resources and guidance. We encourage you to contact your child's school office or our Welcome Center's Department if you need assistance. We also invite our community partners, local organizations, and all who share our values to join us in standing united for the dignity and rights of every family. Together, we can ensure Linden Public Schools remains a district that promotes equity, compassion, and inclusion. Take care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools Linden Public Schools

NJ Stride 2025 Virtual Job Fair

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/18/2025. Dear Linden Families, As we continue into the new year, I want to share a few important updates and reminders: • Schools Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day All Linden Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This national holiday is a time to honor Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, and justice. • Winter Weather Advisory As we prepare to return on Tuesday, January 21, we anticipate frigid temperatures after snowfall today. Please dress warmly, and ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the winter. • Health and Wellness Reminder As always, if you or your child are feeling unwell, we encourage you to stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Your health and well-being are our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping prevent the spread of illness. • Looking Back at the New Year’s Start o As we reflect on the first two weeks of January, I am especially thankful for the positive energy across our schools. On January 8, we celebrated Tiger Pride Day by pressing the pause button for our first-ever Wellness Day. Students and staff came together to focus on mindfulness, self-care, and the importance of mental and physical wellness. o On January 9, we proudly celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at School No. 4. We were honored to welcome Chief of Police David Hart, alongside members of the Superior Officers Association and the Linden Police Benevolent Association (PBA). Their presence not only brought excitement to the students but also symbolized the department’s commitment to promoting strong community ties. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Linden Public Schools a place where students R.O.A.R. Let’s embrace the rest of the winter season with Tiger Pride! Take care, and stay warm, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 01/05/2025. Dear Linden Families, With Winter weather on the horizon, the possibility of snow days is upon us. As a district, we understand that deciding to open or close schools significantly affects our Linden families. Please save this letter for future reference. Take some time with your family to plan if there is a need for childcare if our District should have a delayed opening, early dismissal, or full-day school closure. When weather is a concern, we aim to ensure our families are updated with timely and accurate information. We utilize several tools to communicate information regarding weather-related delays, dismissals, or closings. If you utilize the Linden Public Schools before/after care, or 21st Century, please remember that if school is closed, these services will also be closed; if school opening is delayed, they will also be delayed. Keep in mind Union County Vocational-Technical Schools operate on a different schedule. Students attending UCTVS will be contacted about delayed early dismissal or full-day school closure. PreK 3/4 students attending external providers are to follow the Linden Public School’s delays, dismissals, or closings. I receive updated forecasts from the City of Linden Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather forecasting system. I am in touch with our district security, maintenance supervisors, and the City of Linden, as information is fluid in terms of road conditions, to discuss the weather and any safety concerns associated with it that might impact the school day in terms of getting students and staff to school and home safely. The Linden DPW and district crews will work to create safe access to all buses and buildings; however, as mentioned, I get regularly updated forecasts from our Emergency Services partners. If we must change our daily schedule, we will do our best to communicate a decision to families via phone, email, and text before 6:00 AM. It will also be posted on the website. If you do not hear anything via phone/email/text or see anything on the website, then school is open, and staff and students should report at their regular time. We have many LHS Seniors who are new drivers (I also have one) - PLEASE review winter driving with them: accelerating and decelerating slowly and make sure they clear ALL the snow from their vehicles before using them, including the car's roof. The district believes that our students are better served academically and socially by being in school. When deciding about weather-related schedule changes, our top priority is ensuring that our students and staff are safe. Although safety is important to us, we respect your decision to keep your child/yourself at home if you feel conditions are unsafe. Take care, and stay warm, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Message - 12/22/2024. Dear Linden Families, I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful break as we approach the Winter break. We have important updates and reminders for the upcoming break: • Tomorrow, December 23rd, will be a half-day with no lunch service. • School will be closed on December 24th–26th, 31st, and January 1st. Students will return on Thursday, January 2nd. During the break, our Buildings and Grounds Department will be active. Offices will be open on December 27th and 30th. High School Athletics will continue, and we wish them success in their competitions. With the onset of winter weather, my thoughts are filled with warm wishes for everyone, hoping that all are surrounded by love and cheer. We are grateful for the generosity shown through our district-wide food drives, coat drives, and toy drives. This season prompts us to pause and give straight from the heart. I appreciate how our administrators, support staff, and teachers do this daily. Their efforts are appreciated, and we are progressing with gratitude and ROAR pride. Let us celebrate our mission of providing a nurturing learning environment for all our students. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, have a safe and enjoyable Winter break filled with love, reflection, and thankfulness: Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate. Take care, and may the New Year bring prosperity, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

