Dear Babylon Elementary School Community,

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Babylon Elementary School and to join this extraordinary school community. I hope that this note finds you enjoying the rejuvenating days of summer and that you and your children are looking forward to beginning a wonderful school year together in September. I can assure you that I share in this school community’s commitment to caring for your children each and every day while providing them a world-class learning environment.

I arrive to Babylon as a seasoned elementary teacher and building principal, but in addition to my role as an educator, I am first and foremost a father and husband. In September, my daughter Scarlett begins third grade, my daughter Quinn begins second grade, and my son Ashe joins his big sisters for the first time as a Kindergartener in the Three Village School District. My three-year old son, Graham, will be in “Mommy School” learning the important lessons of life from the best teacher I have ever met, my wife Danielle. I look forward to introducing my family to the many wonderful people that call Babylon “home” in the near future.

The 2016-2017 school year will mark my 16th year in education. Since graduating from the University of Notre Dame, I have served communities in under-resourced schools in Mississippi, in a resource-rich educational center in Rockefeller Center, New York, in a Blue Ribbon school located in the Research Triangle of North Carolina, and as a tenured principal at the elementary and secondary level here on Long Island. Although I have always felt at home in the classroom, it is in my position as an elementary principal where I have been most fulfilled in my life’s work. The elementary principalship provides me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis, while also remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom. I firmly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in students to use their powers to shape their future and the future of our community and our nation.

My conversations with district staff and families over the last few months have brought me privileged insights into the core beliefs and values that underlie the Babylon School District. With my goal of continuing the tradition of excellence here at Babylon Elementary School, I am committed to always exploring new ways to meet the needs of all students and to more effectively communicate with parents and community members. We will be meeting with parents, students, and as a staff throughout the year to identify specific goals in the areas of student achievement, school climate, and parent communication. Our first Meet and Greet opportunity will take place on July 20th, from 10-11 a.m. at Babylon Elementary School. We will serve light refreshments, juice, and coffee. Please feel free to stop by on your way to the beach, during your work break, or after your morning workout to join the conversation.

To our students, I cannot wait to meet you all! I hope that you are excited for this coming school year and that you are out this summer playing and reading tons of books with your family and friends. It is going to be a fun year learning together. If you are nearby the school at all this summer, please stop by and say hello!

In closing, please know that my door is always open to you. I heartily welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this year. Let us always keep our students the primary focus of our work. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes during the 2016-2017 school year.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer!


Sincerely,

Mr. Travis Davey
Principal
Babylon Elementary School