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 Northside Elementary 2025 Moving-Up Ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of achievements and new beginnings. Students, teachers, and families gathered in the brightly decorated auditorium, which was filled with excitement and anticipation for the future.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt welcome from Principal Dr. Christopher Peterson, who praised the students for their hard work and resilience. These students were in Kindergarten when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in school closures and a shift to virtual learning. Highlights of the event included a touching slideshow of memories from their time at Northside, capturing moments of learning, laughter, and friendship. Beaming with pride, the fifth graders performed a special musical piece they had been rehearsing for weeks, leaving the audience in awe of their talent.

As the Dalers left the auditorium, they carried with them certificates, cherished memories, and a sense of accomplishment, eager to embark on the exciting path ahead.

WATCH NOW!!! Northside's 2025 Moving-Up Ceremony

On June 13, 2025, Farmingdale High School’s Class of 2025 took a meaningful walk down memory lane, returning to the elementary schools where their educational journeys began. The day was filled with nostalgia, joy, and a sense of wonder as seniors explored the playgrounds that once felt enormous and snapped photos to capture the moment. They reunited with beloved former principals and teachers, sharing warm hugs and heartfelt thanks for the support and guidance that helped shape who they are today. The hallways were alive with #dalerpride, as these soon-to-be graduates celebrated their journey and the bright futures that await them.