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Strategic Planning Meeting Invitation – 10/15/2024

Dear Linden Families,

We need YOU to help us prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world!

As Superintendent of Schools, it is my pleasure on behalf of the Linden Public Schools District Board of Education to invite YOU to participate in our Strategic Planning Process committee. This committee will be a focused group of administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and guardians. We will work together to create a shared vision for the district and identify both the strengths of the school district (those unique attributes that we can build on as we move into the future) and the critical issues that we will face (the challenges that the district must be prepared for in the future). We will meet on three occasions in the evenings on October 29, November 12, and January 14. Refreshments will be served.

The first meeting of the Strategic Planning process will take place on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the McManus Middle School cafeteria (sign-in at 5:45 p.m.). Their address is 300 Edgewood Road, and there is a parking lot. We will work in small and large groups, and the discussion will lead us to a consensus document that will identify our community’s vision, strengths, and challenges for our district and develop goal areas that focus on the future of our schools.

The New Jersey School Boards Association will facilitate this process. The Board of Education will use this document to help shape future goals for the district as we move forward.

If you have any questions, please contact me. Participation in any or all three of our meetings will be greatly appreciated.

Take care and be well,

Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
aperkins@lindenps.org
908-486-2800 x8008

Superintendent’s Message – 10/06/2024

Dear Linden Families,

We are in the second month of the school year and are off to a great start. Our Fall sports are in full swing, and we are proud of our students’ athletic performances. Our students are taking grade-level benchmark assessments in reading, language arts, and math to demonstrate their readiness for college and career success in grades 1 – 12. To support their learning, students will use an online program called Exact Path by Edmentum, which customizes lessons and assessments based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Students can access Exact Path both at school and at home.

Later this month, we will host our first district-wide community engagement session on Tuesday, October 29, at McManus Middle School cafeteria, starting at 6:00 p.m. This session will focus on creating our 2025 – 2030 district Strategic Plan, and we encourage parents, guardians, students, and education stakeholders to attend and contribute to shaping the future of education in our district. Refreshments will be provided, and we look forward to collaborating with all participants to develop a plan that reflects our collective goals and values. There will be three evening meetings: October 29, November 12, and January 14.

Our district’s priorities revolve around student achievement, safety and security, and addressing chronic absenteeism. See the table below of district wide events. We do believe the MISSON POSSIBLE and we are committed to strengthening the home-school connection through upcoming events and partnerships with local police and fire departments to promote positive behavior and ensure a safe learning environment. We expect our students to make responsible choices, be good citizens, and represent our school community with excellence. I continue to share we need you to help our students learn, grow, and believe in their Linden R.O.A.R. in and out of school.

October 10:   Secondary Interim Report Cards visible in Genesis Parent Portal
October 7 – October 10 / October 7 – October 11:  Week of Respect and Fire Prevention Week
October 12:  District Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Tiger Stadium
October 14:  District In-Service (School Closed)
October 15:  District-wide Pink Out Day, wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 21 – October 25:  School Violence Awareness Week
October 22 – October 24:  Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal / Lunch Served)
October 28 – November 2:  Red Ribbon Week
October 29:  Strategic Plan Community Meeting (6:00PM @ McManus Middle School)

Take care and be well,
Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent’s Back to School Night Message – 09/25/2024
Linden Public Schools: Mission Possible – 09/25/2024
Superintendent’s Spotlight Message – 09/01/2024

Dear Linden Families,

It is time to R.O.A.R. in 2024-2025, and the wait is over. I am excited to welcome you to the new school year. Students return on Thursday, September 5th. Staff return Tuesday, September 3rd, for annual professional learning experiences that accelerate student learning. I need everyone to join me in our MISSION POSSIBLE vision to ensure student success by enhancing systems and structures for sustained accountability. The mission is to empower R.O.A.R:

Resilience (don’t quit; resilience is our superpower)

Opportunities (don’t settle; be curious and ask questions)

Achievement (inspire hope and unlock peak performance)

Relationships (be kind and connect with those around you)

Together, our R.O.A.R. is one sound connected and unified to promote growth in academics, athletics, alternative programming, and the arts. There will be moments of challenges. However, the late poet Maya Angelo once said, “There will be defeat, but we will never be defeated.” We are committed to serving students, and we need our students to show up and be on time. Cellphones are to be put away, and our student dress code policy will be enforced. Safety and security are our priority, and we will not tolerate violation to our code of conduct.

