LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community
Dear LPS Community:
We are pleased to share the Equity Audit Report provided to us from a2z Consulting. The report includes both qualitative and quantitative data from their equity audit of Livingston Public Schools. The audit was commissioned last spring in order to gather feedback from an outside third-party regarding the impact of our efforts to foster inclusivity and equity in our district. The report is attached to this email.
Please remember that, in order to draw conclusions from the report, we will need to systematically unpack the information contained in the document so that we can truly understand what it tells us. That process will begin very soon.
If you are interested in hearing directly from the consultant who oversaw the audit, Dr. Shelly Zion, she will be presenting the results of the audit and specifics of the report at TONIGHT'S Board of Education Meeting (December 5, 2023) at 6:45pm in the Heritage Middle School Cafeteria. There will be an opportunity for the consultant to answer questions from the audience at that time as well.
Thank you,
Dr. Matthew J. Block
Superintendent of Schools
Seventeen-year-old Nicolas Zaster received the prestigious General Billy Mitchell Award from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) on November 21, 2023, at a ceremony held at their meeting location, the American Red Cross Northern New Jersey Headquarters located in Fairfield, NJ. Presented by Major Jimy Menoutis and Lt. Colonel Carol McCloud, the Mitchell Award recognizes Zaster’s sustained excellence in all four areas of cadet life: leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character.
Only about 15% of cadets who join CAP earn this award. Civil Air Patrol has approximately 25,000 young adults ages 12 to 18 in its cadet program.
The Department of Equity, Inclusion, Intervention & Inspiration has announced the launch of its new “Transition Continuum Web Page.” The page was created in response to feedback from SEPAC about the complicated changes that happen for students and parents as they transition in and out of LPS schools. With this tool, the Department hopes to support a better understanding of the process.
Throughout the school year, Livingston High School names “Lancers of the Month,” students, faculty, and staff who model for the entire community the qualities and values that define Livingston High School – the same qualities and values that empower the school community to learn, create, contribute, and grow. Lancers of the Month can reflect any of pillars of the LPS Portrait of a Graduate, as well as any other admirable traits, such as kindness, civility, or resiliency.
“That is, individuals who by what they do and how they do it, give life to our community,” said Amro Mohammed, dean of students.
The October 2023 Lancers of the Month included Mr. David Richards, Jason Porga, Zion Nweke, Ms. Stephanie Brunn. Each honoree received a certificate in recognition of this achievement.Congratulations to all!
GROUNDING PARENTS: THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS & SELF-CARE
"Grounding Parents: The Benefits of Mindfulness & Self-Care" will be presented to LPS parents by Clinicians from Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ on Monday, January 22nd at 7PM. This workshop will focus on supporting parents' need to regulate their own emotions and thoughts in order to support their children, effective communication for parents to their children i.e. listening for understanding, and managing your own plate as a parent in order to assist your children in doing the same. This program will be held virtually and a link will be shared out closer to the program date. We hope that you join us for this important program!
"TALKING ABOUT THE MISINFORMATION SURROUNDING MEDICINAL USE AND ABUSE OF DRUGS"
Jamie Carvalho LPC of Cairn Psychotherapy Group recently presented a virtual program to LPS parents of students in grades 7-12 on current drug trends and signs/symptoms of drug abuse. She discussed the differences between medicinal uses of certain substances and self-medication. Additionally, parents were given strategies on how to explore these topics with their children and how to seek support, if needed. This program was hosted by LPS Student Assistance Counselors. Click the link below to watch a recording of the program.
DECEMBER PROGRAMS
LPS is proud to present a series of workshops to help parents/caregivers support their children's academic and social-emotional wellbeing.
UP NEXT:
- Dec. 7: "Home Activities to Promote Fine & Gross Motor Development"
View December program details. Please review the selections carefully, as some require pre-registration to participate.
LPS partners with Jewish Family Services of MetroWest for the Listen to Children Program. This is a great program where students are able to have additional time connecting and talking with a trusted and caring adult, during the school day, at their school.
Parents are encouraged to contact your child's School Counselor if you are interested in your child participating in the Listen to Children program or to learn more information.
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. Please use the link below to determine who can best solve any concerns or questions that may arise.
SCHOOL LOCKDOWN TIPS
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
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.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for calls, texts, and chat. Learn more about the new nationwide 3-digit dialing code for crisis and suicide prevention.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
LPS 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. This is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service provided by LPS. Learn more about Care Solace.
Livingston High School sponsors an annual scholarship program for graduating seniors. Each spring, LHS hosts an event to present these scholarships and recognize the accomplishments of deserving high school seniors.
LHS is currently seeking local sponsors, including businesses, organizations and families, who wish to offer scholarships this school year.
"For many years, we have formed partnerships with various local organizations and families, who are willing to provide students with monetary awards to assist in the funding of their post-secondary plans. These generous awards are greatly appreciated by students and parents and your generosity will substantially and positively impact the lives of our students," said Sinéad Crews, Director of School Counseling for Livingston Public Schools
Those who are interested in partnering to offer a scholarship through the LHS program, should reach out to Sinéad Crews, at 973-535-8000 ext 8137 or SCrews@livingston.org.
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) and the Camuso Committee will be sponsoring a special LACD Camuso Holiday Display Event on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Livingston Memorial Oval Gazebo, Robert Harp Drive, Livingston. This free event for people with special needs and their families will take place from 4:30-6:30PM. In case of snow or rain, the event will be postponed to Monday, December 18, 2023 from 4:30-6:30PM. To check on the event status, please call 973-535-7961, ext. 7102.
The event will include meet & greet and photos with Santa. All guests will receive a present. Free refreshments will be served. Kindly RSVP by December 6th by visiting https://tinyurl.com/Camuso2023 or email Alan Karpas at alan@karpas.net. Call 973-992-6411 for help with RSVPs or for more information. Visit LACD online at www.facebook.com/lacdnj or www.livingstonnj.org/LACD.
