Social Studies and World Languages

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” Rita Mae Brown

At the Middle School, students experience learning through a “Growth Mindset” supported by the Middle Years Program approaches to teaching and learning. “Learners” or students are at the heart of all learning- - striving to be “principled, balanced, open-minded, caring and knowledgeable inquirers, thinkers and communicators” who recognize their common humanity and “help to create a better and more peaceful world.” (IB Learner Profile) Middle Students celebrate Foreign Language Month, participate in essay contests, book talks, scavenger hunts and research topics of interest to them in the Media Center or on their Chromebooks. In 6th grade Social Studies, in addition to exploring the Ancient World, students have the opportunity to participate in the “Take me to Vote” program.  All 7th grade Social Studies students delve deep into historical research and show what they know through projects that are showcased at our Long Beach History Day in January. Finalists then go on to compete at the Long Island History Day Contest at Hofstra University. All 8th grade students complete a community project, which encourages students to reflect on their learning and outcomes of their work and provides them with the opportunity to collaborate and pursue service learning and serves as the Middle School Capstone project for the Seal of Civic Readiness.

At the High School, students are invited to explore their options beyond taking the required New York State Regents exams in Social Studies by enrolling in AP World History, Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) US History or IB History of the Americas HL International Baccalaureate. There are also many exciting elective courses, such as Psychology, IB Psychology, IB Social Cultural Anthropology, and the Race, Gender and Politics course. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to pursue the Seal of Civic Readiness through service learning, volunteerism, civic engagement, internships or employment. For World Languages, students are encouraged to further challenge themselves beyond the Checkpoint B exam by taking IB classes or college-level classes in French, Italian or Spanish and applying for membership to the World Language Honor Society.  Long Beach High School is proud to offer the opportunity of earning the New York State Seal of Biliteracy to students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in communicating in English and at least one other language.

We hope you enjoy your journey through the Long Beach Social Studies and World Language programs, courses and clubs.

Theresa Scudiero
Director of Social Studies and World Languages
Long Beach Public Schools
239 Lido Boulevard
Lido Beach, NY 11561
516-771-3979
tscudiero@lbeach.org