Students, when you think about what you plan to accomplish this school year, remember that it must be built off who you are on the inside. You are expected to be active participants in your learning. We will do what it takes to empower you to be accountable for yourself and then others. Your voice matters: we want to hear your thoughts and answer any questions. We expect excellence.

Teachers and support staff, thank you for setting up your classrooms and your willingness to meet the diverse needs of our student population. You are valued for taking the first step in creating positive experiences in and out of the classroom. We expect you to have a successful school year.

All schools have sent welcome packets home using the address listed in our student information system, Genesis. Parents and guardians, you must sign up for Genesis. In Genesis, you must sign off on the required forms before gaining access to student information. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher, case manager, and principal. Change occurs when we communicate our needs.

On behalf of Linden Public Schools Administration, the Linden Board of Education, and the honorable Mayor Armstead, we stand together to promote unity in the community, which makes the MISSON POSSIBLE. We need all of you to help us remain interconnected to help our students learn, grow, and believe in their Linden R.O.A.R. in and out of school.

Enjoy the next few days as we prepare to return to school this week, filled with excitement and joy.

Take care and be well,

Atiya Y. Perkins

Superintendent of Schools

Events

 

Meeting Notice

The Work Session of the Linden Board of Education will be held at the School No. 1 Gymnasium, 728 N. Wood Ave, Linden, NJ, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM

The Regular Meeting of the Linden Board of Education will be held at the School No. 1 Gymnasium, 728 N. Wood Ave, Linden, NJ, on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM

“The Board reserves the right to go into Executive Session during this meeting.”

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🔥🚒 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 🚒🔥

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- As part of Fire Prevention Awareness Month in New Jersey, the Linden Fire Department is bringing their vital message of fire safety and prevention to our schools. This week, they visited School No. 1 and School No. 8, where students learned about the critical role of smoke alarms and how to prevent fires before they start.

Firefighters engaged students with hands-on demonstrations, showing them the tools and techniques used in real emergencies. 

These interactive lessons are all part of the departments efforts to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe and respond effectively in fire emergencies. Its about building a safer, more fire-aware community! 

𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊 𝙸𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝: �𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚕 𝙰. 𝚆𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚔𝚒𝚜, 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚌 𝙸𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙾𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚛
𝙴𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕: 𝚖𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚔𝚒𝚜@𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚙𝚜.𝚘𝚛𝚐
𝙿𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎: 𝟿𝟶𝟾-𝟺𝟾𝟼-𝟸𝟾𝟶𝟶, 𝚇𝟾𝟶𝟺𝟾
𝙼𝚘𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚎: 𝟿𝟽𝟹-𝟻𝟼𝟷-𝟽𝟹𝟸𝟶Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

🔥🚒 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 🚒🔥

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- As part of Fire Prevention Awareness Month in New Jersey, the Linden NJ - City Government Linden Fire Department is bringing their vital message of fire safety and prevention to our schools. This week, they visited School No. 1 and School No. 8, where students learned about the critical role of smoke alarms and how to prevent fires before they start.

Firefighters engaged students with hands-on demonstrations, showing them the tools and techniques used in real emergencies.

These interactive lessons are all part of the department's efforts to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe and respond effectively in fire emergencies. It's about building a safer, more fire-aware community!

𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊 𝙸𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝: �𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚕 𝙰. 𝚆𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚔𝚒𝚜, 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚌 𝙸𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙾𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚛
𝙴𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕: 𝚖𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚔𝚒𝚜@𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚙𝚜.𝚘𝚛𝚐
𝙿𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎: 𝟿𝟶𝟾-𝟺𝟾𝟼-𝟸𝟾𝟶𝟶, 𝚇𝟾𝟶𝟺𝟾
𝙼𝚘𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚎: 𝟿𝟽𝟹-𝟻𝟼𝟷-𝟽𝟹𝟸𝟶
... See MoreSee Less

10 hours ago
𝙈𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙉𝙤. 4 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙚: 𝙋𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙖 𝙫𝙨. 𝙏𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙨!

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 — While voters in states like Georgia and North Carolina are already casting early ballots in the U.S. presidential race, students at School No. 4  faced a different, but equally important, decision on October 17 — pizza or tacos? In a fun and engaging mock election, students eagerly exercised their right to vote, deciding which delicious dish would reign supreme in the lunchroom.

