The falling snow at Rockefeller Center added a touch of magic to the 52nd annual Tuba Christmas this past Sunday. Twenty-eight students from Howitt Middle School and Famringdale High School, along with alumni, gathered under the famous tree for a truly special performance.

They joined nearly 300 other musicians to fill the city air with beautiful holiday carols. The snowy backdrop transformed the afternoon into a cozy, unforgettable winter memory for everyone involved.

Teachers David Abrams and Erica Hartmann accompanied the students, who gathered for rehearsal just a few hours before the performance in the basement of Rockefeller Center.

Howitt Middle School participants included Stella Levenson, Ethan Ianotta, Dylan Nguyen, Matthew Alvarado, Tyler Brinkman, and Gianni Sparacio.

High school students included Dylan Moritz, Gabriel Winter, Earl Jones III, William Herbert, Nicholas Astuto, Isabella Salay, Chloe Grimes, Charlie Cartagena Caceres, Juan Bonilla, and Thomas Blaser.

Farmingdale alumni participants included Jayne Matzelle, Joe Geraci, Andrew Adamo, Gabe Ruiz, Aidan Timko, and Charlotte Rutkowski.

Congratulations to the following musicians on a spectacular performance

The Farmingdale School District is proud to announce that two of its high school students were honored on Monday, December 9, at the Nassau Zone 2025-2026 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year Awards ceremony.

The award, presented by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD), recognizes students who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievement in physical education.

The two students, Gianna Recine and William Herbert, were selected by the physical education department at Farmingdale High School for their exceptional dedication to fitness, health, and wellness.

“We are immensely proud of Gianna and William,” shared Farmingdale Director of Physical Education and Athletics Don Herr. “This recognition is a testament to their commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle and their leadership among their peers. They truly embody the spirit of our physical education program.”

The award recipients were recognized in front of their families, physical education teachers, and administrators from across the Nassau Zone.

Over the past few weeks, students in Mr. Sterler’s Woods & Materials Processing course and Mr. Hobbes’ Future Architects of America club have been working diligently to turn classroom concepts into real-world solutions. From mastering complementary angles and precision measurement to getting hands-on exposure to CNC machining, students applied both math and technical skills to build critical support structures with exceptional accuracy. These components were carefully crafted, reinforcing the importance of precision and attention to detail in the skilled trades.

The white lettering on the 2x6 guide bar was carved using the Technology Department’s ShopBot CNC router, giving students an exciting introduction to computer-controlled manufacturing. By observing and participating in the production process, students experienced what a real-world manufacturing assembly line looks like in action.

Soon, a new fleet of “Farmingdale UFSD” security barricades will be distributed throughout district buildings, serving as both a vehicle deterrent and a guide for traffic flow on school properties. These functional safety features stand as a proud example of what hands-on, skills-based learning can achieve.

Congratulations to all of the students involved in this meaningful project—we look forward to seeing their impressive work in action across the Farmingdale School District!

The season of giving is in full swing at Farmingdale High School! The Dalers Against Hunger Club officially wrapped up their care kit drive just in time for the holiday season. Club members and their faculty advisor, Caroline Fitzgerald, met to assemble the packages for delivery. These kits will be donated to a homeless shelter, local organizations, and others in need of support during the holidays. We are so proud of our students for spreading cheer and kindness!

Varsity Soccer Team Wins County Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations are in order for the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, the recent recipients of the County Sportsmanship Award. While coaches rate the officials in various categories after each game, it is not as well-known that the officials also rate the coaches and teams regarding sportsmanship. The County Sportsmanship Award is not an individual award, as the officials examine various facets of performance, behavior, and respect. This encompasses respect toward opponents, officials, spectators, and themselves.

Way to represent the district with class!