The Art Club at Saltzman East Memorial has been up to something truly pawtastic! Under the guidance of teacher and club moderator Camryn Dluginski, the club members—comprising third, fourth, and fifth graders—were assigned to paint portraits of all the adorable cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes at the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter. In addition to the artwork, SEM families and staff generously donated animal supplies. The Art Club filled three giant boxes with tasty treats, fun toys, and cozy blankets! The young artists were thrilled with this project, as it combined their love for creativity and critters while making a heartwarming impact. The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter staff was overjoyed with the donations and cherished the drawings. They plan to send the artwork home with the adopted pets, allowing families to keep a special memento!

View all of the Animal Portraits HERE!!!

The U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Elementary Schools rankings have been announced, and Albany Avenue has earned distinguished recognition. Albany Avenue achieved a remarkable 255th place out of 3,913 elementary schools in New York State, positioning it within the top 7% of all elementary schools—an awe-inspiring accomplishment!

"This recognition reflects the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional teachers, aides, and entire staff, who tirelessly support our students' success every day," shared Albany Avenue Principal Joe Valentine. "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our PTA and parents for their unwavering support and partnership in nurturing a vibrant learning community. Most importantly, I want to congratulate our amazing students for their hard work, enthusiasm, and achievements."

As Albany Avenue celebrates this significant achievement, the school community eagerly anticipates upholding its tradition of excellence. They are committed to nurturing the next generation of learners with the same Daler Pride that has earned them this well-deserved accolade.

Congratulations to Farmingdale High School senior Luke Ferraiolo, who has been recognized as a News 12 Scholar Athlete Winner! A gifted athlete excelling in cross country and track, Luke was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Bethpage Federal Credit Union to acknowledge his accomplishments.

Each year, News 12 and Bethpage Federal Credit Union honor 30 exceptional student-athletes from Long Island who showcase excellence in sports and academics. Luke is the fifth recipient of this esteemed award this year and has been invited to the Scholar-Athlete celebration in June to celebrate with his fellow honorees.

Joined by his parents, younger brother Cole, Athletic Director Jeanne Berkoski, Coaches Ken Garcia and Thomas Londino, Guidance Counselor Jackie Verre, and Principal Jed Herman, Luke was celebrated by News 12 and Bethpage Federal Credit Union for his outstanding academic achievements and extraordinary athletic skills.

Ferraiolo is a two-time All-County cross-country runner and has also earned Track accolades. He participates in swimming, volunteers for Little League, leads the Varsity Club with over 100 athletes and is on the brink of becoming a published science researcher. Additionally, Luke is a member of the esteemed Farmingdale High School Marching Band, where he plays the baritone and euphonium.

Daler and beekeeper Mr. Jason Golden joined the Howitt Middle School Garden Club for a sweet adventure! Mr. Golden demonstrated his enchanting honey-harvesting skills and even introduced live bees to captivate the audience! The children had the opportunity to step into the beekeeper's shoes, donning his gear and experiencing a newfound respect for these minute pollinators and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem. To top off an already fantastic day, Mr. Golden presented everyone with a taste of the "Golden" honey, straight from his family's hives! Now, that's a recipe for a truly unforgettable day!

A Day of Fitness and Giving!

What an exhilarating day at Saltzman East Memorial! Our students laced up their sneakers for the much-anticipated Turkey Trot Challenge, racing around the school field with boundless energy and enthusiasm. This fantastic event, organized by the Wellness Committee, gets hearts pumping and hearts giving.