BMGS Dedicates Bench to Beloved Late Teacher

Babylon Memorial Grade School recently unveiled a permanent bench at the school in memory of longtime special education and reading teacher Eileen Ratto, who passed away in 2021. Members of Ms. Ratto’s family, former colleagues and the grade school student body attended the unveiling ceremony. 

Ms. Ratto was known for her love of reading and her dedication to her students. In her honor, the grade school hosts an annual reading campout event and fundraiser, during which families bring a blanket or chair and a book and read on the school blacktop together. With the money raised from this annual event, the school purchased the memorial bench, which was installed on the school playground. 

Students are encouraged to honor Ms. Ratto’s legacy by sitting and reading a book and making new friends on the bench. “Ms. Ratto left behind a legacy of a love for reading for the generations of students she taught,” said Principal Lauren Fretto. “We hope that in this small way, this bench can serve as a tangible reminder of the love she showed them and our grade school.” 
For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.