LPS Spotlight

News for the Livingston Public Schools Community

February 13, 2023

Big picture

100 DAYS SMARTER! Elementary students celebrated the 100th day of school last week! Scroll down to see more photos!

Big picture

SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO ON...

  • Board of Education Meeting Tonight
  • Air Force Band to Perform at LHS
  • 100th Day of School Celebration
  • "Right to Dream" Performance at MPMS
  • Poetry Out Loud Winner
  • Jr. Lancer Leaders
  • LHS Service Club Donates 120 Sandwiches
Big picture

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING: February 13, 2023 (7:30PM)

*PLEASE NOTE THAT TONIGHT'S PUBLIC MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 7:30PM.


The Livingston Board of Education will hold a public meeting at 7:30PM tonight, Monday, February 13, 2023 in the Central Office, 11 Foxcroft Drive. The agenda includes a preview of the 2023-2024 school budget.


Tonight's meeting will be held in a hybrid format during which participants will have the ability to ask questions and make comments either in person or via the webinar. Register for the webinar using the link below. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the district's Facebook page, @LivSchools.


View Public Comment Guidelines.

Big picture

AIR FORCE BAND TO PERFORM AT LHS!

The United States Air Force Band will perform at Livingston High School at 7:30PM on Thursday, March 23, 2023. The concert will be held in the Fitness & Wellness Center. Tickets are free and can be reserved HERE.


"This is quite an honor for our school and community. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity for our students and township residents to see this world class ensemble," said Michael Jedwabnik, LHS band director.


He explained that the US Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants from Washington DC is the premiere concert band of the US Air Force.


"Each branch of the service have their own bands stationed around the world. The most elite band from each are stationed in Washington. They play for Presidents, foreign dignitaries, inaugurations, large-scale national celebrations, 4th of July events and more," he stated.


The band rotates what area of the country they tour each year. The concert at LHS will kick off its Northeast Tour of 12 cities between New Jersey and Maine. It will be the band's only concert in New Jersey.


Don't miss your chance to see the US Air Force Band! Reserve your free tickets today!

Big picture

"THE RIGHT TO DREAM"

FREE EVENT AT MPMS ON FEBRUARY 17, 2023


In honor of Black History Month, Mt. Pleasant Middle School (MPMS) will host Living Voices, an educational theater that presents diverse performances uniquely combined with archival film to bring life to history. On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 6PM, Living Voices will present "The Right to Dream" in the MPMS auditorium. This free event is open to all LPS students and their families, however, please note that violent events in the film may not be suitable for very young audiences.


The production of The Right to Dream recreates historical periods with accurate and authentic detail. Experiencing history as participants can help audiences develop understanding and empathy for others. The Right to Dream explores racial violence and the common use of racial epithets during this era.

Big picture

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is open! All registration will be done via our online registration portal. Children must be 5 on or before October 1, 2023 to register for kindergarten. LEARN MORE ABOUT KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION.


*PLEASE NOTE THAT LPS WILL BE ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN ONLY BEGINNING ON JANUARY 18TH. REGISTRATION FOR ALL OTHER GRADES WILL OPEN IN THE SPRING.

Big picture

2023-2024 PRIDE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

FULL DAY NOW OFFERED!


Livingston Public Schools is proud to share that our P.R.I.D.E. (Pre-School Readiness Individual Developmental Education) Program will now be a full day program with spots available for non-disabled preschool students. In this program, students will be provided with a language rich, research-based curriculum. They will spend their days with New Jersey certified teachers, and with their disabled and non-disabled peers, to achieve the expectations of the school district’s well-designed curriculum based on New Jersey's Student Learning Standards for preschool. The students gather daily to develop social language, work as partners and in groups, and explore, play, create, share, and learn.


Scheduling details of the program will be shared with families who apply for consideration. Currently, the cost for students selected by lottery is $7,200 for the full school year. The program will follow the school district’s calendar.


LEARN MORE ABOUT OR REGISTER FOR THE PRIDE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Big picture

POETRY OUT LOUD

On Thursday, February 9th, Daila Kim (Class of '26) won the Poetry Out Loud Region 5 Contest at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. As the LHS school-wide winner, Daila was among nine competitors from high schools across Essex County and Union County. READ MORE HERE!

