Summer Thoughts from BHS

Dear Students and Families,

We hope you are enjoying the summer and finding time to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. While September may still seem a few weeks away, we wanted to reach out early as we prepare for another exciting year at Babylon Junior-Senior High School.

Last year was a tremendously successful one for our school community. Together, we made significant strides in academics, attendance, student involvement, school spirit, safety, and creating a positive culture throughout our building. We embraced new initiatives, worked through challenges together, and continued important conversations about responsibility, respect, organization, and what it means to be a PROUD Panther.

As we move into the 2026-2027 school year, our goal is not simply to maintain that momentum, but to continue improving. Great schools are never finished. We learn, reflect, discuss, and grow together. Open communication between students, families, teachers, and administrators remains one of the greatest strengths of our school community.

As we prepare for another outstanding school year, please take note of the following important dates:

Randy Zwerlein Soccer Under the Lights Friday, September 18 |

Homecoming Saturday, September 19

We encourage all students and families to attend these events and become actively involved in our school community. Some of the most memorable experiences at Babylon occur outside of the classroom, and these events help build the school spirit, connections, and Panther Pride that make our school special.

One area of focus this year is student organization and independence.

While technology has transformed many aspects of school, organization remains one of the most important skills students can develop.

Learning how to manage materials, plan ahead, keep track of assignments, utilize calendars and agendas, and prepare for each class are executive functioning skills that will benefit students long after graduation.

Unlike some schools that have moved toward restricting or eliminating student backpacks, Babylon is committed to teaching and supporting organizational skills rather than simply removing the challenge. We believe students learn valuable life skills when they are expected to organize materials, plan for the day ahead, and take responsibility for what they need for class.

At the same time, the era of the 40- to 50-pound backpack needs to come to an end. With our one-to-one technology devices, students generally do not need to carry every book, binder, notebook, and supply throughout the day. We encourage students to use their lockers regularly and work with teachers to determine what materials are truly needed for each class.

Throughout the year, we will continue conversations with students and staff about practical organizational strategies and what materials are truly necessary for learning. For many students, a small backpack, laptop bag, string bag, organizational binder, or accordion folder may be a more effective option than carrying materials for every class throughout the day.

We also understand that some students may need help learning to use a traditional combination lock. During the opening weeks of school, our teachers, administrators, peer leaders, counselors, and staff members will work with students to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident using their lockers. We will take our time, provide support, and make sure every student is successful.

Being present and being on time matter.

Our building opens at 7:00 a.m. each morning, providing students with opportunities to eat breakfast, meet with teachers, participate in clubs and activities, socialize with friends, visit their lockers, and prepare for the day ahead.

By 7:43 a.m., students should be in their first-period classrooms, ready for morning announcements and a productive start to the day.

When students arrive late to class, it affects more than just that student. Instruction is interrupted, attention is redirected, and valuable learning time is lost. Every student deserves the opportunity to begin class focused and prepared to learn.

Arriving a few minutes early can make a tremendous difference. Students can seek extra help, connect with friends, participate in activities, enjoy breakfast, or simply settle into the building before the school day begins.

As we enter the second year of New York State's cell phone restriction, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for their support during the first year.

One of the most positive outcomes was seeing students reconnect with one another. We observed more face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, increased participation in activities, and more opportunities for students to engage with one another throughout the school day. Last year reminded us that some of the best moments in school happen when students are fully present.

The expectation remains that cell phones are not visible during the school day and should be secured in student lockers or backpacks. Cell phones should not be carried on a student's person during the instructional day.

We understand there may be times when students need to contact a parent or guardian. When legitimate situations arise, school staff will continue to work with students and families to ensure communication occurs appropriately.

We believe the positive impact on student engagement, social interaction, and school culture was significant, and we look forward to building on that success this year.

Safety continues to be our highest priority.

All students are expected to carry their school-issued identification card each day. Student IDs help us maintain a secure school environment, support attendance, manage hall passes, provide access to school events and activities, and ensure that everyone in our building belongs here.

Carrying an ID is a simple expectation that contributes significantly to the safety and security of our school community. It is also an important part of being responsible and prepared each day.

Simply put, safe schools are built through shared responsibility.

As we begin another school year, I encourage all students to think about the ways they can grow and contribute to our school community.

Join a club. Attend a game. Challenge yourself academically. Meet someone new. Arrive a little earlier. Get involved. Take ownership of your learning. Find opportunities to lead.

Last year showed us what is possible when students, families, faculty, and staff work together. We have made great strides, but there is still more work to do. Through open dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we can make Babylon Junior-Senior High School an even stronger community for everyone.

Together, let's continue building a school culture where students are connected, responsible, organized, respectful, and ready to succeed.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back very soon and embarking on another outstanding year together.