On Friday, May 20, Lido Elementary School third- and fourth-grade classes took on a friendly reading challenge against students from a neighboring community during the first South Shore Battle of the Books competition. This reading incentive program involves elementary, middle and high schools across the country.
A total of 32 Lido students responded to questions that asked them to identify the titles and authors of various books that were described. The students participated in an after-school club for ten weeks prior to the contest, where they read 14 book of various genres.
In teams, the students had opportunities to discuss and share events from each story. In preparation for the Battle, students were asked a variety of questions and had to quickly decide which book and author was the correct answer. The two Lido teams tied for second–place in the semifinals competing against three other teams.
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Lido Teams Tie for Second Place in Battle of the Books
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West School Creates a Walk to Remember for Retiring Principal
The West Elementary School family paid tribute to longtime principal Sandy Schneider with a special Retirement Walk held on May 20. Students and staff member surprised Mrs. Schneider by decorating classroom doors with colorful and memorable depiction of special times they have shared with her. They gathered in the hallways and cheered their principal on as she made her way down memory lane.
During Mrs. Schneider’s tour, she had the opportunity to view many meaningful door displays and reminisce about the various events, dress up days and other moments at West. The building was filled with smiles, dancing and lots of tissues as photos and stories were presented.
Ms. Schneider has served as principal for 20 years, prior to which she was a kindergarten teacher for 10 years. “Mrs. Schneider always put her students and staff first and never hesitated to put on the most outlandish costumes to instill an atmosphere of learning and excitement,” said West School Reading Teachers Heather Fisher and Arlyne Skolnik. “We will never forget the commitment and love with which she showered her students and faculty. She will forever be missed.”
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Long Beach High School Brings Hope through Hoops
Basketball Game Raises Thousands for Epidermolysis Bullosa Research
Long Beach High School student Kate Hanson took the lead in organizing a basketball game to help find a cure for the devastating disease Epidermolysis Bullosa, with all proceeds benefitting the EB Research Partnership. She was assisted by friends and fellow students Emma Biffer, Brooke Harrington and Mary Elizabeth McCourt in mapping out and executing a successful event that has resulted in donations of $2,115 to date.
EB Research Partnership staff members Michelle Hall and Dinara Salem attended the game and spoke with students about the condition.
According to www.ebresearch.org, EB affects the body inside and out.
It occurs in the absence of a critical protein that binds the layers of skin together. Without this protein, the skin tears apart, blisters and sheers off, leading to severe pain, disfigurement and wounds that never heal. However, research is looking optimistic, with the prospect of discovering a cure in the coming years.
The game, held on May 23 in the high school gymnasium, featured the excitement of staff members vs. students on the court. Both teams demonstrated excellent skill and athleticism during this friendly competition ultimately won by students, and bleachers were filled with friends and family members who came out to cheer on the players and support a meaningful mission. A number of students and staff members also pitched in with the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that were involved in carrying out what proved to be an enthusiasm-filled sports event fundraiser. Vice Principal Dr. Andrew Smith and Dean of Students Philip Bruno were also instrumental in coordinating details for the day.
The fundraising kicked off with a Crowdrise page that Kate initiated, and the four students together solicited donations from local businesses, friends and family members. They also raised monies through the sale of raffle tickets, food and “Shooting to Cure EB” t-shirts that displayed the EB butterfly symbol. Families and local businesses donated snacks and gift cards, and the NBA generously provided a gift basket worth $250 as the grand prize raffle along with NBA Cares t-shirts worn by the student athletes.
Kate, Emma, Brooke and Mary Elizabeth developed the idea for the game, enlisted the assistance of volunteers and executed a successful event from start to finish. They selected the EB Research Partnership based on a connection Kate had already established with this cause and her interest in supporting it again this year. She first became aware of EB when she was in middle school and decided to take on a charitable effort as her Bat Mitzvah project. At that time, she raised $3,000 for the organization and has continued to be active in supporting its mission to help save lives.
“I was deeply moved by the suffering of a young boy I know with EB and wanted to do something to make a difference in his life as well as the lives of others with this terrible disease,” Kate said.
Jessica Scheer, EBRP’s executive director said “Groups like this one are essential to us meeting our mission of raising the needed funds to support a cure. Early medical research for rare diseases is hard to fund other than through government or large private institutions.
We’ve been so touched by Kate and the Long Beach High School community for their dedication and generosity in raising funds and awareness.”
