The roar of the Farmingdale High School gymnasium was deafening on March 3, 2026, as hundreds of fifth graders linked arms for the annual Green & White Night. While the scoreboard eventually declared a winner, the night was defined by the incredible sportsmanship of a unified graduating class.

A Battle Until the End

After tallying points from every challenge, the Green Team was ultimately crowned the 2025-2026 champion. The margin of victory was one of the slimmest in the event's history, with only 25 points separating the two sides. The Farmingdale School District hosts this beloved tradition to bridge the gap between our four elementary schools: Albany Avenue Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, and Woodward Parkway Elementary School. By competing together now, these students ensure that when they enter Weldon E. Howitt Middle School this fall, they do so as teammates and friends.

Athleticism and Grit

The competition was fierce, beginning with a high-intensity five-minute Tabata set that included jumping jacks, sit ups, planks, burpees, and lunges. Students then showcased their skills and speed in a variety of unique events:

• Backwards scooter races
• A sprint relay
• A hula hoop relay
• An over-under relay
• A basketball shootout

The Architects of the Fun

An event of this scale is a massive undertaking that relies on a dedicated community. Director of Physical Education and Athletics Don Herr expressed his gratitude for the entire Physical Education Department and the Varsity Leaders Club for helping the event run smoothly. Special recognition was also given to:

• MC Rich Zeidler for his expert play-by-play
• DJ Dave Stein for keeping the energy high

Sprinting Toward the Finish Line

The energy from Green & White Night serves as a foundation for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. These students will join forces once more in June for the district-wide fifth-grade field day at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School Athletic Complex. The bonds formed during this night ensure our Dalers are ready to face the challenges of middle school with the support of their peers.

Standing before the gleaming display in the main lobby, Nicholas Zito and Anthony McKee see their names joined with decades of Farmingdale High School history. Above them, large digital screens cycle through a timeline of past scholars, while the custom shelving below houses their own plaques and news clippings. For these two students, the Legacy Gallery is a bridge between the legends who came before them and the bright futures they are about to build.

The Evolution of Excellence

For decades, the district preserved the names of its top scholars on traditional plaques. As the walls filled with generations of distinguished alumni, the space was thoughtfully reimagined. Today, the Legacy Gallery features a high-definition digital archive. This modern approach ensures that every valedictorian and salutatorian remains a permanent, searchable part of our school’s story. Alongside the digital screen, dedicated physical plaques and photographs highlight our current honorees, blending our rich history with a forward-looking vision.

Read more about the Class of 2026's Val and Sal

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

Farmingdale Students Perform at 21st Annual Day of Horn

On February 27, 2026, eight talented Farmingdale horn players participated in the 21st annual Day of Horn. Music teachers Erica Hartmann and Dr. Katie Duke accompanied the group to Longwood High School for the day-long event, which brought together approximately 100 student and professional musicians from across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Mentorship and Performance

The highlight of the 2025-2026 school year event was a masterclass and performance by guest artist Kevin Newton. A member of the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds, Kevin Newton is a professional hornist known for his work with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Under his guidance, Farmingdale students gained technical insights and inspiration to help them refine their craft.

Farmingdale Participants

The following students represented the district at this year’s gathering:

• James Shapiro, Albany Avenue Elementary School
• 6th graders Cameron Chiu and McKayla Uzenski
• 7th graders Michael Borowski, Lucy Cutter, and Jared Martinez
• 8th graders George Guadagnino and Dominic Rolon Fischer

About the Event

Founded and organized by Alan Orloff, the Day of Horn provides a unique platform for local brass players to collaborate and perform. Our students had the opportunity to play alongside their peers and learn from industry professionals in a high-energy, educational environment.

In your Daler Digest, you’ll find the latest news, special moments, and stories that highlight the energy, talent, and spirit of our schools. With six buildings and countless activities happening every day, this publication captures only a snapshot of the great work underway throughout the district.

Read February's Issue NOW!