LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community
April has been an interesting month... in between an earthquake and aftershocks, we experienced a solar eclipse! LPS students learned about the eclipse and got creative with eclipse-themed projects.
SCROLL OR CLICK ON THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE LEFT FOR INFO ON...
- CALENDAR REMINDER: Passover
- Board of Education Meeting TONIGHT (7PM)
- LPS Music Ed Program Earns National Recognition
- LHS Orchestra To Perform Spring Concert
- LPS Presents Kings Donation to LNHN
- Student Art Show On Display Through April 29th
- Intergenerational Prom Success
- Chess Team Places Second at Nationals
- LHS Grad Headed to 2024 Summer Olympics
- Advait Joshi Places 3RD in Math Competition
- LHS Student Receives Civil Air Patrol Award
- HMS Students Selected for Honors Ensembles
- STAFF NEWS: Retired LPS Teachers Host Poetry Reading at Library; Dr. Suñga Chosen for Fellowship
- PARENT PROGRAMS: NJs4 Essex Webinars
- COMMUNITY NEWS: LWV Program, LACD Programs, LPD Jr. Police Academy
CALENDAR REMINDER
LPS will have a early dismissal on April 22 and will be closed on April 23 for Passover.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING: April 16 (7PM)
The Livingston Board of Education will hold a public meeting tonight, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (7PM) at the Central Office, 11 Foxcroft Drive.
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 MUSIC ED PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Livingston Public Schools has been honored with the "Best Communities for Music Education" designation for 2024 from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the 8th time in a row! Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
LHS ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT IS ON APRIL 25TH
The Livingston High School Orchestra will present a Spring Concert on Thursday, April 25th, at 7PM in the High School Auditorium, featuring the String Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Selections will include the music of Antonin Dvorak, Astor Piazzola, Dmitri Shostakovich, Yukiko Nishimura, and Brian Balmages. The concert is free and open to the public!
LPS PRESENTS KINGS DONATION TO LNHN
Thanks to generous customer donations at Kings Food Markets and partnership with GENYouth, Livingston Public Schools received $3,025 in $25 Kings gift cards through the #KingsNourishingNeighbors campaign! LPS donated the funds to Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN), a local non-profit that helps families within our community who are struggling with unexpected hardship.
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Shown, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Block presents the gift cards to LNHN Board member Michelle Lemieux.
STUDENT ART SHOW ON DISPLAY THROUGH APRIL 29TH
Livingston High School’s annual Advanced Placement (AP) Art Show "Student Perspectives,” sponsored by the Arts Council of Livingston (ACL), is currently on display at Livingston Town Hall, 357 South Livingston Avenue, for daily public viewing from 8:30AM. and 4PM through Monday, April 29th.
Shown here, the opening ceremony was attended by township dignitaries, school district administrators and included a performance by the LHS String Ensemble. The exhibit features work from numerous students. Artwork categories include AP Photography, AP Digital Imaging, AP Studio Art and Ceramics and 3D designs.
The ACL is a nonprofit organization established by the Livingston Township Council to make the arts more visible within the immediate community and the surrounding areas. The group aims to encourage quality offerings in performing and visual arts programs and to act as an informal clearing house for all artistic disciplines.
(Photos by Martha Ackermann)
THE 2024 INTERGENERATIONAL PROM WAS A SUCCESS!
This year's Intergenerational Prom, co sponsored by the Board of Education, Township of Livingston and the LHS Key Club, was held on Thursday, April 11 in the Livingston High School 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. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SOME PHOTOS!
👑Congratulations to the Prom Queen and King -- Pegeen and Joel Lightner!👑
(Photos by Martha Ackermann)
LHS CHESS TEAM PLACES 2ND AT NATIONALS
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to the LHS Chess Team for finishing in 2nd place overall at the National High School Chess Championship this past weekend in Baltimore, MD!
LHS GRAD QUALIFIES FOR 2024 SUMMER OLYMPICS
Elizabeth Tartakovsky, a member of LHS Class of 2018 graduate and a recent Harvard graduate, qualified to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games as a fencer in the Women’s Saber Individual & Team event!
Read more about her incredible journey in TapIntoLivingston by clicking HERE!
ADVAIT JOSHI PLACES 3RD IN MATH COMPETITION
Mt. Pleasant Middle School sixth grader Advait Joshi recently competed in the MathCounts State Competition at Monmouth University against 60 individuals. He came in third place during the State Competition and will go on to compete in the National MathCount Competition which will be held in Washington D.C. from May 12-13th! Advait was ranked first at Chapter level out of a field of 223 students.The MathCounts Club is coached by Ms. Kira Steinmark.
LHS STUDENT RECEIVES CIVIL AIR PATROL AWARD
Fifteen-year-old Michael Shayevich received the prestigious General Billy Mitchell Award from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) on January 30, 2024, at a ceremony held at their meeting location, the American Red Cross Northern New Jersey Headquarters in Fairfield, NJ. READ MORE...
HMS STUDENTS SELECTED FOR HONORS ENSEMBLES
This winter, music students from Heritage Middle School have been busy auditioning for honors ensembles. Twenty students were selected to take part with students from all across Northern New Jersey in a number of select ensembles.
- Sasha Dembla, Avni Dusad, Ishayu Ramkumar, Nyraa Sarin, Swara Thakur, Christa Thomas, and Maren Wagener were selected for the North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA) Intermediate Mixed Choir.
- Jessica Hao, Ira Tiwary, and Ashwath Pillai were selected for the NJSMA Intermediate Orchestra. Additionally, Ira and Jessica were selected to the Intermediate All State Orchestra.