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Board of Education Meeting - Thursday, June 9 - LBHS Auditorium @ 7:30 PM
Awards of Tenure will be presented.
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Given the impending inclement weather, and the risk for thunderstorms, it has been decided to cancel the students' participation in the Memorial Day Parade.
All student musical participation has been cancelled.
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LB Celebrates 58 International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipients
For the fifth consecutive year, Long Beach High School congratulated graduating seniors who successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program with a recognition ceremony.
Fifty-eight students completed the required two higher-level and three standard-level International Baccalaureate courses, internal assessments, external exams, Theory of Knowledge course, extended essay and 150 hours of community service this year, a momentous task on top of an already challenging high school academic program.
Long Beach High School became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2010. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a comprehensive two-year academic program designed to prepare students for the demands of college while instilling within them the qualities that comprise caring and active citizens. International Baccalaureate classes are known for their academic rigor and encourage students to be inquirers, well-balanced, thinkers, caring, reflective, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, risk takers and communicative.
On the evening of June 1, Board of Education President Roy Lester, Superintendent of Schools David Weiss, Long Beach High School International Baccalaureate Coordinator Jennifer Quinn and teacher/Key Note Speaker Daniel Vaeth shared words of praise and inspiration. Mr. Vaeth concluded his remarks with an encouraging rap performance that drew smiles from the class and audience.
“[The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program] inspires students to think deeply, to ask questions, to pursue personal aspirations, to set challenging goals and to develop a persistence to achieve them,” said Mr. Weiss. “Tonight we celebrate that persistence. The students here have met the challenges, and they were many, placed in front of them. We offer our hopes and prayers that as a school community, with the support of family, friends, teachers and administrators, that we have provided these future global leaders with the tools to shape a better world.”“Most of all, try to live your life with honesty and integrity,” Mrs. Quinn said. “Make sure that your life’s work gives justice and fairness to others and never compromises your dignity or that of others. I know that through your work in the IB program, you have gained a greater awareness of how complicated life can be in communities around the world. This is something to never forget. Continue to volunteer, serve on boards, be part of a team, be part of a club and be part of a solution. Don’t just show up – go beyond, just as you did these past four years.”
Senior Jake Lopez was chosen by peers as to speak on behalf of the IB graduates. “We bent over backwards getting our assignments done, but that was only due to the guidance we received from many of our teachers and parents,” he said. “Behind every incredible student, there is an incredible teacher. I speak for all of us when I say that we couldn’t have made it this far without such amazing and awesome teachers.”
Each student’s name was announced and stoles were presented by Mr. Weiss, Long Beach High School Acting Principal Dr. Francine Newman and Assistant Principals Dr. Andrew Smith and Claude Irwin. Congratulations to Haley Abbott, Demi Amideneau, Phoebe Appel, Noam Barazani, Jacob Barkan, Tamara Benny, Veronica Bruce, Naomi Cain, Emma Carsella, Kyle Christie, Andreia Cochiorva, Emma Colletti, Nicholas Corsale, Sean Donlon, Madeline Fisher, Destiny Ganair, Angelica Green, Morgan Harrington, Emily Hulbert, Alexandra Kapilian, Jonathan Kapilian, Jacob Kaplan, Joshua Keitz, Kristen Koff, Christopher Lester, Alexa Levin, Jake Lopez, Haley Lynch, Ivanna Mangiafreno, Kathryn Mannle, Meghan Maquet, Chad Marsh, Devin McHale, Micah Navera, Francine Nizhnik, Marc Paez, Daniella Pagano, Stephanie Pavlides, Cassie Peppe, Max Poretz, Bridget Rafferty, Emily Reilly, Hailey Rogoff, Paige Rogoff, Chelsea Rotando, Demetri Samothrakis, Klaudia Sarno, Synthia Sarno, Remi Schott, Solomiya Sotnik, Jordan Torregrosa, Karla Umanzor, Marcus Unger, Raul Vidal, Dante Vittor, Alanna Weiss, Justin Weissberg and Mariana Whelan.
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LB Students Commended for Creativity at May 26 BOE Meeting
At the May 26 Board of Education Meeting, Long Beach students were recognized for their success in contests that required creativity, skill and talent. Four students received distinctions in the PTA Reflections program, and two others earned awards in the Town of Hempstead’s annual Poster Recycling Contest.
The 2015-16 Reflections contest theme was, “Let Your Imagination Fly.” Long Beach High School student Isabella DeFrancesco received an Award of Merit in Photography at the State level. East School students Ryden Nafte and Alana Roscoe earned State-level Awards of Merit in Visual Arts and as a Special Artist, respectively. East School student Skyler Oberlander was named a Nassau Region Finalist for Photography.
