State Champions Again!
A massive congratulations to our amazing cheer team for taking first place at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association competition in Binghamton this past Saturday! While our team has been a top-tier contender for the last three years, this marks our first State Championship since 2020. We are so incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. To celebrate, we will be honoring the team this Sunday at 2:00 PM during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Afterward, please join us on the Village Green as we officially thank and honor the athletes, coaches, and families who made this milestone possible.
The Spirit of Farmingdale
I also want to highlight a truly special moment from a home basketball game last month. We are fortunate to have a talented student, William Herbert, who frequently performs the National Anthem. When his microphone malfunctioned midway through the song, our student body didn't miss a beat—they jumped right in to finish the anthem together. It was already a memorable night, made even better by a big win against our cross-town rivals, Massapequa. Please take a moment to watch the video; I think you’ll agree it is a perfect reflection of the heart and unity we have here in Farmingdale.
Safety & Emergency Communication
Your ability to reach us during an emergency is our top priority. I am attaching a reference document that outlines our contact protocols. This has been sent to you in the past. I recommend that you keep this important document saved in your phone. During School Hours: If a situation requires immediate attention, please use the contact information for the specific school building. After Hours, Weekends, or Holidays: Please call 911. Our partners in law enforcement have our direct contact information and will ensure school leadership is brought into the conversation immediately if the situation involves our schools or requires our support.
Tax Advocacy & Equalization Updates
Last year, a change in State Equalization Rates led to a sharp increase in the Town of Babylon's taxes. This over-taxation was due to rates established by the Office of Real Property and Taxation Services. Thanks to our collective advocacy—alongside Rich Shaffer and his team in the Town of Babylon and Senators Martinez and Assemblyman O’Pharrow—an action plan is now in place.
- Tax Bill Adjustments: The first step in re-establishing a lower tax base has already been taken through recent tax bill adjustments, aligning the rate with the actual levy.
- Refund Checks: We have received a significant portion of funds from New York State and are working with Senator Martinez’s office, Assemblyman O’Farrow’s office, and the Town of Babylon to issue initial reimbursement checks to affected residents.
- Next Steps: We are continuing our efforts to secure the remaining funds from the State in the upcoming budget cycle. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
Division I Lacrosse at Farmingdale
This Saturday, Farmingdale Schools is thrilled to host Duke University vs. Providence University for a Division I men’s lacrosse game! The game starts at 1:00 PM. It is rare for teams of this caliber to play at an off-site high school venue, and we are honored they chose our athletic complex for this event. Check the attached flyer to order your tickets in advance!
Technical Note
Email Deliverability Finally, we want to ensure we stay connected. Our staff is very responsive to email, but if you don't receive a prompt reply, your message may have been caught in our security firewalls. If you suspect your email has been blocked, please reach out t HELPDESK@farmingdaleschools.org. Our IT department is ready to help you navigate our multilayered safety systems to ensure your messages get through.