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, 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.”
Join link:
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Webinar number: 2864 896 7349
Webinar password: bF4vk6M339R (23485663 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone
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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.
The official Facebook page representing Linden Public Schools in Linden, New Jersey.
A Night at Gatsby’s: Homecoming DanceHomecoming week was filled with excitement and laughter, but A Night at Gatsby’s homecoming dance became the crown jewel for our juniors and seniors. This magical evening will remain a cherished memory for years to come. 📰 Gran Centurion Saves the Night – Thanks to Our Leaders! When the LHS gym construction put the dance venue in jeopardy, it was Senior Class President Sheyla Caly who took the initiative and made magic happen. Sheyla contacted the Gran Centurion, worked out all the details, and ensured the event would go off without a hitch—all before the adults even had to step in! Because of her leadership, and the support of the Gran Centurion, the night was a resounding success. 💃🏻 The dance floor pulsed with energy as DJ Jamal kept the music pumping and students captured every moment with flashing camera phones. Laughter and smiles were everywhere as friends enjoyed a delicious buffet, sharing this unforgettable evening together. Thanks to the teamwork of our Senior Class Officers—President Sheyla Caly, VP Claudia Buzynski, Secretary Mackenzie Salazar, and Treasurer Carlos Cubillos—and the guidance of Senior Advisors Lakhia Carter-Blocker, James Orth, and Stefanny Quintero, A Night at Gatsby’s truly came to life. 🏈 The Perfect Prelude to Victory But the celebration didn’t end there! Just two days later, the Linden Tigers roared to victory, defeating Carteret 28-18 in the Homecoming football game. The excitement and energy from the dance carried right onto the field, sealing the perfect Homecoming week. With the buzz still in the air, we look back and celebrate a week that brought us together—and a Night at Gatsby’s that will be remembered for years to come
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Love love this idea 🥰 special moment to create special memories. I heard it was a ball of a time.
𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠! 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬-𝐧-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Randolph-based Snakes-n-Scales recently made an exciting stop at our aftercare programs across all elementary schools!
According to Fran Czylek, Supervisor of Before/After School Programs, the visit was an eye-opening experience for students, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of snakes, lizards, turtles, and more.
The Snakes-n-Scales team brought rescued and rehabilitated reptiles, giving students a chance to learn about their importance to the environment while dispelling myths often seen in movies and TV shows. Kids even got to interact with the animals one-on-one – a hands-on experience they’ll never forget!
From birthday parties to school assemblies, Snakes-n-Scales uses their educational programs to help save unwanted pets and teach the next generation about these amazing creatures.
#SnakesnScales #AfterCareAdventure #AnimalRescue #HandsOnLearning #LindenSchools
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𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗬: 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗦, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧
𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚕 𝙰. 𝚆𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚔𝚒𝚜, 𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚌 𝙸𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙾𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚛
𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 -- Linden High School’s 2024 Homecoming, held on Saturday, October 19, at 1 PM at Tiger Stadium, was a day packed with excitement, school spirit, and a thrilling football victory.
Set against a backdrop of clear blue skies and cool fall temperatures reaching 70 degrees, the Tigers secured a crucial 28-18 win over the Carteret Ramblers. This victory extended Linden's winning streak to three games and set the stage for a day of celebration that included the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen, as well as the recognition of senior athletes, cheerleaders, and band members.
𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬
The Tigers’ triumph was led by senior tailback Tyrone Hinton, who rushed for two touchdowns. After a difficult September that saw Linden suffer three consecutive losses, the Tigers (4-4) rebounded strongly in October, displaying resilience and determination on the field.
Linden jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Cole Watkins opened the scoring with an eight-yard touchdown run, followed by a one-yard rush from Hinton. By halftime, the Tigers maintained control with a 10-yard touchdown from senior captain Shahad Brown, heading into the break with a 21-6 lead.
Hinton added his second touchdown in the third quarter with another one-yard rush. Despite a push from Carteret (3-5) in the fourth quarter, Linden held on for the 28-18 win. Linden is now ranked 15th in the North, Group 5 United Power Rankings, while Carteret sits at 18th in the North, Group 3.
“This game was going to solidify our playoff berth, so we just had to fight, fight, fight,” Hinton explained. “The whole line was just blocking well, the holes opened up, and I just ran through them.” Hinton, who is being recruited by East Stroudsburg University, was a key player in Linden’s victory.
A Beautiful Day for Football and School Spirit
Head Coach Al Chiola praised his team’s resilience after a challenging start to the season. “We had a rough patch earlier in the season, but our kids are resilient. They keep working hard, and now we want to keep this winning streak going into the playoffs,” Chiola said. As the Tigers look ahead to the postseason, they are preparing to lose 26 seniors at the end of the season. “Their leadership has been key, and they’ve really stepped up when times got tough,” he added.
