A sea of determined young cyclists pedaling through the North Gym set the tone for an evening dedicated to healthy habits and community connection. On March 26, 2026, the Farmingdale School District Wellness Committee hosted its annual wellness fair, themed "Move, Play, Grow". The event transformed Farmingdale High School into a vibrant hub of health where families didn't just learn about well-being—they experienced it firsthand.

The Trike-A-Thon proved to be the biggest draw of the night, while others found a moment of calm in the Library during Yoga and Mindfulness sessions. In the cafeteria, healthy eats provided by Farmingdale Food Services were incredibly popular, with guests raving about the creative butternut squash brownies. The activity continued into the evening at the Aquatic Center at Howitt Middle School, where a large crowd of students gathered for a late-night open swim.

The impact of the fair was seen in the hands-on participation of our students, from medical assisting demonstrations to first responder safety lessons. Families left with more than just nutritious recipes; they left with a stronger connection to their community and a renewed focus on physical and mental health.

As we look toward the future, the district remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing our journey toward a healthier Farmingdale.

A student at the March 19, 2026, science fair leaned in close to their display, carefully explaining how a custom-built bridge held the weight of hundreds of pennies before finally giving way. This moment of pride was one of many as students from across the district transformed months of curiosity into tangible experiments.

The event was organized by Julia-Anna Searson, who also served as a judge alongside fellow Farmingdale High School science teachers Brittany Clark and Jacob Murphy. Students from Albany Avenue Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, and Weldon E. Howitt Middle School gathered to showcase their findings. Adding to the excitement of the evening, Superintendent Paul Defendini toured the exhibits to speak with the young researchers about their hypotheses and the challenges they overcame.

Celebrating Achievement

The district is proud to recognize the 2026 winners and their impressive projects:

Beginner’s Category

• 1st Place: Bobby Humann (Albany Avenue) – "Which bridge design holds the most weight in pennies?"
• 2nd Place: Gianni Verde (Saltzman) – "Whether wood baseball bats or metal provide a further hitting distance."
• 3rd Place: Mark Iannotta (Northside) – "Board Crane Build"

Intermediate Category

• 1st Place: Boden Hopper and Kevin Orofino (Northside) – "Double Dip v. 5 Second Rule: Which grows more bacteria?"
• 2nd Place: Amelia Contardo (Howitt) – "Vegetation to Groundwater"
• 3rd Place: Kennedy Cinelli (Northside) – "Cereal Porosity"

These budding scientists remind us that the quest for knowledge starts with a simple question. As these students continue their academic journeys, the skills they learned—critical thinking, resilience, and observation—will serve as the foundation for the innovators of tomorrow.

Join us for a high-voltage evening of discovery where student whizzes and expert guides turn Farmingdale High into a hands-on laboratory of the future.

• When: April 16 at 6:30 pm
• Where: Farmingdale High School
• Cost: Free!

Don't let the fun pass you by—space is limited for our young explorers. Click here to RSVP and secure your spot in the lab!

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.

Northside Elementary School recently celebrated one of its Keys to Success during a full-day assembly led by Ms. Wozny. The focus of the day was Kindness, as the entire school community came together to create a collaborative mural.

Each student designed a colorful confetti circle to contribute to the mural, inspired by the message, “Throw Kindness Around Like It’s Confetti.” To build connections across grade levels, students were grouped so that older children could support and encourage their younger peers throughout the activity.

The day served as a joyful and meaningful reminder of the power of kindness and the positive impact students can have on one another. Visitors to Northside are encouraged to stop by the wall to see the school’s beautiful collaborative masterpiece.