Two Weeks and Counting

With less than two weeks and counting, it’s crunch time for getting classrooms ready for the first day of school. At Livingston High School, custodians wiped down dozens and dozens of lockers, where, like the other schools we visited, the hallways were scattered with boxes and cleaning supplies. By the end of the week, schools will shine with fresh wax and desks realigned in perfect rows.

Getting ready for the District’s youngest learners, Burnet Hill preschool teacher Laurie Babij decorated her windows with bright red apples and admired the newly painted yellow walls of her bright classroom. Throughout Livingston, schools have fresh coats, new cabinetry and new security cameras and other safety upgrades. Next week, every teacher will be back in their classrooms with their own opening day coming in advance of their students’ opening bell.

Livingston has hired about 40 new certificated staff members, many who participated in an orientation program last week with topics covering everything from district technology to New Jersey’s tough anti-bullying law and the special education process. (See the Superintendent’s Blog on their first days at LPS by clicking here).

All this prep is in anticipation of nearly 5,900 students who return on Monday, September 9 for the first day of school.

With two weeks and counting, it’s crunch time for students and families, too. The LHS marching band took the field this week, stepping out at band camp. Fall athletes are running laps around the Oval and scrimmaging on the fields.  

With supplies to buy (see the website by school or by teacher to see supply lists), summer assignments to complete (click here for LHS assignments, and algebra at Heritage by clicking here), families are beginning to adjust to the changes sure to come with summer’s end. Class assignments and schedules are now available on our online parent portal called Genesis. You’ll be able to see classrooms in action at Back to School nights planned at every school (click here for the District calendar). See all the Parent Resources by clicking here.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Medication Drop Off Day: September 4
This is for students who will require medication to be dispensed at the health office. Parents should drop off any medications and necessary paperwork to schools on September 4 between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Medications will not be accepted by school nurses on the first day of school. If you are unable to bring the medication on Sept. 4, you will be able to bring it in any day after the first day of school. For more information, see Health Services on the Livingston Public Schools website by clicking here.

Log On to Get Ready
The Genesis Parent Portal is open to see student schedules and teacher assignments. In letters to each home, we provided a new user ID and password that will be used with your email address to log into this system. Please be sure to log in to update and review your contact information for emergencies and District messages, and to complete any District forms. Be sure to indicate which contacts should receive our automated alert messages. Email questions to registrar@livingston.org

Code of Conduct
The District’s Code of Conduct is now posted on the Livingston Public Schools’ website (click here). We strongly encourage you to read and discuss this important document with your children. New this year is an electronic check-off. Students in Grades 6-12, as well as parents/guardians of students in every grade, are required to acknowledge that they have read the Code of Conduct by checking the appropriate box in the Genesis Parent and Student Portals under the “Forms” tab. Please check off this acknowledgement by Friday, September 20. Parents need only check off one acknowledgment form per family, however, each student in Grades 6-12 must complete the check-off.

6 Tips for Getting Your Kids Ready for School: Time to roll back bed times. Learn more by clicking here.   

SCHOOL NEWS  
LHS Earns an A from Inside Jersey: Test scores push Livingston to top of state rankings.

Schools Check in On Anti-Bullying Efforts: Livingston Schools perform well on NJ’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act

COMMUNITY NEWS  
Still Time To Register for Junior Lancer Football: Limited number of spots are open for Grade 2 Tackle, K-1 Flag Football.  

 9-11: A Day to Reflect and Remember: Livingston's observance will take place in the Memorial Garden.  

Marilyn Joyce Lehren is the Manager of Communications/Community Outreach for Livingston Public Schools.

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