Smiling through the raindrops, eighth-grade students gathered on the turf field to celebrate their transition to high school. On Tuesday evening, June 23, Weldon E. Howitt Middle School held its annual Moving-Up Ceremony. Despite the rainy weather, the ceremony for the graduates was filled with pride as families, friends, faculty, district administrators, and members of the Board of Education cheered on the Class of 2026.

The evening centered on the incredible journey of the students, highlighted by a moving performance from the Howitt Middle School Chorus. Principal Mike Gavalas shared inspiring reflections on the students' growth, academic milestones, and perseverance. Superintendent Paul Defendini joined him on stage to present certificates and congratulate each student.

The district also honored two outstanding individuals for their leadership and service. Kanika Jassi received the Board of Education Scholarship & Citizens Award for demonstrating exceptional character, citizenship, discipline, and leadership. Samantha Caivano received the Dr. Gary E. Karp Award, recognizing her dedication to the school and community.

As these bright scholars prepare to enter Farmingdale High School this fall, their achievements lay a strong foundation for the future. The entire community looks forward to watching the Class of 2026 reach new heights.

All of our spring concerts will be held in person this year! No tickets are required to attend. Performances will be recorded, and links will be posted on the district website a few days after each show.

March 27, 2026 FHS POPS Concert

April 21, 2026 Jazz Showcase

April 30, 2026 NS Show Choir

May 7, 2026 HMS 7th & 8th Gr Chorus Spring Concert

May 13, 2026 FHS Chorus Spring Concert

May 14, 2026 FHS Bands & Wind Ensemble Concert

May 18, 2026 AA Junior Spring Concert

May 18, 2026 AA Senior Spring Concert

May 18, 2026 SEM Spring Concert

May 20, 2026 FHS Orchestra Spring Concert

May 28, 2026 WP Jr. Spring Concert

May 28, 2026 WP Sr. Spring Concert

June 8, 2026 Tri-M Honor Society

Howitt Middle School teacher Kim Baccarella has been named a recipient of the 2026 STEM Star Teacher Award by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences.

Baccarella was honored alongside educators from districts across Long Island at a recognition ceremony on May 14.

“With remarkable professionalism and persistence, Kim constantly refines her lessons to ensure accessibility and high expectations,” said Dr. Kristen Cummings, Farmingdale Director of Science. “Her work reflects a deep belief that students deserve instruction that is current, relevant, and intellectually challenging.”

LISTEMELA is affiliated with the National Science Teaching Association and the National Science Education Leadership Association.

The district congratulates Ms. Baccarella on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued dedication to students.

The Farmingdale Union Free School District mission is centered on a clear vision for artificial intelligence in education, where the primary focus is on building AI literacy. This commitment was the foundation of the AI Parent Awareness Night held on April 29, 2026, in the Farmingdale High School lecture hall. Open to all parents in grades K-12, the event provided a space to discuss how the district is approaching this technology at its own pace while staying mindful of its rapid advancement during the 2025-2026 school year.

The evening was led by Assistant Superintendent for Administration Dr. Samuel Thompson Director of Instructional Technology & MTSS Virginia Dalton. They were joined by special guest speaker Santi Khairassame from Project Recess, an organization recognized as a 2025 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for Ethical AI and Data Use. The presentation moved beyond technical details to focus on the human experience in the classroom, emphasizing essential skills such as:

• Critical thinking and academic integrity
• Fact-checking and verifying AI outputs
• Strategies for classroom use and timelines for implementation
• Methods to use technology safely and ethically

As AI continues to evolve, the district remains dedicated to ensuring our students are prepared to navigate these tools with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.

View the full presentation here

Sixth-grade students stood at the edge of the woods, wooden shields in hand, ready to step into the world of Mount Olympus. On May 8, 2026, the district’s young readers saw the pages of the Percy Jackson series come to life during an immersive field trip at Bethpage State Park.

Guided by experts from Mythik Camps, students moved beyond the classroom to experience the trials of a demigod. They practiced teamwork through tactical games and sharpened their problem-solving skills, mirroring the legendary quests of their favorite characters. This day of active storytelling transformed a popular book into a lived adventure, fostering a deeper connection to literature and peer collaboration. These budding heroes returned to Howitt Middle School with newfound confidence and a lasting passion for the power of a great story.