Skip to main content

Livingston Public Schools

Empowering All to Learn, Create, Contribute & Grow

LPS Spotlight: October 13, 2026

Posted Date: 10/13/26 (04:28 PM)


A green digital banner reads 'LPS Spotlight News for the Livingston Public Schools Community' with stage lights shining down.
A split image shows a firefighter speaking to a group of children seated outdoors next to a fire truck, and two smiling children with a police officer near a welcome wall.
LEARNING SAFETY WITH OUR COMMUNITY HEROES: Students across the district have been gaining valuable, hands-on lessons in safety from our local community heroes! On the left, elementary students participated in a Fire Prevention assembly to learn essential fire safety habits from local firefighters. On the right, students teamed up with Livingston Police Officers for Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day, celebrating healthy habits and pedestrian safety. Thank you to our local first responders for keeping our students safe, informed, and inspired!
A green banner with white text that reads "THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS".

New In This Edition:

  • Calendar Reminders
  • Board of Education Meeting TONIGHT!
  • Student Recognized by Town Council
  • Dylan Zhang Wins 2 International Art Awards
  • Big L Club 2026 Hall of Fame
  • LPS Earns Communication Award
 

November 2026

There will be early dismissals for elementary schools November 2-4 to allow for parent-teacher conferences. The district will be closed on November 5-6 for the NJEA Convention. 

A green banner with the white text 'BOARD NEWS' centered.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING: October 13, 2026

The Livingston Board of Education will hold a public meeting tonight, Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (7PM) at the Central Office, 11 Foxcroft Drive. The agenda will include a Referendum Update and Discussion, Board Budget Goals, Public Hearing on the District & School HIB Self-Assessment Report and Residency Verification Update.

Tonight's meeting will be held in a hybrid format during which participants will have the ability to ask questions and make comments either in person or via the webinar. Register for the webinar using the link below. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the district's Facebook page, @LivSchools.

 
A collage of nine different school buildings, each labeled with its name: Burnet Hill, Collins, Harrison, Hillside, MPE, Riker Hill, MPMS, Heritage, and LHS.

REFERENDUM RESOURCES

As we work together to plan for the future of our schools, community input and transparency are our top priorities. We have created a Referendum Resources webpage that will serve as the central repository for all official materials, data, and updates discussed during Board of Education meetings as we approach the upcoming referendum vote.

Currently on the page you will find the most recent demographic studies and the Referendum Options that were presented to the Board over the summer. We will continue to add information. We encourage all residents to explore these resources, stay informed, and engage with us throughout this collaborative process.
A green banner with the white text 'DISTRICT NEWS' centered.
hands holding a cell phone that is showing the parentsquare app feed

DO YOU HAVE THE PARENTSQUARE APP??

If not, please give it a try! It’s like having our own personal, secure social media feed for everything happening across Livingston Public Schools.

Instead of searching through inbox clutter, open the app to scroll through your custom feed for school emails and news -  and district-wide announcements - all in one central hub. Plus, you can select your preferred notification frequency and receive automatic translations in your home language.

As more families download the app, we look forward to growing how we share and connect together!

How to join:
  1. Download ParentSquare from your phone's app store.
  2. Sign in using the email address you have registered with LPS.
  3. Customize your notifications and start scrolling your feed!

 

LPS MONTH OF AWARENESS

Happy October, LPS families! This month, all Livingston schools are uniting for our annual Month of Awareness—a district-wide initiative aligned with our LPS Portrait of a Graduate framework.

Throughout the month, students will take part in The Week of Respect (#NJGoesGoldandBlue), School Violence Awareness Week, National Red Ribbon Week, and interactive safety dialogues led alongside our Livingston Police Department liaison officers. Together, we are reinforcing digital citizenship, kindness, diversity, and healthy choices.

 

US ARMY FIELD BAND TO PERFORM AT LHS

The United States Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors are bringing their nationally acclaimed sound to Livingston, New Jersey, for a free community concert. Known as "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army" and the military's most traveled musicians, the Washington, D.C.-based big band will perform on October 26 at 7:00 PM at the Livingston High School Fitness and Wellness Center.
Event Details
  • Date & Time: October 26 at 7:00 PM
  • Location: Livingston High School Fitness and Wellness Center, Livingston, NJ
  • Admission: Free
How to Attend: Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the performance. For additional information or inquiries regarding the event, contact Jim Hegedus at jhegedus@livingston.org. 
A banner with white capital text reading 'STUDENT NEWS' set against a solid dark green background.

STUDENT RECOGNIZED BY TOWN COUNCIL

Heritage Middle School seventh grader Wilson Liu was formally recognized by the Township of Livingston during the official Township Council Meeting on September 28, 2026. Mayor Shawn Klein and members of the Township Council presented Wilson with an official municipal proclamation honoring his exceptional achievements as a classical pianist. 

