How a dash of Wonka, a giant’s dream, and a pajama-clad middle school transformed a Tuesday night into a masterclass for Farmingdale families.

For the second year in a row, the Farmingdale School District hosted a successful Parent University on March 10, 2026. The district transformed Weldon E. Howitt Middle School into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl, creating an evening of family connection and learning.

Interactive Workshops for Parents

While students enjoyed movie screenings, parents attended interactive workshops led by district educators. These sessions provided parents with practical strategies and tools to help foster reading growth and support literacy at home.

A "Pajama Party" for Students

Students in grades K-8 participated in a movie night featuring Wonka and The BFG. Attendees wore pajamas and enjoyed hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn. The event was designed to make literacy feel accessible and fun for all ages.

Connecting the Screen to the Page

The evening bridged the gap between film and reading. Before leaving, every student received a copy of either Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The BFG. This allowed families to take the magic of the movies home and continue building reading skills together.

A Community Effort

The event’s success relied on the dedicated work of staff and volunteers. Event organizer and Instructional Coach Meghan Sepe-Hickey shared her appreciation for the team effort following the event.

"The success is a reflection of the teamwork and care each of you brought. Your efforts created a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our district community."

As this year's event concludes, the Farmingdale community looks forward to seeing what educational adventures next year will bring.

The roar of the Farmingdale High School gymnasium was deafening on March 3, 2026, as hundreds of fifth graders linked arms for the annual Green & White Night. While the scoreboard eventually declared a winner, the night was defined by the incredible sportsmanship of a unified graduating class.

A Battle Until the End

After tallying points from every challenge, the Green Team was ultimately crowned the 2025-2026 champion. The margin of victory was one of the slimmest in the event's history, with only 25 points separating the two sides. The Farmingdale School District hosts this beloved tradition to bridge the gap between our four elementary schools: Albany Avenue Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, and Woodward Parkway Elementary School. By competing together now, these students ensure that when they enter Weldon E. Howitt Middle School this fall, they do so as teammates and friends.

Athleticism and Grit

The competition was fierce, beginning with a high-intensity five-minute Tabata set that included jumping jacks, sit ups, planks, burpees, and lunges. Students then showcased their skills and speed in a variety of unique events:

• Backwards scooter races
• A sprint relay
• A hula hoop relay
• An over-under relay
• A basketball shootout

The Architects of the Fun

An event of this scale is a massive undertaking that relies on a dedicated community. Director of Physical Education and Athletics Don Herr expressed his gratitude for the entire Physical Education Department and the Varsity Leaders Club for helping the event run smoothly. Special recognition was also given to:

• MC Rich Zeidler for his expert play-by-play
• DJ Dave Stein for keeping the energy high

Sprinting Toward the Finish Line

The energy from Green & White Night serves as a foundation for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. These students will join forces once more in June for the district-wide fifth-grade field day at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School Athletic Complex. The bonds formed during this night ensure our Dalers are ready to face the challenges of middle school with the support of their peers.

The 100th day of school is a major milestone, marking the halfway point of an incredible year of learning and growth. It’s a special opportunity to celebrate just how much our students have accomplished since September. Across the district’s elementary schools, classrooms were filled with excitement as students created lists of 100 favorite things, counted and strung 100 beads, designed festive “100 Days” headbands, and took part in hands-on activities centered around the number 100. The biggest highlight? Students dressed up as 100-year-olds, imagining their future selves with plenty of creativity and laughs along the way.

Dalers of all ages throughout the district donned purple on Friday, February 13, 2026, to show their support for P.S. I Love You Day. This day shines a light on mental health and combating bullying. By introducing mental health education to students at an early age, discussions will become more open, enabling students to identify when they or others require assistance. Every second Friday of February, communities wear purple to promote kindness, create a welcoming atmosphere, and emphasize that mental health is as crucial as physical health.

Students in fourth and fifth grade at Saltzman East Memorial joined the Kids Heart Challenge on February 12, 2026. They took part in a jump rope event to support heart health and learned about staying active and caring for others. We are proud of our heart-healthy Dalers!