Long Beach Middle School

Social Studies Department

Grade 6

We would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with the curriculum, requirements, etc. for your child in Social Studies this year. Our efforts are aimed at helping your child reach and exceed the rigorous new state standards and at the same time prepare for the future.

In the sixth grade, the following topics will be studied:

Geography
Mesopotamia/Egypt
Greece
Rome
Holocaust
Middle Ages/Western Europe
Communism/Eastern Europe
Middle East understanding

By the year's end, students will be exposed to the following skills:

Map Skills - Identify using scale, key, longitude, latitude
Geography - Know Seven Continents, Four Oceans, Equator, Prime Meridian, Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
Culture - Appreciate different cultures. Have an and appreciation for the contributions past cultures have given to present civilizations. Should also understand the impacts of various religions.
Environment - Understand how the environment impacts a particular region.
Government - Understand how present day government has been influenced by governments of past civilizations.
Economics - People throughout history have had to solve basic economic problems. These problems have affected the growth and development of these civilizations.
Writing - To be able to write a clear, well constructed essay. To be able to interpret various documents and then respond to a posed question in essay format.
Current Events - Students will be able to write a summary and develop an opinion of issues from the newspaper and/or magazine articles.

In order for your child to meet or exceed the state standards, and to gain the needed background to succeed in high school and/or beyond, it is imperative that you stress good work and study habits with your child. For example, get to class on time. Your child must come to class prepared, participate in class discussions, study for tests given, and complete all assigned homework or projects on time.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Grade 7

Dear Parents or Guardians,

In the seventh grade, the following topics will be discussed:

Geography - Map reading, location of various places using latitude and longitude, vocabulary
Native Americans - Relationship between the culture of Native Americans and Europeans
Explorers - Impact of Europeans and European culture on North America
Colonial Life - Differences and similarities in colonial economic, political, and social life
Americans Revolution - Causes, events and results of the struggle for independence
U.S. Government - Origins and main features of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights... continued on next page...
Evolution of a New Nation - Domestic and foreign policy decisions of our early presidents
Westward Expansion - Territorial growth of the United States
Civil War - Causes, events, and results of the War between the States
Reconstruction - Policies, events and effects on the reunited nation
Frontier/Settling of West - Indian Wars, Transcontinental Railroad, Cattle Kingdom, closing of the Open Range
Current Events - Students will be able to write a summary, clearly state and opinion on issues from the newspaper and/or magazine articles, and provide information to support that opinion

The following skills will be stressed and practiced throughout the year.

Compare and contrast
Analyze causes and effects of major events in American History
Vocabulary
Interpret political cartoons, documents, readings, graphs, etc.
Essay Writing / DBQ (document based questions)
Develop and support viewpoints on a variety of issues from the past and present

Grade 8

In the 8th grade, the following topics will be studied:

Government
Changing Economy/Industrialization
Growth of corporations
Rise of labor unions
Interdependence of
Changing Society
Immigration
Growth of cities
Progressive Period
Imperialism/ U.S. becomes a world power
Major events of the 20th century
World War I
Roaring 20s
Great Depression
World War II
Cold War to present (including Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War, decline of communism, etc.)

Throughout the year students will be exposed to the following skills:

Map Skills - Students should be able to locate area, read and interpret maps
Cause and Effect - Students should be able to explain the causes of major events in American History and the effects of those events on society, the economy and the government.
Compare and Contrast - Students should be able to explain the similarities and the differences among points of view on major issues related to the United States
Essay Writing - Students should be able to provide an expanded explanation with support or persuasion in an essay format
Interpret - Students should be able to interpret graphs, cartoons, readings, diagrams, etc.
Follow Directions- Students should be able to follow clearly written or explained directions.

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

LARC & APT Students Recognized at Recent Board Meeting for Regional, National, and International Awards

Students in Long Beach's LARC and APT programs. thumbnail266936

Students in Long Beach’s LARC (Learning Activities to Raise Creativity) and APT (Academic Program for the Talented) programs achieved remarkable success in a variety of prestigious competitions at the regional, national, and international levels. These students were recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting.

WordMasters Challenge National Honors

Long Beach LARC students earned impressive accolades in the 2024 WordMasters Challenge™, a national critical thinking competition that tasks students with mastering vocabulary and solving analogies that require both analytical and metaphorical reasoning.

A team of LARC 3rd graders placed 4th in the nation out of 81 teams in the second meet. Contributing to this success were:

- Beckett McCaffrey-Ricardo
- Grace McCaffrey-Ricardo
- Reef Tomao
- Leo Kushner
- Ade Burgess
- Jesse Sardis
- Graham Wilsusen
- Max April
- Benjamin Onufrock
- Juliet Polland
- Waverly Schaffer
- Declan Garvey

Additionally, Jackson Ferraro, Theodore Bergman, and Jiya Klarner each earned a perfect score of 20 on the final meet.