- Eamon Bermingham, Zachary Lee, and Jacob Woodlee were selected for the NJSMA Intermediate Symphonic Winds. Jacob Julius, Connor Li, Yug Shah, Henry Tang, and Kenneth Wu were selected for the NJSMA Intermediate Concert Band.
- Charles Budzinski, Ian Koff, and Jacob Woodlee were selected for the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education Region I Intermediate Jazz Band.
Congratulations to all!
BROTHERS PLACE AT CHESS TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to fifth grader Nathan Dong and his brother second grader Noah Dong recently placed at the Grandmaster Mac Chess Tournament held at Aquinas Academy in Livingston. Nathan finished in second place, while Noah earned a sixth place finish!
LPS SUMMER ACADEMY 2024
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Livingston Public Schools is committed to providing students with excellent educational experiences for students of all ages this summer! Check out the district's offerings for Summer 2024!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Just a reminder that kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is open!
- Children must be 5 years old on or before October 1st of the current year to enter Kindergarten, or 6 years old by October 1st of the current year to enter 1st grade as per Entrance Age Policy 5112. View Entrance Age Policy #5112.
- Any Livingston resident who completes the kindergarten registration process by May 15th will be notified of their child's school placement by June 1st.
- If your child currently attends the Livingston Public School Pre-School program you DO NOT have to complete the pre-registration online. Please contact Amy Ennis at aennis@livingston.org for instructions.
- Click here to visit our Registration Page.
PROGRAMS RECOMMENDED BY THE SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT:
PARENT CONCERNS • LOCKDOWN TIPS • EMERGENCY TEXTS
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!
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 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.
RETIRED TEACHERS HOST POETRY READING AT LIBRARY
The Livingston Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with a Poetry Reading on Sunday, April 28th from 2pm to 3pm. The event will be hosted by Susan Rothbard, Ken Ronkowitz and Mary Brancaccio, poets and former Livingston Public School teachers. Copies of their books will be available for purchase. The program is open to all members of the community, including current and former students of Livingston High School and Heritage Middle School.
Dr. Suñga Chosen for Fellowship
Livingston High School ELA Teacher Dr. has been chosen for the Teach Asian American Stories' fellowship! Through this program, he will be trained as a facilitator who can provide professional development in teaching about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions to fellow educators.
STAFF NEWS: FOLLOW US!
EMPLOYMENT
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
LWV SPEAKER TO HIGHLIGHT GREAT SWAMP
Sally Rubin, Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association, will speak to the Livingston League of Women Voters, Wednesday evening, April 17, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. She will talk about how the Great Swamp was rescued from becoming a jet port, and other environmental issues. To join this free public meeting, click the link on the League website https://www.livingstonlwv.org/.
MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) and My Circle of Friends invites all people with special needs and their families to a free, fun-filled music festival on Friday, April 19, at 7PM. The festival will be held in room T3 of the Livingston Senior/Community Center (204 Hillside Ave., Livingston, NJ). Activities will include a sing-along, dancing, and snacks! There will also be performances by Livingston High School students and the Little Sunshine Children's Chorus.
Please RSVP by scanning the QR code or by emailing Rena Wang (yaxuan.wang@lps-students.org) or Valentina Zheng (valentina.zheng@lps-students.org)! Visit LACD online at www.facebook.com/lacdnj and www.livingstonnj.org/LACD.
SHINE A LIGHT ON AUTISM
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) will be sponsoring its annual Shine a Light on Autism Night on Wednesday, April 24. This special free event will take place from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Gazebo at the Oval, Robert Harp Dr., Livingston, NJ. There is a rain date of Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the same time and place as the scheduled event. To check on the status of the event due to inclement weather, call Ana Millan at 973-535-7961 Ext. 7102. Our guest speakers will include Mayor Al Anthony, a representative from Autism New Jersey, and a group of Livingston Public School students. We will be turning the Oval blue for autism awareness. We invite you to show your autism awareness support by wearing blue and taking a lap around the Oval with us. You may purchase autism awareness merchandise at the event with the proceeds going to Autism New Jersey. Free drinks and snacks will be provided, as well as deejay music. We suggest you bring your lawn chairs and blue lanterns or lights. For more information contact Bob Gebroe at gretto12@aol.com. You can visit us online at www.facebook.com/lacdnj or www.livingstonnj.org/LACD.
SPRING PARTY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) and the Recreation and Senior Services Department (formerly known as SYLS) will co-sponsor a Spring Party for children and adults with special needs and their families. This free, fun-filled event will take place at the Livingston Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Ave., Livingston, NJ on Saturday, May 4, from 12 to 2PM. Guests will be treated to food, beverages, dancing to a deejay's music, and an arts and crafts program. We kindly ask that everyone bring a dessert. RSVP is required to attend the party by April 23, 2024. To RSVP, please email Qing Liu at aotyan27@gmail.com or text Qing Liu at 646-385-2517. To visit LACD online, please go to www.facebook.com/lacdnj or www.livingstonnj.org/LACD.
2024 LPD Junior Police Academy
The 2024 Livingston Police Department Junior Police Academy will be held from July 8-12 at Livingston High School located at 30 Robert Harp Drive and Livingston Police Headquarters at 333 S. Livingston Avenue. Applications will be accepted starting March 1, 2024 via email to jklapal@livingstonnj.org with a deadline of April 30, 2024. Priority will be given to students who have not attended the academy previously
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Livingston Public Library has something for everyone! Learn more about the library HERE.
LPS Spotlight
2023-2024 School Year / No. 15
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.