The LEFT program at the Lindenhurst Senior High School is a well known program all throughout the school. Although it is notorious for, “missing too much class due to field trips,” the field trips are actually a crucial part of the program. The program takes many trips including a trip to Montauk. The program is open to students who are a part of the AP Biology class. 

The LEFT motto is, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”. This perfectly explains the importance of learning with hands on experiences along with teaching others. One of the most important trips that the class goes on is taking the fourth graders, from the district’s elementary schools, on a tour of the Sunken Forest in Fire Island. This is important since it creates an experience that the fourth graders will never forget. This trip is beneficial for the students who are a part of the AP Biology classes since it allows for them to learn by teaching and having a hands on experience rather than sitting in a classroom and being lectured. 

Alexis Provenz, a Junior at Lindenhurst High School who is currently enrolled in the AP Biology course, said “LEFT was amazing. I saw so many interesting things that I wouldn’t have had another opportunity to witness. I actually learned a lot while having fun. LEFT was an all round great experience and it caused me to appreciate the unique ecosystems of Long Island.” Along with the infamous Fire Island trip, the LEFT program takes students to places all over Long Island, including Sunken Meadow. Here, students navigated themselves through a forest using a compass and students studied the geology of the North Shore. Along with visiting Sunken Meadow State Park, the program brought students to the Nissequogue River where they canoed for three hours down the river while learning the ecology of the North Shore. Afterwards, participants enjoyed a nice bonfire and a barbecue. 

Additionally, LEFT took a trip to Montauk. There, they visited the light house and attended a museum tour. Afterwards, they climbed the light house and witnessed it’s beautiful view. They learned about a women who prevented erosion that almost destroyed the light house and this put emphasis on the power of one and how even one person can make a change. 

Mr. Polochak is the AP Biology teacher, he is also in charge of the LEFT program. He cares a lot about the curriculum as a whole and is a wonderful teacher. In fact, Lindenhurst’s success rate for the AP Biology exam is well above the national average by approximately 30%. When asked why the AP Biology curriculum is beneficial, Mr. Polochak’s response was, “The things students learn outside, they can’t see, learn and touch in a classroom. Being able to teach young kids (fourth graders) and have those kids not realize they are being taught by other children is an amazing feeling and a great opportunity for high school students to take on the role of a legitimate teacher and show off what they learned.”

The AP Biology class is a great choice for students who wants to pursue a career in the Biological field. This class implements a college level education but with a “safety net.” Mr. Polochak is a great teacher to lead students through a challenging yet exciting class.