Livingston @ 200: A Whole Lot of ‘Sole’

My family has been living in Livingston for 50 of the township’s 200 years, a whole lot of history that I newly discovered is laced with a whole lot of “sole.”

Who knew that before dairy farms and apple orchards that Livingston’s first major industry dates to the Civil War and shoemaking for soldiers?

Second graders do.

And now there’s even an app for that.

Welcome to Livingston at 200, where schools are blending traditional teaching and learning with the digital age.

That’s what is happening in second grade Social Studies. The students are learning to compare their own lives with the lives of parents, grandparents, and famous historical figures – some right here in town. As part of lessons on our history, the students have learned of the significant milestones as Livingston celebrates its bicentennial.

Second grade classrooms have illustrated snapshots of Livingston’s history, drawing on the work of Livingston’s Historical Committee. Those panels were stitched together to create a giant timeline, the results now on display at the Livingston Library -- and in this digital age -- on the District’s website, as an interactive timeline. Click on a date to see the students’ illustrations and to learn more about its significance in the history of the town.

Their colorful art provides history and an appreciation for what it’s been like living in Livingston, from 1789 when just 10 families called “modern” Livingston home; to June 26, 1923 and the first school safety drill with the township’s first fire truck, one with a name -- Mary Ann.

“I think it’s opened everyone’s eyes,” said Mayor Rudy Fernandez at the unveiling on April 30 of 40-foot exhibit. “I’m surprised by what’s here.”

Interactive games created in cooperation with NJIT students are also coming online:

•    Livingston History, Community, Recreational and Environmental Bingo: Students can identify and visit important sites in town all while trying to get “Bingo.”

•    Civil War Shoe Making: Sequencing game teaching students the steps describing how a Civil War soldier boot was made in Livingston.

LHS student Rebecca Popper and teacher Alexandra Fiore created art for these games.

Read more about how students are discovering other ways to get the “scoop” on the bicentennial:

A Taste of Livingston: Ice cream recipes by Heritage students mirror the flavor of the township’s 200-year history.

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Lucy Lee is Essex County Teacher of the Year: The LHS teacher, an advocate for Chinese language education, wins county honors in program that recognizes highly effective teachers.

Write On! Young Playwright Is Honored with Governor’s Award: Play by Philip Peker will have staged reading at Kean University.

White House Honors Science Whiz Kids: Livingston robotic innovator is among the students invited to nation’s Science Fair. 

LHS Includes Me! Action! Club hosts an Extravaganza! truly open to all.

DISTRICT NEWS

The Livingston Board of Education meets Monday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at LHS. The agenda is posted on BOE page, click here for the the agenda.

Parenting the Online Child: This LPS special workshop will educate parents on how to create a safe environment for the online world of our tech-savvy children, 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, at Heritage Middle School.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Host Families Needed for Spanish Exchange: Students are arriving this summer for immersion program.

See all the community news on the Bulletin Board by clicking here.

LIVINGSTON at 200

Bicentennial Gets Rolling with Bike Weekend: June will feature a bike tour and bike donations for Pedals for Progress.

Livingston Symphony Orchestra: LSO to Present Bicentennial Concert on May 11. 

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