Farmingdale, NY (September 2, 2021) —The Farmingdale school district opened for the start of the 2021-2022 school year on September 2. Administrators, teachers, and staff welcomed 5,500 students at Farmingdale high school, Weldon E. Howitt middle school, Albany Avenue, Northside, Saltzman East Memorial, and Woodward Parkway elementary schools.

“The start of a new school year fills us with hope,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “We are committed to working together to provide the best environment for our students.”

For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.

Pictures from the first day of school can be viewed HERE

Farmingdale, New York (August 13, 2021)—The Farmingdale School District is bringing the “heat” this summer with an exciting new program designed to keep students engaged and learning during summer vacation! This year, the KPMG Family for Literacy (KFFL) Summer Healthy Eating, Exercise, And Time Spent Reading (HEAT) program will supplement our existing summer literacy program at Satltzman East Memorial and in our new literacy program at Woodward Parkway with a focus on providing students with books and learning resources at a time when students lack access due to schools being closed for the summer. The campaign will also look to address food insecurity and promote health and wellness.

“While the summer months mark a time of rest and relaxation for students, the Farmingdale School District has always worked to identify programs that will build upon our students’ education during summer recess,” said Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools. “The KFFL program is wonderful in that it helps address student literacy, ensuring that students retain the progress they made during the school year, while also promoting food security, health, and wellness.”

Students participating in the program received a “healthy kit” that included two books (one focused on health and wellness and the second on diversity and inclusion), a jump rope, and a KFFL branded bag. A total of 500 books and 100 pre-packaged breakfast bags were also part of the program. Students in the district’s summer literacy programs at Saltzman East Memorial and at Woodward Parkway also had access to in-school virtual field trips hosted by US Olympic gold medalist and KPMG Learning Ambassador, Laurie Hernandez, who engages directly with students to introduce them to the exciting opportunities provided in this program. This year’s virtual field trips included “episodes” with Philadelphia 76er shooting guard Seth Curry; Krystal Joy Brown and Darnell Abraham from the musical stage show, Hamilton; and U.S. Olympic Gold medalist Laurie Hernandez. Over 160 Farmingdale students in grades 1-5 benefited from this generous support from KPMG.

KPMG Family for Literacy celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2018. Since its creation, the program has received over five million book donations which have been distributed to students across Long Island to provide continued access to literature resources.

For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.

The artwork you are about to enjoy highlights the perseverance and dedication of our teachers and students, some of who spent a year and a half learning from home. Through technology and inventive media we’ve become more resilient, more prolific Daler artists. And now, I invite you to enjoy our 2021 Farmingdale District Art Show!!

Enter the Art Gallery HERE!

Farmingdale High School has been on a roll all year, receiving commendations and awards in a variety of areas both locally and nationally. Now, Farmingdale High School can add one more award to the impressive list! On Tuesday, April 27, U.S. News & World Report published the highly anticipated 2021 Best High Schools rankings. Among the impressive list of high schools was the District’s very own Farmingdale High School!

“Farmingdale High School is honored to be named as part of the U.S. News & World Reports’ 2021 Best High Schools,” said Farmingdale High School Principal, Dr. Samuel Thompson. “I can’t think of a better way for the work of our students and staff to be recognized. May this achievement serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished as a united community with a shared goal of academic excellence.”

The Farmingdale School District prides itself on its ability to prepare students for life post-graduation through the employment of a curriculum that provides students with the tools and experience they need to succeed. The data, collected during the 2018-2019 academic year, assessed students' display of college preparedness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, and performance on Advanced Placement exams, as well as the District’s high graduation rates, all of which are core metrics for evaluating a high school’s national ranking. Our Dalers’ performance in all of these areas, as well as their impressive scores on several statewide assessments, did not go unnoticed, affording the school a spot on this highly regarded list.

“Farmingdale School District’s students’ and educators’ ability to continue to perform at a high caliber is truly remarkable but in no way surprising,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Recognition of our student’s academic capabilities in U.S. News & World Reports’ is a tremendous achievement, and we should strive to be included every year. Congratulations, Dalers!”

Schools that ranked in the top 40 percent nationally achieved status as U.S. News Best High Schools. Those recognized gained eligibility to display U.S. News-trademarked 2021 Best High Schools award “badges,” which are emblematic of the institution’s hard work. This achievement is shared by the students, staff, and teachers of Farmingdale High School, whose dedication to providing top-tier education, especially during these times, is truly commendable.

For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.

Heroes work here. Signage attesting to that fact adorns the grounds around the Farmingdale School Districts’ six school buildings as it marked the one-year anniversary of the schools shutting their doors to in-person instruction due to the Coronavirus pandemic. With Spring, though, comes the promise of better times ahead. Signs of this are evident throughout the district. Students are back in school, sports are up and running, and a long-awaited vaccine is finally here.

"I am so thankful for the volunteer effort of our administrators, nurses, Walgreens, Village, and South Farmingdale EMS, The Marketplace at 317,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Dozens of people donated their time and services to support this critical event, and together we vaccinate more than 300 staff members. Farmingdale is an exceptional community, and I am prouder than ever to call myself a Daler.”

The Walgreens Pharmacy staff was on-site at Farmingdale High School on Monday, March 22, from 2 PM to 8 PM to distribute the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to interested staff members. Over 300 people signed up! Having teachers and staff vaccinated is essential to the full safe reopening of all school buildings. Navigating through the New York state’s websites to find an available appointment at a local vaccine center has been a struggle for many Long Islanders. The Farmingdale School District is extremely thankful to Walgreens for making their School District a priority and making the vaccination process seamless for the community.

The long hours distributing these vaccines was also made easier by a generous donation of catered, grab-and-go food provided by local merchant, the Marketplace at 317. Joe Fortuna, named the Farmingdale Outstanding Businessperson of the Year by the village's chamber of commerce, graciously offered the Walgreens staff and volunteers food to help get them through the long hours. Fortuna owns The Nutty Irishman and 317 Main Street, a duo of eateries in Farmingdale Village. The Marketplace at 317 opened earlier this year and is located behind 317 Main Street.

“The Farmingdale community has been so supportive of the restaurants throughout these challenging times,” said Joe Fortuna. “When Paul Defendini reached out about having food catered, I was eager to pay it forward and show my appreciation.”

For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.