The Long Beach Public Schools’ April 21 Board of Education Meeting featured several awards and recognitions, as well as a presentation on science, technology, engineering and math initiatives. The evening began with the celebration of achievements and awarding of certificates to the honorees.
The first round of distinctions went to elementary school students who earned top results in the regional Odyssey of the Mind problem-solving competition. Ira Argiro, Anthony Caramese, Jack Clancy, Jacob LoCascio, Ryder Moss, Skyler Oberlander, Shayna Rivera of the Problem Two team; Jordan Collinson, Samantha Fales, Keira Hult, Laika Khan, Ava Liguori, Ava Rand and Briella Robinson of the Problem Three team and Hailey Brandt, Nikkita Kissoon, Matthew O’Connor, Abigail Phillips, Angelina Piccolino, Noah Robinson and Chloe Silverberg of the Problem Five Team were applauded as first place winners.
Matthew O’Connor received a special congratulations as the Omer Award winner, and high school students Maddy Fischer and Charlotte Kasper were acknowledged for their volunteer efforts that helped the groups prepare.
Following the student recognitions, staff members were honored for their success through the Transportation Mentor Program. This relatively new initiative intends to provide current staff members with training opportunities that will help them to advance in their careers and become qualified to apply when new positions are posted in the district. Cindy Zarate, who started out as a bus matron, was appointed bus driver after having worked with mentors Edwin Algarin, Kenny Brooks, Kendrick McPhoy and Ana Quintero.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kenneth Graham, Director of STEM 6-12 Dr. Deborah Lovrich and Director of K-5 Elementary Curriculum Sean Murray led a presentation on STEM opportunities and enhancements throughout the schools. They discussed the use of Chromebooks as well as courses that focus on STEM such as the IB Computer Sciences class that will be introduced at the high school in September. Robotics clubs will be added at each elementary school and included in the middle school curriculum for next year.