The district held its first elementary Science Olympiad competition on May 23. Students from Tooker Avenue, Forest Avenue, Santapogue, John F. Kennedy and South Bay elementary schools joined together at the West Babylon Junior School to show off their STEAM skills.

Members of the West Babylon Senior High School and adviser Andrea Durbin organized the five competitive events. Prior to competition night, the high school students mentored the elementary students to prepare them for the events.

“The high school students did a phenomenaljob running the five events the elementary students competed in,” said Durbin. “They were an amazing example of teamwork, responsibility and leadership for our elementary students.”

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Scott Payne and director of STEAM Theresa Taplin were instrumentalin creating and recruiting the coaches at each elementary school and creating a Science Olympiad team for each school. Congratulations to the elementary teams: first place – South Bay; second place –Forest Avenue; third place – Tooker Avenue; fourth place –Santapogue; and fifth place –John F. Kennedy.

Date Added: 6/6/2022

This year, West Babylon School District piloted an elementary Science Olympiad program to spark the interests of future scientists and STEM learners. Student teams in all five elementary schools have been practicing for their upcoming competition under the direction of the West Babylon Senior High School Science Olympiad team and advisor Andrea Durbin. Members of the high school Science Olympiad squad have been visiting each of the elementary teams to lend a helping hand.The events of the competition include: Straw Tower, Don't Melt the Ice, A is for Anatomy, Mystery Powders and a Gummy Bear Catapult Launch.

Date Added: 6/1/2022

John F. Kennedy Elementary School had a mission to create a safe space where students could go to regain a sense of calmness or peace after experiencing a rough day or tough moment. On April 11, after months of planning and preparation, the school’s quality team members participated in the official ribbon cutting of the school’s mindfulness room.

The challenges of the pandemic and changes in the normal school environment have made it difficult for both teachers and students during the past two years. John F. Kennedy parent Jen O’Dougherty and teacher Melissa Dewhirst teamed up as part of a donor’s choose grant.

“Many people donated money and supplies to turn this vision into a reality,” said John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal Denisha Van Liew. “The project was fully funded within a week of posting the grant. The process thereafter was a long one due to COVID. The day the room was scheduled to be set up was the same day all districts went into emergency quarantine. The school has been waiting to set up the space and turn this vision into a reality since March 2020.”

Many students have been utilizing the room since it officially opened. John F. Kennedy Elementary School fifth grader Jack O’Dougherty said, “As a kid, I would get lots of anxiety. I know I’m not the only one who gets stressed, so the mindfulness room is a great addition. It helps calm and relax kids.”

Teachers have even been escaping to the space as well, popping in on their preps to regain a sense of balance and peace in their busy day. “This room is truly a great addition to our school and extremely beneficial for the mental well-being of both students and staff,” Van Liew added.

Date Added: 5/11/2022

The fourth and fifth grade student council members at John F. Kennedy Elementary School recently ran a blanket/towel drive for local pets in need. All the items collected will be donated to the Babylon Animal Shelter. The students collected gently used towels and blankets from March 28 through April 6. On April 6, the student council members gathered in the cafeteria to pack up the items. They even invited Superintendent of Schools Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly to lend a helping hand.

Date Added: 5/2/2022