Students from West School provided a morning of music and merriment to senior citizens at the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) center on April 19, when they paid a special visit to the organization’s Temple Israel location.
Members of West’s Recorder Club, along with talented vocalists who participated in the New York State School Music Association festival, performed a number of songs that included several classics that were familiar to those in audience.
Among the featured compositions that students sang were “Getting to Know You,” “My Favorite Things,” “The Girl I Meant to Be,” “Danny Boy,” “Never Never Land” and “Castle on a Cloud.” The Recorder Club presented “Minuet,” “Orion’s Belt” and “Fanfare for a New Planet.”
West School music teacher Vanessa Krywe introduced the performers to the seniors in attendance and explained that the recorder students, all fifth-graders, began learning the instrument in their third-grade year. They were accepted to the club after successfully completing the highest level of a Recorder Karate Program.
The musicians gave their greatest efforts and impressed the audience, which eagerly met each act with rounds of applause.
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West School Brings Joy to JASA
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Fifth-Annual Long Beach HS Dance Recital a Moving Success
Long Beach High School presented its fifth annual Spring Dance Recital on April 14, showcasing the talents, grace and creativity of students who took the stage. As in the past, the event featured choreography and dancing by students in the International Baccalaureate Dance Program, and this year the show was opened up to include performers from the modern dance classes as well.
The IB Dance Program seniors developed choreography for the various dance numbers based on their own inspirations. Each piece told a story — some were based on the students’ own personal experiences, while others were based on their observations of the world.
The performances ranged from serious and dramatic in nature to funny and lighthearted. They portrayed an assortment of themes such as deep emotions, life challenges, memories, celebrations, geography and history. A variety of dance styles were presented, such as ballet, hip-hop and traditional cultural steps.
Choreographers were Veronica Bruce, Jessica Cerky, Rachel Cucina, Anna Falvey, Brittney Field, Alana Garcia, Sam Gesuale, Jailene Granados-Ramos, Angelica Green, Melinda Greenberg, Alicia Miningham, Amanda Moore, Stephanie Pavlides, Tracy Platt, Carmen Socorro, Angelica Soderberg, Amy Zheng and IB Dance Teacher Cristianne Vella. Dances choreographed by African dance ambassador Pearl Eileen Primus were also performed.
The dance recital was a collaborative effort that involved a number of contributors from the high school who helped to make the evening a success. Art classes and the Fashion Club designed the costumes and set, and the Sound and Lighting Club provided a fitting stage ambiance for each piece.
“My intention was to allow the students to explore movement from all angles and to learn that dance is more than fancy tricks, it is about moving from within the body in space using various rhythms and patterns,” said Ms. Vella. “Students were encouraged to create movement that enhanced the musical rhythms, tempos and accents.”
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Lido School Connects Earth Day and Health Week
Lido School students took a moment to enjoy the sun and spring weather on April 22, when they stepped out into the school’s Habitat to plant flowers in honor of Earth Day. This activity was sponsored by the PTA, which generously provided the seeds and assistance in the garden, and was just one of the many ways in which Lido acknowledged the importance of preserving the environment.
Each class had the opportunity to visit the Habitat and plant seeds in the flower beds, under the guidance of teachers and PTA members. Students were encouraged to wear the color of their favorite fruit or vegetable, and later in the afternoon, got their exercise during a dance performance to “Uptown Funk.”
The Earth Day celebration concluded a weeklong Health Fair that Lido held from April 18-22. All five days featured activities that focused on wellness, culminating with an emphasis on the environment.
The week kicked off on Monday with a “Stay Active Day,” during which students wore their favorite team jersey or sports shirt and walked around the middle school track while tracking their steps. They also learned about healthy food choices from Director of Food and Nutrition Services Steven Kamlet, and another health lesson emphasized the importance of hand washing. The PTA provided water and fruit.
Tuesday was dubbed, “Turn it Off Day,” and encouraged everyone in the building to step away from electronic devices for one hour and focused on reading books. Wednesday’s theme was “Pajama Day,” which supported the value of getting enough sleep. Classes took yoga breaks for relaxation. “Healthy Food Choice Day” was observed on Thursday, and students put the knowledge they obtained earlier in the week to the test by bringing healthy snacks and bottled water.