Big picture
Big picture
Throughout the school year, MPMS administrators recognize students for upholding the pillars of character at Mount Pleasant Middle School -- Trustworthiness, Respect, Caring, and Responsibility. Congratulations to the latest group of Jr. Lancer Leaders!
Big picture

100 DAYS SMARTER!

Across the district, in all of our elementary schools, students celebrated the 100th Day of School with fun projects and activities, creative costumes and visits by Zero the Hero! This year, a special addition to the celebration was — a mystery! A zero was stolen and student detectives at every elementary building worked hard to solve the case! The 100th Day of School celebration offers a creative way for teachers to highlight various mathematical concepts that can be taught by using the number 100
Big picture

"WHAT TO EXPECT: THE TEENAGE YEARS"

On January 11, 2023, the LPS Student Assistance Program offered "What to Expect: The Teenage Years," a program aimed to empower parents with practical strategies to help their teens build resilience and utilize skills for independent, emotionally healthy development. The workshop explored what parents can do to strengthen their relationships with their teens and support them through their teenage years. The program was presented by Kristin Dunne, LCSW and Kim Clerie, LSW, clinicians at Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ in the Child & Adolescent Department. Both Kristin and Kim provide outpatient mental health services to children and families within the community.


WATCH A RECORDING OF THE PROGRAM HERE!

Big picture

Is it a Cold, Flu, RSV, or COVID-19?

The Livingston Health Department shared useful information to help parents determine if their sick child is experiencing a cold, the flu, RSV or COVID-19. View this information, as well as prevention tips to help keep everyone healthy this school year!
Big picture

STAY CONNECTED WITH LPS!

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.

Communication tools for parents include the Blackboard Mass Notification System, the LPS website (www.livingston.org), LPS Spotlight (our district newsletter), Facebook & Twitter (@LivSchools), Around the Block (the Superintendent's TV program), and various promotional videos that highlight our students and staff. Explore our communications tools here!

Big picture

CARE SOLACE

OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT


Livingston Public Schools believes that your mental health and well-being is a vital part to your success at our school. With this in mind, we have partnered with Care Solace to provide an extra layer of support to our entire community.


Livingston Public Schools 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.


If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:


  • Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365)
  • Visit www.caresolace.com/livingston and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.


This is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service provided by LPS. Learn more about Care Solace.
Big picture
PARENT RESOURCES

Click here to view popular links on the LPS website.

Big picture
Big picture

LHS CLUB DONATES 120 SANDWICHES!

Livingston High School's Peanut Butter and Jelly Club has a simple goal -- provide delicious sandwiches to those in need. At its meeting in January, the club made 120 sandwiches and donated them to St. Anne's food pantry in Newark. LHS teacher Marisa Vosa serves as the club's advisor.

Big picture

LHS SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Livingston High School Senior Internship Program is an opportunity for seniors to gain real-world work experience. This program is available to Grade 12 students in good academic standing who are on track to graduate in June 2023. The program, which empowers students to take ownership of their education by pursuing an internship in a specific area of interest, is scheduled to begin on May 22, 2023, and conclude on June 16, 2023. During these four weeks, students will get an inside view of what their futures may look like.


Students who are interested in learning more about participating in the internship program should contact Mr. Dan Quackenbush by email at dquackenbush@livingston.org.

Big picture

HELP WANTED



Visit our Employment Opportunities webpage to learn more about available positions at Livingston Public Schools.
Big picture

FOLLOW OUR TEAM!



Follow @LivSchoolsTEAM on Twitter where we highlight LPS employees and careers!
Big picture

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS

Along with the rest of the world, LPS district leaders were shocked and saddened to learn about the catastrophic earthquake that recently devastated Turkey and Syria. Several members of our school community have asked how they can help. While the district does not endorse any specific related charity, members of our school community who have connections to the countries affected have suggested the following organizations:


Turkish Philanthropy Funds:
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. TPF already directed donations to AKUT Foundation, NeedsMap, Support to Life and Community Volunteers Foundation.

TPF Turkiye Earthquake - Campaign

Bridge to Turkiye Fund:
Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) was established in 2003 by Turkish American volunteers driven to make a difference, to improve life and to cultivate social change for the common good. BTF’s goal is to finance and support projects in the fields of education and public health care for children. As of today, BTF sent immediate assistance to food, water, warmth and sheltering.

Donate Now | Türkiye Earthquake Relief Fund by Bridge To Türkiye


Global Giving Turkey and Syria Relief Fund:

GlobalGiving is a nonprofit that supports other nonprofits by connecting them to donors and companies.

Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund - GlobalGiving

Big picture

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT LIBRARY

In honor of Black History Month, the Livingston Public Library in partnership with the Livingston Arts Council invites the community on Wednesday, February 15, at 7pm for the film screening of "Maya Angelou: Reflections of a Blessed Soul." LEARN MORE HERE!
Big picture

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.
Big picture

LPS Spotlight

2022-2023 School Year / No. 12


Michelle Bent

Communications & Community Outreach Coordinator

Livingston Public Schools

(973) 535-8000 ext. 8036

Email: mbent@livingston.org

www.livingston.org


LPS Spotlight is the official e-newsletter of the Livingston Public Schools.


VISIT @LIVSCHOOLS ON FACEBOOK

FOLLOW @LIVSCHOOLS ON TWITTER

Big picture