The proclamation highlighted Wilson’s recent international accomplishments, including:
  • First Prize at the 2026 Cleveland International Piano Competition, where he was the only pianist representing the United States;
  • Top honors at the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Junior & Young Artists Piano Competition, where he was the sole representative of the Western Hemisphere among the prize winners. 
Mayor Klein praised Wilson’s dedication and artistry, noting that his accomplishments “put a shine on the entire township.” 

Wilson shared that being recognized by his hometown means a great deal to him, and he looks forward to continuing his musical journey with hard work and passion.
 

ZHANG WINS TWO INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITIONS

A blue leather certificate holder sits beside an open United Nations Sustainable Development Goals certificate.
A young child concentrates while painting on a large canvas set up indoors.
LPS 4th grader Dylan Zhang has recently earned high recognition for his incredible art skills! Over the past several months, he took first place in two prestigious global contests: the Global Canvas Competition (Ages 8–11) and the Never Such Innocence Competition (Ages 9–11). He also received a Gold Award at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “The Beauty of the Earth” Youth Art Exhibition, and his artwork, The Day the Animals Met to Save Us, was displayed at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland!

His artwork was also displayed at the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) in San Francisco from July 18 to August 2!


Incredibly, Dylan accomplished all of this without attending outside art school or receiving formal lessons beyond his art classes at Hillside School, and this was his first time using gouache paint! 
 
Teen Fights for Science History
A green banner with the white text 'PARENT NEWS' centered.
A flyer for a virtual presentation titled 'A Parent's Guide to Disordered Gambling' hosted by Joe Kane on October 22nd, 2026.

VIRTUAL PARENT PROGRAM ON GAMBLING

Join Livingston Public Schools for an important virtual presentation: A Parent's Guide to Disordered Gambling.

With the rise of sports betting apps, online gaming features, and digital platforms, gambling addiction is a growing issue impacting youth. In this webinar, Joe Kane, Prevention Specialist from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, will share key warning signs to look out for and practical strategies to help protect your children. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to stay informed!
 
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Presenter: Joe Kane, Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ
 

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN A SCHOOL IS IN LOCKDOWN?

An informational flyer titled SCHOOL LOCKDOWN SAFETY, outlining safety protocols and how parents can help during emergencies.
LPS takes school security very seriously and follows all of the safety protocols that are practiced regularly with the Livingston Police Department. These protocols include school lockdowns, which are a vital safety procedure to protect everyone in the building. They can be used for a wide range of situations, including medical emergencies, to ensure the well-being of all students and staff. Parents have a part to play in school lockdown safety as well!

5 WAYS THAT PARENTS CAN HELP DURING A LOCKDOWN SITUATION:

  1. Try Not to Panic: It's easy to assume the worst when a school goes on lockdown, but there are many reasons why lockdowns are enacted for the safety of students and staff. Remain calm for both yourself and your child.
  2. Check Texts/Emails: The district will send out a notification when a lockdown is enacted, as well as updates, and a notification when a lockdown is lifted via text and email. Make sure that your emergency contact information is up to date in the Genesis Portal.
  3. Don't Share Lockdown Info on Social Media: In most cases, detailed information and transparency are good things, but they can be harmful during situations that cause schools to lockdown.
  4. Don't Call the School: During lockdowns, every staff member has a job to do to contriubute to a safe and positive outcome. Fielding phone calls distracts from these responsibilities.
  5. Don't Go to the School: During a lockdown situation, schools are not accessible and the law enforcement officers need to focus on the situation, not crowd control.


*We appreciate that these situations can be upsetting for those involved. Please know each of our schools have counselors that are available to help students process any thoughts or feelings they are experiencing following a lockdown situation.
 
A circular logo with a large green 'L' superimposed on a globe, surrounded by text.

PARENT CONCERN PROCESS

Livingston Public Schools strives to respond to concerns and/or questions as quickly and effectively as possible. In a school system, as in any organization, the “chain of command” refers to communication levels of authority in the school district. The philosophy behind the chart in the link below is to refer community members to those people in the organization who can best solve any concerns or questions that may arise, and then direct them to the appropriate people if issues are not able to be effectively addressed at the first level.

Explore LPS Communication Tools
Learn About 988 Suicide Lifeline
Mental Health Support Info
A banner with a solid green background displays the white text 'LANCER NEWS'.

BIG L CLUB 2026 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

The Big L Club, the official booster organization of Livingston High School (LHS) athletics, will induct four athletes, one notable contributor, and one outstanding team to its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame during an induction brunch to be held at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

This year's Big L Athletic Hall of Fame honorees include Jeramy Elkaim (Class of 2011), Jordana Bonvini (Class of 2014), Drew Borders (Class of 1974), Evan Rachbuch (Class of 2001), contributor Cedar Hill Country Club, and the 1976 baseball team. 

