LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community
A revised school calendar for next year was recently approved by the Livingston Board of Education.
The notable change is the start date for students; it is one day earlier. The first day for students is now Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This allows for an additional inclement weather day to be built into the calendar for the year.
Livingston K-12's Supervisor of Technology and Business, Mr. Rob Rolling, recently represented Livingston Public Schools (LPS) at the Zhejiang-New Jersey STEAM Education and Artificial Intelligence Forum in Wenzhou, China. The event took place from April 24 to April 26, 2024, and spotlighted innovations in STEAM and AI education. It was part of the larger conference on China-U.S. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. Mr. Rolling presented LPS’ exemplary K-5 STEAM program, highlighting our commitment to integrating arts and technology in early education.
During the forum, Mr. Rolling also participated in discussions on the future role of artificial intelligence in education, focusing on enhancing personalized learning and preparing students for the digital age. His involvement not only underscores Livingston's leadership in educational innovation, but also fosters international collaboration aimed at enriching global educational practices.
"It was both humbling and flattering to have so many people asking questions about Livingston's technology and engineering programs. The visit wasn't just about sharing resources; it was about bringing together the best of our educational practices. It was a testament to the power of education in uniting people," said Mr. Rolling.
The Livingston High School Varsity History Bowl team won the National History Bowl competition, which was held recently in Arlington, Virginia! Competing against the strongest 165 teams in the country, the Lancers remained undefeated throughout the entire three day tournament. The varsity team included Robert Wang, Akshaya Shanker, Aanya Rathi, Joshua Metters, and Ben Silversten.
The JV team made it to the first round of playoffs and ended up in 16th place after many impressive wins. The JV Team included Arav Kaushik, Parik Eda, Ethan Liu, Jack Liu. Aviral Bhardwaj is also a member of the JV team.
Students performed excellently in the individual competitions, as well. Junior Robert Wang won the National History Bee competition and earned second place in the National Geography Bee. Sophomore Ethan Liu was a semifinalist in the National Geography Bee, as well.
"Overall, it was a wonderful weekend and LHS should be proud of how our students performed in such a challenging, high stakes competition! I could not have organized this trip without the help of Guy Rabner, who volunteered to chaperone the trip with me, nurse Katie Baach, and the assistance of my supervisor Charlie Raphael. Go Lancers!" said team advisor, Brynn Smith.
On Saturday February 24, Livingston’s A team consisting of junior Robert Wang and senior Sophia Wu won the tenth annual QuBIT Academic Tournament at High Technology High School in Lincroft, NJ, defeating Great Valley High School of Malvern, PA in the finals, 495-165. Despite missing half of their normal “A” team, the team went undefeated and encountered little resistance against some of the best teams and high schools in the greater PA, NJ, NY and CT area. Wang finished as the highest individual scorer overall, while Wu finished fifth overall.
Livingston’s “B” team, led by sophomores captain Arav Kaushik, Benjamin Laskov and Ethan Liu finished fourth overall, competing well against some great teams from the area.
Livingston’s “C” and “D” teams also finished solidly, placing 11th and 14th, respectively.
Livingston’s full “A” team is currently ranked seventh in the United States and will compete along with its “B” and “C” teams at the national tournament’s in Atlanta, GA and Reston, VA later this spring.
We are excited to announce that the application window is now open to express interest in both our Elementary Gifted and Talented Art Program and Gifted and Talented Music Program.
These programs are for students who will be entering grades 4 and 5 in the 2024-2025 school year.
Students previously enrolled in either GT Art and/or GT Music do not need to reapply.
All applications must be submitted electronically no later than Thursday, May 23, 2024.
Detailed information for both the Elementary GT Art and GT Music Programs, along with the applications for both programs, can be found at the links below:
IT'S TIME TO SECURE YOUR SEAT!
The district provides free transportation for in-district students who live more than 2 miles from school in grades K-8; and more than 2.5 miles from the high school. Subscription busing is available for students who are not eligible for free busing. If you are unsure if you qualify for free transportation, please call the Transportation Department at 973-535-8000, x8013, BEFORE filling out the form.