WINTER BREAK Starts Monday, December 23rd. School re-opens January 2nd, 2025. Monday, December 23rd will be a half day with no lunch served.

Wednesday, January 8th 2025 is TIGER PRIDE WELLNESS DAY! Game on with Social and Emotional Wellness Activities! LETS R.O.A.R. --- empower Resilience, Opportunities, Achievement & Relationships. Show your Tiger Pride by wearing our district colors!

How To Access Your Child's Report Card - 12/11/2024

Dear Parent/Guardian, We are excited to introduce the HELPme app -- a 24/7 support system for students, families, and school employees. The HELPme app empowers every member of our school community to seek support whenever they need it, while remaining completely anonymous! Whether it’s a safety or security concern, a student battling bullying, a family in need of food or shelter, or anyone facing a personal challenge – HELPme is here to support us. The HELPme app provides three ways for our school community to ask for and receive help: • GET RESOURCES is a safe space for users to explore essential needs and wellness resources at their own pace. It provides a confidential way to connect with local resources, ensuring privacy and dignity for those seeking assistance. • CRISIS TEXT LINE provides users with immediate mental health support. With a network of 27,000+ trained crisis counselors, users can text with a counselor (day or night), making sure no one feels isolated in their time of need. Counselors are available 24/7, 365 days of the year. • ASK FOR HELP is an anonymous communication channel between users and designated school personnel. It allows users to request help directly from their school without the pressure of disclosing their identity. We encourage all parents to download the app and discuss the app with your child. Emphasize the importance of using it responsibly. The app is also available on student devices and the link has been placed on our district website www.lindenps.org. HELPme is not only a support system for your children, but also for YOU. Getting Started with HELPme: 1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 2. Select your school from the dropdown menu or enter the code provided by the school. 3. Accept the Terms & Conditions. This resource will facilitate communication and provide an outlet for students and parents to reach out for support. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Take Care, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent

New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey - 12/03/2024 Dear Parents and Guardians, We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that supports the success and well-being of every student. To better understand and improve the experiences of our students, staff, and families, I am pleased to announce that our district will be engaging in a school climate survey using the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey, which Rutgers University administers. Collecting data is essential to assess our school's strengths and needs and learn how it feels to be a member of the school community. The survey gathers valuable insights into social-emotional learning, academic culture, staff and student relationships, behavioral expectations, family support, and engagement. The feedback collected will guide our efforts to celebrate successes and address areas of improvement. In addition to hearing from parents and caregivers, students in grades 3 through 12 can utilize their student voice and share their feedback. The survey is anonymous and voluntary. A letter with instructions on how to take the parent/caregiver survey will be forthcoming. We thank you in advance for your ongoing partnership and support. Atiya Y. Perkins, Superintendent of Schools

