LPS Spotlight
News for the Livingston Public Schools Community
WELCOME BACK!
SCROLL OR CLICK ON THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE LEFT FOR INFO ON...
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
Personnel Announcement
Process for Addressing Parent Concerns
School Lockdown Safety Tips for Parents
Attention New Livingston Families: Welcome to Livingston Event 2024
Back to School Nights 2024
Welcome Back From Pomptonian Food Service
Mark Your Calendars: Virtual Parent Programs
UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
The Livingston Board of Education will hold public meetings at 7PM on:
- Tuesday, September 10, 2024
- Tuesday, September 24, 2024
- VIEW 2024 PUBLIC MEETING CALENDAR
Public meetings are held in a hybrid format during which participants will have the ability to ask questions and make comments either in person at 11 Foxcroft Drive or virtually via webinar. The webinar link is posted on the front page of the district website, www.livingston.org, on the day of the meeting. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the district's Facebook page, @LivSchools.
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENT
Livingston Public Schools (LPS) has announced that long-time LHS social studies teacher, Ms. Brittany Gajewski, will be Livingston High School's new Dean of Students. The Board of Education approved this appointment during its public meeting on August 13th. READ MORE...
Dear LPS Families:
It is hard to believe it is already time for our staff and schools to welcome all of our students and families back to Livingston Public Schools for the 2024-2025 school year. Thanks to an entire summer of work by our custodial and maintenance team, administrators, secretaries, and technology staff, we are ready and excited to welcome back more than 6,400 students to our schools on Tuesday. Before we do, I wanted to be sure to send a few reminders for the opening of school logistics. READ MORE ...
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
LPS takes school security very seriously and follows all of the safety protocols that are practiced regularly with the Livingston Police Department. These protocol include school lockdowns, which are designed to secure schools and protect students during emergency situations. Parents have a part to play in school lockdown safety as well! Watch the video or read the document below to learn how parents can contribute to school safety during lockdown situations.
ATTENTION NEW LIVINGSTON FAMILIES!
Have you moved to Livingston within the past year? Come find out what your new community offers! Organized by the Livingston Health Department, this year's Welcome to Livingston event will feature refreshments, giveaways and include representatives of various township departments and organizations, including LPS! Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2024 from 5:30-7PM at the Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FLYERS TRANSLATED INTO CHINESE, HINDI, RUSSIAN AND SPANISH!
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Please check your school website for Back to School Night time, info and updates!
WELCOME BACK FROM POMPTONIAN FOOD SERVICE!
Pomptonian Food Service is ready for the 2024-2025 school year! CLICK HERE for information on:
- Nutritionally Analyzed Interactive Menus
- Pre-Payment Options
- Nutrition Awareness
- Pomptonian's Award-Winning Farm Stand
- Allergy-Safe Meals
- Popular Promotions
- Contact Information
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Virtual Parent Programs
The LPS Student Assistance Program provides prevention, intervention, support and instructional services for students in the district. As part of its efforts, the Student Assistance Program offers a variety of virtual programs for parents during the school year. Programs scheduled for the 2024-2025 school year include:
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.
ADDITIONAL LHS STUDENT NOMINATED FOR GIRLS STATE
LHS student Rebeca Boullosa was nominated by American Legion Post 152 (Little Ferry, NJ) and her AP Government teacher, Mr. Daniel Ippolito, to attend the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program at Georgian Court University. Rebeca was one of just two girls nominated in all of Essex County! We reported in the last LPS Spotlight that the other was Sarah Grossman, who is also an LHS student.
The American Legion Boys and Girls States programs are the most highly respected and renowned educational opportunities for government instruction in the United States. Through this week-long experience, participants engage in several "hands-on" activities designed to simulate the functions of state government. For example, students develop electoral campaigns, compose campaign speeches, create and enact legislation and seek bipartisanship among contending political ideologies. In the process, the goal is to foster positive leadership, citizenship and character among the participants. These programs have a rich history of inspiring its participants to seek careers in public service and administration.
The American Legion Boys and Girls State programs are highly selective. To be eligible, a student must: be a high school junior, nominated by a member of the LPS Social Studies department and interviewed by a selection committee that includes the Department Chairman and representatives from the American Legion.
FRESHMEN ORIENTATION 2024
Livingston High School welcomed the newest Lancers at freshman orientation on Tuesday, August 27!
The focus of the program was to foster students’ connection with the school, meet with their school counselor and building administrators and discuss strategies to support their transition into LHS. During their time with the LHS staff, they learned how to access their “go-to” people and places, and reviewed ways to best manage workload and engage in healthy habits and overall wellness as a student. Additionally, school counselors shared practical information such as reviewing the rotating drop schedule, how to get involved in clubs and activities and how to access Schoology to stay informed and organized.
During the orientation program, freshmen had an opportunity to spend time with ther counselor and school administrators, attend a club and activities fair and were able to walk their schedule and locate their classrooms before their FIRST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL!
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.
FALL FIESTA TO SUPPORT LEF!
Check out the flyer for the details of this awesome community event to be held on Sept. 8!
SHINING STARS ADAPTIVE SPORTS & RECREATION
The Township of Livingston's Shining Stars Adaptive Sports & Recreation program is offering two programs this fall:
- Saturday morning sports classes will be offered for ages 4+ at Monmouth Court Community Center.
- After School Recreation Activities will be offered for children ages 4+ located at the Senior Community Center.
An I.E.P/504 is required for sports leagues and programs. These programs are open to non-residents.
For more information, please email Jennifer Quirk, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor or call 973-535-7925, ext. 7209.
LYCS LEADERS REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Livingston Youth and Community Services (LYCS) leaders is a community based, after-school program that teaches leadership, healthy life choices, and life skills to children in grades 1 to 12 in the Livingston Public Schools district.
LYCS Leaders registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year. Sessions run once a month from September to May (8 sessions in total). For students in grades 1-5, the program is held at elementary schools from 2:40-3:40 pm. The dates will be determined by each school. For students in grade 6-12, the program is held in the evening at the senior/community center. The time of this program is to be determined.
The registration fee is $85. Register through Community Pass at www.Livingstonnj.org. Email lycs@livingstonnj.org for more information.
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!
KINDERGARTEN/6TH LIBRARY CARD DRIVE
September is Library Card Sign-up Month! To celebrate, the Livingston Public Library is holding a library card sign-up drive for all Kindergarten and 6th graders.
A Livingston Library Card is a vital tool in supporting your student's educational journey. It opens the door to exploring an extensive collection of books, Wonderbooks, and video games—and that’s only the beginning! Other benefits include digital content such as ebooks and audiobooks. A Livingston Library Card also grants access to Tutor.com, an online learning service with live tutors offered at no cost to you.
If you’re unsure about the card's status, please complete the form, and we will take care of the rest. We are waiving any existing Livingston fines or fees, so your child will start with a clean slate. The Library Card Drive will run until September 15th.
Completed cards will be distributed to your students through your school in early October. At the Livingston Library, we believe all library card holders are winners. However, as an added incentive, we will choose three cardholders from each grade level to receive a prize! If you have questions about a library card for yourself or other members of your household please contact the Library Directly at 973-992-4700.
The Livingston Public Library has something for everyone! Learn more about the library HERE.
LPS Spotlight
2024-2025 School Year / No. 1
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.
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.