Throughout the week, students also participated in Zumba, jump rope and other exercise opportunities that involved plenty of physical activity.
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Washington Post Rating
Long Beach High School is among the top 2 percent of high schools across the country, according to the Washington Post’s list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools. Ranked at No. 22 on Long Island. The Challenge Index score that determines each high school’s rating is derived from the number of college-level tests given at a school in the previous calendar year divided by the number of graduates that year.
The high school’s open honors and college-level course structure presents many opportunities for students to take on academic challenges and experience the rigor that their eventual college programs will pose. The high school offers over 50 college-level courses in the form of International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and SUPA classes, as well as courses that are co-enrolled with local colleges, such as the Material Design and Fabrication course that provides the potential for credit through SUNY Farmingdale. The school was recognized last year as a National School of Opportunity by the National Education Policy Center.
Enrollment in college-level courses continues to increase, and heterogeneously grouped ninth- and tenth-grade English and social studies classes and accelerated eighth-grade math and science offerings help to set the groundwork for future advanced studies.
“Our rating on the Washington Post’s list reflects the district’s commitment to college- and career-readiness,” said Superintendent of Schools David Weiss. “Our open enrollment programs are intended to give all of our students the opportunities and encouragement to take on academic challenges that will help them excel in the future.”
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A Message from David Weiss, Superintendent of Schools
I would like to address the rumors that are circulating on social media and among the community regarding an investigation at the high school. As this is a matter of personnel, the district cannot provide further comment on individual staff members based on the confidentiality protections in district policy. Any rumors concerning the involvement of law enforcement or students are not true. The district is always committed to the safety and well–being of our students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support.
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2016-2017 Budget Newsletter
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The Candidate's Forum scheduled for tonight, May 9th, has been changed from City Hall to Lindell School @ 7:00 PM.
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Board of Ed Meeting - Thursday, May 12 - LBMS Auditorium @ 7:30 PM
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The Picture of Success: LBHS Photo Students Earn Awards and Honors
Long Beach High School students are excelling in photography, as demonstrated by their recent accomplishments. Each year, students received awards and acceptance to prestigious exhibits through their involvement in the Department of Media, Visual and Performing Arts.
Kristen Miciotta, a junior, won an Honorable Mention in the Huntington Camera Club's High School Competition’s Open category. She was formally recognized at a ceremony held on May 3 and received a certificate and a check. A number of Long Beach High School students entered the contest, which drew a total of 1,133 entries from 483 students representing 15 high schools.
Photography students also won four out of the six places in the Long Island Arts Council's High 5 juried photo competition. Junior Isabella Defrancisco placed second for her entry, “Beamer,” and Bridget Van Well, also a junior, earned an honorable mention for her photograph, “34th Street.” They will both receive monetary awards.
Sophomore Taylor Rudtner and junior Brigette Cruz were selected as exhibitors for their respective pieces, “Purple Mask” and “Sentimental.” All four students will be honored at an awards ceremony on June 9 at the Freeport Memorial Library.
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Town Hall Meeting - May 18, 2016
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Jonathan Kapilian a National Merit Scholar
The National Merit Scholar title is a prestigious one that is bestowed upon a very select percentage of students. Long Beach High School senior Jonathan Kapilian has earned this recognition after advancing through the National Merit Scholarship competition. Jonathan first attained the National Merit Semifinalist status based on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). An estimated 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program’s competition each year when they take the PSAT as juniors. Those with exceptional scores are later distinguished and eligible for the higher recognitions.
Jonathan was then named a finalist based on an application and his portfolio of his academic record, extracurricular achievements and awards. Now, he is among only 7,400 National Merit Finalists who went on to be identified as National Merit Scholars with scholarship award prizes.
Jonathan is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate focusing his extended essay on “The Effect of Population Density on Carbon Dioxide Emissions per Capita.” He is also a Coca-Cola Finalist, National Honor Society member and an award-winning science research and math student, and will be studying Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University next year.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Jonathan is a vocalist and cellist who was chosen to attend the National Association for Music Education’s All-National Honor Ensembles performance, for which he traveled Tennessee in October. He was selected as an All-State musician last year and is a six-time All-County performer, as well as a two-time Long Island String Festival participant.
