The Babylon School District and West Babylon School Districts will reopen the doors to their school buildings on Wednesday, November 7th – some 12 days since students last were in class after cancellations caused by Hurricane Sandy.
"I am mindful of the struggles that all of our Babylon families have endured since last Monday, and how much time and effort was expended working toward a return to normalcy," wrote Babylon Superintendent Richard Rozakis in a letter on the school district website on Tuesday. "To that end, I am happy to inform you that all of our schools are prepared to open tomorrow morning."
Rozakis noted the school parking lots were cleared of debris, electricity and heating were restored, buses were fully fueled to go and lunch would be served district-wide as usual. In the West Babylon district, similar problems caused by the superstorm were fixed district wide as well.
Students were last at school on October 26th. With Hurricane Sandy's effects being felt throughout the area early Monday morning, districts island-wide decided to cancel class. These cancellations in hard hit areas, such as Babylon and Lindenhurst, continued as clean-up and salvage efforts got under way.
"I know that every family has had its own unique circumstances throughout this ordeal but there is comfort in knowing that we have all been through a shared experience as well," wrote Rozakis. "Our teachers, administrators and staff are ready to provide your children with support, security and stability as all of Babylon looks ahead to better times."
He added: "I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school tomorrow."