Honoring Seniors and Crowning Royalty
The day’s festivities began with the recognition of seniors from the football team, cheerleading squad, and marching band. Each senior was honored on the field, celebrating their contributions to the school.
At halftime, the excitement built as Mayor Derek Armstead, Board of Education members Dr. Marlene Berghammer and Armstead, and Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins entered Tiger Stadium in a golf cart decorated in the school’s colors of orange and black. Following them were the 10 Homecoming contestants, proudly walking to the center of the field. The mayor and school officials helped sash each contestant before crowning the winners.
Seniors Matthew Hiera and Odalys Lucio were crowned Homecoming King and Queen to the cheers of the crowd, marking the highlight of the day’s events.
Matthew Hiera: Humble and Grateful
For 17-year-old Matthew, being crowned Homecoming King was a cherished moment.
“When they called the other names first, I thought I wasn’t going to win,” he admitted. “I was in shock when they announced me as King. It still doesn’t feel real.”
An active member of the French Club and the Silver War Roundhouse Table, Matthew is known for his academic dedication and involvement in the school community. “It’s not just about winning. To me, it feels like a celebration of the friendships I’ve made here at Linden,” he said. Matthew plans to pursue a degree in architectural engineering at NJIT, combining his passion for history and design.
Odalys Lucio: A Queen with Determination
Odalys, who transferred to Linden High from Richmond Hill High School in Queens, New York, during her sophomore year, was equally surprised by her Homecoming Queen title.
“When I moved here, I didn’t know many people, but I decided to get involved in everything I could,” she said. “Winning Homecoming Queen feels like a dream—it shows that hard work and putting yourself out there really pays off.”
Odalys quickly became involved in several clubs at Linden, including chess, philosophy, and fashion. She even campaigned for the crown by baking 80 brownies and buying 20 donuts to hand out to classmates.
“It wasn’t just about the crown—I wanted to show my determination and how much I love this school,” she explained.
Her positive outlook, inspired by her mother Carmen, has guided her approach to life.
“My mom always says, ‘You’re living, you should be happy,’ and I live by that every day,” Odalys said. She plans to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on ultrasound engineering, and is considering Penn State or NYU.
Community Pride and Official Attendees
In addition to the students and faculty, several prominent figures from the Linden community attended the Homecoming festivities. Derek Armstead Mayor of Linden, Board of Education members Dr. Marlene Berghammer and Armstead, Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins, High School Principal Charles Koonce, city council members, and Brianna Armstead were on hand to help make the day special, underscoring the strong connection between the school and the community.
With a significant football win, the honoring of seniors, and the crowning of Homecoming royalty, the day was one of celebration and pride for everyone involved. As the Tigers look ahead to the playoffs and the seniors prepare for graduation, the 2024 Homecoming will be remembered as a highlight of the year at Linden High School.
As Coach Chiola remarked, “We’re not done yet, but we want to keep this winning streak going.” With the playoffs approaching and the energy of Homecoming fueling their momentum, Linden High School is ready to finish the season strong.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
My 5th grader Matthew!! so proud of my Lamby 👑
A Night at Gatsby’s:
Homecoming Dance
Homecoming week was filled with excitement and laughter, but A Night at Gatsby’s homecoming dance became the crown jewel for our juniors and seniors. This magical evening will remain a cherished memory for years to come.
Gran Centurion Saves the Night – Thanks to Our Leaders!
When the LHS gym construction put the dance venue in jeopardy, it was Senior Class President Sheyla Caly who took the initiative and made magic happen. Sheyla contacted the Gran Centurion, worked out all the details, and ensured the event would go off without a hitch—all before the adults even had to step in! Because of her leadership, and the support of the Gran Centurion, the night was a resounding success.
The dance floor pulsed with energy as DJ Jamal kept the music pumping and students captured every moment with flashing camera phones. Laughter and smiles were everywhere as friends enjoyed a delicious buffet, sharing this unforgettable evening together. Thanks to the teamwork of our Senior Class Officers—President Sheyla Caly, VP Claudia Buzynski, Secretary Mackenzie Salazar, and Treasurer Carlos Cubillos—and the guidance of Senior Advisors Lakhia Carter-Blocker, James Orth, and Stefanny Quintero, A Night at Gatsby’s truly came to life.
The Perfect Prelude to Victory
But the celebration didn’t end there! Just two days later, the Linden Tigers roared to victory, defeating Carteret 28-18 in the Homecoming football game.
The excitement and energy from the dance carried right onto the field, sealing the perfect Homecoming week.
With the buzz still in the air, we look back and celebrate a week that brought us together—and a Night at Gatsby’s that will be remembered for years to come
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.
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.
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.”
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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