Mia Melli-Jones and Isabella Silverti, both Lindell School students, were recognized by Town Supervisor Anthony Santino for their entries in the Town of Hempstead’s Poster Recycling Contest, which was held in conjunction with Earth Day. Their pieces illustrated the importance of recycling and caring for the environment.
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LB Students’ Strong Chain a World Record-Breaker
On May 27, Long Beach High School’s Math Club set the unofficial Guinness World Record for "Longest Human Pi Chain.” More than 250 students filed onto the high school lacrosse field just after 2 p.m. to take their places in the sequence that wrapped across and around the field.
Each participant received a single digit of the mathematical constant, forming a long chain of non-terminating, non-repeating digits that showed the number's irrationality. The club developed the plan for this venture earlier in the school year and received approval from Guinness World Records to make their attempt.
The students simultaneously held up their digits of pi, and after one minute, the record was unofficially set. A summary of the activity and video footage taken by teacher Eric Krywe and TV Studio and Production students will now be submitted to Guinness World Records and reviewed for official authorization.
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LB Honors 26 Retirees
The Long Beach Public Schools honored 26 retiring staff members on May 26, during a reception held in the high school café. The retirees were joined by members of the Board of Education and Administration, along with their families, for a dinner and evening of acknowledgements. Staff members who have worked closely with the retiring individuals shared heartfelt remarks and narratives before presenting them with small tokens of gratitude.
The district extends its appreciation to the retirees for their years of service, dedication and support that have played a part in students’ learning and safety. A fond farewell goes out to Rosemary McComb-Amorini, LBHS Math Teacher; Richard Behr, West School Head Custodian; Perry Bodnar, LBHS Science Teacher; Elaine Braithwaite, East School Math Teacher; Anna Carfagno, LBHS Foreign Language Teacher; Angela Casey, LBHS Special Education Teacher; Deborah Charles, Buildings and Grounds Secretary; Carolyn Ciccone, Lido School Teacher Assistant; Mary Ann Colucci, West School Speech/Language Teacher; Carol Henck, LBHS Nurse; Barbara Hirsch, West School Librarian; Deborah Hodge, Bus Driver; Wayne Hoffman, Lido Complex Head Custodian; Nancy Hopkins, Lindell School Lunch Aide; Valerie Hutchinson-Parker, Bus Driver; Virginia Kavanaugh, West School Reading Teacher; Ellen McElroy, LBHS Math Teacher; Melinda McLaughlin, LBMS PPS Secretary; Joanne McLoughlin, LBMS Secretary; Denise Menelao, LBHS Business Teacher; Suzanne Richez, Lido School Math Teacher; Barbara Russo, Lindell School Music Teacher; Sandra Schneider, West School Principal; Nancy Stofflet-Morton, East School Special Education Teacher; Carol Todaro-Bitetto, East School Math Teacher; Annmarie Tuzzolino, Lido School Teacher.
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What’s in a Name? Long Beach High School’s Title Becomes Official
Long Beach High School is now the official name of the facility that serves the Long Beach Public Schools’ ninth- through twelfth-grade students. The building was previously registered as Long Beach Senior High School, as it was never officially converted after the middle school was built many years ago.
The “Senior High School” title typically denotes that a school houses grades 10-12 only. This year, the district submitted a request to the New York State Education Department to authorize the change. “Parents and students have reported having trouble searching databases for the high school, such as when they were registering for the SAT exam, because outside organizations used the official title ‘Long Beach Senior High School,’” said Superintendent of Schools David Weiss. “Using the common name will alleviate that problem.”
The public school registration of Long Beach High School will become effective on July 1, 2016. Please refer to the building as Long Beach High School from this point on in order to maintain consistency.
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An Important Message from the High School Administration
The high school administration has been informed of a message of a threatening nature written on the inside of a girls' bathroom stall. The message referenced the last day of classes. Law enforcement authorities were notified. They have investigated the report and have concluded that the message is not a credible threat. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our top priority. Out of abundance of caution, there will be extra security present and bags will be searched on Friday. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Andrew Y. Smith, Ed.D.
Vice Principal
Long Beach High School
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Cycling smiles at Lido Elementary
Fourteen Long Beach High School mentors surprised their elementary school mentees with donated bicycles through the Long Beach Big Brothers Big Sisters organization during their end of the year celebration.
