What’s this? There’s magic in the air at Farmingdale High School. The 2025 Extravaganza surprised everyone with a very special guest from Halloween Town.

Superintendent Paul Defendini stepped into the role of Jack Skellington, joining the Mixed Chorus, Treble Chorus, Wind Ensemble, and special guests Jed Herman, Carla Stillwell, Greg Warnokowski, Kirk Mason, David Abrams, Jamie Capasso, Elena Scarano, and Avery DeMasi, to bring the wonder of The Nightmare Before Christmas to life.

Just as Jack discovered the joy of a new world, we found magic in bringing our administration and students together on one stage. Sharing this beloved tradition together is what the spirit of the season and #dalerpride is all about!

Farmingdale High School transformed into a winter wonderland of sound on December 18, for their second winter concert of the season. Students, staff, and families gathered to celebrate the holidays with spectacular performances by the Treble Chorus, Mixed Chorus, and Wind Ensemble.

Talented student-musicians showcased their hard work under the guidance of the music department's leadership. The evening featured the Treble Chorus directed by Mr. Joseph Franzino, the Mixed Chorus led by Ms. Jessica Mischke, and the Wind Ensemble conducted by Mr. Matthew DeMasi.

An energetic highlight of the night was the performance of the "Hallelujah Chorus." This piece is a cherished tradition within the district, as it invites alumni to return to the stage and raise their voices alongside current students.

Farmingdale High School hosted the first of two evening concerts last night, December 16. The audience enjoyed beautiful selections from the string and symphony orchestras, led by Ms. Thérèse Mannino, and the symphonic band under the direction of Mr. David Abrams.

The district’s winter concert series serves as a testament to the dedication of our students and the high caliber of our music program. We look forward to seeing everyone at the high school’s next performance on December 18!

The falling snow at Rockefeller Center added a touch of magic to the 52nd annual Tuba Christmas this past Sunday. Twenty-eight students from Howitt Middle School and Famringdale High School, along with alumni, gathered under the famous tree for a truly special performance.

They joined nearly 300 other musicians to fill the city air with beautiful holiday carols. The snowy backdrop transformed the afternoon into a cozy, unforgettable winter memory for everyone involved.

Teachers David Abrams and Erica Hartmann accompanied the students, who gathered for rehearsal just a few hours before the performance in the basement of Rockefeller Center.

Howitt Middle School participants included Stella Levenson, Ethan Ianotta, Dylan Nguyen, Matthew Alvarado, Tyler Brinkman, and Gianni Sparacio.

High school students included Dylan Moritz, Gabriel Winter, Earl Jones III, William Herbert, Nicholas Astuto, Isabella Salay, Chloe Grimes, Charlie Cartagena Caceres, Juan Bonilla, and Thomas Blaser.

Farmingdale alumni participants included Jayne Matzelle, Joe Geraci, Andrew Adamo, Gabe Ruiz, Aidan Timko, and Charlotte Rutkowski.

Congratulations to the following musicians on a spectacular performance

The Farmingdale School District is proud to announce that two of its high school students were honored on Monday, December 9, at the Nassau Zone 2025-2026 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year Awards ceremony.

The award, presented by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD), recognizes students who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievement in physical education.

The two students, Gianna Recine and William Herbert, were selected by the physical education department at Farmingdale High School for their exceptional dedication to fitness, health, and wellness.

“We are immensely proud of Gianna and William,” shared Farmingdale Director of Physical Education and Athletics Don Herr. “This recognition is a testament to their commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle and their leadership among their peers. They truly embody the spirit of our physical education program.”

The award recipients were recognized in front of their families, physical education teachers, and administrators from across the Nassau Zone.