School No. 04 Lockdown - 11/27/2024 Dear Linden Families, Earlier this morning, School No. 4 was placed in a lockdown by the Linden Police Department due to suspicious activity. Police were present at the school and collaborated with the school officials. The Lockdown has been lifted and all faculty, students and staff are safe. The school followed crisis procedures, and normal operations have since resumed. The following press release has been issued from the Linden Police Department: At approximately 7:50am this morning, a 9-1-1 caller reported that there was a man carrying a rifle in the area of E. Elizabeth Ave & N. Park Ave. Officers were immediately dispatched to the area and were unable to locate the suspect. Nearby schools were notified and took appropriate precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and faculty. Officers confirmed that the man in question was not in possession of a weapon, and the lockdown was lifted at approximately 9:15am. "Nothing is more precious than our children, and we take any potential threat to their safety very seriously," said Linden Police Chief David Hart. "I want to thank the Elizabeth Police Department, Linden Public Schools, and our school parents for their assistance this morning. Fortunately, this incident was proven untrue, but I encourage everyone to continue to be vigilant and report suspicious activity as we begin the holiday season." Linden Public Schools are scheduled for early dismissal today, and residents can expect an increased presence around all schools throughout the day. The Linden Public Schools district appreciates the support and protection provided by the Linden Police Department in keeping us safe. Be well and remain safe, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Spotlight Message - 11/26/2024 Dear Linden Families, As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I would like to extend warm wishes to all of you for a peaceful and restful holiday. We have some important updates and reminders as we head into the break. Tomorrow, November 27th, there will be a half-day with no lunch served across all schools in our district. Additionally, please be reminded that school will be closed on November 28th and 29th to allow our students and staff to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. As we move through our academic calendar, I am pleased to share some district highlights with you. At the secondary level, we are currently in the second marking period, while our elementary students are entering their third trimester, which will end in a few weeks. In the elementary classes, we focus on enhancing collaboration and ownership of our technology resources, particularly iPads, to support our one-to-one technology program. We are truly thankful for the ongoing partnerships impacting our school community. Our collaboration with the city for food drives has been a source of pride, and the partnership with Chick-fil-A and our Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy of Linden High School 11th and 12th graders has allowed for inspiring mentorship opportunities with younger students. Our students are making phenomenal strides in academics, club affiliations, sports teams, cheerleading, NJROTC, Band and Orchestra, and Fine Arts. In the realm of fine arts, the Linden High School theater production of "Puffs" has showcased our student cast members' incredible talent. We are immensely proud of our students' outstanding performances. Last week, we celebrated American Education Week by highlighting our education support staff's dedication and hard work, community partnerships, and student leaders. Our faculty and staff continue to work hard demonstrating resilience. Furthermore, a special thank you goes out to the parents who participated in our bilingual parent advisory committee discussions, addressing the strengths and challenges our multilingual learners and their families encounter. We recently achieved a significant milestone with the grand opening of our Multilingual Learners Welcome Center, which serves as a valuable resource for our diverse student population and their families. Looking ahead, we encourage parents to remain actively engaged in our school community. This time of the year reminds us to pause and express gratitude. I am grateful for the work of our administrators, support staff, and teachers. Please join me in celebrating our mission to provide an enriching learning environment for all our students. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving break filled with love, reflection, and thankfulness. With gratitude and ROAR pride, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

Dear Linden Public Schools Community, this is a reminder that Linden Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Thursday, November 7, and Friday, November 8, for Fall Recess/NJEA Convention. Classes will resume on Monday, November 11. Thank you, and enjoy the break! Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins

Strategic Planning Meeting Invitation Dear Linden Families, We need YOU to help us prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world! As Superintendent of Schools, it is my pleasure on behalf of the Linden Public Schools District Board of Education to invite YOU to participate in our Strategic Planning Process committee. This committee will be a focused group of administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and guardians. We will work together to create a shared vision for the district and identify both the strengths of the school district (those unique attributes that we can build on as we move into the future) and the critical issues that we will face (the challenges that the district must be prepared for in the future). We will meet on three occasions in the evenings on October 29, November 12, and January 14. Refreshments will be served. The first meeting of the Strategic Planning process will take place on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the McManus Middle School cafeteria (sign-in at 5:45 p.m.). Their address is 300 Edgewood Road, and there is a parking lot. We will work in small and large groups, and the discussion will lead us to a consensus document that will identify our community’s vision, strengths, and challenges for our district and develop goal areas that focus on the future of our schools. The New Jersey School Boards Association will facilitate this process. The Board of Education will use this document to help shape future goals for the district as we move forward. If you have any questions, please contact me. Participation in any or all three of our meetings will be greatly appreciated. Take care and be well, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools aperkins@lindenps.org 908-486-2800 x8008

