Linden Public

Hi, I am Dr. Atia Perkins, Superintendent of Schools. I am full of joy and anticipation as I start my third year here in the district where I was once a student. On behalf of the Linden Board of Education, welcome what is expected to be an amazing 2025-2026 school year that is filled with endless possibilities. As we gather in classrooms and in schools, I'm excited about the journey ahead of us. As Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner once said, education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. And I am excited that this year we embrace that power together. At Linden Public Schools, we are a committed community that envisions an educational environment where innovation flourishes, diverse voices are appreciated, and everyone uncovers their unique potential through meaningful engagement and reflection. Our mission is to empower all learners by fostering essential skills through collaboration and growth. We are a progressive community dedicated to developing future-ready individuals who embrace challenges, positively contributes to society, and excel in a constantly evolving world. As we enter into our second year with our theme, The Mission is Possible, we believe that no goal is too big for us to achieve. When we continue to work together and believe that education is the most powerful weapon, it allows us to be able to be curious, to ask questions, to believe that we belong exactly where we are at. So this theme reminds us that no dream is too big, no challenge is too big, but we can work together because the mission is possible. This year, we will once again continue with our roar values that guide everything that we do. Resilience, don't quit. Resilience is our superpower when faced with challenges, bounce back stronger, and keep moving forward. Opportunities, don't settle. Be curious and ask questions. Every day, we get chances to learn, grow, and discover new possibilities. Achievement, unlock potential and inspire hope. Every day, we get to celebrate new successes small, large, and as we help each other, we will move to new heights. Relationships, be kind and embrace the h The bonds we build with one another creates the foundation of us working together as a team and believing in each other. To our returning students, we are excited to see how much you've grown and learned and serve as leaders in and out of the classroom to help our new students, even our new staff. And to our new students who are coming into our district, Linden Public Schools isn't just a school district. We are a family where we are connected with our community. We have an active relationship with our Mayor, Honorable Mayor Armstead of Linden and all community leaders to help you, your students, thrive in our schools and also in the community. To our staff, thank you for being the dedicated leaders that you are. We have a lot of new staff members joining us this school year and to those who have been with us for more than two to three decades. Thank you. You continue to support and serve by showing up being the best version of yourself and also allowing our students to see your authenticity of how important it is to put education first by getting to know them and for you sharing a bit of part of yourself. Together, we will not only take on new beginnings, we are going to create an environment where learning is full of laughter, challenges, excitement and more importantly, growth. It's time to return to schools. We need you. All means all. Congratulations for an inspiring year ahead and I look forward to seeing your Tigers roar. Thank you.