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

Congratulations Fifth Graders!

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

Founder’s Day Awards

Congratulations to all the recipients of Founder's Day awards! The Founder's Day ceremony was held on March 19 to honor all those who are an integral part of the West Babylon School District. The PTA acknowledged outstanding individuals for all they do to support our students, schools and PTA partnerships.

Click here to view the Founder’s Day Awards slideshow.

Date Added: 3/25/2025

JFK PARP Kickoff

Justin Colon, a professional actor and published author of picture books, visited John F. Kennedy Elementary School on March 10 for a Pick A Reading Partner kickoff assembly. He presented students with a high-energy, theatrical presentation, full of audience interaction, acting, and an animated read aloud of his book. Mr. Colon, a John F. Kennedy Elementary School alum, gave information about the bookmaking process, followed by a question-and-answer period. The event was sponsored by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

Click here to view the JFK PARP Kickoff slideshow.

Date Added: 3/14/2025

Kindergarten Students Share Positivity with Posters

As part of P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 14, Ms. Benardos’ kindergarten art classes at John F. Kennedy Elementary School learned the importance of kindness, feeling loved and spreading positivity. In honor of this day and Councilman McSweeney’s P.S. I Love You Day Kindness Challenge, the students created vibrant posters following this year’s theme: A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today.

The young artists signed their names and then decorated the posters with purple handprints, pink and purple hearts, and words of love and gratitude. The posters will be donated to dedicated first responders as a small token of appreciation for their service and commitment to our community. They were delivered to the Babylon Town Council Office for display.
Date Added: 2/24/2025

JFK Library Media Specialist Named ASSET Winner

Congratulations to Lauren Florez, library media specialist at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, for being named a Bright Light Award Recipient by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies. She was one of 21 educators recognized across Long Island. Ms. Florez started Databases and Donuts, a before-school opportunity for teachers to become familiar with current technology and the software that is used in the district. She has also helped students in testing grades become familiar with the computer-based testing tools and functions to help them perform their best on the state assessments. In the beginning of each school year, Ms. Florez provides all staff with a postcard with helpful tools, tips and programs to help them to have a successful year. She also engages students in STEM and enrichment activities.

Date Added: 2/14/2025