Something to Cheer About

There’s plenty to celebrate in Livingston. Voters approved new school construction in Tuesday’s special election, with groundbreaking next spring and new media centers and classrooms opening in the fall of 2015.

Collins Elementary has been named a Reward School by the N.J. Department of Education. The designation is reserved for schools that have demonstrated a level of high overall performance. Collins follows in the footsteps of Livingston High School, which received the honor last year.

At Heritage, Kenneth Zushma was been named among the “20 to Watch” for advancing technology education by the National School Boards Association. At LHS, the Robotics team competed in the New Jersey State Championship Tournament at NJIT, where they were awarded the prestigious “Think” award.

When it comes to something to cheer about, Livingston Public Schools has it down to a fine art.

“Hello, Dolly!” is still glowing, still going strong on the LHS stage. Nikki James, the Tony-award winner who grew up performing on Livingston stages, has been an inspiration behind the production, returning to LHS during rehearsals and attending one of the final dress rehearsals.

On opening night, the cast shined in this popular musical, singing and dancing their way through the memorable tunes in vintage costumes – and even performing a black flip. Performances continue Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

The artistic talents of AP students are being showcased at Town Hall. The Arts Council of Livingston presents the exhibition of work by LHS Advanced Placement art students. The show will be on display until Friday, March 30 and the community is invited to an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18 in the Livingston Town Hall.

At the Morris Museum, the work of two LHS artists is on display in the “Fresh Perspectives” exhibit. And at the Livingston Public Schools Central Office, the work of middle school students at Heritage and Mt. Pleasant can be seen. Elementary art will next be displayed.

In music rehearsal space throughout Livingston Public Schools, youth musicians are rehearsing for the March 20 All-District concert. The evening performances will feature groups from all nine LPS schools. It will be held at Livingston High School beginning at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

On April 11, the LHS orchestra and choruses will participate in the Livingston Bicentennial First Meeting celebration. The event will feature Gov. Chris Christie and former Gov. Thomas Kean, both who grew up in Livingston.

Throughout its history, Livingston has always done the right thing at the right time for its schools. The referendum approving the elementary school construction and ADA improvements at Livingston High School was widely supported by the voters, with the margin of victory at 7 percent.

We want to thank the community who once again reaffirmed its support of Livingston Public Schools and our commitment to provide an exemplary education to all students. That is definitely something to cheer about.