
LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community
September 6, 2023
WELCOME BACK! School is now in session and we are so excited! From our kindergartners, who are eager to begin their LPS journey, to our 12th graders, who are ready to "cook up" a great senior year, we are looking forward to watching all of our students set expectations and reach their goals for 2023-2024!
SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO ON...
- TONIGHT: School Board & Town Council to Meet
- Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
- Welcome to Livingston Event Sept. 19th
- Lockdown Safety Tips for Parents
- Process for Addressing Parents Concerns
- MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Back-to-School Night Dates
- Emergency Text Message Information
- Community News: LWV Candidates Night Events
TONIGHT: BOARD OF ED. & TOWN COUNCIL TO MEET
UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
The Livingston Board of Education will hold public meetings at 7:15PM on:
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023 (*Heritage Middle School Cafeteria)
- Tuesday, September 26, 2023
PROCESS FOR ADDRESSING PARENT CONCERNS
Livingston Public Schools strives to respond to concerns and/or questions as quickly and effectively as possible. In a school system, as in any organization, the “chain of command” refers to communication levels of authority in the school district. The philosophy behind the chart in the link below is to refer community members to those people in the organization who can best solve any concerns or questions that may arise, and then direct them to the appropriate people if issues are not able to be effectively addressed at the first level.
SCHOOL LOCKDOWN SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS
ATTENTION NEW LIVINGSTON FAMILIES!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Please check your school website for Back to School Night time, info and updates!
EMERGENCY TEXT MESSAGES
LOOK FOR 54968 OR 60680!
Please be aware that text messages that are sent from LPS will be sent from short code 60680 for non-emergency messages, and 54968 or 60680 for emergency messages. This is to ensure timely delivery based on code traffic.We wanted to remind everyone so that LPS community members do not inadvertently block or unsubscribe from future school messages!
STAY CONNECTED WITH LPS!
LPS is committed to building strong relationships with students, families, and the community, and as such, we strive to provide accurate and timely information to our stakeholders.
Communication tools for parents include the Finalsite Mass Notification System, the LPS website (www.livingston.org), LPS Spotlight (our district newsletter), Facebook & Twitter (@LivSchools), Around the Block (the Superintendent's TV program), and various promotional videos that highlight our students and staff. Explore our communications tools here!
CARE SOLACE
OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT
Livingston Public Schools believes that your mental health and well-being is a vital part to your success at our school. With this in mind, we have partnered with Care Solace to provide an extra layer of support to our entire community.
Livingston Public Schools students, staff members, and their families can use Care Solace to quickly find verified mental health, behavioral health, and substance use treatment options matched to their needs, regardless of circumstances. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365)
- Visit www.caresolace.com/livingston and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
This is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service provided by LPS. Learn more about Care Solace.
UPDATED ATTENDANCE POLICY
The district attendance policy has been updated to reflect State guidelines. Going forward, students must be in school for a minimum number of instructional hours (lunch not included) to be counted as "present" for the day. State guidelines, shown in the image above, are as follows:
Elementary:
3 hours, 3 mins (Regular); 2 hours, 3 mins (Early Dismissal); 2 hours, 9 mins (Delayed Opening)
MPM:
3 hours, 3 mins (Regular); 2 hours, 5 mins (Early Dismissal); 2 hours, 10 mins (Delayed Opening)
HMS:
3 hours, 35 mins (Regular); 2 hours, 13 mins (Early Dismissal); 2 hours, 10 mins (Delayed Opening)
LHS:
3 hours, 1 min (Regular); 2 hours, 5 mins (Early Dismissal); 2 hours, 6 mins (Delayed Opening)
Please click below to view the policy and regulation in their entirety. Please direct any questions about the updated attendance policy to your school office:
FOLLOW US!
EMPLOYMENT
CRISIS LIFELINE
VISIT THE LIVINGSTON LIBRARY
The Livingston Library is creating its next strategic plan. Community input is important to help the library be sure that it’s next chapter is a great fit for all who live, work, and learn in town.
LWV Candidates Night Events
On Wednesday evening, September 27, 7:30 p.m. the LWV will host a Board of Education Debate between Fang Gong and Harsh Ruju at the Livingston Community Center. On Wednesday evening, October 4, 7:30 p.m., the LWV will host an Essex County Commissioner Candidates Night. Visit the LWV website for more information.
LPS Spotlight
2023-2024 School Year / No. 2
Michelle Bent
Manager of Communications
Livingston Public Schools
(973) 535-8000 ext. 8036
Email: mbent@livingston.org
LPS Spotlight is the official e-newsletter of the Livingston Public Schools.