Building Bridges
DISCOVER
Livingston Public Schools
 Empowering all to learn, create, contribute and grow.
Featured Photo: "Building Bridges"
After reading the picture book Tinyville Town Gets to Work , by Brian Briggs, enrichment teacher, Christine Zambrio used the engineering design process with second graders at Mt. Pleasant and Riker Hill Elementary Schools. The students were tasked with helping the citizens of Tinyville solve their bridge traffic problem. Shown with the structure they created are Riker Hill students Livia Yu, Avery Lau, and Zachary Weisberg.  
New This Week
  • Board of Education Meeting Tonight
  • Upcoming Parent Programs
  • LHS Students are "Adulting"
  • Music Honors
  • "Mixing It Up" at Harrison
Board Matters
Parent Programs
January 31, 2019:
"Hidden in Plain Sight"
Parents are invited to learn about the latest substance abuse trends, signs, and symptoms during "Hidden in Plain Sight," a program that will help parents discover how alcohol and drugs can be easily hidden in a teenager's bedroom; and learn about local community resources.
Our First Parent Academy on Homework For K-5 Parents

Last year, the District conducted a survey through the Health and Wellness Committee, within which there were many of questions asked by teachers, students, and parents regarding homework. The results of this survey helped us to continue our work in the District with teachers towards making homework meaningful and manageable.

It also prompted our first Parent Academy on Homework: HOMEWORK–TAKING THE WORK OUT OF HOME, which will be held on February 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Riker Hill Elementary School for all parents of students in grades K-5. We are so excited to offer a night of strategies to support our K-5 families as they manage all of the demands in their lives. We will have nearly 20 staff members, who are experts in their grade levels and their content areas, to offer suggestions across several break-out sessions. We hope you can make it! Please RSVP if you wish to attend. We hope to see you there!
Students Matter
Adulting 101: Real Life Lessons
How many LHS students does it take to change a tire? That's what "Adulting 101" students found out on a recent "field trip" to the LHS auto shop where they learned about the basics of car maintenance. Hands-on instruction was provided by Transportation/Auto Systems and Auto Mechanics students.
 
During this cross-classroom collaboration, Mr. Richards' auto students taught Ms. Maltz's "Adulting" students how to change a tire, check air pressure on a tire, check oil level and jump start a car. Both sets of students enjoyed working together on these real life scenarios. Read more HERE.

Adulting 101, Transportation/Auto Systems and Auto Mechanics are just some of the many diverse electives offered at LHS. For a full list, see the 2019-2020 Course Guide.
Burnet Hill first grade writers recently came together to share their published writing pieces with each other. Shown, Leela Poole is obviously amused by Aarohi Gangwal’s story. 
First graders in Mrs. Anna Maria DiNapoli’s class at MPE collaborated on a collage as part of their studies on Henri Matisse through the PTA Art Appreciation program. Shown working on their Matisse-inspired project are Patricia LaPointe, Ethan Fischer, Fiora Brando, and Bradley Netburn.
Hillside students read The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken, a story about turning mistakes into something positive. Shown, kindergarten student Daniel Laskaris and second grader Sydney Wade work on creating their own positive ending to the story.
Congratulations to the most recent group of students recognized for a "Student Shout Out" at Collins! These children were chosen for the honor because they have demonstrated “grit, determination, hard work, and perseverance.” Shown with Principal Tim Hart are Dinsha Kadwa, Lucas Zhang, Ali Agha, Jaidden Oreste Rice, Madison LaBrunda, Cassidy Chung, and Amelia Arigorat.
Mixing It Up at Harrison!
Colorful mismatched clothing, festive lunch tables, and friendly posters were all part of Mix-It-Up Day at Harrison Elementary School! 

