The Farmingdale School District's annual fifth-grade Green & White Night took place in March, in front of a packed crowd at the Farmingdale High School gymnasium. This exciting event features a friendly competition among all fifth graders in the district. The GREEN team was ultimately crowned champion, accumulating more points through games, team spirit, and sportsmanship. However, the true winner and essence of the evening was DalerPride.

Recognizing that the transition next year to Howitt Middle School can be daunting, the Farmingdale School District organizes events like Green & White Night to connect incoming students from the district's four elementary schools—Albany Avenue, Northside, Saltzman East Memorial, and Woodward Parkway. With activities designed to encourage interaction and teamwork, students can bond with their future classmates, easing the transition and building a sense of community. The evening is filled with laughter and cheers as students compete and support one another, highlighting the importance of friendship and mutual encouragement. In addition to the elementary school principals encouraging them, Howitt Middle School Principal Michael Gavalas is present to welcome his future students and their families.

Green & White Night is a cherished tradition that the students eagerly anticipate. It's the perfect blend of fun and learning, where children develop social skills and confidence through play. With support from Farmingdale High School’s Varsity Leaders Club, physical education teachers play a pivotal role in orchestrating the night, ensuring that every student feels included and valued. Students shine in activities like Castle Ball, Basketball, and Relay Races, but the night's highlight is the Dance Off. The Dance Off serves as a thrilling conclusion to the night and embodies the spirit of Green & White Night—celebrating inclusivity, self-expression, and a sense of community.

Fifth graders from Albany Avenue, Northside, Saltzman East Memorial, and Woodward Parkway will have one last opportunity to join forces before the school year concludes at the district-wide fifth-grade field day in June. This exciting event will be held at Howitt Middle School’s Athletic Complex. The students will leave with more than memories of victory or participation; they go with newfound friendships and a sense of belonging. The bonds formed during this night lay the groundwork for their journey into middle school, where they will face new challenges and opportunities with their peers' support.

The 100th day of school is a significant milestone, indicating that students have progressed beyond the halfway point. It is also a great occasion to highlight how much children have learned since September. At the district’s elementary schools, students participated in a range of festive activities, including creating lists of 100 favorite things, stringing together 100 beads, and making 100 Days headbands. However, the highlight was when students dressed in costumes to envision what they would look like at the age of 100.

Joining hearts across the district. Dalers of all ages throughout the district donned purple on Friday, February 14, 2025, to show their support for P.S. I Love You Day. This special day aims to shine a light on mental health and combat 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 are urged to wear purple to promote kindness, create a welcoming atmosphere, and emphasize that mental health is as crucial as physical health.

We hope everyone enjoyed immersing themselves in the enchanting world of storytelling at our Parent University Literacy Event.

Witnessing so many joyful faces coming together for an evening dedicated to the love of reading and learning was wonderful. A heartfelt thank you to all the session leaders, classroom supervisors, and behind-the-scenes heroes who created a warm atmosphere that enriched the literacy experience and strengthened our community. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next event, where more adventures and opportunities for learning await. Until then, happy reading!

Farmingdale’s All-District Concert Celebrates Musical Growth

The Farmingdale School District hosted its annual All-District Concert, bringing together student musicians and teachers from grades 5 to 12 across all six Farmingdale schools. This concert alternates each year among Strings, Chorus, and, this time, Band. Nearly 300 students took the stage to display their talents before a packed audience, illuminated by the vibrant lights of Farmingdale High School Auditorium. The evening was thrilling, highlighting the significant growth that occurs from elementary to high school and the impact of the music program in the Farmingdale School District.

“Our Farmingdale district band staff began preparing for this large-scale concert over a year ago,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “Their dedication, months of preparation, and unwavering commitment gave our students a musical experience they will cherish forever.”

The event commenced with a performance by the 5th and 6th Grade All-District Band under the direction of Joseph DeAngelis, Dr. Katie Duke, Kieran Fiorentino, Philip Scanze, and ToniAnn Taibi. Following this, the Howitt Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Wind Ensemble, led by Jennifer Tower, delighted the audience with a magical Disney medley. Next up was the Farmingdale High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Matthew DeMasi, presenting the first of two world premieres for the evening. The high school performed "Eternal Trailblazer," a composition by the renowned Rossano Galante, dedicated to Gina Pellettiere.

“Dedicated to the most vivacious, dynamic, hilarious friend, educator, sister, daughter, and mother, Gina Pellettiere,” read Galante’s inscription on the sheet music. “Gina was a proud female trumpet player and band director setting a standard of excellence in a male-dominated field. She was truly the Eternal Trailblazer.” Nineteen additional local high school bands, including Freeport, Garden City, Wantagh, Hicksville, Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Plainedge, and St. Anthony's, will join Hofstra University and the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Honor Band in performing “Eternal Trailblazer.”

The Grand Finale reunited all the students on stage, extending into the pit and aisles to accommodate the 277 student musicians, for the second world premiere of the evening. This piece, titled “The Place Where,” was composed by local talent Ken Kamping and consists of five movements: Overture, Adventureland, Republic Airport, Charlotte’s, and Finale. In the days leading up to the concert, Ken Kamping collaborated with the students and shared insights about his composition. He expressed a deep connection to Farmingdale and eagerly accepted the opportunity to write for the District Band. Inspired by conversations with Gina Pellettiere, the piece features tributes to her through horn and trumpet melodies. It celebrates Farmingdale, incorporating its famous fight song and highlighting beloved local spots, embodying the town's significance for the performers. This unique composition will only be performed in Farmingdale, emphasizing its special place. As the final notes resonated throughout the auditorium, an enthusiastic crowd erupted in applause and cheers. This marked a perfect end to an evening brimming with emotion, talent, and a sense of community.

Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski enthusiastically praised the concert, saying, “I felt immense pride as I witnessed the remarkable performances from each ensemble, which included two world premieres, an inspiring collaboration among teachers, and a stunning finale featuring all grade levels. Hearing the world premiere of A Place Where by Kenneth Kamping was truly special—a beautiful tribute to our cherished town of Farmingdale. The entire evening celebrated our outstanding district-wide band program and the exceptional dedication of our band teachers to their students every day.”

Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding performances, and a special acknowledgment to the district's band directors:

• Farmingdale High School: Matthew DeMasi, David Abrams, Elena Scarano
• Howitt Middle School: Jennifer Tower, Erica Hartmann, ToniAann Taibi
• Elementary Schools: Dr. Katie Duke, Joseph DeAngelis, Philip Scanze, Kieran Fiorentino

The All-District Concert, organized by the Farmingdale School District, unites student musicians and educators from grades 5 to 12 across all six Farmingdale schools. This concert alternates annually among Band, Strings, and Chorus performances. Next year's event will showcase the Chorus.