Hello, Farmingdale Family!

This is Paul Defendini, and as we look at potentially messy weather on the horizon, I want to share a quick update on how we’ll handle school closures this year.

As many of you know, New York State has some pretty specific rules about how much time students need to spend in the classroom. While we’ve built 183 days into our calendar (three more than the state minimum), we also have to meet a specific number of instructional hours.

This is where it gets a little tricky:

Elementary & Middle Schools: Because of their daily schedules, we have enough "banked" hours to allow for a traditional snow day without needing to make it up later. Farmingdale High School: Our schedule is much tighter. We are just a tiny bit above the state requirement, which means even one traditional snow day would force us to add a makeup day to the calendar later in the year.

To protect our future breaks and keep things simple, here is our plan if we have to close:

Elementary & Howitt Middle School: A True Snow Day Business as usual—or rather, no business as usual! There will be no remote school or assignments. My hope is that our younger Dalers get outside to build a snowman, grab some hot chocolate, and just enjoy being kids.

Farmingdale High School: Flexible "Asynchronous" Learning To avoid having to change the calendar later this Spring, our high schoolers will transition to a flexible learning day.

• No "9-period" schedule: Students won't need to log in at a specific time.

• Google Classroom: Teachers will post assignments that students can complete at their own pace throughout the day.

• Support: If students have questions, they are encouraged to speak with or email their teachers to ensure they understand their expectations in advance of next week’s potential storm.

We are already looking at ways to build more flexibility into the high school schedule for the future, but for now, this is the best way to keep our school year on track while staying safe. As a reminder, if we close schools, all after-school activities for all of our students are cancelled as well.

If we need multiple days this season, we will need to consider future calendar changes, which will be shared in a future communication.

Stay warm, stay safe, and as always, it’s a great day to be a Daler!

Warmly, Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools

While much of the conversation around Artificial Intelligence in schools focuses on risks, two teachers at Howitt Middle School are proving that technology can be a powerful tool for literacy. Mrs. Hilton and Mrs. Solomon recently transformed their reading block into an interactive digital theater to help students connect with text in a new way.

Creating a Shared Reading Adventure

The teachers used Google’s "Read Along" integration to create a unique experience for the class. They did not just pick a book from a shelf. Instead, they used AI to generate personalized stories tailored specifically to their students' interests. By projecting these stories onto a Newline interactive board, the class turned individual reading into a shared adventure. Students took turns reading aloud and clicked on challenging words for instant pronunciation help.

Engaging Students and Building Fluency

The interactive approach has sparked excitement in the classroom. The teachers noted that the students were not just reading, as they were fully engaged in the process. The results have been clear, including increased student confidence, better fluency, and a classroom full of students eager for the next story.

Creativity often begins with a simple observation. While learning about lending libraries in their Geodes curriculum, first graders in Ms. DeRuvo’s class at Woodward Parkway noticed something missing: their school didn’t have one of its own. Rather than waiting for adults to solve the problem, the students took action. They envisioned a mobile library but knew they needed technical help to bring it to life. This sparked a unique partnership between the elementary students and the Farmingdale High School Technology Department.

A Hands-On Field Trip with Special Guests

On January 16, the vision began to take shape. The first-grade class traveled to the high school for a special field trip, where they were greeted by high schoolers from the Child Lab program, technology teacher, Mr. Sterler, and his students. The younger students toured the technology labs and woodworking shops. There, they saw their idea come to life: a mobile library on wheels that could travel easily throughout the elementary building.

The significance of this cross-level collaboration drew distinguished guests. Woodward Parkway Principal Dr. Patrick Klocek, Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini, and Board of Education trustees George Andriopoulos and Kathy Lively joined the visit to observe the partnership in action. Their attendance underscored the district’s commitment to supporting student agency and innovative learning experiences.

Mentorship in the Making

This event was more than just a construction project; it was a lesson in mentorship. As administrators looked on, High school students acted as role models, guiding the first graders through the steps of construction, safety, and design. The first graders didn't just watch, they participated. With the help of Mr. Sterler and their high school mentors, they helped complete parts of the construction, leaving the labs feeling capable and confident.

Building Community Pride

The finished mobile library will soon be roaming the halls of Woodward Parkway, serving as a lasting resource for the school. However, the true value of the project lies in the connection it forged. By applying technical skills to a real-world project, the high schoolers showed the first graders that their ideas matter. This collaboration highlights the strong sense of community within the district, proving that great things happen when students of all ages work together.