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A smooth opening day as students head back to school in Babylon Eighteen hundred and eighty six students headed off to Babylon Public Schools on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, and the board of education held its first meeting of the new school year just five days later. At the meeting, the three building principals - Dana Spincola (elementary school), Eric Friedman (grade school) and Robert Visbal junior-senior high school) - reported a smooth opening in all buildings. A new sign, designed and installed by the Going Company, welcomed the elementary school students and their parents. Another initiative at the elementary school is a drive-through drop off in the traffic circle. The district instituted the new procedure in an effort to eliminate traffic congestion and doubleparked cars along Ralph Avenue. The drop-off is a convenient option for many parents. "We've received positive feedback so far," said elementary school principal Spincola. A Cross-Grade Buddy Project between the elementary and grade school will offer students in both schools the opportunity to meet once a month for book sharing. This new reading program pairs kindergartners with third graders, first graders with fourth graders, and second graders with fifth graders. Grade school principal Friedman is moving forward with plans to re-apply as a National School of Character. While the process is described as laborious by Friedman, he said, "We just missed last time, so we'll try again." To date, the Babylon Memorial Grade School has raised $231,000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, making it the fourth largest fund raising school in the United States. "Students need clear support and clear direction in academic achievement needs and character needs," said Friedman. Babylon Junior-Senior High School Principal Visbal said his school had a banner year last year, both academically and athletically, and he is certain that will be repeated again this coming year. The school produced a 99.3% Regent's diploma rate, and graduated 94 seniors with advanced Regent's distinction and 40 with advanced designation with honors. On the athletic side, the Babylon varsity baseball team brought home the state baseball title. Visbal hopes to enhance security provisions in his building, by assigning more teachers to the front sign-in desk, purchasing more surveillance cameras, and encouraging students to "report what they see and hear." "Our administrators will participate in more professional development this year," said Superintendent Best-Laimit, during a follow-up phone call. "Research shows that the most effective schools are led by principals who have instruction as a major goal. Instruction is the top priority." Best-Laimit also noted that the district's infrastructure needs still must be addressed. "There is so much work to be done," she said. The board next meets on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the High School Library. | |||||