Just an hour after the polls closed, Principal Dr. Suzanne Oliver announced the much-anticipated results. Out of 400 votes cast, pizza emerged victorious with 266 votes, while tacos held their ground with a respectable 134 votes. The announcement was met with cheers from the pizza supporters, while taco enthusiasts vowed to make a stronger comeback next time.

A team of election officers from the Union County Board of Elections oversaw the process, setting up six large voting booths in the school gymnasium lobby on October 16. From 9 to 11 AM, students, organized by grade, eagerly lined up to cast their ballots in a process that mirrored real-world elections.

According to school officials, the mock election aimed to give students a hands-on experience in civic participation, blending fun with a valuable learning opportunity.

With the voting booths set up and the excitement in the air, students buzzed with enthusiasm as they lined up to cast their votes. The event wasn’t just about food preferences—it was designed to teach students the significance of elections and the power of individual choices.

It’s all about giving them a practical understanding of the voting process, said one school representative. And what better way to do that than through something they’re passionate about — food!

The elections two savory contenders, pizza and tacos, sparked playful debate throughout the day. Students passionately argued their cases, with pizza fans calling it “the perfect food,” while taco supporters emphasized the versatility and crunch factor of their choice. Even teachers got involved, encouraging students to advocate for their favorite and participate in the democratic process.

A similar electoral exercise is scheduled to take place at School No. 10 on Thursday, October 17, where students will also cast their votes in a lively mock election. 

With the excitement from School No. 4 still fresh, students at School No. 10 are eagerly awaiting their turn to decide which dish will take the crown in their cafeteria — will pizza maintain its winning streak, or will tacos make a comeback?Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

𝙈𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙉𝙤. 4 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙚: 𝙋𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙖 𝙫𝙨. 𝙏𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙨!

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 — While voters in states like Georgia and North Carolina are already casting early ballots in the U.S. presidential race, students at School No. 4 faced a different, but equally important, decision on October 17 — pizza or tacos? In a fun and engaging "mock election," students eagerly exercised their right to vote, deciding which delicious dish would reign supreme in the lunchroom.

Just an hour after the "polls closed," Principal Dr. Suzanne Oliver announced the much-anticipated results. Out of 400 votes cast, pizza emerged victorious with 266 votes, while tacos held their ground with a respectable 134 votes. The announcement was met with cheers from the pizza supporters, while taco enthusiasts vowed to make a stronger comeback next time.

A team of "election officers" from the Union County Board of Elections oversaw the process, setting up six large voting booths in the school gymnasium lobby on October 16. From 9 to 11 AM, students, organized by grade, eagerly lined up to cast their ballots in a process that mirrored real-world elections.

According to school officials, the mock election aimed to give students a hands-on experience in civic participation, blending fun with a valuable learning opportunity.

With the voting booths set up and the excitement in the air, students buzzed with enthusiasm as they lined up to cast their votes. The event wasn’t just about food preferences—it was designed to teach students the significance of elections and the power of individual choices.

"It’s all about giving them a practical understanding of the voting process," said one school representative. "And what better way to do that than through something they’re passionate about — food!"

The election's two savory contenders, pizza and tacos, sparked playful debate throughout the day. Students passionately argued their cases, with pizza fans calling it “the perfect food,” while taco supporters emphasized the versatility and crunch factor of their choice. Even teachers got involved, encouraging students to advocate for their favorite and participate in the democratic process.

A similar electoral exercise is scheduled to take place at School No. 10 on Thursday, October 17, where students will also cast their votes in a lively mock election.

With the excitement from School No. 4 still fresh, students at School No. 10 are eagerly awaiting their turn to decide which dish will take the crown in their cafeteria — will pizza maintain its winning streak, or will tacos make a comeback?
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝘆𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘆 – 𝗔 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- As Sheyla Caly, a 17-year-old senior at Linden High School prepares for her second official meeting as the student representative on the Linden Board of Education, she brings with her a powerful blend of discipline, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Standing at just five feet tall, Sheyla may be small in stature, but her voice carries tremendous weight—both in her role as battalion commander of the school’s ROTC program and now as the student advocate on the board.

I’m very excited to be working on the Board of Education, Sheyla says, her smile reflecting both her excitement and sense of responsibility.

Her journey to this position was driven by her determination to address a gap she noticed early in her high school career. My freshman year, there wasn’t a lot done with my grade, she recalls. So, my sophomore year, I decided to take the initiative and run for class president.