Mix-It-Up Day is a national activity that celebrates diversity and encourages children to make new friendships. During lunch periods at Harrison, students “Mixed-It-Up;” instead of sitting with their usual groups, they sat at different tables with different children. Their table assignment for lunch was based on color cards that the children received that morning. The annual tradition, which had a "peace" theme this year, is always held before Dr. Martin Luther King Day in an effort to carry on his legacy of promoting understanding and friendship. See more photos HERE.  
Music Matters
LHS Musicians Recognized
In an unprecedented achievement, three Livingston High School students have been selected to perform with the 2019 All-Eastern Honors Ensembles.
A Night of Jazz
Livingston High School’s Band Boosters will host its annual Jazz Bands Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 2, from 6 to 9 pm in the LHS cafeteria. Guests will enjoy great music and a delicious dinner. Proceeds from the evening are used to help buy equipment for all the LHS bands!
District Matters
"Wall of Honor" at LHS
Are you a student, or do you know a former student, who served in the military after graduating from Livingston High School? The district is compiling a list of LHS graduates who currently serve or served in the US Armed Forces. These students will be featured on a new "Wall of Honor" to be installed at LHS. Please send information to Sinead Crews, LHS Director of School Counseling, at SCrews@livingston.org.
Kindergarten Pre-Registration
Kindergarten Pre-Registration is now open. Please note that the entire kindergarten registration process must be completed by May 15th in order for parents to be notified of their child’s school placement by June 1st. This includes families with older siblings already attending a school within the district. Click HERE for the pre-registration web page. 
Update Emergency Contacts
To ensure that you receive all school district communication messages, please make sure to update your contacts in our automated alert system.

Please log into your Genesis Parent Portal account and under “CONTACTS” be sure that you have checked off the box for "Emergency Broadcast" for any phone numbers/email addresses at which you wish to receive these messages.
Parent Matters
Don't Miss That Call/Text:
In the case of an emergency, or weather-related school closing, or school bus transportation issues, our alert system allows us to quickly communicate with parents and staff by text, email and phone.Please make sure that your contact information is up to date. Log on to Genesis and click the "Contacts" tab at the top of the page to review the information that is currently on file. Please be sure to check the "Emergency Broadcast" box to receive Emergency Broadcast Messages. Don't forget to save all changes.
What's On Your Mind?
We're interested in hearing what's on your mind. Share a story. Ask a question. Let us know about your concerns, anything from school safety and security to budget matters. Give a shout out to a special teacher. Talk with the Superintendent or Board of Education. Email your message c/o the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator.
Lancer Matters
Lancers Alessia DiBlasi and Isabella Chen earned first place and broke school records with their performances in the SEC swim championships.
Swimmers Smash Records
Livingston High School's swim teams had a strong showing at the 2019 SEC Championships. In addition to finishing in first place in their individual events, Lancers Isabella Chen (100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke) and Alessia DiBlasi (50 freestyle and 100 freestyle) broke school records in their events. Both athletes qualified for the statewide Meet of Champions (MOC).

For the men’s team, finishing in third place in the county for their 200 Yard Medley Relay were Brandon Kim, Dylan Belluardo, Aaron Teng, and Ben Ma. The boys' 400 yard free relay team, which included Brandon Kim, Dylan Belluardo, Andrew Li and Ken Lok, also took the bronze medal.

Congratulations to all and best of luck to Isabella and Alessia in the MOCs!
Community Matters
LACD Offers After-School Sports
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) offers great programs, free of charge, for people with special needs and their families.
Overwhelmed by Day-to-Day Life?
The Library Has Got You Covered!
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by day-to-day life challenges and all that being an adult entails? The Livingston Public Library has got you covered! Starting this month, the library is offering a new program series to help adults with "adulting!" Read more HERE. From book clubs, to musical programs, and events for senior citizens, the library offers something for everyone! Visit the library's website for more information.
Staff Matters
Substitute Nurses
Livingston Public Schools is seeking substitute school nurses. Applicants must hold current license issued by the NJ Board of Nursing as a professional registered nurse (RN) and possess or be eligible for a Substitute Nurse Certificate. CPR/AED certification is required. Interested candidates should contact Carolyn Ross at cross@livingston.org
Cafeteria/Playground Aids
Livingston Public Schools is always looking for cafeteria and playground aides.Those who are interested should download the application, or stop by the Central Office at 11 Foxcroft Drive to pick up an application!
Crossing Guards
The Township of Livingston continues to look for crossing guards for its many posts throughout town. Crossing guards provide an important service to our students, helping them navigate the streets around our schools safely each day. Click HERE for application.
DISCOVER is the e-newsletter from Livingston Public Schools with stories about students, teachers, and programs, and news about recent accomplishments and awards.