Update: All Livingston Schools Have Power

Updated on Monday at 11 a.m.

 The following is a message from Livingston School's Superintendent Brad Draeger sent to parents concerning the upcoming school week.

Dear Parents and Students,

We have been through a tumultuous week, but the good news is that power has been restored at all Livingston Public Schools. Schools will open on Monday, November 5. All Livingston Public Schools will be running a full schedule, with instruction and routine returning as quickly as possible in our classrooms.

As a reminder, students will have a significant change in schedule this week with a full week, Monday through Friday of school being in session.  Tuesday is Election Day and we have asked the Livingston Police Department to increase their presence around our schools to assist with security and traffic.  Thursday and Friday are the traditional days off for teachers’ NJEA Convention days but the Livingston Education Association went above and beyond to help us restore school to a full week.

The conditions of our streets and roads are still not perfect.  As with any inclement weather or safety issue, it is your decision whether your child should attend school because of your street or family conditions. Some families had plans to be out of town on certain days of this week.  Principals and our staff will be very understanding of your home conditions and possible absences over the next few days.  

We also know that not every home has power, heat, telephone or Internet access.  We expect to be announcing several school media centers that will stay open after school to provide students in those situations with a place to study, be warm and have Internet access.  The Township Library also has power and is available for a warm spot.

Each principal will also be updating school specific information through e-mail and on their schools’ website, including adjustments to the first marking period and schedules. Please reach out to your principals, teachers and guidance counselors to share concerns and questions you have academically or personally. We are all here to support you during this time.

We realize that conditions are not perfect for the opening of school. The storm damage has been severe. Bus service could experience delays and traffic will be challenging for parents and for our busses. However, Livingston Police report that few streets, if any, remain blocked and that morning bus routes should be normal.

I encourage all parents to discuss safety with their children about staying away from piles of debris, hanging branches and, of course, downed wires.

Many people, including township employees and school staff, have gone the extra mile this week to get Livingston Township and schools up and running as fast as possible.  Please continue to practice patience and understanding as our community works together to meet the challenges created by Sandy.  Thank you in advance for your incredible understanding and patience!

Brad Draeger

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The following is a message from Livingston School's Superintendent Brad Draeger sent to parents concerning the upcoming school week.

Dear Parents and Students,

We have been through a tumultuous week, but the good news is seven of our nine schools have power restored as of Sunday morning, November 4.  We are eagerly awaiting word that the last two schools, Heritage Middle School and Collins Elementary will be coming back on line today. With that good news we are planning on a Monday opening, on time for all schools.  We will confirm that news in an alert later tonight or tomorrow morning,

As a reminder, students will have a significant change in schedule this week with a full week, Monday through Friday of school being in session. Tuesday is Election Day and we have asked the Livingston Police Department to increase their presence around our schools to assist with security and traffic. Thursday and Friday are the traditional days off for teachers’ NJEA Convention days but the Livingston Education Association went above and beyond to help us restore school to a full week.

The conditions of our streets and roads are still not perfect. As with any inclement weather or safety issue, it is your decision whether your child should attend school because of your street or family conditions. Some families had plans to be out of town on certain days of this week. Principals and our staff will be very understanding of your home conditions and possible absences over the next few days.  

We also know that not every home has power, heat, telephone or Internet access. We expect to be announcing several school media centers that will stay open after school to provide students in those situations with a place to study, be warm and have Internet access.  The Township Library also has power and is available for a warm spot (however, as of Sunday morning, it did not have Internet or Wifi).

Each principal will also be updating school specific information through e-mail and on their schools’ website, including adjustments to the first marking period and schedules. Please reach out to your principals, teachers and guidance counselors to share concerns and questions you have academically or personally. We are all here to support you during this time.

We realize that conditions are not perfect for the opening of school. The storm damage has been severe. Bus service could experience delays and traffic will be challenging for parents and for our busses. Many streets are narrowed by debris and there are some wires still down throughout the township. A number of roads are still being detoured.

I encourage all parents to discuss safety with their children about staying away from piles of debris, hanging branches and, of course, downed wires.

Many people, including township employees and school staff, have gone the extra mile this week to get Livingston Township and schools up and running as fast as possible. Please continue to practice patience and understanding as our community works together to meet the challenges created by Sandy. Thank you in advance for your incredible understanding and patience!

Brad Draeger