The Long Beach Public Schools’ elementary buildings participated in a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration on Sept. 15 when they observed International Dot Day. This movement is inspired by the book “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds, which illustrates people’s power to make their marks on the world.

Throughout the schools, classes read and discussed “The Dot” and other books related to the theme. Students participated in Dot Day declarations, artwork and other activities, and many incorporated dots into their attire as well.

Students at Lindell shared their reflections during their morning announcements. “I make my mark by being kind,” “I make my mark by being creative” and “I make my mark by being different” are some of the thoughts they expressed.

East, Lido and West students showcased their abilities to make their marks through illustrations and paper dots, and West students additionally demonstrated the day’s message by raising funds for those impacted by Hurricane Ida.

Kindergarten classes at West Elementary School celebrated the Lunar New Year with lessons and activities. Students explored the festival’s origin and traditions through various hands-on projects led by teachers Anne LaPenna, Michelle Spreckels and Chelsea Way.

This Lunar New Year, which represents the year of the Ox, took place on Feb. 12. Leading up to the day, students created and exchanged red envelopes that were filled with tokens to symbolize prosperity and happiness. Classes discussed the significance of the tokens, which are given in even numbers for good luck, as well as the meaning of the holiday.  They also decorated paper lanterns while learning about the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the lunar calendar’s first month, and dressed in red to symbolize happiness, wealth, and good fortune.

Ms. Spreckels’ classroom featured a “museum” of artifacts from China. Items included a fan, a parasol, scroll writing, silk scarves and authentic decorations. Students learned the phrase “Gung hay fat choy,” which conveys wishes for a happy new year, and enjoyed traditional Chinese music. 

Students in the Long Beach Public Schools earned recognition for their entries in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster and Essay Contest sponsored by the City of Long Beach. Students learned about Dr. King’s contributions and impact, then conveyed their own messages about his legacy through art and writing.

The contest was open to all students from elementary through high school and asked them to incorporate the theme of “Unity, Service and Collaboration During the Pandemic” into their work.

Poster winners are Long Beach Middle School student Sydney Brandt, Lindell School students Kaitlyn Dambrose and Maximo Vitolo and West School students Erica Addey and Blaise DeNicola. Their pieces are titled “Emancipation,” “Teamwork,” “We Will Make It Through,” “Let Freedom Ring” and “Love Beats Hate,” respectively.

The district’s essay contest winners are Lily Eustate of Long Beach High School and Bianca Leible from West, along with a Long Beach Catholic Regional School student.

West School raised approximately $850 in donations that will go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids’ Mustaches for Kids Long Island Chapter. Board of Education Member Sam Pinto is a participant in the program, and the contributions from West families will go toward his fundraising efforts to help MSK Kids provide treatment and research of childhood cancer. Many students decorated their face masks with mustache cutouts and illustrations to help promote the endeavor.

West School’s kindergarteners are officially authors! Classes recently culminated their first unit of the Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. The district is rolling out this new reading and writing initiative at all its elementary buildings to take literacy instruction to the next level. The young authors at West walked the red carpet in celebration of their accomplishments and shared their stories.