Long Beach Schools Opens Doors For New Year of Learning

When students at Long Beach Public Schools returned to classes on Sept. 5, they found new and upgrade facilities awaiting them.

These including new windows at East School and new interior doors at East, West and Lindell schools. At the Lido Complex, work is drawing to a close on the completion of the additions, which include new classroom space, library media centers and administrative offices. Work has also been proceeding on the high school addition, which is expected to be completed in late fall.

A total of 42 students in the Class of 2013 have declared themselves as International Baccalaureate diploma candidates. Seven new college-level IB course offerings are available at the high school this year.

After a year of exploratory studies of the middle school curriculum, the district has submitted an “Intent to Apply” to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6-8, the first step in the three-year application process. The program’s goals are consistent with those of the IB program, which the school district said aim to develop young people who are inquirers, knowledgeable, well-balanced, principled, thinkers, open-minded, caring, risk takers, reflective and communicators. Several presentations are scheduled throughout the year to acquaint parents with the MYP. A video illustrating what an MYP classroom looks like can be found at the district's website.

All elementary students in grades 3-5 will be participating in S.P.I.R.I.T., which stands for Specialized Program Integrating Research, IB Principles and 21st Century Technology. This program integrates skills taught in a traditional library program with 21st century technology skills in order to develop students who have the ability to access and utilize information, the district said.

In June 2012, the district adopted a revised code of conduct that is in compliance with the Dignity for All Students Act, a New York state education law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education. The principals of each school and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Vincent Butera have been designated as Dignity Act coordinators.