Albany Avenue Kindergarteners in Mrs. Buckley and Mrs Mastropasqua’s classroom are embracing the season as they learn and grow. From hands-on activities that strengthen fine motor skills to festive projects that spark creativity, these young learners are building a strong foundation while celebrating the wonder of autumn

On Monday, September 22, the district’s Athletic Department kicked things off with an exciting mini pep rally at SEM. All week long, students will join the fun with themed dress-up days. This year’s lineup includes Tropical Day, Tie-Dye Day, and Decades Day!

Don’t miss Homecoming this Friday, September 26. See you there!

The elementary school pep rally rotates to a different building each year.

The Village of Farmingdale’s Cultural Arts Committee sponsored the annual Art in the Park event on September 14.

Albany Avenue art teacher Amanda Sharp Gusz coordinated Farmingdale School District’s student art display. Art teachers Camryn Dluginski (SEM) and Elizabeth Panzica (HMS) assisted her, along with members of the Farmingdale High School Art Honor Society.

Sixty-eight student works of art were exhibited, representing all four elementary schools and Howitt Middle School. The student artwork was displayed along the fence on the Village Green, adjacent to booths featuring professional artists from across Long Island. The event was held on a clear, sunny day and was well attended by students and their families, who came to support and celebrate the arts.

The Farmingdale School District officially began the 2025–2026 school year on September 4 under beautiful, warm, sunny skies. Superintendent Paul Defendini, principals, administrators, and teachers warmly welcomed students and families back to campus.

The excitement of opening day was clear as students stepped off school buses and entered their classrooms, eager to reconnect with friends, share summer stories, and take in the changes that come with a new year.

To build on this strong start, the district—together with the support of the Farmingdale PTA—has planned a full schedule of engaging and informative events throughout the fall, ensuring students and families are set for a successful school year ahead.

The Albany Avenue 2025 Moving-Up Ceremony was a touching celebration of accomplishments and fresh starts. Students, teachers, and families came together in the festively adorned auditorium, excited and hopeful for what lies ahead.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Principal Joseph Valentine, who praised the students for their leadership and compassion. He recognized their efforts as mentors to the youngest Dalers and encouraged them to continue being role models as they move on to Howitt Middle School. With pride shining in their eyes, the fifth graders delivered an exceptional musical performance they had been practicing for weeks, enchanting the audience with their impressive talent.

As the Dalers exited the auditorium, they took with them certificates, treasured memories, and a feeling of achievement, ready to embrace the thrilling journey ahead.

WATCH NOW!!! Albany Avenue's 2025 Moving-Up Ceremony