Exterior photo of school building

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Address: 175 Brookvale Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704
Main Office: (631) 376-7801
Attendance Office: (631) 376-7875
Fax: (631) 376-7809
Principal: Ms. Denisha Van Liew

School Hours: 9:15 AM-3:25 PM

Follow Ms. Denisha Van Liew on Twitter!

"We are on our way with J.F.K."

John F. Kennedy Elementary School in West Babylon, New York, is a kindergarten through fifth grade public school. The school opened its doors, for the first time in September 1965. The school was named for the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who had been assassinated in Dallas, Texas, in 1963.

Our mission statement reads, "The community of John F. Kennedy Elementary School is committed to encouraging, empowering and engaging children as they are valued, for their individuality, and diverse capabilities. We emphasize the individual needs of the whole child while enhancing learning. We will provide a safe, nurturing learning environment while inspiring children to achieve academic potential as life long learners." The school's motto, "We're On Our Way With J.F.K." was suggested by the students of West Babylon, not long after the building opened.

The JFK staff works as a team to deliver high quality instruction that is aligned with our state learning standards. We are extremely proud of our school which has a well deserved reputation for excellence and friendliness. Please use this website as a resource for you, and your child.

 

School Updates

 

Contact Information

To contact a teacher, find out the teacher's extension in the Staff Directory. (631) 376-7800, press 9, and then follow with the extension number. If the teacher is not available, leave a message on his/her voice mail.

To report a student absence, call (631) 376-7875 

 

Announcements

Joining Together for Walk to School Day at JFK

A group of students and adults walk across a crosswalk on a sunny day. thumbnail267775
A group of students and adults walk across a crosswalk on a sunny day. thumbnail267777
A group of children with backpacks smile for the camera outdoors. thumbnail267778
A group of students and adults walk across a crosswalk on a sunny day. thumbnail267779
A group of students and adults walk across a crosswalk on a sunny day. thumbnail267780
Students, staff, and families at John F. Kennedy Elementary School joined together on Oct. 1 to celebrate Walk to School Day, an event that promotes healthy habits, community spirit and pedestrian safety.

The morning began with students meeting at a designated point, where they were greeted by Principal Denisha Van Liew, teachers and parents. Together, they walked as a group to school, building excitement and camaraderie before the start of the day.

This annual nationwide initiative highlights not only physical activity but also the importance of safe walking routes and environmentally friendly practices. By leaving cars at home, families are encouraged to reduce traffic congestion around schools and lessen their carbon footprint.

The event concluded at the school entrance, where students gathered for a group photo before the start of the school day. The West Babylon School District looks forward to continuing this tradition, emphasizing health, safety, and community engagement each year.

JFK Students Honor 9/11 with Art

Fifth grade students in Ms. Castelli’s class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. thumbnail267608

Fifth grade students in Ms. Castelli’s class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School took part in a meaningful tribute to Sept. 11, creating projects that combined creativity, compassion and remembrance.

As part of their learning and reflection, students folded origami paper cranes and designed quilt squares inspired by themes of hope, peace and unity. The origami cranes, recognized worldwide as a symbol of healing and resilience, served as a reminder of the strength and recovery of the nation following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The cranes will be joined together to create a peace sign.

In addition, each student crafted a quilt square featuring artwork and inspirational messages. When pieced together, the squares will create a commemorative quilt — a lasting representation of unity, remembrance and community spirit.

The activity encouraged students to honor the memory of 9/11 while expressing themselves through art. By engaging in this project, they gained a deeper understanding of the importance of remembrance and the lessons of unity that emerged from the tragedy.

 

Click here to view the JFK Students Honor 9/11 with Art slideshow.

 

Date Added: 9/12/2025