Her decision to step up paid off, leading to three consecutive terms as class president and now a position on the Board of Education, where she advocates for the voices of more than 6,600 students across the district. 

ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱʜɪᴘ ʀᴏᴏᴛᴇᴅ ɪɴ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴘᴀᴛʜʏ
Sheyla’s leadership journey is deeply tied to her experience in ROTC, where she serves as battalion commander. This demanding role has taught her the value of both mental and physical resilience while honing her ability to inspire and lead by example. 

My mission, my goal, is always to impact the life of somebody else in a positive manner, Sheyla explains. This philosophy has guided her through her various leadership roles, and she now brings this same sense of purpose to the board.

For Sheyla, leadership is not about commanding others but about lifting them up. It’s about making a positive difference in other people’s lives, and that’s what I always strive to do, she shares. Her approach to leadership is driven by empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of her fellow students.

ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅ
In her first official address to the board at its Sept. 26 meeting, Sheyla made it clear that she was there to make student voices heard. One of the key issues she tackled was the enforcement of the school dress code, a long-standing concern among students. 
I know that was an issue last year. It wasn’t really enforced, and I feel like it was just an issue with people actually following the dress code, she said.

Sheyla was quick to note that this year has seen improvements, particularly with staff taking a proactive role in ensuring compliance. We’ve noticed that this year, it has been enforced a lot better. 

For instance, Mr. Koonce (principal) and other staff are always in the main lobby in the mornings, ensuring that students have their IDs on and that theyre following the proper dress code, she said, highlighting the efforts of the administration to create a more structured environment.

Sheyla also addressed another concern close to students: cleanliness in shared spaces like the cafeteria. The lunch duty staff has been very proactive, and they’ve been telling students to clean up after themselves, ensuring that they’re not leaving trash everywhere. This helps make it easier for the custodial staff as well, she said, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility.

ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱɪɴɢ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ
As she prepares for her second board meeting, Sheyla continues to exemplify the qualities of a dedicated leader. Fellow board members and school leaders have already taken notice of her contributions. 

Board President Dr. Marlene Berghammer emphasized Sheyla’s key role, stating, As the student advocate on the board, Sheyla has the loudest voice in the room when it comes to student matters. Her presence is already making a difference, and she’s an incredible asset to our team. 
Dr. Berghammer added, We need voices like hers to ensure we’re meeting the needs of every student.

Board Member Samuel De La Cruz, who has known Sheyla since her Pre-K days, spoke with pride about her journey: We go way back. I’ve seen you grow into a beautiful young lady, and I want to encourage you—reach for the stars. You’re going to go places. 

De La Cruz also emphasized the importance of Sheyla’s role in bridging the gap between the board and students. Whatever you have for us, bring it to our attention, because you are an extension of us—you will be our eyes and ears in the community.

Superintendent Atiya Perkins echoed similar sentiments, praising Sheyla’s leadership and contributions: Sheyla’s insight into student life is invaluable, and she’s already introduced initiatives that reflect the needs of her peers. Her leadership qualities are evident, and I’m confident she’ll make a lasting impact. Perkins added, Sheyla is a role model for her fellow students and an inspiration for us all.

Whether she’s addressing student concerns or organizing school events like the much-anticipated homecoming dance, Sheyla’s passion for making a positive impact is clear. With her mix of empathy, determination, and leadership, Sheyla Caly is well on her way to becoming an influential advocate for her peers.

For Sheyla, the sky is the limit. As De La Cruz reminded her, You’re going to go places. And with her determination and passion for leadership, it’s clear that Sheyla is just getting started.Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲: 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝘆𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘆 – 𝗔 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- As Sheyla Caly, a 17-year-old senior at Linden High School prepares for her second official meeting as the student representative on the Linden Board of Education, she brings with her a powerful blend of discipline, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference.'

Standing at just five feet tall, Sheyla may be small in stature, but her voice carries tremendous weight—both in her role as battalion commander of the school’s ROTC program and now as the student advocate on the board.

"I’m very excited to be working on the Board of Education," Sheyla says, her smile reflecting both her excitement and sense of responsibility.

Her journey to this position was driven by her determination to address a gap she noticed early in her high school career. "My freshman year, there wasn’t a lot done with my grade," she recalls. "So, my sophomore year, I decided to take the initiative and run for class president."

