DISCOVER
Livingston Public Schools
 Empowering all to learn, create, contribute and grow.

Feature Photo: "Taking the Oath"
Seth Cohen and Samantha Messer were sworn in as members of the Board of Education at the reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

Featured Photo: "
New This Week
Don't stop scrolling!
Find information on the following news, and more, in this week's DISCOVER.
  • Board Members Sworn In
  • Calendar Reminders
  • MPMS GeoBee Winner!
  • School Happenings
  • MLK Day of Service Collection
  • Big L Club Casino Night
Board Matters
Board Reorganization Meeting
The Livingston Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Samantha Messer and Seth Cohen were officially sworn in as Board members, each for a three year term. Ronnie Konner was elected president of the Board and Ms. Messer was elected to serve as vice-president.
District Matters
School Closed January 20/
Delayed Opening January 21
Livingston Public Schools will be closed on Monday January 20, 2020 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be a two hour delayed opening for students on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 to allow for Professional Development time for teachers. 

View the full 2019-2020 Academic Calendar HERE. 
Superintendent Matters
Coffee & Conversation: SATURDAY EDITION!
In an effort to get to know the Livingston community better, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matt Block, has been holding “Coffee with the Superintendent” programs this year. The gatherings have been scheduled on varying days and times to accomodate as many parents' schedules as possible. 

Next up is our SATURDAY EDITION! Stop by the Heritage Middle School Media Center on January 25, at 9 a.m. to meet Dr. Block! Bring your questions, thoughts, and a favorite warm beverage. All are welcome! 

Upcoming Dates:

  • Thursday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. Harrison Media Center
  • Thursday, April 23, 12:00 p.m. Central Office Conference Room  
Student Matters
Mt. Pleasant Middle School GeoBee
Twenty students from Mt. Pleasant Middle School participated in the school's National Geographic GeoBee competition on Wednesday, January 8. Ethan Liu won first place, with Roger Zhang winning second place and Reesha Sawant finishing third.

Just how smart are our 6th graders? Smart enough to know the answers to such questions as:

•" Which state has the longer coastline - Maine or Rhode Island?
•"Mount Aso, which includes a large caldera, is located on the island of Kyushu in what country?"
•Estancias is the term for large cattle ranches in the second largest country by area in South America. Name this country.

Click the link below to find the answers to these questions, as well as event photos!
The first graders in Celine Falchetta’s class at Harrison had an exhilarating morning exploring the trails at the Essex County Environmental Center. The children were able to get a firsthand look at the habits of the animals they are learning about in their science lessons. They also learned how the animals behave in winter and what they do to prepare for the season. Shown are Michael Mikhelis, Emily Best, and Ruhi Biswas.
Fifth graders at Hillside constructed the Earth's lithosphere (crust) using clay as part of a science lesson! Shown with their lithosphere sculpture are Santino Otero, Risha Kamath, Lucas Liu, and Alexandra Altieri.
Second graders at Collins had fun with hula hoops during recess. Shown are Ford Watson, Manny Bahler, Gavin Violetti, Michael Decorso, Brady Resnick, and Giancarlo Tauro.
Students at MPE celebrated their accomplishments at their first "MPE Pride Assembly!" At the assembly, the students highlighted all of the hard work they have done to learn new concepts and make new friends, the importance of showing kindness within the school community, and their responsibility to help those who are less fortunate. Shown, the MPE Lion (aka Alex Goldstein) and Student Council president Adam Finkelstein lead their classmates in an energetic display of school spirit!
Briana Belostock’s second grade class at Burnet Hill, students begin the day with “morning tubs.” They can choose from a variety of containers filled with Legos, Keva Planks, magnetic shapes and Play Doh, and more. Shown, Jordin Cowen chose Play Doh!
Riker Hill kindergartners read Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and then created artwork based on the story. Shown with their drawing of snowmen at night are Amelia Wang, Charlotte Lee, and Taliah Allen.
MLK Day of Service Project
LPS elementary and middle school HSAs/PTAs will be collecting school supplies to donate to children in need in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Each grade level has been assigned a specific item. The following donations would be greatly appreciated:
If you wish to donate, please send the items to school with your child by this Friday, January 17.

*Check out the "Community Matters" section for information on the Township of Livingston's annual "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service" event to be held on Monday, January 20.
Lancer Matters
Parent Matters
K-5 SEL Parent Program
Please join us on February 26, 2020 at 7 p.m. for a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Parent Academy at Riker Hill Elementary School! Sinead Crews, Director of School Counseling, and the elementary school counselors will present an informative program devoted to exploring social emotional learning with K-5 parents! During the program, parents will have the option of attending two break-out sessions on specific topics relates to students' social and emotional development, as well as learn about resources and strategies.
STAY TUNED
Kindergarten 2020
Keep an eye on Livingston Public Schools' website for information regarding Kindergarten Registration for September 2020!
Student Services Newsletter
The mission of the Department of Student Services is to identify students who meet the federal and state guidelines as a student with a disability. The department is focused and committed to providing a program to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of our students.

Read about "Social Emotional Learning in Our Schools," as well as upcoming parent programs in the department's most recent newsletter!
Parent Development Programs
Livingston Public Schools offers a variety of parent development programs throughout the school year. Click the link below for a list of programs that will be offered for the 2019-2020 school year.
Mark Your Calendars!
Find Important Information
LPS invites parents to visit our "Parent Resources" page to find information regarding the Genesis portal, academic calendars, food services, new student registration, transportation, district communications, forms, and more.

In addition, to subscribe to news based on your child's school and your interests, visit our "District Communications" page and sign up for newsletters, e-blasts, and more. 
Parent Academy
Our Parent Academy website is designed to ensure that all resources provided at our events are accessible to all community members. We hope you find these helpful as you engage in your child’s education!
Follow, Like, and Please Share!
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.
Community Matters
"A Day On, Not a Day Off"
The Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion invites the entire community to be a part of this year’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Livingston Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue. The community is welcome to use the holiday as "A day on, not a day off," to honor the memory of Dr. King by participating in various charitable activities and collections.

For more information, volunteer opportunities or other inquiries, please send an email to LCDI.LivingstonNJ@gmail.com.
The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) offers great programs, free of charge, for people with special needs and their families. See below for more LACD programs!
Shining Stars offers "funtastic programs for exceptional individuals." Learn more HERE!
Employment Opportunities
Playground Aides Needed
Livingston Public Schools is looking to hire early arrival and lunch time playground aids. Do you have a few hours to spare at the beginning or in the middle of the day? Would you enjoy being responsible for the well-being of our students before school in the morning and during their lunch hour? Successful candidates will provide supervision of PreK-5 students both in the school and on the playground. Starting salary begins at $15.50/hour. Download the application, or stop by the Central Office at 11 Foxcroft Drive to pick up an application!
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 ($200/day). Interested candidates should contact Carolyn Ross at cross@livingston.org

Substitute Teachers
Livingston Public Schools is seeking substitute teachers ($100/day). Applicants must either possess certification as a teacher in New Jersey or a substitute certificate. 

For more information, please visit our website, www.livingston.org, or contact Annette Ferreira at aferreira@livingston.org.  
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.