_______________
BaBylon _______________
HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Shea Hiotidis is F’dale Valedictorian Page 2 VOL. 75 NO. 32
Nils Haugen of WI wins scholarship
LI outdoor art festival now open
Page 8
Page 10
JULY 31 - AUGUST 6, 2025
$1.00
Huge turnout at Soldier Ride By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald photos
Wounded Warriors gather at the steps of Babylon Town Hall for opening ceremonies before the ride to Overlook Beach.
More than 1,200 bikers gathered at Babylon Town Hall on Friday, July 19, for the annual Soldier Ride, a 25-mile journey that raised more than $200,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The event, now in its 18th year, has generated more than $1.8 million to support wounded U.S. military veterans. The festivities also spotlights other veteran-support organizations, including Paws of War, which rescues and trains service dogs for veterans. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Babylon educators ban student cellphones during school day By ALENA BERENBLATT Correspondent
Students in the Babylon School District will no longer be permitted to use cellphones during the school day, under a new policy adopted by the Board of Education at its July meeting. The policy bars student use of internet-enabled devices during all parts of the school day, including clas-ses, homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls and passing time, while on school grounds. The move aligns with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed “bellto-bell” ban on smartphones in New York’s K-12 schools, announced in May. The state initiative encourages school
districts to create local enforcement plans and methods for am confident that the storing personal devices. The district is working on a plan goal, according to the state, is to reduce classroom distracto ensure that cell phones will tions and help students refocus on learning, creativity and in- be kept secure, and parents person interaction. will be able to reach out to “It will be interesting to see how the cell phone ban will be their children in the event of implemented,” said Babylon an emergency. Parent Teachers Student Association, PTSA, President Fumi Otomo. “I am confident that the FUMI OTOMO, Babylon PTSA President district is working on a plan to ensure that cell phones will be school-age children, added, “In kept secure, and parents will be the end, we all want our kids to able to reach out to their chil- be prepared for life socially and dren in the event of an emer- emotionally, and the hope is gency.” that this will help achieve that.” Otomo, who has two high Babylon’s policy includes
I
several exceptions, mirroring the state’s guidance. Students may use internet-enabled devices if outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 plan, or if required by law. Other permitted uses include managing a health condition, using translation services, or caring for a family member, with the latter determined on a case-by-case basis. While the policy emphasizes
strict enforcement, it also states that students cannot be suspended solely for using a device in violation of the rule. Disciplinary actions may include detention, in-school suspension or exclusion from extracurricular activities. “The goal is for our kids to be more engaged socially, and not so isolated in their devices,” Otomo concluded.