Students in Janice Dougherty’s kindergarten art class at Forest Avenue Elementary School celebrated International Dot Day on Sept. 15. This day started in 2009, and encourages students to make their mark, be creative, and be courageous, in honor of the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. In the book, the main character makes a dot by not making a dot. Kindergarten artists created their own not-a-dots using bingo markers. Students were encouraged to decorate around a circle, leaving the space blank and creating a negative shape.

Date Added: 9/20/2023

On Sept. 7, students in Mrs. Cardone’s reading class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School conducted a gallery walk. Their objective was to examine strong writing about reading and identify the characteristics that make each journal entry strong. Each class worked collaboratively in small groups to analyze and discuss the characteristics of strong writing about reading. They cited specific evidence on Post-It notes and placed them around the charts.

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Date Added: 9/14/2023

West Babylon School District welcomed back students and staff for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Students were all smiles as they kicked off the new year with plenty of smiles and sunshine to start their day on Sept. 5.

With their backpacks filled with new school supplies, the elementary students were eager to start the school year, meet their teachers, and reconnect with their friends. The district’s youngest learners met with their teachers and explored their new classrooms and buildings prior to the start of the school year.

At West Babylon Junior High School and West Babylon Senior High School, teachers, staff members and administrators greeted students at the building entrances. The incoming sixth grade and ninth grade students familiarized themselves with their buildings, lockers and schedule during their respective orientations prior to the start of the school year.

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Date Added: 9/7/2023

The Senior High School hosted a summer school credit recovery program for students in grades 7-12. The summer school program ran from July 5 through Aug. 15. This six-week program allowed students to recover credit they did not earn during the 2022-2023 school year.

The following courses were offered: Algebra 1, geometry, biology, earth science, environmental science, English (7th-11th grade), Global history 9, Global history 10 and U.S. history. Students with English language development instruction (ENL) received support from certified teachers each week, in addition to their classroom teachers. The school’s psychologist, social worker and guidance counselor were available every day to meet with students and/or groups to answer questions and provide any support needed.

In addition, the Senior High School held an intervention program (before school hours) for any student who already earned credits in their courses but wanted additional support. Prior to the New York State Regents exams on Aug. 16 and 17, students had the option to participate in a weeklong Regents prep course in courses including Global history, U.S. History, Algebra, Algebra 2, Geometry, biology, earth science and English.

Date Added: 8/15/2023

Ms. Bocca's English 11 students at West Babylon Senior High School’s summer program are using various resources to make and support claims about major themes in “The Great Gatsby.” Students practiced their argumentation skills on their posters, using evidence and insight to make their arguments more convincing. Students collaborated with school librarian Mrs. Kelly to improve their skills on using a variety of library databases to access research.

Date Added: 8/15/2023