Top Honors:
The following students ranked in the Top 2% nationally and were recognized with High Honors:

- Max April
- Presley Cavallo
- Caylee Donaghy
- Arwyn Donofrio
- Charles Johnston
- Slate Koss
- Benjamin Kupferman
- Beckett McCaffrey-Ricardo
- Kylie McDonnell
- Rowan McLaughlin
- Jack McNicholas
- August Rodabaugh
- Luke Weiss
- Graham Wilsusen
- Theodore Bergman – Perfect Score
- Jiya Klarner – Perfect Score

Honorable Mention:
Awarded to students who ranked in the Top 10% nationally:

- Mason Bermeo
- Ade Burgess
- Noelle Calabrese-Decatrel
- Colin Cestaro
- Brody Dowler
- Madeline Eckert
- John Fenrich
- Peter Latman
- Daniel Mooney
- Vittoria Mortillaro
- Savannah Munisteri
- Maeve O’Sullivan
- Juliet Pagano
- Wolfe Scanio
- Laina Sisko
- Lincoln Tomao
- Jack Wilsusen
- Jackson Ferraro – Also earned a perfect score
- Juliet Polland – Also part of 4th-place team in Meet 2

Wonder League Robotics International Invitational

Long Beach’s 4th grade LARC Robotics teams qualified for the Wonder League Robotics Competition (WLRC) International Invitational Round, an international challenge with over 8,000 teams from 70 countries. Only the top 12% advance to this round, following five months of intensive, story-based coding and problem-solving challenges.

Invitational Team Members Include:
Rider Lalli, Blythe Aull, Noa Johnson, Dylan Llewellyn, Benjamin Kupferman, Jiya Klarner, Luke Kupferman, Noelle Calabrese, Rocket Martin, Savannah Munisteri, McCartney Borello, Presley Cavallo, Brynn Gerns, Elliana Kessler, Dylan Lomitola, Juliet Pagano, Rafe Kaminsky, Luke Weiss, Cole Weiss, Dylan Watts, August Rodabaugh, Mackenzie Pastuch, Abigail Northrop, Ila McNally, Theodore Bergman, Colin Cestaro, John Fenrich, Jonah Jackowitz, and Charles Johnston.

SIFMA Foundation’s Regional Stock Market Game Success

Two LARC teams earned Top 10 Regional Rankings out of approximately 200 teams in the SIFMA Foundation’s Long Island Stock Market Game:

Rosalia Heindrichs and Truman Rodabaugh (Grade 5): 6th Place
Anthony Amato and Luke Johanson (Grade 3): 8th Place

Additional students placing in the Top 30 include:

Dana Donofrio, Samuel Valencia (Grade 3)
Luke Kupferman, Juliet Pagano (Grade 4)

This financial literacy challenge teaches students to manage a $100,000 virtual portfolio, enhancing their understanding of economics, investing, and personal finance.

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Awards

Four LARC teams earned Honorable Mention in the Toshiba NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition, placing in the Top 10% of entries across the U.S. and Canada. These projects were recognized for their innovation in solving real-world challenges.

Award-Winning Projects (Grade 6 APT Students)

TFOBL: The Future of Bionic Limbs
Harlen Werner, Ryann Jennings, Jack Wilsusen, Madeline Eckert
BreatheEasy: The Asthma Shirt
Laina Sisko, Grayson Eichin, Jayden Torres
FinSpotter
Arwyn Donofrio, Kailin Haber, Brody Dowler, Murphy Moser
Brain Buddy Robot
Caylee Donaghy, Cruz Nafte
Additional Honorable Mentions

EcoBot Cleaner: Harper Tomao, Abe Jackowitz, Emmet Klein
Artificial Ice Sheets: Brendan Smith, Jack O’Grady, Joseph Montone, Lucas Onufrock
Air20: Mackenzie Kaplan, Victoria DaSilva, Isla Lomitola, Zoey Pinto
Regional Winners

Visionary: Cole O’Connor, Sam O’Donoghue, Sullivan Limmer, Edward Grossman

WordMasters Gold Division – Additional Honorable Mentions

Paxton Cavallo
Lucas Onufrock
Diane Seman

These outstanding results are a testament to the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking fostered through Long Beach’s LARC and APT programs. Congratulations to all students, coaches, and families involved!

Date Added: 6/11/2025

LBMS students partner with the Long Beach Latino Civic Association

Long Beach Middle School recently partnered with the Long Beach Latino Civic Association (LBLCA) on a Seedling Project funded by a grant from New York State. This meaningful opportunity was brought to the district by Helen Dorado Alessi, Director of the LBLCA. It was the perfect project for eighth-grade English as a New Language (ENL) students to work on as part of the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) community project. The community project provides an important opportunity for students ages 13-14 to collaborate and pursue service learning.

After the students showcased their research, the project culminated with a hands-on community planting event. Families joined in the celebration, and after the planting activities were completed, the LBLCA hosted lunch for all attendees.

Date Added: 5/28/2025

LBMS Students Connect with Astronauts in Space

Long Beach Middle School sixth grade students gathered in the school’s auditorium on May 20 to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity, a live NASA Downlink event.

A NASA Downlink is a unique educational program where astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) connect with students on Earth. As part of this event, astronauts answered pre-recorded questions from the Long Beach sixth grade students live from space. It was an unforgettable moment, as the voices of our young learners echoed across the cosmos, sparking curiosity and inspiration for all in attendance.

"The success of this event is a testament to the incredible dedication and teamwork of our students and teachers, who spend a lot of time preparing and filming their questions,” said Long Beach Director of Science PK-12 Cristie Tursi. “Their excitement, commitment, and passion for science and space exploration were truly on display.”

Special thanks to Long Beach science educators Julie Brodsky, Liz Chimienti, Regina Dean, Caroline Espinet, Natasha Nurse, Rich Pellegrini and Patty Van Loon whose tireless efforts helped guide this initiative from concept to reality. Additionally with appreciation and much gratitude to the LBMS Administration, Faculty, and Staff, whose support was vital in making this project possible.

Click here to view the LBMS Students Connect with Astronauts in Space slideshow.

Click Below to See Full Video of the Event…