Her decision to step up paid off, leading to three consecutive terms as class president and now a position on the Board of Education, where she advocates for the voices of more than 6,600 students across the district.

ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱʜɪᴘ ʀᴏᴏᴛᴇᴅ ɪɴ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴘᴀᴛʜʏ
Sheyla’s leadership journey is deeply tied to her experience in ROTC, where she serves as battalion commander. This demanding role has taught her the value of both mental and physical resilience while honing her ability to inspire and lead by example.

"My mission, my goal, is always to impact the life of somebody else in a positive manner," Sheyla explains. This philosophy has guided her through her various leadership roles, and she now brings this same sense of purpose to the board.

For Sheyla, leadership is not about commanding others but about lifting them up. "It’s about making a positive difference in other people’s lives, and that’s what I always strive to do," she shares. Her approach to leadership is driven by empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of her fellow students.

ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅ
In her first official address to the board at its Sept. 26 meeting, Sheyla made it clear that she was there to make student voices heard. One of the key issues she tackled was the enforcement of the school dress code, a long-standing concern among students.
"I know that was an issue last year. It wasn’t really enforced, and I feel like it was just an issue with people actually following the dress code," she said.

Sheyla was quick to note that this year has seen improvements, particularly with staff taking a proactive role in ensuring compliance. "We’ve noticed that this year, it has been enforced a lot better.

"For instance, Mr. Koonce (principal) and other staff are always in the main lobby in the mornings, ensuring that students have their IDs on and that they're following the proper dress code," she said, highlighting the efforts of the administration to create a more structured environment.

Sheyla also addressed another concern close to students: cleanliness in shared spaces like the cafeteria. "The lunch duty staff has been very proactive, and they’ve been telling students to clean up after themselves, ensuring that they’re not leaving trash everywhere. This helps make it easier for the custodial staff as well," she said, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility.

ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱɪɴɢ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ
As she prepares for her second board meeting, Sheyla continues to exemplify the qualities of a dedicated leader. Fellow board members and school leaders have already taken notice of her contributions.

Board President Dr. Marlene Berghammer emphasized Sheyla’s key role, stating, "As the student advocate on the board, Sheyla has the loudest voice in the room when it comes to student matters. Her presence is already making a difference, and she’s an incredible asset to our team."
Dr. Berghammer added, "We need voices like hers to ensure we’re meeting the needs of every student."

Board Member Samuel De La Cruz, who has known Sheyla since her Pre-K days, spoke with pride about her journey: "We go way back. I’ve seen you grow into a beautiful young lady, and I want to encourage you—reach for the stars. You’re going to go places."

De La Cruz also emphasized the importance of Sheyla’s role in bridging the gap between the board and students. "Whatever you have for us, bring it to our attention, because you are an extension of us—you will be our eyes and ears in the community."

Superintendent Atiya Perkins echoed similar sentiments, praising Sheyla’s leadership and contributions: "Sheyla’s insight into student life is invaluable, and she’s already introduced initiatives that reflect the needs of her peers. Her leadership qualities are evident, and I’m confident she’ll make a lasting impact." Perkins added, "Sheyla is a role model for her fellow students and an inspiration for us all."

Whether she’s addressing student concerns or organizing school events like the much-anticipated homecoming dance, Sheyla’s passion for making a positive impact is clear. With her mix of empathy, determination, and leadership, Sheyla Caly is well on her way to becoming an influential advocate for her peers.

For Sheyla, the sky is the limit. As De La Cruz reminded her, "You’re going to go places." And with her determination and passion for leadership, it’s clear that Sheyla is just getting started.
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Hay que marcar la diferencia Prima, tu don de liderazgo te llevará muy lejos y tu los has dicho " el cielo es el limite" felicitaciones 👏 🤗❤️

SHEYLA🩷🩷🩷🩷 I’m so proud of you!!!

Good luck Sheyla!

Congratulations, Sheyla!

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October 15, 2024

Dear Linden Families,

We need YOU to help us prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world!

As Superintendent of Schools, it is my pleasure on behalf of the Linden Public Schools District Board of Education to invite YOU to participate in our Strategic Planning Process committee. This committee will be a focused group of administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and guardians. We will work together to create a shared vision for the district and identify both the strengths of the school district (those unique attributes that we can build on as we move into the future) and the critical issues that we will face (the challenges that the district must be prepared for in the future). We will meet on three occasions in the evenings on October 29, November 12, and January 14. Refreshments will be served. 

