LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The district’s first-ever Tiger Pride Wellness Day invited students, teachers, and even administrative staff to step back, breathe, and embrace the idea that taking care of yourself is the key to giving your best to others.

The day kicked off in roaring fashion at each school with high-energy, pep-rally-style assemblies designed to ignite Tiger pride and set the tone for the day ahead. Packed gyms and auditoriums came alive with music, cheers, and motivational messages, as students and staff celebrated the Linden community. The excitement was palpable, with chants of "Our Tigers ROAR!" echoing through the halls, creating a unifying sense of belonging.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲

Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins spent the day connecting with students and staff, visiting schools across the district to engage firsthand in the activities and conversations that defined Tiger Pride Wellness Day.

At School No. 4 for example, Superintendent Perkins took school spirit to a whole new level, zipping through hallways and classrooms on a motorized scooter decked out in full Tiger Pride flair. Outfitted as a tiger, she turned heads and sparked laughter, stopping by classrooms and the gymnasium to rev up the energy with students and staff. High-fives, chants of "Our Tigers ROAR!" and bursts of laughter followed her every move, embodying the joy and connection that the day was all about.

In the central office, Perkins brought the spirit of wellness to administrative staff, ringing a bell as she visited each department to share messages of encouragement and hand out healthy treats. Accompanied by Assistant Superintendent Dave Walker, who pushed a food cart filled with snacks, Perkins reminded staff that wellness is just as important for them as it is for the students.

𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌. 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐲, Supervisor of Student Services, played a vital role in the success of Tiger Pride Wellness Day, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that brought the initiative to life.

“Our Student Services Department partnered with students, staff, and building administrators to design activities that were both meaningful and impactful,” Devaney said. “The collaboration we saw was truly inspiring.”

Spending the day visiting schools across the district, Devaney witnessed the planned activities in action. “Walking the halls and stepping into classrooms, seeing students engaged in genuine dialogue and activities that fostered social-emotional growth, was magical,” he remarked.

Devaney highlighted the district’s dedication to mental health and well-being, calling it a cornerstone of their mission. “Mental health matters,” he said. “Tiger Pride Wellness Day showcased how our collective efforts can change lives and create a thriving school community.”

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

After the rousing start, students and staff transitioned into a variety of classroom activities focused on wellness. Instead of the usual hum of lessons and lectures, classrooms buzzed with restorative circles, lively Kahoot competitions, and heartfelt conversations about what it means to feel good—mind, body, and spirit.

Early childhood students sang I Am Special and discussed what it means to be a good friend. Older students reflected on their “happy places,” with one child sharing, “A happy place for me is out of the country. I haven’t been there, but I imagine it, and it makes me smile.”

At other schools, spirited Kahoot competitions showcased teamwork and camaraderie, with students cheering for their peers regardless of the outcome.

𝗔 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

The response to Tiger Pride Wellness Day was overwhelmingly positive, with students, teachers, and administrative staff already looking forward to the next opportunity to pause and reflect.

“Our Tigers roared this week—not just with resilience, but with imagination, joy, and pride,” said Superintendent Perkins. “This wasn’t just a break. It was a reminder that wellness is the foundation of everything we do.”

From the opening pep rallies to restorative circles and motorized tiger scooters, Tiger Pride Wellness Day left a lasting mark on Linden Public Schools. It’s a bold step toward a future where every member of the community—students, staff, and administrators alike—feels empowered to bring their best selves to the table.

As Perkins aptly put it, “When we feel good, we do good. And that’s when the magic happens.”