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Kelly DiResto Named Rensselaer Award Winner
Long Beach High School junior Kelly DiResto has received the Rensselaer award from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
This honor is presented to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. If Kelly applies to RPI, is accepted and enrolls, she will receive a medal and a minimum of $25,000 in annual scholarship funds.
Kelly is accomplished in both academics and athletics and participates in a number of programs at the high school. She has excelled in science research and won first place at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair’s Plant Sciences category last year for her collaborative project on Andromeda. An International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidate, she will focus her extended essay on the same topic. Kelly takes IB Physics and IB Math, is a National Honor Society member and recently achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.
In addition to her rigorous studies and successes in the classroom, Kelly has played varsity soccer since eighth grade and this year attained All County and Division A3 Player of the Year titles. She has been a member of the varsity track team since her sophomore year and received All Division distinction in hurdle events. She is captain of both teams and is also involved in Athletes Helping Athletes.
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Budget Passes
Long Beach School District residents voted in favor of the 2016-17
budget, with a final result of 1833 yes votes and 856 no votes.
Congratulations to Perry Bodnar for his election to the Board of
Education. Thank you to all who participated and expressed an interest
in the budget process. We appreciate the value that this community
places on education and believe that this budget will help to ensure the
continued success of our students and programs.
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Camp Invention 2016
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LB Color Run Supports STEM Overseas
Long Beach High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidates took the lead in organizing a color run from the starting stages to the finish line. The race, held on May 14, featured a rainbow of hues thanks to colored cornstarch that brightened up those who set foot on the middle school track.
Approximately 100 participants came out to run for fun and take on a friendly, festive challenge. More than $2,100 was raised to benefit Fundi Bots, an organization that brings robotics and technology into schools in Uganda.
Student Blaine Siegel coordinated the event with support from classmates Mashiyat Ahmed, Kelly DiResto, Luc Esformes, Savannah Kile, Jessica Marcote, Peter McQuade, Phillip Persky, Eric Ricci, Jonathan Rovitz, Erica Russell, Mary Sabedra, Leah Shokrian and Hailey Zion. They completed this activity as their Creativity Action Service project, which is a component of the IB Diploma Program and encourages students to be involved in the broader world and make a difference beyond the classroom.
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May 12 BOE Meeting Highlights Fine and Performing Arts
At the Long Beach Public Schools’ May 12 Board of Education Meeting, students were recognized for their artistic and musical achievements. Director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts Julia Lang-Shapiro presented certificates to students ranging from grades 3-12.
A total of 33 students representing all five of the district’s buildings had their artwork featured in the Art Supervisors’ All County Art Show, and 10 musicians were selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association’s concerts this year. They are: Meghan Brolley-Monahan, Logan Monti, Jordan Collinson, Camille Katzen and Olivia Kreutzberg at the elementary level, Sophia Elenson, Meilin Garfinkle and Natalia Hakimzedeh from the middle school and Jonathan Kapilian and Leah Cohen from the high school.
Long Beach High School students have earned a number of prestigious art recognitions over the past several months. Max Tunney was named a National Scholastic Art Winner and received a silver medal for his art portfolio. He also received three Gold Key awards and a Silver Key at the regional level. Other regional winners are Charlotte Kasper, who earned a Silver Key and Honorable Mention, Andrew Garcia, who was awarded a Silver Key and Kristen Miciotta, who received an Honorable Mention.
In Nassau Community College’s “What Matters” Art Competition, Lea Jaffe and Klaudia Sarno earned Awards of Excellence and Amber Werner and Noelani Tomicick received Honorable Mentions. Six high school students were featured in the Long Island’s Best Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum. Nina Miller earned third place and was overall winner of the Hadley Prize, Lindsay Kranitz and Eleanor Byrne received Honorable mentions, and Julia Candon, Max Tunney and Amber Werner had work showcased.
Charlotte Kasper, Lindsay Kranitz, Phillip Persky, Melissa Skolkin and Carly Siegel were Best in Show winners in the Long Island Media Arts Show, and Vida Cortes received spotlight in the LIATA Art in the Heart Exhibit at Sunrise Mall.
