The hallways of Albany Avenue Elementary School buzzed with excitement as students returned from the holiday recess for their first day back. Teachers and staff welcomed the students, ready to jump back into learning for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

Fourth graders kicked off their return with a special cultural experience. The PTA organized an in-house Native American Journey assembly to bring history to life. Students participated in the interactive presentation, which highlighted indigenous traditions, storytelling, and culture.

It was an engaging way to combine social studies curriculum with a hands-on experience. The assembly provided a memorable start to the new year that sparked curiosity and conversation among the students.

On the morning of December 6, Farmingdale High School opened its doors for the annual Deck the Halls Holiday Breakfast. This beloved tradition fills bellies with delicious food and fills hearts with a sense of togetherness. The Farmingdale Council of PTAs ensures each year that the magic of the holidays reaches every corner of the community while reminding everyone of the power of kindness and generosity.

Elves worked their magic to turn the Farmingdale High School commons into a winter wonderland capable of melting even the Grinch's icy heart. The Deck the Halls celebration unfolded with a mouthwatering hot breakfast served by the Board of Education. A vibrant DJ entertained the families with cheerful holiday tunes while guests were invited to indulge in games and crafts. Tables adorned with raffle baskets lined the area while sizzling hot chocolate stations added to the festive atmosphere. Enchanting characters from Frozen, Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and the Polar Express wandered through the crowd to bring joy to all. The celebrations reached new levels of excitement when the legendary Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived to captivate guests and pose for photographs.

Dozens of volunteers gathered to support the event. Theatre students from Farmingdale High School dressed in full costume to warmly welcome guests and pose for pictures. Enthusiastic National Honor Society members served as Santa’s helpers. These students guided young guests through various craft stations where they could make ornaments, reindeer food, and holiday cookies. Children also participated in an exciting elf scavenger hunt and dropped off their letters to Santa in a special mailbox.

The annual holiday breakfast acts as a charity event with 100% of the proceeds used to purchase holiday gifts for local families.

Yule Want to Watch This! All the Action from Deck the Halls, courtesy of Farmingdale High School junior Robert Herbst.

Enjoy these highlights from Albany Avenue’s daytime concert for students on December 4. The showcase featured performances from the 5th Grade Orchestra under the direction of Thomas Eustaquio, the 5th Grade Band under the direction of Laurel Albinder, and the Chorus under the direction of Catherine McLoughlin and Mi Hee Hwang. Congratulations on a wonderful performance, Dalers.

All of our winter concerts will be held in person this year! No tickets are required to attend. Performances will be recorded, and links will be posted on the district website a few days after each show.

• DECEMBER 3, 2025 HMS 6,7,8 GR ORCHESTRA
• DECEMBER 8, 2025 AA WINTER CONCERT
• DECEMBER 9, 2025 HMS 7,8 GR CHORUS
• DECEMBER 11, 2025 HMS BAND CONCERT #1
• DECEMBER 11, 2025 HMS BAND CONCERT #2
• DECEMBER 15, 2025 HMS 6 GR CHORUS
• DECEMBER 16, 2025 FHS SYMPHONIC BAND, AND ORCHESTRA
• DECEMBER 17, 2025 FHS NS WINTER CONCERT
• DECEMBER 17, 2025 FHS WP WINTER CONCERT
• DECEMBER 18, 2025 FHS TREBLE CHORUS, MIXED CHORUS, AND WIND ENSEMBLE
• DECEMBER 19, 2025 SEM WINTER CONCERT

On Saturday, November 22, 14 students from the Farmingdale School District participated in this year's P.E.A.K.(Parents, Educators, and Kids) Festival at Freeport High School. The P.E.A.K. Festival, run by the NMEA (Nassau Music Educators Association), is the fourth-grade prelude to the Division 1 All County Music Festivals. P.E.A.K. provides excellent workshops focusing on choral singing, music concepts, All-County level ensemble experience, skills, and techniques facilitated by a dedicated and talented staff of music professionals. Saltzman East Memorial music teacher Abigail Coacci chaired the event. She worked with the clinicians and volunteers behind the scenes to ensure the festival ran smoothly. Our fourth-grade students, accompanied by Ms. Irene Smykowski from Saltzman East Memorial and Ms. Deanna Cupolo from Northside, enjoyed their favorite sessions of the day, including cardio drumming, ukulele jamming, and folk dancing. The day concluded with a performance showcasing what every student and parent had learned during the day.

Let’s give a big round of applause to the fourth-grade students, their teachers, and parents for a delightful and musical day!