Our Middle School Night was held in January with the intent of sharing the insights of our program through the lens of graduates and parents. The expression "the grass is always greener on the other side" is true and often masks the many positive and inspiring things going on right in front of you that you may not be aware of. Below is a snapshot of what was spoken and shared by some of our wonderful former students and parents.
"...The other night I was reflecting about my time at Long Beach Catholic and how it prepared me for high school. While I was thinking, many things stood out: the great friendships I made, the incredible education I received from Pre-K to 8th grade, and the incredible sense of comfort I had every day in LBC. However, what stood out to me the most was the confidence I built at LBCRS that I don't think could have developed in any other school. Because Long Beach Catholic is such a small community, it was not as hard as speaking in front of a group of people, whether that would've been in Church or running for Student Council. Having this sense of comfort and confidence, which is rooted in the time I spent in LBC, has helped me tremendously at Sacred Heart." - Karleigh Capobianco, Class of 2018, Sophomore at Sacred Heart Academy
"...Throughout my years at Long Beach Catholic, especially Middle School, I learned how to be successful in my years in High School. LBCRS also prepared me for getting into high school. With the dedication of the Middle School teachers, students are over prepared for the high school entrance exams. One things that sets LBCRS apart from everything else is the contemporary and advancing curriculum that they have put into place in the Middle School. Whether it's from writing a research paper on the 1960's or completing virtual lab assignments in biology, LBCRS covers every aspect of education that your child needs to know. LBCRS has kept up with modern education programs by implementing Chromebooks. By using Chromebooks, students know exactly how to complete virtual work in school, which is what almost every high school has implemented. Leadership has become a very big aspect in our society, and here at Long Beach Catholic, there are many leadership opportunities. National Junior Honor Society allows students to participate in community service, even without a court order! Students are encouraged to give back to their community, and perform one big "Service Project" where they are able to manage and execute a project that can change somebody's life. This really reinstitutes the Catholic faith that is clearly visible here at Long Beach Catholic. Student Council is another great opportunity where students have the challenge of being on the student body, and representing their classmates. John F. Kennedy once said "The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth." Now in days, people have side-lined education, But not here, not at Long Beach Catholic, every student who takes advantage of the great opportunities given at LBCRS has the chance to do something great and change the world." - Jack Vista, Class of 2019, Freshman at Chaminade High School
"...My time at LBC taught me how to lead when it comes to my academics, athletics, and especially in my spiritual life, which will be so helpful at Kellenberg. I was the captain of the basketball and lacrosse teams during my time here at Long Beach Catholic, which has definitely helped me in my attempt to make new friends and join teams at such a larger school. The academic expectations at LBC have made my transition from middle school to high school as easy as possible. I have many friends who have come from a public middle school and the transition has not been nearly as easy as mine has been. Most importantly, Long Beach Catholic has prepared for my spiritual transition. Next year I hope to be chosen to be part of the PREP program, which is when students from Kellenberg attend other Catholic elementary schools in Nassau County and teach younger students about faith. My time at Long Beach Catholic has supplied me with all the tools I will need to succeed in the future along with some of my best friends I hope to keep in touch with for a long time in the future." - Jenna McGuinness, Class of 2019, Freshman at Kellenberg Memorial High School
"As a parent of four children who have or are currently attending LBCRS, I feel I should share a few of my observations and experiences here...Each of my sons and my daughter has different strengths and weaknesses academically yet each of their educational needs were met at LBCRS...All of them are prepared for the rigorous curriculum at Chaminade and beyond...LBCRS is a school that can address the needs of a wide range of students with differing abilities. One of my sons was diagnosed with a learning disability. At one point, I started to doubt that he would ever learn to read and comprehend what he was reading. I credit the teachers at LBCRS and the special ed support staff with helping my son overcome his challenges. They did this by teaching him learning strategies and helping him develop effective study habits. In addition, they encouraged him to always self-advocate and ask questions. Instead of "lowering the bar", my son's teachers held him to the same high expectations and standards to which they hold other students. They took the time to address his needs and found ways to encourage and educate him. This caring environment of skilled teachers was exactly what he needed. In fact, through his own efforts and the efforts of the teachers at LBCRS my son was declassified and is succeeding in school. He actually enjoys going to school and has become an active learner. Teachers are LBCRS take the time to KNOW each student, and they care. They want each of their students to succeed.
LBCRS is a home away from home. When I send my children to LBCRS every day, I know they will be safe. This is a huge relief to a parent raising children these days. Not only are the children safe, they are nurtured and treated as family. They are greeted every day by enthusiam and kindness. At LBCRS, Jesus is present, and it is obvious. Teachers and other staff members exude the qualities we hold most important as Catholics. They teach by example and encourage students to think of others not just themselves. They are always reminded to walk in other's shoes. This can be seen in and outside the classroom. Students get a whole education by participating in a wide range of activities that "give back" and build moral character. For example, LBCRS students participate in crucial fundraising events; they regularly raise money and awareness for charities of all kinds. From making holiday food baskets for the hungry, gathering supplies for victims of natural disasters at home and abroad, to working at local soup kitchens, to visiting with an interacting with the elderly at the LB Senior Center, students of LBCRS are making a difference. This is all part of educating the whole Catholic person. I love knowing that when my children go to school, they are able to talk about God, discuss morals and values and are learning more than just facts. When our lives are too busy to "do it all" as parents, it is good to know that our values are being reinforced at school.
My benefitted from an LBCRS education in many ways. They received a strong foundation for future success. In addition, my children have also benefitted in the relationships they have made during these formative years. Through daily interactions in and out of the classroom, my children learned how to be a good friend, classmate and teammate. By finishing eight plus years at LBCRS, my children have made lasting relationships. Lifelong friendships are another gift they take away from LBCRS.
Great things come in small packages. It is amazing to see how much LBCRS has to offer families. Thank you LBCRS!" - Current Parent (2 children have graduated, 1 is graduating and 1 is Class of 2023)
"...Every child is different, but all 3 of our children all agree that LBC was the best experience for them and prepared them very well for high school...There is something to be said about not having to travel more than a few minutes to school every day. Now that our children are in or past high school, we can really appreciate the time spent at LBC where commutes to school were short, extracurricular activities were easy for the kids and us, as parents, to participate in and attend and, finally, the closeness of the community greatly facilitated getting together with friends. Once you go to a bigger school, getting together with friends involves commutes to places like Manhasset, Garden City, Massapequa, Hempstead, etc. making it harder and trickier for parents to get their children together with their new friends...We believe it is very important to have a faith-based life to help guide your path growing up. Values that are rooted in your Catholic faith are carried on as you go off to high school and college...A larger school doesn't necessarily offer a better education. You need to look at the whole picture. A smaller school setting can still offer the same perks as larger schools, such as Regents classes, STEM programs and sports...Do you prefer to be the big fish in a small pond where your child can flourish or the small fish in a big pond where your child may get lost in the crowd during their most important formative years?..." - Former Parent