West Babylon Junior High School librarian Michelle Statfeld has been named the recipient of the Fresh Start award from the Suffolk School Library Media Association. The Fresh Start award is given to a school librarian either after their first years in the profession, or their first years in a new school.

Ms. Statfeld has worked hard this year to foster an environment ensuring that the library supports all learners. She has achieved this by providing differentiated instruction and resources to support the West Babylon Junior High School community, promoting digital citizenship, internet safety and media literacy, as well as facilitating professional development to support the effective use of educational technology. She has also demonstrated a love of reading as a foundational skill for learning, personal growth and enjoyment.

Ms. Statfeld has developed and implemented several special programs and initiatives throughout the year including the STEM zone, career exploration, History Club, Screen-Free Week, Amazon Project STEM and the Book Fairies book drive. She has collaborated with the West Babylon Public Library to ensure equitable access to the public library’s resources for all learners.

In addition, Ms. Statfeld is the recipient of the 2023 SSLMA Library Grant with her project, American Sign Language STEM Station, which will give students and teachers an opportunity to learn American Sign Language using hands-on activities. She initiated the application and received $500from SSLMA to start the new station.

Date Added: 5/17/2023