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!
The LPS community is invited to support young scientists by attending the district's 19th annual Science Research Symposium on Wednesday, May 29, 2023, starting at 6:30 pm in the LHS auditorium. The symposium is a showcase of the amazing work sophomore, junior, and senior students have done in pursuing their own interests in science and research.
Livingston High School’s Band Boosters will host its annual Jazz Bands Dinner Dance “A Night of Jazz at the Lancer Lounge” on Saturday, May 18th from 5 to 8 pm. The event will take place in the cafeteria of the high school, which will be transformed into a hip night club. Guests will enjoy great music, dancing and a delicious dinner, catered by Turano’s Pizza Kitchen. Back by popular demand, the Boosters are pleased to present Basket Raffles and a 50/50 Cash Raffle!
Tickets are on sale NOW!
- Visit LHS Band Boosters for the ticket purchase link
- Discounted pricing is available for students and seniors
- Raffle tickets will be sold at the event
- Volunteers will be needed throughout the evening to help ensure this event is a success, indicate your preferences in the ticket sales form
- Jazz band parents who volunteer will not be assigned times while their child is performing
- Please see the flyer for additional information or email us at JAZZDANCE@LHSBANDBOOSTERS.ORG
Livingston High School's HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Club will host a "Panel Discussion With RNs" on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 5PM in the LHS Auditorium. Presented by the Community Health & Outreach Department of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, the program will include registered nurses from five different disciplines. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.
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.
The Essex County Education Association's (ECEA) Human and Civil Rights Committee presented its Racial Advocacy Award to Heritage Middle School ELA teacher Dr. Dakashna Lang. This award honors an ECEA member who has been a champion of ethnic minority rights and issues and who has had a significant impact on education and the achievement of equal opportunity for those facing discrimination because of their ethnicity.
Dr. Dakashna Lang, Livingston EA. Dr. Dakashna Lang has been an English Teacher in Livingston, NJ for 20 years. She holds a Doctor of Education in Literacy from Rutgers University, a Certificate of Educational Technology, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is a current Teach Asian American Stories Fellow for AAPI NJ and a NJ Teacher Education Policy Fellow for JerseyCan.
Heritage ELA teacher Alexandra Rosone is celebrating the publication of her debut novel, "Weekends With You" under her pen name Alexandra Paige. The book was recently released by Avon/Harper Collins.
Check out a feature article on Ms. Rosone in the May 9, 2024 edition of the West Essex Tribune!
LACD TALENT SHOW
The LACD (Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities) is bringing back its annual talent show for children and adults with special needs on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 7PM. This free of charge event will take place in room T3 at the Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Ave. We welcome our special needs population to showcase their individual talents and shine in the spotlight. Come sing along to your favorite songs, dance to the tunes you love, or perform a magic trick. We invite you to share with us any of the special abilities that you have. Free snacks and drinks will be provided and all participants will receive a gift. Kindly email Kayva Narayanan at kavyanarayanan19@gmail.com or text 201-600-5521 to register by May 6th or for more information so that she may supply any needed provisions. You may visit us online at www.facebook.com/lacdnj or www.livingstonnj.org/LACD.
LIVINGSTON AAPI PICNIC
The Livingston AAPI Picnic will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 (5-8PM) at the Oval. The event, which will feature games & activities, refreshments, vendor tables, community networking, kite flying and more, is free and open to the public. For more information, email LCDI.Livingstonnj@gmail.com or AAPILivingstonNJ@gmail.com.
TEAM JAKE FUNDRAISER
LHS alumni and student baseball/softball players will be running an All Star Baseball/Softball Clinic Fundraiser for Team Jake at Meadowbrook Field on June 2, 2024 at 4:30PM. The clinic is for boys and girls age 5-12 , and will support Trial Blazers for Kids Foundation and celebrate Jake’s love of baseball.
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Livingston Public Library has something for everyone! Learn more about the library HERE.
