Over the summer, George Thomatos (12), Samantha Stanton (12), Samantha Rowland (12), Zachary Moyer (11), and Frank Delguercio (10) attended Foundation Running Camp in Copake, NY. Joining them was coach Thomas Londino.

Their commitment to training was further showcased on August 31 when they joined the rest of the squad for the Main Street Mile in Farmingdale, marking the end of their preseason preparations.

The Farmingdale High School XC Team kicked off their official season with a run at Levy Park last weekend, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting and challenging season ahead.

Farmingdale’s Enthusiastic Return to Learning

The Farmingdale School District kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year on September 5th. Superintendent Paul Defendini, principals, administrators, and teachers greeted new and returning students and families as they arrived on campus.

Students hopped off the school buses and walked toward their classrooms, reuniting with friends, sharing stories of their summer adventures, and marveling at how much everyone had grown.

The district and its remarkable PTA have organized numerous informative and engaging events for the upcoming fall season to ensure a fantastic beginning to the 2024-2025 school year.

Community to Celebrate the Legacy of Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice Ferrari with Special Event Featuring Marching Band

The Farmingdale School District, in collaboration with the Town of Oyster Bay, will hold a special street renaming ceremony on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. This event will honor the late Farmingdale educators Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari, who tragically passed away on September 21, 2023, when a charter bus carrying 40 members of the Farmingdale High School marching band overturned on Interstate 84 in Orange County on their way to a band camp in Pennsylvania.

“The Farmingdale School District is pleased to share the news of the upcoming Street Dedication Ceremony celebrating Bea and Gina,” stated Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “As the district and the Town of Oyster Bay come together to unveil the new street signs, it will serve as a symbolic gesture of the everlasting impact that educators can have. These signs will stand as beacons of hope and inspiration and will forever honor the extraordinary lives of Bea Ferrari and Gina Pellettiere.”

Event details:

• Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini will lead the ceremony, which will showcase the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, Dalerettes, and Daler Guard, along with District Officials, the Board of Education, Family Members, and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, along with members of the Oyster Bay Town Board.
• The ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm on the turf field at Farmingdale High School.
• Woodward Parkway at 11th Ave in Farmingdale will be named in honor of Beatrice Ferrari. 10th Ave at Woodward Parkway in Farmingdale will be named in honor of Gina Pellettiere.
• During the ceremony, there will be speeches celebrating Gina and Bea's contributions, anecdotes from those who knew them well, and an exceptional musical performance by the renowned Farmingdale High School Marching Band.
• Attendees are encouraged to wear Daler gear and come together as a community to pay tribute to these exceptional educators, whose influence will continue to inspire future generations.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “We are proud to honor the life and public service of beloved educators, Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice Ferrari. While these amazing women left us too soon, we will forever remember them as caring, compassionate, joyful, and selfless professionals that inspired students to reach their full potential. Their legacy will forever live on in our hearts, as well as at this special place in the Farmingdale community.”

Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari was a dedicated global studies teacher for 36 years, 32 of them in the Farmingdale School District. Despite retirement, she remained involved, joining the high school marching band every year at band camp. Woodward Parkway at 11th Ave in Farmingdale will be renamed “Beatrice Ferrari Way” in her honor.

Gina Pellettiere, known as “Ms. P” to her students, was the longtime band program director at Farmingdale High School. Her profound impact on students through her passion for music and teaching is immeasurable. 10th Ave at Woodward Parkway in Farmingdale will be renamed “Gina Pellettiere Way” as a lasting tribute to her legacy.

In the event of inclement weather, a rain date of October 16, 2024, has been scheduled.

Feel the Passion, Hear the Music, and Witness the Excellence: Farmingdale High School Marching Band Prepares for a Spectacular Season!

The Farmingdale High School Marching Band has kickstarted preparations for the upcoming season with three evening practice sessions held on August 6-8.

As one of the most prominent high school marching bands on Long Island, boasting close to 300 members, they are gearing up to showcase their talents at football halftime shows, parades, and the Newsday Marching Band Festival. Mr. Greg Warnokowski, District Director of Fine and Performing Arts, highlighted that Farmingdale has a rich musical legacy, with the marching band being a source of pride in the community. Many parents of current band members were once part of the band, adding to the sense of tradition and community spirit. The band eagerly anticipates the support of numerous alums at the Homecoming game.

Band Directors Matthew DeMasi and David Abrams have been diligently preparing for the marching band season, which includes an upcoming band camp from September 12 to September 15 at Pine Forest Camp in PA. The new Coach of the Daler Guard, Shawnte Carter, who also works as a social worker at Howitt Middle School, has been actively preparing the color guard/flag routines over the summer. Additionally, the award-winning kickline, The Dalerettes, led by Lauren Scotti and Jessica Baker, has been putting in dedicated effort with weekly practices throughout the summer.

The Farmingdale High School Marching Band will attend their annual overnight band camp this September, and the Farmingdale High School Homecoming Game and Pep Rally are scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, at 5 pm. The Daler community is welcome to join and enjoy the game and engaging halftime performances!

Congratulations to Farmingdale High School's Graduating CLASS OF 2024!

The Best is Yet to Come.

Enjoy these highlights from the June 18, 2024 Graduation Ceremony.

Class of 2024 Senior Montage