We are proud to recognize Michelle Statfeld, West Babylon Junior High School Librarian, for representing the West Babylon School District at the 2025 Long Island Technology and Education Summit (LITES) this past Friday, October 24, 2025.

During this year’s conference, Ms. Statfeld showcased her Unplugged Makerspace: Lego Skyscraper Challenge, an engaging hands-on activity that emphasized the importance of balancing screen time with creative and tactile learning experiences. Her exhibit invited participants to work together in building the tallest Lego skyscraper while communicating nonverbally. The activity encouraged collaboration, strategic thinking, and teamwork through a fun and interactive experience.

The challenge captured the spirit of innovation and highlighted essential twenty-first century skills such as participation, collaboration, problem solving, and respectful communication. Through this experience, Ms. Statfeld demonstrated how makerspaces can foster creativity, connection, and critical thinking beyond the use of technology. Her project inspired reflection on the importance of media balance and the value of unplugging in today’s digital learning environments.

We commend Ms. Statfeld for her creativity and enthusiasm in representing West Babylon at this regional conference. Her work continues to inspire students and staff to embrace meaningful, hands-on learning and balanced technology integration.