Elementary Students Master Career Skills One Cup at a Time

Albany Avenue's hallways are full of energy as The Daler Perk coffee cart makes its bi-monthly rounds to provide staff with an afternoon pick-me-up. Started by teachers Gianna Ventiere and Olivia Lechner, this student-led business was designed to provide authentic, recurring opportunities for students to practice communication and career development in a real-world setting. Students take on the role of baristas, responsible for greeting customers, clarifying orders, and managing inventory. While the cart currently runs twice a month, the school hopes to offer it every Friday following the overwhelming positive response from staff.

Building Skills for School and Home

The Daler Perk helps students master life skills that carry over into the classroom and the home. Through handling money and organizing the cart’s supplies, students practice essential math and organizational habits in a fun, hands-on way. These daily interactions build social confidence and help students learn how to follow complex routines. We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations from the Arizona Beverage Company that have helped our students thrive in these new roles and feel like true professionals.

IN YOUR JANUARY DIGEST, YOU’LL FIND THE LATEST NEWS, SPECIAL MOMENTS, AND STORIES THAT CELEBRATE THE INCREDIBLE ENERGY, TALENT, AND SPIRIT THAT DEFINE OUR COMMUNITY.

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The Farmingdale High School community gathered on January 29, 2026, to celebrate the induction of 136 exceptional students into the National Honor Society. These students have shown they are leaders both in the classroom and in their neighborhoods. The evening was a tribute to their hard work and commitment to helping others.

A Night of Recognition

The ceremony took place at Farmingdale High School and was organized by advisors Mrs. Jill Greeney and Mrs. Lisa Jensen. The auditorium was filled with proud family members, district leaders, and Board of Education members. A special highlight of the night was the recognition of several dozen teachers. These "Inspirational Educators" were hand-picked by the students for making a lasting impact on their lives. Following the event, guests enjoyed a small reception in the Commons to celebrate the achievement.

The Power of Connection

The keynote speaker, Farmingdale High School Business teacher Donna Wright, delivered an inspiring message focused on the importance of building bridges. She explained how becoming a National Honor Society member connects these students to the broader world. Being a member is about more than just academic excellence; it is about being a well-rounded person who strives to make a difference. These 136 students have demonstrated a willingness to help others and to take on challenges with determination and grace. As these new inductees continue their academic journey, there is no doubt they will continue to impact the world around them positively.

The Farmingdale school district successfully launched its first annual Farmingdale Resource Fair last night, transforming the high school commons into a welcoming space for community connection. We know how time-consuming it can be to search online for the right activities for your children or to sift through countless reviews trying to find the best fit. Despite the freezing temperatures outside, the district provided a convenient, one-stop shop to help local families plan for the future.

Exploring Local Opportunities

Families who attended the fair spent the evening connecting directly with program leaders from across the area. Attendees explored a wide variety of offerings, including the UPK Program, Farmingdale Library, and various local clubs. For those interested in local athletics, representatives from Farmingdale Baseball & Softball, Farmingdale Aquatics, and Farmingdale PAL were available to provide personal insight and registration details. It was a meaningful opportunity for residents to meet the people behind the programs that make our community thrive.

Food, Fun, and Fellowship

The event provided a warm atmosphere for families to engage with the Farmingdale PTA, Farmingdale Youth Council, and various student organizations. While parents gathered information, children enjoyed games set up throughout the commons. The Food Services Department was also a highlight, serving delicious samples from the school menus to keep guests fueled and happy. This inaugural event showed that even on a cold winter night, the Farmingdale community is dedicated to supporting our students and their families.

Farmingdale High School technology students welcomed special guests from the AHRC for a unique service project on Wednesday, January 28. The AHRC is an organization dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event was designed not just as a woodworking workshop, but as an opportunity for students to use the skills they learn in the classroom to pay it forward to the community.

Building Skills and Self-Esteem

The woodshop echoed with the rhythmic sounds of hammering as students took on the role of mentors, handing over hammers and nails to their guests. The group included "project managers"—students with three years of woodshop experience—who helped lead the daily routines. Farmingdale High School Technology Teacher Mr. Corey Sterler noted that this leadership is by design.

“We have cultivated a strong work environment culture where respect, patience, and safety are always the number one priority,” said Mr. Sterler. “With the addition of the AHRC, it was incredible to see the students welcome guests into their workshop and show them how to assemble materials in a safe and positive environment.”

Real-World Skills

The Technology Students handed over hammers and nails to their guests, guiding them through the construction process. Rather than just building for them, the students taught the AHRC participants how to use the tools themselves. For the students, it was a chance to see their classroom lessons translate into real-world impact.

“After being in these tech classes for a few years now, you wonder when you'll begin to use these skills in the real world. So when we get the chance to pass down our skills onto a new group of people eager to learn, you feel your experience begin to pay off,” said Farmingdale High School senior Ryan Kearney. “It feels really special to be a part of something like this, where you can introduce people to the new things that you love doing.”

A Job Well Done

After the sawdust settled, the group sat down to enjoy lunch together, celebrating the completed projects and the teamwork that went into building them. This workshop marks the continuation of a strengthening bond between the district and the AHRC.

“We are thrilled to see our partnership with the AHRC continue to flourish,” said Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “We recently invited the group for a special daytime performance of our fall musical production in November, and this workshop is a wonderful evolution of that relationship. I look forward to seeing more projects that bring our students and community together.”

As the partnership grows, the district remains committed to creating inclusive spaces where every member of the community can learn, build, and belong.