Dear Babylon Families,

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer with family and friends. On behalf of the Babylon Board of Education and the entire Babylon educational community, I am excited to welcome you back for the 2024-2025 school year! It has been an honor to serve as your Superintendent of Schools, and I appreciate your ongoing partnership and support. I look forward to our continued collaboration in the upcoming school year. 

Throughout the summer, we have been actively preparing for an engaging school year ahead. Our custodial and facilities teams have worked diligently to ready our campuses and classrooms for the return of our students and staff. Additionally, faculty and staff members have engaged in valuable professional development and curriculum writing. Our leadership team has also convened to outline priorities for the new school year and to ensure our schools are ready for our students' and staff members’ arrival.

Overall, it has been a productive summer as we conclude the 2023-2024 school year and prepare for September. As we embark on this new academic year, we are excited to introduce our inspiring theme: "Together We Rise." This powerful message encapsulates our commitment to fostering a strong, unified community that supports the growth and success of all our students. Further, the theme represents our belief that by collaborating, sharing resources, and lifting each other up, we can achieve greater heights than we ever could individually. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, mutual support, and collective effort in creating an environment where every student can thrive. By coming together as a community of learners, educators, and supportive families, we can provide our students with the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to overcome challenges, celebrate achievements, and reach their full potential. We invite you to join us in embodying this theme throughout the year, as we work hand in hand to ensure the success and well-being of every member of our Babylon Community.

With the start of school just weeks away, I encourage you to review the information in this letter regarding the upcoming school year. Each building principal will also be sending specific opening day information to families.

The first day of school for all students will be Thursday, September 5, 2024. Below, you will find important information specific to each school.

Babylon Elementary School, Grades K-2
Principal: Mr. Thomas Keogh
School Hours for Students: 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Doors open at 8:05 a.m. for the Breakfast Program
“Meet the Teacher” Night: September 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Babylon Memorial Grade School, Grades 3-6
Principal: Ms. Lauren Fretto
School Hours for Students: 8:20 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for the Breakfast Program
“Meet the Teacher” Night: September 18, 2024

(Grades 3 & 4 at 6:30 p.m. / Grades 5 & 6 at 7:30 p.m.)

Babylon Junior/Senior High School, Grades 7-12
Principal: Mr. Al Cirone
Assistant Principal: Ms. Melissa Callahan
School Hours for Students: 7:40 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 a.m. for extra help scheduled by specific educators and for the Breakfast Program
“Meet the Teacher” Night: September 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
JSHS Parent/Teacher Conferences: Monday, November 4, 2024

 (Day and evening appointments will be available; more information to follow)

Lastly, as we begin the new academic year, we will commemorate National Patriot Day on Wednesday, September 11th. Throughout the district, we will pay tribute to the courageous men and women who serve as heroes in our communities every day.

In closing, we understand that each stage of a child's educational journey is significant and may bring a mix of emotions. Whether your child is starting pre-kindergarten, moving to a new grade or building, or preparing for their final year in Babylon Schools, it can be exciting and stressful, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. As I have stated before, “it takes a village to raise a child.” We are here to support you and your child throughout their time in Babylon Schools.

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Thursday, September 5, 2024, for another successful year.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

With Babylon Pather Pride,
Carisa A. Manza
Superintendent of Schools