At the November 14 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Gallagher began her report by introducing Long Beach Science Research Teacher Kristen Conklin who presented this month’s student showcase on Science Research along with middle school students Shayna Tozer and Isabella Schembri and high school students Sam Adler, Sydney Bergstein, Casey Kemins, Hailey Kemins, Cassel Koss, Vanessa Maltez and Jordan Soriano from the program. Ms. Conklin gave an overview of the program and each of the students gave project updates. Project topics included The Chemistry of Stock Solutions, Connecting to Our Local Waterways and Utilizing Sorbitol to Engineer Hydrogels for Increasing Plant Resistance to Drought Conditions among others.

The Science Research Program aligns with the mission statement of the Long Schools by encouraging critical thinkers and problem solvers, providing experiences beyond the classroom, encouraging partnerships in the community, providing collaborative and hands on experiences for students, allows students to think locally, act globally and sparks curiosity.

Long Beach Middle School students who participate in the program focus on skill-building including data collection and analysis. Introduction to community partnerships, environmental concerns, and analyzing research papers.

Grade 9 students who participate focus on skill-building with 2-3 guided experiments and compete in local and national science fairs.

Grade 10-12 students who participate apply new skills to research project of choice, work collaboratively in teams, find mentors and present at pre-college research science fairs.

Following the student showcase presentation, Long Beach Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michael DeVito shared an overview of the district’s proposed Capital Plan that includes improvements to indoor air quality through mechanical ventilation and air conditioning in areas of the schools where needed along with some exciting educational space enhancements.

Mr. DeVito’s presentation slides can be found on the Long Beach District website at: http://www.lbeach.org/Assets/2324_Presentations/111423_Proposed_Capital_Plan_BOE_Nov_14_2023_110923_(1).pdf?v=359

To watch the full meeting, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbB2fFpoCM

Date Added: 11/28/2023