
LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community

100 DAYS OF LEARNING... AND LOVE đź’—
This year, LPS elementary schools celebrated a heartwarming combination of two exciting events: the 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Day! Students marked 100 days of learning with fun activities, while also spreading love and kindness through Valentine’s Day crafts and treats. The 100th Day of School celebration offers a creative way for teachers to highlight various mathematical concepts that can be taught by using the number 100. LHS math teacher Jennifer Edouard (shown above) went above and beyond to spread the "math love" up to the secondary level by dressing up as a 100 year old for her high school students!
SCROLL OR CLICK ON THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE LEFT FOR INFO ON...
Board of Education Meeting TONIGHT!
LPS Achieves "Full Recovery" From Learning Loss
AP Art Show on Display Through April 29th
HMS BSU Spreads Kindness... One PB&J At a Time
LHS Theater to Present "The Drowsy Chaperone"/Special Dress Rehearsal Performance
VIRTUAL PARENT PROGRAM: Supporting Teens in Reducing Their Stress & Ours
COMMUNITY NEWS: Mayor's Wellness Campaign Program, Intergenerational Prom
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING: February 25, 2025 (7PM)
The Livingston Board of Education will hold a public meeting tonight, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (7PM) at the Central Office, 11 Foxcroft Drive. Tonight's agenda will include a discussion on the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar.
Tonight's meeting will be held in a hybrid format during which participants will have the ability to ask questions and make comments either in person or via the webinar. Register for the webinar using the link below. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the district's Facebook page, @LivSchools.
LPS ACHIEVES "FULL RECOVERY" FROM LEARNING LOSS
GOOD NEWS FOR LPS! According to the latest Education Recovery Scorecard, Livingston is among the few NJ school districts recognized as "fully recovered" from pandemic learning loss by researchers. Read the full article below or click HERE.
This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our incredible educators, administrators, and parents, as well as the effort and resilience of our amazing students.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
AP ART SHOW ON DISPLAY THROUGH APRIL 29TH
The Student Perspectives exhibit, featuring the work of Livingston High School's Advanced Placement (AP) art students, is currently on display at Livingston Town Hall, located at 357 South Livingston Avenue. The show, sponsored by the Arts Council of Livingston (ACL), is open for public viewing daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, now through Monday, April 29th.
The opening ceremony, attended by township dignitaries, school district administrators, and featuring a performance by the LHS String Ensemble, marked the launch of this exceptional exhibit. Students' diverse artworks are showcased in various categories, including AP Photography, AP Digital Imaging, AP Studio Art, Ceramics, and 3D designs.
The ACL, a nonprofit organization established by the Livingston Township Council, plays a vital role in enhancing the visibility of the arts within the community. Its mission is to promote high-quality performing and visual arts programs and to serve as a hub for all artistic disciplines. (Photos by Martha Ackermann)
HMS BSU SPREADS KINDNESS... ONE PB&J AT A TIME!
Members of Heritage Middle School's Black Student Union (BSU) are shown spreading kindness, one peanut butter and jelly sandwich at a time! Under the guidance of club advisor, Jamie Geltzeiler, the students recently made and donated PB&J sandwiches to Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN). LNHN is a local, non-profit organization that supports those facing unexpected hardships in our community.
LHS THEATER TO PRESENT "THE DROWSY CHAPERONE"
Livingston High School Theater will present The Drowsy Chaperone from March 13-15 in the LHS Auditorium! Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, this show is a loving parody of 1920s musical comedies featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. When the show premiered, the Toronto Star declared, "The Drowsy Chaperone is so much fun, it's barely legal!" while New York Magazine hailed it as "The perfect Broadway musical." Featuring a cast of 40 and dozens more behind the scenes, this show-within-a-show guarantees an evening of laughter and entertainment. Appropriate for ages 8+. Purchase tickets HERE!
"JUDGEMENT FREE" PERFORMANCE OPEN TO PUBLIC
LHS Theater is also thrilled to present an inclusive, judgment-free Dress Rehearsal for this year’s spring musical, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with dedicated seating for individuals who have special needs. The show will take place in the LHS Auditorium on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7PM.