While enjoying pizza and desserts in the Lido Elementary School’s All Purpose room, high school students rode into the room on bicycles with personalized nametags to present the younger children. All bicycles were equipped with helmets and bike locks donated by two Long Beach organizations, Bikes for Kids in America and The Chain Professional Networking Group. The Littles also received a t-shirt and Frisbee from the two organizations.
Bikes for Kids in America is a not-for-profit organization with the goal of helping every child feel the joy and freedom of riding his or her own bike.
The Chain Professional Networking Group is a group of business professional who believe in building business relationships through service and charity.
Garret Guttenberg and Brian Hallinan from The Chain Professionals Networking Group, Enrico DeLuca, CEO of Bikes for Kids in America and Mark Cox, CEO of Long Island’s Big Brothers Big Sisters commended the Bigs for establishing a life-long friendship with their Littles.
In addition, Long Beach High School seniors Emily Hulbert and Raul Vidal were formally acknowledged for receiving the organization’s 2016 scholarship during the Volunteers Appreciation Reception at Crest Hollow Country Club held on April 12. The recipients received this honor for demonstrating high levels of motivation, responsibility and resiliency in their every day lives.
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Awards Night Celebrates Senior Success Stories
As the 2015-16 school year comes to a close, Long Beach High School took the time to honor many seniors who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in academics, the arts, athletics, community service and other areas. Academic Awards Night, held on June 2, is an annual tradition that celebrates a range of accomplishments.
Hundreds of awards were presented, totaling more than $100,000, thanks to the generosity of local individuals, businesses and organizations. Family members and friends came out to applaud the honorees, as did the district’s many educators who have been dedicated to student learning and success.
The string ensemble and Soundwaves vocal ensemble provided musical entertainment, and seniors Anna Falvey, Alexandra Kapilian, Jonathan Kapilian and Max Tunney performed the national anthem. Board of Education President Roy Lester, Superintendent of Schools David Weiss, High School Acting Principal Dr. Francine Newman and Interim Guidance Coordinator Benedict Baglio welcomed all attendees with opening remarks.
Senior Raul Sebastian Vidal spoke on behalf of his class and summarized the many achievements that were earned throughout the year, and National Merit Winner Jonathan Kapilian addressed the audience as well.
The Principal’s Leadership Award acknowledged Demi Amideneau, Andrew Garcia, Raul Sebastian Vidal as an exceptional role model for fellow students, and the accomplishments Jonathan Kapilian were recognized with the Principal’s Achievement Award.
Awards were presented to promising graduates from 15 high school departments, and an assortment of scholarships were provided on behalf of local PTAs, teachers’ associations, government offices, civic groups and businesses. Several recognitions were presented as memorials in honor of individuals who have touched many lives and left a lasting positive impact on the Long Beach School District and community.
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Long Beach Appoints Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
The Long Beach Public Schools has appointed Dr. Jennifer Gallagher as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, to become effective on July 1. She has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district-level leader in a variety of settings.
Most recently, Dr. Gallagher served for five years as the Director of Instructional Services for the Valley Stream Central High School District, where she supervised the district’s curriculum and instruction and led professional development. Prior to that, she was a charter school network director and a middle school principal in New York City, where she founded an innovative orchestral program and a science research program in partnership with Stony Brook Medical School. Dr. Gallagher has an extensive background in curriculum development and recently worked as a curriculum consultant for Harvard University’s Ed Labs.
Dr. Gallagher holds a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership and Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education from St. John’s University.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English 7-12 from Molloy College. The longtime educator was included in the 2000 edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers and has twice received Graduate Student Excellence Awards from St. John’s University. “I am honored to join the team at Long Beach, and am so thrilled to be part of this vibrant, child-centered community,” Dr. Gallagher stated. My goal is to ensure that our schools continue to provide the very best educational opportunities for each child in the district.”
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Marcela Contreras Receives Writer for Social Justice Award
Long Beach High School student Marcela Contreras received the Writers for Social Justice Award from the Herstory organization, based on a memoir she wrote and shared at the Herstory Gala in April. In reading her story, she brought awareness about a crucial issue that many students and their families experience.
Throughout the school year, with support of Long Beach High School staff member Kelly Dass, Marcela and twelve other Long Beach students participated in a Herstory internship at Hofstra University. The experience provided them opportunities to collaborate with current college students to develop memoirs and promote social justice reform.
