Students from the Babylon School District were prepared for a successful year of learning as they entered their buildings for the first day of school on Sept. 5, 2019.

In preparation for another successful school year, faculty and staff members of the Babylon School District kicked off the 2019-20 school year with the annual Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 3 held at Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s Rowe Hall. 

Prior to Babylon School District Superintendent of School Linda Rozzi’s welcoming address, she took a moment to reflect on former Babylon Junior-Senior High School social studies teacher Joe Fragapane, who passed away this past summer. Babylon School District Teachers Association President Robert Richardelli offered a touching speech which celebrated the life of Mr. Fragapane and was followed by a thunderous round of applause from the attendees who joined him in paying their respects toward the former educator. 

Mrs. Rozzi then addressed the crowd of eager educators and reviewed the many wonderful additions to the district, including technological upgrades and a number of staff members spanning all district educational buildings. 

After her address, multiple faculty and staff members who have been with the district for 20, 25 and 30 years were recognized for their hard work and determination. The district congratulates Patrice Bagdanoff, Lisa Carmondy, Francesca Castro, James Coromilas, Peter Daly, John Christopher Davis, Michael DeJoseph, Gail Farley, Mary Jo Graffagnino, Philip Grande, Paul Grisafi, Joan Johanson, Barbara Krucher, Joann Mahr, Peter Mankes, Nancy Murphy, Linda Pesce, Kristine Prass, Madeline Rivas, Donna Russo, Steve Silipo, Linda Slack, Eric Solnick and Karen Werner. 

The Babylon Junior-Senior High School recently hosted an informative orientation session for the incoming seventh grade students in preparation for another successful school year come Sept. 5. 

Students and their families were first invited into Rowe Hall for a welcoming presentation delivered by Babylon Junior-Senior High School Principal Al Cirone, who was joined by a number of district administrators who were on hand to further assist with any questions the community may have. 

Additionally, student-representatives from both the junior and senior high school student councils were in attendance to offer valuable advice as to what the students will be able to look forward to throughout the school year, such as homecoming, the “Souper Bowl of Caring” and the French talent show. Additionally, they encouraged the incoming students to look into opportunities such as the various clubs and activities offered at the school.

At the conclusion of the Rowe Hall presentation, families participated in a question-and-answer session as the incoming students were broken up into groups to further explore the school halls and engage in icebreaker activities within the classrooms hosted by the student council members. 

The Babylon School District is thrilled to announce that Babylon Junior-Senior High School Junior Jaden Rupolo was selected to be a ball person for the U.S. Open currently taking place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center through early September. 

Jaden, who began playing tennis in the eighth grade, currently plays on Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s varsity tennis team. 

In order to be selected as a ball person for the 2019 U.S. Open, Jaden went through a rigorous selection process. More than 500 hopefuls from 15 states tried out, and out of that amount, only 150 individuals were selected to advance, including Jaden himself. During the tryout and callback rounds, the officials simulated what would be required of him during a match, such as retrieving the ball from the net, rolling it to the other ball person and tossing it to the players.

"As an avid tennis player, it's an honor to be a ball person at the U.S. Open,” said Jaden. “I knew going into this process that the odds of making it were slim, but I am so glad I made the cut; it's very exciting to be on the same court with the greatest tennis players in the world."

It is Jaden’s goal to earn a tennis scholarship in order to further pursue both his studies and love for the sport at the collegiate level. Starting in the fall, he will go back to training five times a week in an effort to continue to improve his game. He also plans on competing in local U.S. Tennis Association tournaments.

Prior to the start of the 2019-20 school year, students and their families from the Babylon Memorial Grade School community were given the opportunity to introduce themselves to Assistant Principal Lauren Fretto during a meet and greet session held in the Babylon Memorial Grade School library.

During their time spent in the library, the students were able to discuss with Ms. Fretto what they’re looking forward to this school year, all the while enjoying tasty snacks which were courteously provided for all to enjoy. Superintendent of Schools Linda J. Rozzi and Babylon Memorial Grade School Principal Steven Goldberg also attended the meet and greet.

“Ms. Fretto's K-6 experience as an elementary educator, elementary reading specialist and acting assistant principal in the New Hyde Park – Garden City Park School District set her apart and will pair well with our ever-growing quest for excellence,” said Mrs. Rozzi. “We welcome her warmly to the Babylon professional family of educators.”

Ms. Fretto comes to the Babylon School District from the New Hyde Park – Garden City Park Union Free School District, where she was employed for 10 years as both an administrator and educator. During her time spent there, she served as a classroom teacher across multiple grade levels, and enhanced the literary talents of students as a reading specialist. 

Ms. Fretto holds a Master of Science in literacy degree from Queens College, along with a Bachelor of Science in childhood education grades 1-6 degree from Molloy College. She has also obtained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose/The Center for Integrated Teacher Education.