West Babylon School District’s orchestra students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside a famous musician, thanks to an artist-in-residence program with Mark Wood, one of the founding members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Mr. Wood visited with the student-musicians in grade 5-12 from throughout the West Babylon School District on March 14 and 15. Mr. Wood, a native Long Islander, worked with students for two days on a variety of rock songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s, including artists like AC/DC, Coldplay and Bon Jovi. As part of the Evolution Tour and the “Electrify Your Symphony” concert, Mr. Wood played in concert alongside the 220 West Babylon student-musicians during a show at the West Babylon Junior High School on March 15.

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Date Added: 3/25/2024

The West Babylon Junior High School community celebrated P.S. I Love You Day by joining together to share their love of books with those in need. The students and their families collected thousands of gently used books and donated them to The Book Fairies. This initiative connected perfectly with the 2024 theme of P.S. I Love You Day – love is meant to be given. The Book Fairies is Long Island based nonprofit organization that accepts donations of new and gently used books, and connects them with libraries, schools and organizations throughout the Metropolitan New York area to support the development of their school and home libraries.

Date Added: 2/28/2024

On Feb. 6, West Babylon Junior High School welcomed Claire Bellerjeau, author and historian, as she shared the remarkable true story of Liss, an enslaved Black woman in 18th century New York. The seventh grade students were engaged with true stories of espionage during the American Revolution. Bellerjeau revealed Liss’ involvement with Robert Townsend, who was a key member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.

Date Added: 2/9/2024