The Herstory organization’s mission is to give a voice to people whose stories have been silenced and to change attitudes, policies, and lives while creating a powerful body of new grassroots, community- based literature.
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LB Spring Sports Awards
The Long Beach Public Schools celebrated another excellent season in athletics during Spring Sports Awards Night, held on June 8. Athletes received awards both individually and with their teams in honor of their efforts, skills, sportsmanship and dedication on and off the field.
The following teams were acknowledged for a season of good sportsmanship and effort: Girls badminton, baseball, boys golf, girls golf, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, boys track and girls track. The Challenger sports teams for life skills students received accolades as well.
The boys golf, girls golf, girls lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, boys spring track and girls spring track teams were recognized as Scholar/Athlete Teams by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for maintaining Grade Point Averages of 90 percent or higher.
Numerous special plaques were presented to students who have demonstrated good character, service to others, team spirit, academic excellence, leadership and passion for athletics. These awards are as follows:
• Distinguished Athlete Award: Caitlin Breglia, Joshua Keitz• National Scholar Athlete Award: Paige Rogoff, Justin Weissberg• Mark Fischgrund Memorial Award: Haley Lynch• Woody David Award: Joshua Bourne, Caitlin Pyle, John Whelan, Sarah Whelan• Corey Lovrich Memorial Award: Kaylee Callahan• Harvey Green Memorial Award: Joshua Bourne, Carly Chernoff, Alexandra McLoughlin, Kaitlyn Rivera• Lorraine Vitale Memorial Award: Jordan Barto, Michael Bulik, Kathryn Mannle, Neil Opena, Thomas Ryan• Stanley Galowin Award: Kristen Koff, Michael McCarthy, Micah Navera, Tanner Owens, Kirsthie Rodriguez• Kiwanis Club Award: Max Guttuso, Morgan Harrington• Neil Eskanazi Memorial Award: Justin Weissberg• Jay Lake Memorial Award: Marc Paez• Arthur Hurst Memorial Award: Zachary Cuddihy, David Miller• Sherman Brown Memorial Award: Margaret Aroesty, Sam Brown, Shane Morris• LBHS Athletic Department Manager of the Year: Brittany Waller• Charles Polin Memorial Award: Jeffery Galeas Mejia, Cristian Prieto-Hanlon• Career Achievement Award: Meghan Maquet, Seamus McDonagh• Brian Cohen Memorial Award: Andrew Garcia• Tom Deluca Memorial Award: Devin McHale, Chelsea Rotando• Nora Bellsey Spirit Award: Ivanna Mangiafreno
Additionally, Wrestling Coach Ray Adams received the Sam Santay & Irv Gold Memorial Award for outstanding coaching success in 2016.
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BOE Annual Reorganization Meeting - July 1 - LBMS Auditorium @ 8:30 AM
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LBHS Grads Gear Up for College-Level Sports
A total of 20 Long Beach High School seniors have committed to collegiate athletic teams for next fall.
These students have shone on and off their respective competition grounds, some of which include fields, courts and pools, throughout their high school careers.
Congratulations to the following Class of 2016 athletes:
Joshua Bourne, Nassau Community College, Wrestling
Caitlin Breglia, Bryant University, Women’s Lacrosse
Kyle Christie, Stony Brook University, Men’s Lacrosse
Max Guttuso, Emmanuel College, Men’s Volleyball
Morgan Harrington, Binghamton University, Women’s Swimming and Diving
Kipling Johnson, Hartwick College, Football
Josh Keitz, Arcadia University, Men’s Lacrosse
Sarah Kelliher, University of New Haven, Women’s Track
Marianna Lucich, Ferrum College, Wrestling
Meghan Maquet, SUNY Oswego, Women’s Swimming and Diving
Michael McCarthy, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Men’s Swimming and Diving
Seamus McDonagh, Emmanuel College, Men’s Volleyball
Tanner Owens, Salve Regina University, Men’s Basketball
Marc Paez, New York University, Wrestling
Justin Rodriguez, St. Thomas Aquinas, Baseball
Kirsthie Rodriguez, St. Joseph’s University, Softball
Thomas Ryan, SUNY Cortland, Men’s Swimming and Diving
Owen Sculley, C.W. Post, Men’s Lacrosse
Cain Tagliagambe, Nassau Community College, Men’s Lacrosse
Jordan Teemer, Alfred State College, Football
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Camp Invention
There is still time to register for Camp Invention! Click the flyer for details or visit the Camp Invention website to secure your spot.
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Summer Reading 2016 Information
Click here for more information
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