A Special Advertising Section August 23, 2012
Back to the Classroom!
Strategies for success
Sec. B
Schools in action A peek at the 2012-13 school year By The Herald Staff B
W
hen our children return to school shortly, they’ll find much more awaiting them besides those brand new school supplies, fresh paint and polished floors. Here’s the Herald’s annual look at what’s ahead in the new school year.
Elementary schools restructured in Baldwin
The climate in the Baldwin Free Union School District will be quite different in 2012-13, at least in the lower grades. Budget constraints and declining enrollment forced the closures of two elementary schools: Shubert and Milburn, and the students from those schools will be split between Steele, Brookside and Lennox. A shuffling of principals also accompanied the closings. Long-time familiar face Joan Flately, principal at the Meadow School, has retired and will be replaced by Echele May, formerly principal at Shubert. Lori Presti, who had been serving double duty presiding over Milburn and Steele, will condense her duties to focus on Steele alone.
Facilities improvements and curriculum changes in Long Beach
dents return to school in September, the most obvious changes they will note are in the facilities around the district. Projects to be completed for the start of school include the installation of new windows at East School, masonry restoration at East and West schools, and new interior doors at East, West and Lindell. In the fall, students can also look forward to the completion of the additions at the Lido Complex, which include new classroom space, library media centers and administrative offices. Work has been proceeding on the high school addition, which is expected to be completed in late fall. As Long Beach High School prepares to begin its third year as an International Baccalaureate World School, a total of 42 Continued on page 2
When Long Beach Public School stu-
FIRST DAY FEARS
OVERCOMING SHYNESS
HANDLING HOMEWORK
Soothing those anxious moments
Raising confident kids
Don’t let homework become a hassle
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The other major change affecting the district is on the Board of Education, where Eric Harrison, a small-business owner and former head of the Shubert PTA, will replace Robert “B.A.” Schoen, who served on the board since 1996. Mary Jo O’Hagan, the current board president and an 18-year veteran, retained her seat in a hotly contested election. Budget cuts also forced Baldwin to reconsider its PAG program for gifted and talented students. The district will roll out new options for its most eager charges this year and claims the new plan will be inclusive of a greater variety of learners.
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