Principal's Message

Dear Collins Families,

As beautiful as it is outside, we have had a spectacular two weeks at Collins School.  Here are just four of the many highlights:

1.      Author, David Adler, presented three outstanding assemblies.  He reminded us to look for writing ideas all of the time, that writing doesn’t have to be perfect at first, and he revealed who some of his book characters are based on.  We are so grateful to Mrs. Seidman and Mrs. Stafford for their leadership on this day. 

2.      Our student artists had work beautifully displayed at the Livingston Mall thanks to our art teachers, Ms. Fiore and Mrs. Mendes.

3.      Our second graders celebrated their written and spoken poetry to parents last week.

4.      Science is especially exciting this month as we study the growth cycles of butterflies, tadpoles, and ducklings in our classrooms. 

This week is the beginning of our mandated NJASK state testing for grades 5.  Here is an excerpt from the letter than I sent to parents.

 The teachers and I ask that you make a special effort to make sure that your child is on time each day, as testing will begin as close to the start of the school day as possible.  Children who arrive after testing has begun cannot participate in the testing for that day.  

Your child is well prepared academically so there is no need to be anxious about the test.  As you know, individuals perform best when they are relaxed and confident.  It is worth having a conversation about the upcoming testing.  Be encouraging and positive and emphasize that he/she is well prepared.   We also encourage the children to get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast. 

Enjoy the week with your awesome children,

John N. Leister, Principal

Collins Elementary School

67 Martin Road

Livingston, New Jersey 07039

973-535-8000 x8123

The Livingston Schools: Empowering all to learn, create, contribute, and grow.