Bulldog Bulletin - October 2023 Edition

From the desk of Dr. Graham.....

I hope this message finds you well as we settle into the natural rhythms of the school year which has been filled with excitement, opportunities, and celebrations of our diverse community. Our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment is stronger than ever.

Throughout the first months of school our students have been involved with so many activities and events focused on subjects including fire safety awareness, Unity Day. and Hispanic Heritage Month. These activities focused on ensuring that our students gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity that enriches our community, student mental health and safety, as well as the safety of families and loved ones.

Our student athletes have demonstrated hard work and commitment on the field and court exemplify the values of teamwork and perseverance that we instill in our students. We have some teams and athletes continuing the fall season in the playoffs in the coming weeks, and we encourage you to get out to a game to support our talented athletes for the conclusion of the fall season and into the winter season.

Lastly, if you are able to get out to a home football game, please be certain to watch the NB marching band halftime show. Our marching band recently performed at the Newsday Marching Band Festival and they were amazing. The dedication of these young musicians is truly commendable, and their performances have already left a lasting impression on all of us. The next home game is this Saturday at 1pm at North Babylon High School.

As we move forward in this academic year, I want to thank our dedicated educators, staff, and parents for their continuous support and commitment to providing an exceptional education for our students. Together, we will nurture the talents, values, and aspirations of the young minds in our district.

I look forward to the remarkable accomplishments that lie ahead and the many opportunities to come. Your involvement and enthusiasm for our school district are truly appreciated, and I encourage you to participate in the various events and activities throughout the year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our shared mission of shaping the future.

Warmly,

Ken

RMMS

Board of Education Recognition & Goals

Each October, school districts throughout New York State acknowledge the volunteer efforts of dedicated School Board members. This year, School Board Recognition fell on October 16-20 and was acknowledged at the October 26, 2023 Board of Education meeting. Please join us in thanking the North Babylon UFSD School Board for all that they do for the students , staff, and community.

At the September 28, 2023 School Board meeting, the Board of Education adopted the goals below. Please keep an eye out for more information on the district goals.

1. Safe and Secure Schools

Ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff.  The educational environment will promote student safety and health as well as social and emotional support.  

2. Meeting the needs of ALL students 

Create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that enhances the quality and relevance of the curriculum and instruction.  

3. Enhance Student Achievement and Instructional Practices

The North Babylon UFSD will provide and implement a dynamic curriculum while preparing students to thrive in a global community. All students will be provided with the opportunities to be college and career ready. 

The North Babylon School District is committed to providing every student with the opportunity to grow and excel academically and plan for a successful future by incorporating critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, technology and civic responsibility into their experiences.  

4. Staff Development

Create opportunities to establish a foundation for the highest quality instruction and learning through recruitment, support and retention of staff.  The District will encourage all employees to reach their full potential and positively impact students and community through professional growth and learning opportunities. 

5. Communication and Community Relationships

The North Babylon UFSD will explore and apply relevant communication channels between the school district, parents, students, and the broader community to foster transparency and engagement. 

6. Finance and Facilities

The District will focus on the development of fiscally responsible budgets that allocate resources efficiently to meet educational priorities and goals.  Additionally, proactive approaches to the maintenance  and improvement of  school facilities to create a conducive learning environment will be planned and implemented.

Learn More About Our Schools

To stay informed about all district events and to explore the many happenings within the North Babylon UFSD, I invite you to visit our school district website www.northbabylonschools.net. You will find a wealth of information, including event calendars, student achievements, curriculum updates, and much more. It is a valuable resource to stay connected with our district's progress and achievements.T Additionally, please follow us on our social media feeds and download the district app (Android or iOS).

Marching Band Festival

Homecoming 2023

Homecoming 2023 was an amazing weekend here in North Babylon. On Friday, RMMS and NBHS held pep rally events that students and staff alike participated in. On Saturday there was some rain, but spirits ran high for the day. The Varsity Football team won 44-14, and the weekend was capped off with the Homecoming Dance!

RMMS Anti-Bullying and Inclusivity Happenings

This month students at Robert Moses Middle School participated in grade level assemblies with presenter, Jeremy Thode whose presentation, "You Will Not Walk Alone" focused on being kind to one another and looking out for each other. Additionally, our middle school participated in Unity Day. Unity Day is an annual event occurring during National Bullying Prevention Month in October that promotes joining together to create healthier communities through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Check out RMMS featured on CBS News for their efforts on Unity Day.

Parent Workshop

BE SMART For Kids - November 8 - HS Little Theatre at 7pm

The Be SMART campaign was launched by Everytown for Gun Safety to raise awareness that safe gun storage can save children's lives. The Be SMART presentation normalizes gun safety in a variety of situations and provides parents with suggested language. Often, we send our children out of our purview and important discussions are vital when talking to adults about playdates, when talking to teens about visiting the houses of unfamiliar peers. This program emphasizes that it is the responsibility of an adult to keep kids and teens from accessing guns.

Halloween Reminder

As Halloween approaches, we want to ensure that all of our students and families have a safe and enjoyable celebration. Halloween is a time for fun and excitement, but it's essential to remember some key safety guidelines to make this holiday as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Here are some important safety reminders to discuss with your child:

  1. Stick to well-lit streets and sidewalks. Avoid shortcuts through alleys, fields, or poorly lit areas.

  2. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks when available. Be cautious of cars and ensure drivers see you before crossing.

  3. Never enter a stranger's home, car, or accept a ride from someone you don't know. Stick to familiar neighborhoods.

  4. When you get home, have your parents check your candy and treats for any signs of tampering. Discard any items with damaged packaging.

We wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Upcoming

For a full calendar of events for the district and/or for each school, please visit the district website or our district App.

  • Friday and Saturday November 3 and 4 - Fall Drama Production of Clue at 7pm in the NBHS Auditorium

  • Tuesday November 8 - Parent Workshop in NBHS Little Theatre at 7pm - Everytown Gun Safety

  • Thursday November 16 - Regular Board of Education Meeting in the NBHS Auditorium at 8pm