Long Beach Middle School

Art Department

The Long Beach Middle School Fine Arts Department offers a variety of courses that are intended to:

Enrich the students' lives
Stimulate and encourage the students' creative growth
Increase the students' understanding of importance of Art in contemporary living and in our cultural heritage
Help the students to enjoy, appreciate and learn to value works of art
Develop in students those skills, techniques and understandings which are essential for quality work in the visual arts
Identify and encourage students with particular aptitudes for the visual arts
Provide guidance for students who have an interest in the vocational aspects of the visual arts. Art courses are open to all students

Our middle school art department offers art classes in grades 6, 7 and 8 and Studio Art. Students participate in many special art events during the course of the school year. On the district level, some of these activities include the Art Supervisors Association All-County Art Exhibition in March, the New York State Art Teacher Association's Portfolio Project in April and the District Art Show in May.

NEW YORK STATE LEARNING STANDARDS FOR THE ARTS

1. Creating, Performing and Participating in the Arts: Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts and participate in various roles in the arts.

2. Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources: Students will be knowledgeable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participation in the arts in various roles.

3. Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art: Students will respond critically to works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought.

4. Understanding the Cultural Dimension and Contribution of the Arts: Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.

Current News

LBMS Celebrates Class of 2025

Long Beach Middle School’s eighth graders marked their transition to high school during a Moving-Up Ceremony held on June 25 at Veteran’s Field.

Principal Erica Northcutt opened the late afternoon event with a warm welcome following the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony featured a student performance of Billy Joel’s “Vienna,” setting a reflective tone for the occasion.

Board of Education Trustee Dr. Dennis Ryan offered advice to the graduates, stressing the value of punctuality, face-to-face connections, and cultivating a few close friendships. He shared his confidence in their future success.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher also addressed the class, noting that their start in kindergarten coincided with her own start in Long Beach. She expressed pride in their accomplishments and excitement for what lies ahead.

Student Organization President Lola Gildersleeve delivered heartfelt remarks midway through the presentation of diplomas and awards, representing her classmates’ voices and memories. To close the ceremony, incoming Long Beach High School Principal Dr. Andrew Smith welcomed the students to their next chapter.

Date Added: 6/26/2025

Long Beach Middle School Students Explore Careers

Long Beach Middle School students explored a wide range of professions during the school’s annual Career Fair that took place on June 16. Held in the gymnasium, the event provided students with an interactive opportunity to rotate through various career-focused stations and engage directly with professionals.

Representatives from various fields including law enforcement, fire services, healthcare, education, arts and literature shared their experiences and insights. Students heard from police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, artists, and authors, among others. Each presenter offered a unique and hands-on experience, giving students a deeper understanding of daily responsibilities and the skills required in their respective careers.

In addition to highlighting the day-to-day aspects of each job, speakers discussed the educational and professional pathways that led them to their current roles.

Beyond career exploration, the event also fostered stronger ties between students and the community. Many volunteers were Long Beach residents and alumni. By showcasing a variety of local career opportunities, the Career Fair helped students gain a clearer understanding of the diverse professions that contribute to the fabric of Long Beach and its surrounding areas.

Click here to view the Long Beach Middle School Students Explore Careers slideshow.

Date Added: 6/25/2025