The Farmingdale School District Fine Arts Department recently welcomed hundreds of community residents to the annual district-wide art show! The popular event was on display in the commons at Farmingdale High School. Daler artwork from each school across the district was on display for all to see while student musicians performed for guests to enjoy.

The districtwide art show is an evening devoted to Farmingdale’s young artists, grades K-12. The artwork features drawings, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography, and graphic designs. A special thank you to all Farmingdale art teachers for making this possible!

Farmingdale has incredibly talented student artists. If you didn't get a chance to stop by the district art show, don't worry. Check out these amazing pieces! Keep up the great work, Dalers!

Dr. Patricia O’Regan, Principal of Saltzman East Memorial, was honored with the Region 2 Administrator of the Year Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

“Dr. O'Regan works with the staff at Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School to create and maintain a school community that supports teachers and embraces our diverse student population,” said Saltzman East Memorial Assistant Principal Anjany Smar. “We celebrate growth and develop detailed plans together to help students make the progress that we know they are capable of making.”

SAANYS Administrator of the Year Award recognizes any administrator in Region 2 who has rendered exceptional service on behalf of education. Dr. O’Regan’s work with the Summer Literacy Camp over the last five years was highly praised by fellow Farmingdale administrators.

“The Summer Literacy Camp serves Dr. O’Regan’s most vulnerable students in ways that seek to reverse the impact of the summer slide,” said Director of Secondary ELA and ENL (K-12) Dr. Josh Anisansel. “Many students who participate in the summer program transition better in the fall, and she has crunched the data to highlight the positive impacts this has had on students' literacy progression.”

The Summer Literacy Program enlists the help of teachers to provide essential curricular services to support our students. But it is so much more than that. Through Dr. O’Regan’s hard work establishing connections with outside vendors and service providers, this program also provides no-cost transportation, a full-service food program, and even a no-cost book fair where every student can take home a rich library of books. The program has continued to expand as Dr. O’Regan recently connected with KPMG, which sponsors an entire day of giving back that includes giveaways and fun activities.

“Dr. O’Regan is an innovator and will step into any role to help provide the best opportunities for her students,” said Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “In short, Dr. O'Regan is a champion for her children, and she is most worthy of this honor.”

Farmingdale's 5th Annual Elementary STEAM Night, held on March 21st, was a fantastic night of hands-on learning. Teachers and student volunteers helped guide families through a fun-filled evening celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a carnival-like atmosphere filled with games, puzzles, and activities.

“STEAM Night is my favorite night of the year,” said Director of Science Dr. Kristen Cummings. “As soon as you arrive, you can feel a positive energy. The most amazing part is that it is a true community effort that brings the entire district together.”

Farmingdale’s Elementary STEAM Night, attended by more than 600 people, had over 100 volunteers manning dozens of engaging stations. Some of the more popular demonstrations were: A Shocking Development, Make your Flashlight, The Science of the Electric Guitar, Whirly Swirly Pipe Making Sounds, Make Your Ice Cream, Doodle Bots, Slinky Fall, Football Fizzicks, Fold and Fly, Anatomy Assembly, Mini Metric Olympics, Quivervision, Slippery Slime, Penny Boats, and Mix with Minions.

Several Farmingdale High School clubs played a massive part in the night’s success—Robotics, Science Olympiad, Women In STEM, Science Research Club, Real Harmony, Health Science Club, and Theatre students. Teacher volunteers from the district’s six buildings were also on hand to help the event run smoothly.

A big thank you to the Farmingdale Teacher Center (FTC), who helped support the preparation for the night, and to the Farmingdale Federation of Teachers (FFT) for donating the STEAM Night string bags that were given to all the guests.

An event as grand as STEAM Night doesn’t happen without countless hours of planning and re-planning. Farmingdale School District’s Director of Science, Dr. Kristen Cummings, National Science Honor Society Members, their advisors Sara Whitaker, Mike Boyd, and STEAM Night Coordinators Tatiana Hakimian and Julie Bonventere can rest assured that STEAM Night was a hit with families. The Daler community can not wait for next year’s event!

It was Green vs. White in an enthusiastic and friendly competition as Farmingdale fifth graders put on their game faces and challenged each other at the district’s first-ever Sports Night on March 6. This inaugural event is a night of fun for students, featuring various athletic games that promote camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Fifth graders from the districts four elementary schools; Albany Avenue, Northside, Saltzman East Memorial and Woodward Parkway were divided into two teams – Green and White – and compete in several creative, athletic events, Castle Ball, Basketball Relay, Trench Ball, and a Pursuit Relay. Teams were also scored on sportsmanship and spirit. It was an extremely close race, but in the end, the white team stood victorious.

"Congratulations to all the participants who made Sports Night so successful," said Director of Athletics Jeanne Berkoski. "Thank you to the PE teachers, Farmingdale High School's Varsity Leaders, Dalerettes, Cheerleaders, and building administration for doing an incredible job coordinating the activities and events."

Friday morning, February 17th, Saltzman East Memorial 4th and 5th-graders spent an entire period jumping rope as part of the Kids Heart Challenge.

The Kids Heart Challenge is a fundraising, service-learning program that provides lessons, tools, and activities to support the mental and physical well-being of students, families, and staff. Over $2000.00 has been raised so far, and students have had a great time completing the jump rope challenge.