Superintendent's Message - 10/06/2024 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. 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 – 12. To support their learning, students will use an online program called 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. Later this month, we will host our first district-wide community engagement session on Tuesday, October 29, at McManus Middle School cafeteria, starting at 6:00 p.m. This session will focus on creating our 2025 – 2030 district Strategic Plan, and we encourage parents, guardians, students, and education stakeholders to attend and contribute to shaping the future of education in our district. Refreshments will be provided, and we look forward to collaborating with all participants to develop a plan that reflects our collective goals and values. There will be three evening meetings: October 29, November 12, and January 14. Our district’s priorities revolve around student achievement, safety and security, and addressing chronic absenteeism. See the table below of district wide events. We do believe the MISSON POSSIBLE and we are committed to strengthening the home-school connection through upcoming events and partnerships with local police and fire departments to promote positive behavior and ensure a safe learning environment. We expect our students to make responsible choices, be good citizens, and represent our school community with excellence. I continue to share we need you to help our students learn, grow, and believe in their Linden R.O.A.R. in and out of school. October 10: Secondary Interim Report Cards visible in Genesis Parent Portal October 7 – October 10 / October 7 – October 11: Week of Respect and Fire Prevention Week October 12: District Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Tiger Stadium October 14: District In-Service (School Closed) October 15: District-wide Pink Out Day, wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 21 – October 25: School Violence Awareness Week October 22 – October 24: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal / Lunch Served) October 28 – November 2: Red Ribbon Week October 29: Strategic Plan Community Meeting (6:00PM @ McManus Middle School) Take care and be well, Atiya Y. Perkins Superintendent of Schools

𝐒𝐢𝐩, 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫, ⅋ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐞 ⅋ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! G̳e̳t̳ ̳r̳e̳a̳d̳y̳ ̳f̳o̳r̳ ̳a̳n̳ ̳u̳n̳f̳o̳r̳g̳e̳t̳t̳a̳b̳l̳e̳ ̳n̳i̳g̳h̳t̳ ̳o̳f̳ ̳a̳r̳t̳,̳ ̳m̳u̳s̳i̳c̳,̳ ̳a̳n̳d̳ ̳c̳o̳m̳m̳u̳n̳i̳t̳y̳ ̳s̳p̳i̳r̳i̳t̳!̳ 🎉 ᴏɴ ꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ, ꜱᴇᴘᴛᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 20, 2024, Derek Armstead Mayor of Linden and the Linden Mayor's Youth Commission Scholarship Committee invite YOU to the Wine & Cheese Art Expo at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade (400 N. Wood Ave, Linden). 🎨Featured Artist: Enrique from Parede Art LLC will showcase his stunning artwork that you won’t want to miss! 🎶🎷 Live Jazz & Blues: Enjoy soulful sounds starting at 7:30 PM! 🍷🧀 Wine & Cheese Tasting: Begins at 5:30 PM, plus non-alcoholic juice tastings from Sunpower Juice! Let’s rally together to raise funds for scholarships and Project Graduation for the Class of 2025! Last year, we raised $6,500, but this year, we're aiming for $50,000 to support a safe and fun graduation night. 🎓 🎟️ Tickets: $35 per person 📞 For tickets or more info: Danie Orelien: 908-403-3880 Sandra Jackson: 908-494-9138 Rosalind Pearson: 908-816-7801 Mark your calendars and join us for a night of art, music, and making a difference! 🌟 #SupportLHSClassOf2025 #LindenPride #WineAndCheeseExpo Linden High School