Dear Linden Public Schools Community,
This is a reminder that Linden Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 7, and Friday, November 8, for Fall Recess/NJEA Convention. Classes will resume on Monday, November 11.
Thank you, and enjoy the break!
Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins
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
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
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
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, November 19th, 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, November 21st, 2024 at 6:00 PM
“The Board reserves the right to go into Executive Session during this meeting.”
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Webinar number: 2864 896 7349
Webinar password: bF4vk6M339R (23485663 when dialing from a phone or video system)
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Notices submitted to the Linden Public School District for distribution to our parents and guardians.
Weekly TNT News show created and produced by students in the TV Digital Media advanced class from LHS.
Elementary, Middle School and High School Student Handbooks and Course Description Guides.
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𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- The results of the November 5 Linden Board of Education election are in, with Board President Dr. Marlene Berghammer and incumbents Antoinette Pino and Lymari Cintron securing the top votes and retaining their seats.
The election featured one challenger, Craig Halloran, who fell short of unseating the current members.
Dr. Berghammer led the vote with 7,328, reaffirming her leadership and community support. Pino followed with 7,274 votes, while Cintron garnered 7,251 votes.
Challenger Halloran received 2,499 votes.
The outcome reflects strong voter confidence in the board’s current direction and the leadership of its members as they continue their mission to support Linden’s educational growth and student success.
Derek Armstead Mayor of Linden Linden High School School No. 1 School No. 2 School No. 4 School No. 5 School No. 6 School No. 8 School No. 9 School No. 10 McManus Middle School Soehl Middle School Linden Mayor's Youth Commission Linden Halloween Parade Committee Linden Health Department Linden NJ - City Government
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𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏𝟎 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜, 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞
𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬' 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — On the morning after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, while the nation reflected on democracy, School No. 10came alive with the sound of young voices celebrating Veterans Day.
Although the official national observance will take place on Monday, Nov. 11, School No. 10 honored the occasion early with a special 45-minute morning assembly that paid tribute to America’s veterans. The event reminded everyone that the freedoms cherished today—including the right to vote—are safeguarded by the sacrifices of veterans.
“We are all here today to honor and celebrate our American veterans who have given great service to our country,” said Principal Wayne Happel as he kicked off the event. The auditorium buzzed with excitement as students, many dressed in red, white, and blue, prepared to perform.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful and unified tone. Fifth graders then delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” their voices confidently filling the room under the skilled accompaniment of Musical Director Sarah Walton on piano.
𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲
The performances continued, showcasing students from each grade. First graders charmed the audience with an enthusiastic “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” while second graders captured hearts with “America the Beautiful.” The third graders followed with a rendition of “America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee),” and fourth graders delivered a heartfelt “God Bless America.” The grand finale brought everyone together for a powerful performance of “This Land Is Your Land,” creating a sense of unity and pride that resonated throughout the hall.
Adding depth to the program, poetry readings by students punctuated the morning with reflection. Antonia Giraldo recited Veterans Day by Cheryl Dyson, paying tribute to those who “fought for freedom, brave and bold.” Zoe Ferreira read A Poem for Veterans Day, honoring soldiers' sacrifices, while Ruqiyah Khugyani’s A Thought for Today encouraged the audience to pause and appreciate.
𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
The event was particularly emotional as many veterans present had strong personal connections to the school, including children, grandchildren, or relatives enrolled. Their pride was evident as they watched the young performers, creating a bridge between generations and reinforcing the community's bonds.
Nine veterans with direct ties to School No. 10 attended: Stanley Gurski, Mirelis Irizary, Kurtish Ilijazi, Josh Martinez, Orlando Tronco, Jason Villane, Kevin Thurston, Yvonne Cruse, and Greg Digesu. They were joined by six veterans from Atria, a Retirement & Assisted Living Facility in Cranford, which collaborates closely with the school: Albert Blom, Ronald Davie, Stanley Godlewski, Frank Martinelli, Robert Muller, and Nicholas Musica. Their presence added an intergenerational richness to the celebration.
“We are proud to host special events with Atria and involve their residents,” Principal Happel said, acknowledging the school’s enduring partnership initiated by former principal Mr. Walker and secretary Ms. Powell. “It’s a relationship that has flourished over the last six years.”
𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
One of the honored guests, Mr. Stanley Gurski, a retired U.S. Army veteran with 33 years of service, reflected, “It’s always special. To be part of this and inspire the young generation is an honor.” Mr. Kurtish Ilijazi, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and local firefighter, added, “Every year, it’s always a great day to be here. Events like this remind us why we serve and why we continue to give back to our community.”
Before the ceremony concluded, students presented each veteran with a certificate of appreciation—a touching gesture that underscored the school’s commitment to honoring their service. Principal Happel’s closing words resonated deeply: “To our veterans in attendance, I hope you know how much appreciated you are.” The applause that followed was a testament to the community’s respect and gratitude.
This celebration at School No. 10 was more than a tribute; it was a reminder of the importance of teaching the next generation about service, sacrifice, and the freedoms they enjoy. Through history, music, and heartfelt words, the morning inspired all in attendance, ensuring that the legacy of these American heroes continues to be cherished and passed down.
SSchool No. 10LLinden High SchoolSSchool No. 1SSchool No. 2SSchool No. 4SSchool No. 5SSchool No. 6SSchool No. 8SSchool No. 9MMcManus Middle SchoolSSoehl Middle SchoolDDerek Armstead Mayor of LindenLLinden Mayor's Youth CommissionLLinden Halloween Parade CommitteeLLinden NJ - City Government
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Fifty cadets from Linden High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) embarked on an inspiring visit to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Upon arrival for the day-long visit on Oct. 16, the cadets were warmly welcomed by Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan, USMMA’s 14th superintendent and a trailblazing leader with a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard. In a significant moment that resonated with the cadets, Vice Admiral Nunan presented Linden High School senior and Cadet Captain Josue Carpio with a Military Challenge Coin. The experience continued with a session led by USMMA alum and Northeast Region Recruitment Specialist LCDR Joseph A. Becker, who provided the cadets with a glimpse into the path of a midshipman. Divided into smaller groups, the cadets explored the academy alongside current midshipmen who provided an in-depth look at life on campus during their tour. The highlight of the day was witnessing The Noon Formation, a defining tradition at USMMA. As the sound of drums echoed across campus, midshipmen assembled in front of the dining hall, marching with precision and unity. This display of order and teamwork underscored the values of discipline and commitment that lie at the core of the academy’s mission, providing the cadets with a powerful visual representation of the leadership and resilience expected of USMMA students. For these fifty cadets, the visit to USMMA was a powerful reinforcement of the NJROTC’s mission, providing them with a tangible connection to their studies and a glimpse into future possibilities. As they boarded the bus back to Linden, the cadets left with memories, inspiration, and a deeper sense of the values that will carry them through high school and beyond.
Once again, the School No. 2 annual Spooky Harvest Festival succeeded to shake bones and create smiles for the community. With the variety of costumes that filled the festival, it was the ghostly feeling everyone felt as they went through the Tunnel of Horror, thanks to our ROTC volunteers giving them the experience. To shake off the eerie feeling, students climb up the bouncy house and slid down awaiting their friend’s open arms. The games, arts and crafts, green screen photos, face painting as well as the 360 Photo Booth were also a big hit of entertainment. After visiting the pumpkin patch hallway and eating delicious snacks, students were able to sit in on an entertaining and engaging story time reading. The fun and packed night wouldn’t end without the two family raffle winners who walked away with their prize. Thank you School No. 2 for being one of many schools who represent how LPS makes events to interact with the community.
Linden, we need ALL PINK ON DECK!!! On Wednesday, October 30th, our varsity, J.V. and freshman girls volleyball teams will compete against Elizabeth to raise money to support a great cause. Funds raised will be sent to the Rutgers Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Division. RCI is in association with RWJBarnabas Health , one of an elite group of comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute and the only one in the state of New Jersey. This coveted designation gives Rutgers Cancer Institute the distinction of being among the best cancer research institutions in the nation. Help us achieve more than just a win on the court, but also the wins for those battling cancer as we also honor those who left their legacy.
On Wednesday, March 14, 2024, the World Language teachers at the Linden Public Schools, along with the Director of Multilingual Learners, participated in the FLENJ 2024 Annual Conference: “Hand in Hand: Language and Culture in the Classroom.”
03/10/2024 – Superintendent’s Message
The women of the Linden Board of Education Administration Building are standing united in celebration of International Women's Day!!
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
Ryan Devaney / rdevaney@lindenps.org
908-486-2800 ext. 8036
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