The first meeting of the Strategic Planning process will take place on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the McManus Middle School cafeteria (sign-in at 5:45 p.m.). Their address is 300 Edgewood Road, and there is a parking lot. We will work in small and large groups, and the discussion will lead us to a consensus document that will identify our community’s vision, strengths, and challenges for our district and develop goal areas that focus on the future of our schools. 

The New Jersey School Boards Association will facilitate this process. The Board of Education will use this document to help shape future goals for the district as we move forward.

If you have any questions, please contact me. Participation in any or all three of our meetings will be greatly appreciated.

Take care and be well,
Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent of Schools
aperkins@lindenps.org
908-486-2800 x8008
ROAR Loud & Proud: Linden Tigers Homecoming Showdown & Coronation this Saturday!

This Saturday, October 19, at 1:00 PM, it’s all going down at Tiger Stadium as our Linden Boys Varsity Football team takes on Carteret High School! 

Not only are we in for an epic game, but this is the homecoming event of the year!

Before kickoff, we’ll honor our senior band members and cheerleaders, and at halftime, we’ll crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen! 

Bring your family, your friends, and all the Tiger spirit you’ve got!
🎟️ Digital tickets only—head online now to secure yours!
📍 Where: Tiger Stadium
🕐 When: Saturday, October 19, 1:00 PM

Let’s fill the stands and make Tiger Stadium rumble and ROAR for our team and homecoming royalty! 
See you there, Linden family!
Linden Public Schools Breast Cancer Walk Raises Nearly $3,000 in a Powerful Display of Unity, Hope, and Resilience

On a breezy, cool, yet sunny fall morning, Tiger Stadium in Linden was awash in shades of pink as more than 270 participants gathered for the annual Linden Public Schools Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. 
Under the crisp October sky on Saturday, October 12, survivors, caregivers, school staff, elected officials, and community activists came together in a powerful show of unity, raising nearly $3,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and spreading hope in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

“The walk symbolized the strength and unity of the Linden community, which came together to raise awareness and support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer,” said Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins.
Participants, donning bright pink T-shirts emblazoned with “Every Step Closer to a CURE,” eagerly awaited the walk’s start. Assistant Superintendent Annabel Louis opened the 2024 fundraiser by expressing her delight at the overwhelming turnout, which far exceeded expectations. “It exceeded my expectations,” Louis said. “Beyond the beautiful weather, having approximately 270 people register for such an important and meaningful cause is truly worth celebrating. This wasn’t just for Linden Public Schools—seeing community members, parents, elected officials, and city activists come out was wonderful.”

With nearly $3,000 raised and more funds expected throughout October, the Linden Public Schools Breast Cancer Awareness Walk was a resounding success. Donations will continue, with the final total to be announced on social media at the end of the month.
Reflecting on the event, Louis summed up the spirit of the day: “It was a community-wide event, and that’s what made it so special. This cause is important to everyone here, and together, we’re making a difference.”
As Kathales put it, “We can do anything when we stand together.”
School No. 4 PBSIS Kickoff Assembly Energizes Students for a Tigerrific Year! 

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — School No. 4 came alive with excitement as students gathered for two high-energy assemblies led by the PBSIS Team!  From cheering for raffle winners to chanting for the chance to "Silly String a Teacher," the room was buzzing with energy and anticipation. Students learned the expectations for the year in a fun and interactive way, getting pumped for a year full of growth and achievements. 
 Meet the Buddy Bench! One highlight of the assembly was the introduction of the Buddy Bench — a special spot on the playground where students can sit when they need a friend. It's a reminder to always be on the lookout for someone in need, building friendships and lasting playground memories! 

PBSIS Thermometer Heats Up! The assembly also introduced the PBSIS Thermometer, where students earn vouchers for displaying the Six Pillars of Character: Respect, Fairness, Caring, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, and Citizenship. Each month, the vouchers will be tallied, and the grade with the most by year-end will score a HUGE prize! 

The energy is high, the expectations are set, and School No. 4 is ready to soar!  Let’s make this year TIGERRIFIC! 

 #LindenPublicSchools #PBSIS #CharacterCounts #BuddyBench #TigerrificYear

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Anti-Bullying (HIB)

District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
Ryan Devaney / rdevaney@lindenps.org
908-486-2800 ext. 8036