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An Update From the Superintendent re: Thank You

Hello to Our Farmingdale Family. This is Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools, and today is January 15, 2025.

Our team at Farmingdale Schools sincerely thanks the Daler community for its continued support. Thanks to you, Proposition #1 was approved in last week’s bond vote and that permits us to begin essential roof renovations. We are grateful for your support, and we will continue to work diligently to reward your confidence in the goals that we have set for the District.

The planning phase for this work is already underway, and we will keep you updated on our progress in the coming months. This project also brings an exciting opportunity to complete the final solar initiative that is needed for the district to achieve energy independence. We have long aspired to remove our schools from the electric grid, and thanks to your support of Proposition #1, this dream will be realized.

We fully accept and respect our community’s decision on Proposition #2 and the related plans that were devised for our Fine and Performing Arts Programs and our Career and Technical Education Program. We will thoughtfully reflect on the insights gained over the past several months as we determine our next steps.

Thank you once again for your support, Farmingdale. Stay warm during this cold winter stretch. We look forward to seeing you around town.

HONORING A LEGACY

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On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Dr. Samuel Thompson, the Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration at Farmingdale School District, received the esteemed Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Oyster Bay.

"The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principles of a just society, and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Dream," Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a news release. "Dr. Thompson represents the 'Gold Standard' of community service, guiding our Town’s youth on the right path and thus helping to shape a better future for all. His ability to lead with resilience and compassion through the global pandemic and the unimaginable Farmingdale bus tragedy has been inspirational, and he continues to show us what it means to be a True Daler."

The ceremony occurred before the monthly Town Hall Meeting in Oyster Bay. Dr. Thompson was accompanied by his family, friends, and colleagues. The Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools approached the podium to speak about Dr. Thompson.

“I am truly honored to celebrate Dr. Thompson for being an exceptional individual, and I believe our planet greatly needs more of this kind of leadership,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Congratulations, Dr. Thompson, on this remarkable achievement; you deserve it! You are exceptional, and I couldn't be prouder of you.”

Dr. Samuel Thompson has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. He spent eight years as the assistant principal and then six years as the principal at Farmingdale High School. Additionally, Thompson has experience working in the Island Trees, Baldwin, and Herricks school districts and serving as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, where he earned his Doctorate. Currently, Dr. Thompson is the Assistant to the Superintendent of Administration in the Farmingdale School District.

BOND VOTE RESULTS

On January 7, 2025, the Farmingdale School District community voted on a bond referendum with two propositions. Proposition I covers necessary roof renovations and electrical upgrades at all six buildings. Proposition II focuses on enhancing fine and performing arts programs while expanding trade-related learning opportunities for all students.

Residents have voted to approve Proposition I, but Proposition II did not pass. The complete results are presented below.

Proposition I

  • Yes 1202
  • No 1089

Proposition II

  • Yes 952
  • No 1326

Prepare To Vote: Videos & Message from Superintendent Defendini

Hello to Our Farmingdale Family This is Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools, with a final message about tomorrow’s vote. I truly appreciate any time you’ve spent reviewing the resources on our website to help you make an informed decision.

I’ve included links to two helpful videos. The first is a recording I made following the community forum, which provides clear answers to all the questions asked that night. Many who watched it found it useful and recommended that I share it more widely. The second is intended to get our community motivated to come down during the day to vote on these important propositions.

Here’s a quick reminder:

  • Proposition 1 covers necessary roof renovations and electrical upgrades at all six buildings.
  • Proposition 2 focuses on enhancing fine and performing arts programs while expanding trade-related learning opportunities for all students.
  • The total cost is approximately $70 per year per household.

Please take the time to vote! Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Howitt Middle School. Your vote matters, and a strong turnout from our Farmingdale Family is all we can ask.

Thank you, and I hope to see you at the polls!

Video Recording of Community Forum

Video Recording of What it Means to Be a Daler

Paul Defendini

MAGIC IN EVERY NOTE

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Farmingdale School District Concludes Vibrant Winter Concert Season

It's a wrap! The winter concerts in the Farmingdale School District have drawn its final curtain. This season, brimming with anticipation, kicked off with a parade down Main Street, then dazzled us with a medley of daytime and evening concerts, punctuated by festive tree lightings, heartfelt performances at local nursing homes, and a memorable journey to the iconic Rockefeller Center for Tuba Christmas.

Count them all, and you'd have more than twenty performances. Not to mention the spontaneous morning melodies that filled the district as students treated early birds to a musical serenade on the days leading up to the holiday recess. These impromptu performances became cherished moments, bringing unexpected joy and a festive spirit to hallways and classrooms. The dedication of the students and their teachers was evident not only in the scheduled concerts but also in these delightful surprises that brightened the winter days.

"There's truly nothing that compares to the winter concert season in Farmingdale," remarked Greg Warnokowski, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. "Each performance is a culmination of hard work and passion, and it's rewarding to see how it all comes together to create something magical. The joy and pride on the faces of our students as they take the stage is something to behold."

The arrival of the new year heralds fresh musical experiences. As January ushers in the new year, the Tri-M Senior Recital is set to mesmerize audiences with various gifted student musicians. February is equally exciting, featuring the All-District Band Concert and the Mid Winter Concert, both ready to highlight the remarkable talents and dedication of our students and staff.

In Farmingdale, the music program is more than just performances; they are a vital part of the community's fabric, enriching lives and inspiring future generations of Dalers. As the school district continues to support its ever-growing music program, the future shines brightly with promise and potential.

By The Numbers