 
🏈Lancers Beat Barringer, 43-14
🏐Lancers Win, 2-1, Over Bogota
⚽Lancers Shut Out Newark Acad.
A green banner with the white text 'STAFF NEWS' centered.

LPS EARNS COMMUNICATION AWARD

The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) named Livingston Public Schools a winner in the 2026 School Communication Award Program. LPS was one of just three districts in the state to receive an Award of Merit in the Newsletter Category. LPS Spotlight is a bi-monthly digital newsletter created by Michelle Bent, the district's Manager of Communications. Click here to read more about the NJSPRA Award.
 
A healthcare worker wears light green scrubs, a magenta stethoscope, and a red heart cutout in the pocket.

HELP WANTED: SUBSTITUTE NURSES!

Are you a Registered Nurse looking for a flexible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Join our team of Substitute Nurses and become an important part of the LPS community.
Why substitute with us?
  • $250 per day
  • Flexible scheduling - work when your schedule allows
  • A rewarding opportunity to work with students and support their health and well-being
  • Be part of a welcoming and supportive school environment
Qualifications:
  • Current license issued by the NJ Board of Nursing as a professional Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Must possess or be eligible for a Substitute Nurse Certificate
  • CPR/AED certification required
Interested in joining our team?
Contact: Carolyn Ross (cross@livingston.org)
Your expertise can make a difference in our school community!
 
Collage of 'We're Hiring!' posters for various teaching positions at Livingston Public Schools.

JOIN THE LPS TEAM!

Visit our Employment Opportunities webpage to learn more about available positions at Livingston Public Schools.

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply via our online application. Our administrative staff will be reviewing resumes and contacting those individuals who they feel will best meet the needs of the positions we have available at this time. Some screening will be conducted over the phone, and some interviews will be in person and others will take place online using online platforms. Since we have many positions available, we are not able to return phone calls regarding open positions or status of applications.

 
A green banner with the white text 'COMMUNITY NEWS' centered.

Check Out These Community Programs!

Flyer for the Livingston LACD and Rec Department annual Halloween Party on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
A colorful flyer for Livingston Adaptive Recreation Fall Shining Stars sports and activities, decorated with autumn leaves.
A promotional flyer for a vacation program featuring details about snowtubing and a cookies and canvas event for kids.
A flyer announcing free After School Sports for children with special needs in Livingston, NJ, detailing dates, times, and location.
Flyer for Essex County Schools of Technology 2027-2028 High School Fair, detailing event dates, times, and locations for West Caldwell Tech, Newark Tech, and Payne Tech.
A flyer for the "Listen to Children" program featuring an older man and a young girl smiling together.
A promotional flyer for Livingston Youth & Community Services (LYCS) detailing after-school programs for grades 1-12, featuring photos of participating youth and program details.
A promotional flyer for the West Essex YMCA Middle School Initiative Program featuring kids exercising and playing basketball.
 
Logo for Livingston Public Library featuring a green building icon and text.

LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Looking for homework help, a quiet study nook, or your next favorite read? The Livingston Public Library offers endless opportunities for Livingston Public Schools students and families. Beyond thousands of print books and audiobooks, your library card unlocks free access to online databases like Tutor.com, Mango Languages, research tools, and museum passes.

Whether you're stopping by for after-school programs, tech gear from the Library of Things, or just a quiet spot to focus, the library is your dedicated space to learn, create, and connect. Visit livingstonlibrary.org or stop by 10 Robert H. Harp Drive to sign up for your free library card and learn more about all that the library has to offer!
 
LTV Livingston logo with green and yellow accents.

WATCH LTV! IT'S ALL ABOUT LIVINGSTON!

LTV, Livingston, NJ's community access television channel, can be found on cable television via Comcast (Channel 34) and Verizon (Channels 26 and 28). Additionally, LTV can now be found online at www.LivingstonTV.org, which provides a live stream of the cable channel plus numerous shows available to watch ON-DEMAND! LTV is operated by the Livingston Public Broadcasting Committee, a group of volunteers (adults and high school students) who recognize all the good that Livingston has to offer; have an interest in television programming, production, operations and marketing; and give their time toward promoting local information, entertainment, and education to all members of the Livingston community!
 
An award graphic for the New Jersey School Public Relations Association, stating School Communication Award Winner 2026.
LPS Spotlight
2025-2026 School Year / No. 3

Michelle Bent
Manager of Communications
Livingston Public Schools
(973) 535-8000 ext. 8036

LPS Spotlight is the official e-newsletter of Livingston Public Schools.