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Linden students showcase year of leadership, dual-enrollment success
Summary
Students from Linden Public Schools' inaugural superintendent student leadership team presented yearlong projects including a districtwide Kindness Letter campaign; Kean Scholars were recognized for graduating with 48 college credits under a dual-enrollment partnership.
Students and district leaders filled the Linden Board of Education meeting on June 18 to present a year-in-review of the new superintendent student leadership team and to recognize dual-enrollment Kean Scholars.
The superintendent, Dr. Perkins, opened the segment by introducing the 6'12 student leadership team and calling the group a foundation for student agency across the district. "We are recognizing you on behalf of the board of education in Linden Public Schools for your participation," Dr. Perkins said, commending the students for their work.
Student spokespeople described roles and initiatives. "We wanted a way to connect everyone together," said Roxy Ataka Lopez, the SSLT systems and operations coordinator, describing the team'run daily wellness quote program and the Tiger Pride Kindness effort. Kenley Alverno, the team's reporting lead, said the Kindness Letter Project grew from one student's idea into a districtwide effort delivering handwritten notes to School No. 1, City Hall and a local nursing home to "brighten someone's day."
The board also celebrated the district's Kean Scholars dual-enrollment partnership. Assistant Superintendent Miss Lewis and Kean liaison Mr. Lester described a competitive program that enrolled eighth-grade students in college-level courses at Kean University across multiple years. Mr. Lester said the program has saved families an estimated $275,000 in college costs and produced students leaving high school with as many as 48 college credits. The board called up several Kean Scholars and named their intended colleges.
Health and ambassador programs were also highlighted. Barbara Brady, supervisor of health and physical education, and Peggy Cowan of the New Jersey Physicians Advisory Group summarized the "Yes You Can" curriculum and an ambassador program that uses student-led activities and a recognition system (bags, bracelets, gift cards) to reinforce healthy choices. Cowan said a pending grant could extend the program two additional years if awarded.
Administrators recognized career-technical achievements as well: staff and students passed final-cut certification in the TV production program, students raised funds to attend immersive film workshops and shared a Tiger News Network segment from the trip.
The board acknowledged the presentations with certificates, photos and brief remarks. The superintendent and board members thanked students and advisors and said the district will seek to sustain and expand successful partnerships and student leadership opportunities.
