Babylon, W. Babylon Schools Designated Reward School by State

The Babylon Junior-Senior High School and West Babylon's John F. Kennedy Elementary School were among 250 schools statewide designated "Reward Schools" by the New York State Education Department for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Reward School designation is given to schools for outstanding academic achievement and based upon student test score data from 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 and overall academic achievement. Reward Schools have made the most progress or have the highest achievement in the state and do not have significant gaps in student achievement that are not being closed, according to a release from the Babylon School District.

The two schools are now eligible to compete for a Commissioner's Schools Dissemination Grant of up to $150,000 to further advance the students’ educational opportunities.

The grant money the schools are competeting for was obtained by the state from the Federal "Race to the Top" program, a competitive grant program that encourages and rewards States that are implementing significant reforms in education as were described in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This includes enhancing standards and assessments, improving the collection and use of data, increasing teacher effectiveness and achieving equity in teacher distribution, and turning around struggling schools.

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Out of the 250 schools in the state designated "Reward Schools," 67 were from Nassau and Suffolk Counties. School representatives were more than pleased to see their districts represented and recognized by the state.

“It is because of the wonderful work our teachers do every day, and theeffective leadership of the administration, that our junior-senior high school receives this recognition,” Babylon Superintendent Richard Rozakis said.

“This is a wonderful recognition for the John F. Kennedy Elementary School and for the district,” said West Babylon Superintendent Anthony Cacciola. “We are very proud of the fine work and accomplishments of the school under the leadership of [Principal] Gregg Cunningham.”

"Receiving the designation is quite an honor. I am extremely proud of the John F. Kennedy staff and our students for this significant achievement,” said Cunningham. “It's a great feeling to be one of the highest achieving schools in New York State."