How a dash of Wonka, a giant’s dream, and a pajama-clad middle school transformed a Tuesday night into a masterclass for Farmingdale families.

For the second year in a row, the Farmingdale School District hosted a successful Parent University on March 10, 2026. The district transformed Weldon E. Howitt Middle School into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl, creating an evening of family connection and learning.

Interactive Workshops for Parents

While students enjoyed movie screenings, parents attended interactive workshops led by district educators. These sessions provided parents with practical strategies and tools to help foster reading growth and support literacy at home.

A "Pajama Party" for Students

Students in grades K-8 participated in a movie night featuring Wonka and The BFG. Attendees wore pajamas and enjoyed hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn. The event was designed to make literacy feel accessible and fun for all ages.

Connecting the Screen to the Page

The evening bridged the gap between film and reading. Before leaving, every student received a copy of either Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The BFG. This allowed families to take the magic of the movies home and continue building reading skills together.

A Community Effort

The event’s success relied on the dedicated work of staff and volunteers. Event organizer and Instructional Coach Meghan Sepe-Hickey shared her appreciation for the team effort following the event.

"The success is a reflection of the teamwork and care each of you brought. Your efforts created a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our district community."

As this year's event concludes, the Farmingdale community looks forward to seeing what educational adventures next year will bring.

A High School Senior's Musical Workshop Bridges the Gap Between Generations, Turning the Child Lab Into a Symphony of Early Learning.

This past Wednesday, Emily Azimzadeh transformed a standard school day into a hands-on musical exploration for the youngest learners on our campus.

Under the guidance of teacher Mrs. Sophia Kaufman, students from the Child Lab visited the music department for a specialized workshop. Rather than simply watching a performance, the children were invited to touch, hold, and play various instruments. Emily Azimzadeh led the group through a series of imitation games, teaching the children how to find their own rhythm through active play.

This collaboration isn't just a sweet moment; it's a masterclass in leadership and sensory-rich education. As part of "Music In Our Schools Month," teacher Mrs. Sophia Kaufman and her students are proving that the best way to learn an art form is to touch it, shake it, and play it.

The success of this workshop paves the way for future projects across Farmingdale High School. We look forward to seeing how these early musical sparks grow into a lifelong passion for the arts for our students.

Join us for the Farmingdale Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 26, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the High School and Aquatic Center. Enjoy swimming, basketball, pickleball, and the Trike-A-Thon. Please bring a food donation for St. Kilian’s. Continue the fun on Sunday, March 29, at the Bolt for Baldricks 5K.

Pedal, Play, and Stay!

 Don’t miss the cutest event at this year’s District Wellness Fair! Sign up your Pre-K student for the Trike-a-Thon, then stick around for healthy snacks, games, and community resources.

Sign Up for the Trike-A-Thon Today

Clutching a visual checklist, a student from Mrs. Jessica Celenza’s class scans the shelves of the Albany Avenue Elementary School supply closet with focused intent. This is the daily rhythm of "Celenza Prime," a student-led delivery service that turns routine school business into a masterclass in independence. Guided by the motto "Powered by students. Delivered with heart," these young entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to be a teammate.

Real-World Skills in Action

The program focuses on the student experience rather than just the logistics of school supplies. By managing "Celenza Prime," students practice essential life skills such as responsibility and social communication. Each order serves as a lesson in collaboration, as students work together to ensure their peers and teachers receive exactly what they need.

Meaningful Growth and Impact

The impact on the school community has been profound. When a staff member submits a request, students use a visual supply checklist to fulfill the order. They carefully navigate the halls, select the items, and provide same-day delivery with a smile. Since the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, the team has successfully completed nearly 100 orders.

Looking Toward the Future

This initiative is more than a fun activity; it is a foundation for future success. As these students continue to flourish, the skills they gain through "Celenza Prime" will serve as a bridge to greater independence in their community and beyond.

Watch our new video to see these young entrepreneurs in action as they serve our school community.

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.