In the Photographic Federation of Long Island competition, Lindsay Kranitz won second place awards in two categories, Hannah Lerner won first place, Brigette Cruz won second place, Kristen Miciotta won third place, Cindy Reyes won second place and Jordan Torregrossa won second place. Charlotte Kasper won a second place honor in the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center 21st Annual Creative Arts Competition.
In addition to the student commendations, art faculty members were acknowledged for their dedication and support that helps encourage students to achieve their goals. Long Beach has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for six consecutive years. Students have a history of success in the fine and performing arts, and even more good news is anticipated as the 2015-16 school year comes to a close.
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LB Middle School Trashion Show Brings Recycling to the “GREEN” Runway
Long Beach Middle School students demonstrated resourcefulness and a knack for style with the first ever Trashion Show, held on May 6 at the Youth and Family Services building on Magnolia Boulevard. This “green runway” event featured 41 outfits, a complete collection of clothing, accessories and footwear all created out of materials that would typically be considered waste in our landfills.
Students spent time researching and creating in their art classes for months prior to the show in order to piece together unique items that would stand and make an environmental statement on the runway. They transformed used papers, playbills from a recent school production, computer boxes and packaging supplies, plastic containers and much more into fun and fitting couture.
The pockets of worn-out jeans became slippers, dominoes from old game sets were converted to hat ornaments, magazines were repurposed into skirts, empty coffee packages collected from the school’s faculty café were configured into outfits and broken keyboard parts from the tech department proved to make the perfect tie embellishments. Items were donated by several staff members.
In addition to featuring students’ designs, the evening included three stunning individual student vocal song performances. MC and performer Philip Manzo, aka Phil’s Caribbean Party, produced a Trashion Show enviro- conscious video in collaboration with Long Beach Middle School art teacher Laura Swan.
Also at this event were fine art displays of watercolors reminding attendees of the need to care for nature and a seedling table ready for the garden in the Magnolia center courtyard. The “green” runway itself was solar-lit in order to conserve energy.“Finding creative ways to reuse waste is both fun and important,” said Ms. Swan, who discussed the idea with Jen Hanono at a LB Bag It meeting back in October and then brought the initiative from concept to fruition. “We learned how keep waste out of our landfills and our oceans by creating fashion with it!”
The Trashion Show was a collaborative effort of the school district and community, sponsored by the Artists in Partnership organization. The event also served as an opportunity to promote the upcoming May 21 attempt to set a world record for “The Longest Line of Surfboards.”
View a video from the show here: https://vimeo.com/166280083
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Board of Ed Meeting - Thursday, May 26 - LBHS Auditorium - 7:30 PM
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Lido Presents a World of Explorations
Lido Elementary School held an international extravaganza titled, “One World, Many Cultures,” on May 12. Students, families, staff members and district leaders were invited to attend this showcase that represented countries all over the world.
Exhibits were displayed throughout the school and portrayed various geographic locations, incorporating traditions and other cultural elements that make each area unique. The café featured an international feast with dishes that reflected a range of cultures and culinary styles.
Prior to the event, students spent time researching different places in the world and working on their display projects as part of their social studies curriculum. The culminating celebration provided an opportunity for them to share their new knowledge and learn what their peers had discovered as well.
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Lindell Students "Move it Forward" for Juvenile Diabetes
During the Month of May, in conjunction with National Physical Fitness Month, students and staff at Lindell Elementary School participated in a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This year’s effort honored a Lindell student who has juvenile diabetes. She and her family have been active supporters of the JDRF and collaborated with school staff members in organizing this successful initiative, which raised more than $4,100.
Representatives from the JDRF, physical education staff members and Teacher in Charge Carol Cintorino presented to the entire building during an assembly held on May 4, kicking off the fundraiser and highlighting information about juvenile diabetes and the overall benefits of exercise and fitness.
On May 13, as a culminating event to their efforts, students and staff members participated in a school wide fitness hour during which they walked around the field as a sign of their support for their friend and all children with juvenile diabetes. Students also enjoyed visiting exercise stations that featured activities such as jumping, hula hooping, dancing and an obstacle course.
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