Some key points about the show:
The event is FREE to all attendees, but seating is limited
There will be a 15-minute intermission between Act 1 & 2
Snacks are encouraged, so bring your favorite thing to eat
Space outside the Auditorium will be available for anyone needing a break
Livingston’s senior citizens will also be invited to this performance, but there will be dedicated spaces for both groups
Tickets for this event are free, but registration is required as there is limited seating available for this event. CLICK HERE TO RSVP! Please let us know how many seats you need for your group. All students must be accompanied by at least one adult chaperone.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a senior citizen who wants to attend the show, there is a separate RSVP process here: https://www.livingstonnj.org/1039/Events-and-Socials
VIRTUAL PARENT PROGRAM: MARCH 12, 2025 (7PM)
SUPPORTING TEENS IN REDUCING THEIR STRESS AND OURS
Matt Bellace will be presenting “Supporting Teens In Reducing Their Stress and Ours” virtually on Wednesday, March 12, at 7PM. Dr. Bellace has a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, is the author of the book, “A Better High,” co-author of the National Geographic Kids Series, “This or That,” and was a regular on truTV’s, “World’s Dumbest.”
Recent research suggests that well-adjusted teenagers have stronger non-cognitive skills, such as self-control, grit and resilience. This program will focus on how parents can help foster those skills in a supportive environment without arguing. Specifically, it will present techniques such as mindfulness meditation, effective communication and using natural highs as healthy coping mechanisms against stress, alcohol and other drug use and bullying behavior. The goal is to help improve the quality of life for both parents and their teens. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND MEETING LINK.
2025-2026 P.R.I.D.E. PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Livingston Public Schools is proud to share that our P.R.I.D.E. (Pre-School Readiness Individual Developmental Education) Program is a full-day program with spots available for non-disabled preschool students. In this program, students will be provided with a language-rich, research-based curriculum. They will spend their days with New Jersey certified teachers, and with their disabled and non-disabled peers, to achieve the expectations of the school district’s well-designed curriculum based on New Jersey's Student Learning Standards for preschool. The students gather daily to develop social language, work as partners and in groups, and explore, play, create, share, and learn. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IN CHILDREN RELIEF FUND
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) is a financial assistance program for New Jersey Families whose children have an illness or condition otherwise uncovered by insurance, State or Federal programs, or other sources, such as fundraising. The Fund is intended to assist in preserving a family's ability to cope with the responsibilities which accompany a child's significant health problems.
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.
COMMUNICATION TOOLS • SUICIDE LIFELINE • MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
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 FCC recently approved a new 3-digit dialing code, 988, for mental health crisis and suicide prevention.
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.
WE'RE HIRING! JOIN THE LPS TEAM!
Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply via our online application. Our administrative staff will be reviewing resumes and contacting those individuals who they feel will best meet the needs of the positions we have available at this time. Some screening will be conducted over the phone, and some interviews will be in person and others will take place online using online platforms.
Since we have many positions available, we are not able to return phone calls regarding open positions or status of applications.
INTERGENERATIONAL PROM TO BE HELD APRIL 9TH
Livingston’s 34th annual Intergenerational Prom, co-sponsored by the Board of Education, the Township of Livingston, and the Livingston High School (LHS) Key Club, will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in the LHS cafeteria. A long-standing Livingston tradition, the Intergenerational Prom provides an opportunity for high school students and the township's senior citizens to socialize, have fun, and get to know one another.
The evening includes dinner, entertainment and dancing. Community leaders, including Livingston Public Schools Board of Education members and administrators and members of the Township Council, serve dinner for the guests.
Senior citizens who wish to attend this event must pre-register at the Livingston Recreation & Senior Services Department, 204 Hillside Avenue, so they can obtain a ticket to enter the prom. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
LISTEN TO CHILDREN PROGRAM
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.
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Livingston Public Library has something for everyone! Learn more about the library HERE.
WATCH LTV... IT'S ALL ABOUT LIVINGSTON!
LTV, Livingston, NJ's community access television channel, can be found on cable television via Comcast (Channel 34) and Verizon (Channels 26 and 28). Additionally, LTV can now be found online at www.LivingstonTV.org, which provides a live stream of the cable channel plus numerous shows available to watch ON-DEMAND! LTV is operated by the Livingston Public Broadcasting Committee, a group of volunteers (adults and high school students) who recognize all the good that Livingston has to offer; have an interest in television programming, production, operations and marketing; and give their time toward promoting local information, entertainment, and education to all members of the Livingston community!
LPS Spotlight
2024-2025 School Year / No. 13
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.