The Long Beach High School Theatre Company proudly presented The Man Who Came to Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The classic comedy is set in 1938 in a small Ohio town, unfolding inside the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley.

The production followed the play’s original structure:
                    Act One – Scene 1: A December morning; Scene 2: About a week later.
                    Act Two – Another week has passed; Christmas Eve.
                    Act Three – Christmas morning.

This year’s show featured a cast of 35 students and a backstage crew of 14. The production team was led by Director Mr. Alexander Austein, Producer Mr. Scott Scheinson, Student Director Sabrina Moy, and Stage Managers Mateo Flores and Tab Freeney. Students delivered three outstanding performances on November 20, 21, and 22.

“Our incredibly passionate and skilled students brought remarkable life to the stage, captivating everyone in the audience from start to finish,” said Julia Lang-Shapiro, Long Beach Director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts.

Date Added: 11/26/2025

Long Beach High School was thrilled to recently host its first Therapy Dog Thursday, a wellness initiative offered through Pet Partners and the high school’s newly designed Student Wellness Center known as The Well.

Students were invited to stop by The Well on Nov. 20 to meet Jackson, a gentle and friendly golden retriever, accompanied by his handler, Steve Tepper in hopes to bring calm, comfort, and connection to students through the meeting.

Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety, lift mood, and support emotional balance. The Well hopes to make Therapy Dog Thursday a regular program offered to students to encourage presence, empathy, and connection, core values that align closely with the mission of The Well.

Long Beach Wellness Center Teacher Kristen Ford said, Jackson brought an energy of calm and connection to The Well. It's amazing how something so gentle can be so powerful. You could feel the shift in the room. Students who spent time with him left smiling, lighter, and more grounded.

The Well is Long Beach High School’s dedicated Student Wellness Center providing students a calming, inclusive space where students can pause, reset, and build tools to support their mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through mindfulness, movement, and wellness education, The Well fosters a culture of balance and resilience. It is a place where every student feels grounded, empowered, and confident to lead with compassion, both in and beyond the classroom.

Long Beach High School’s Theatre and IB Dance students recently had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a West End–style masterclass led by Kieran Jae, Head of Musical Theatre at Performers College Essex, part of BIMM University in the United Kingdom.

Performers College and BIMM University are internationally recognized for training performers who go on to work professionally across the West End, Broadway, and international stages.

During his visit to Long Beach High School, Mr. Jae worked with students in Studio in Theatre, Musical Theatre, and IB Dance classes—offering hands-on instruction, professional-level feedback, and an inspiring glimpse into the world of collegiate and professional performing arts training.

In addition, Mr. Jae shared valuable insight into UK performing arts education and pathways for international students interested in pursuing their passion abroad.

This special experience was made possible through a collaborative effort among the School Counseling Department, the Department of Media, Visual, and Performing Arts, and the Athletics Department, highlighting Long Beach’s commitment to providing students with diverse, world-class learning opportunities that bridge academics, wellness, and the arts.

Long Beach Public Schools is proud to announce that eight talented Long Beach orchestra students have been selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) ensembles that will take place in the new year.

Selection to the LISFA ensembles is highly competitive and reflects both individual excellence and strong ensemble preparation. Students will join peers from across Long Island for rehearsals and performances under the direction of distinguished guest conductors. This distinguished honor recognizes their musicianship, dedication, and hard work and is an exceptional opportunity for artistic growth and collaboration.

Congratulations to the following students on this outstanding accomplishment. We look forward to hearing them represent Long Beach with pride: Brooklyn Quigley, grade 10, Long Beach High School, Division 9–10 Orchestra, and Maia Rossi, grade 11, Long Beach High School, Division 11–12 Orchestra, both under the direction of Sun Shin; Katya Karnegie, grade 8, Long Beach Middle School, Division 7–8 Orchestra and Kelsey Parker, grade 6, Long Beach Middle School, Division 6 Orchestra, both taught by David Lobenstein; Jiya Klarner, grade 5, Lido Elementary School, Theodore Bergman, grade 5, Lindell Elementary School, and McCartney Borello grade 5, West Elementary School, all taught by Noelle Bach and performing in the Division 5 Orchestra; and Elliot Rocklin, grade 5, East Elementary School, Division 5 Orchestra, taught by Sofia Notar-Francesco.

The district extends appreciation and gratitude to our dedicated orchestra teachers for their expert instruction and mentorship, and to families for their continued support. This achievement showcases the strength of Long Beach’s music program and the passion of our student musicians.

Long Beach Public Schools proudly celebrated the induction of four honorees into the district’s Wall of Fame during a ceremony held on October 11 at Long Beach High School. Established in 1996, the Wall of Fame recognizes alumni and community members whose achievements serve as an inspiration for current students and the entire Long Beach community.

This year’s inductees include the 2005 State Champion Ice Hockey Team, Stefan Chernaski (’88), Jeff Kupferman (’70), and Colonel Estee Pinchasin (’93). All inductees were celebrated for their lasting impact on athletics, public service, education, and leadership.

The 2005 State Champion Ice Hockey Team made school history with their thrilling State Finals victory, overcoming the top-seeded Cheektowaga Warriors. Their resilience and teamwork inspired generations of future players and cemented the program’s place in Long Beach sports legacy.

Stefan Chernaski excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball before embarking on a distinguished 30-year career with the Long Beach Police Department, where he serves as Commanding Officer of the Detective Division. Chernaski has been honored with numerous commendations, including the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association Distinguished Service Award.

Jeff Kupferman devoted three decades as a beloved school social worker at Long Beach High School, known for his compassion and unwavering dedication to students. His positive influence continues to resonate within the community long after his 2010 retirement.

Colonel Estee Pinchasin has built an extraordinary military career, currently serving as Joint Director of Logistics at the National Security Agency. A former Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, she has led large-scale engineering projects and emergency recovery operations, earning multiple commendations including two Bronze Star Medals and six Meritorious Service Medals.

“Each of these inductees reflects the spirit of excellence and service that defines Long Beach,” said Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, Long Beach Superintendent of Schools. “Their accomplishments inspire our students to dream big and make a difference.”

The ceremony was hosted by Long Beach Board of Trustee Sam Pinto, serving as Master of Ceremonies. The event celebrated not only the 2025 honorees but also the legacy of past inductees whose names grace the Wall of Fame. The Long Beach Wall of Fame is a lasting tribute to the school community’s shared pride and achievement.