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An Update From the Superintendent re: Ryder Cup #2

Hello to our Farmingdale Family,

This is Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools, with a final update regarding our operations for the Ryder Cup. All schools will be open for regular instruction on Thursday and Friday, and we're ready to welcome our students.

We've been working closely with Nassau County leadership, the Police Department, Village leaders, and our transportation and security teams to prepare for the next two days. While we anticipate some inconvenience with arrival and dismissal, we've taken every step to keep our schools open for our students and families.

Key Operational Changes

While no other buildings are expected to be significantly impacted, Northside Elementary School has provided specific instructions to amend its procedures due to changing traffic patterns.

To help mitigate potential bus delays, buses will be released from Farmingdale High School ten minutes early. This should create a buffer for later routes at Howitt Middle School and our other elementary schools.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this event. We understand how important it is to remain open for our students and families while still maintaining the safe environment that our parents and staff have come to expect.

Best Regards, Paul

Art Along the Green

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The Village of Farmingdale’s Cultural Arts Committee sponsored the annual Art in the Park event on September 14.

Albany Avenue art teacher Amanda Sharp Gusz coordinated Farmingdale School District’s student art display. Art teachers Camryn Dluginski (SEM) and Elizabeth Panzica (HMS) assisted her, along with members of the Farmingdale High School Art Honor Society.

Sixty-eight student works of art were exhibited, representing all four elementary schools and Howitt Middle School. The student artwork was displayed along the fence on the Village Green, adjacent to booths featuring professional artists from across Long Island. The event was held on a clear, sunny day and was well attended by students and their families, who came to support and celebrate the arts.

Celebrate the Start of Something Beautiful

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Farmingdale High School is turning dreams into careers with the launch of its new two-year Cosmetology Program. On Long Island, cosmetology schools can cost up to $23,000 per year, but Farmingdale students can now gain the same training as part of their high school experience, giving students an early start in the beauty industry while saving families thousands of dollars.

The district marked the official launch with an intimate ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 18, which brought together students, families, members of the Board of Education, and district administration. Attendees were able to meet the students, talk with them about their goals, and discuss what the program means to them. They also watched a video showcasing the students’ creativity and skills in action—highlighting both the hands-on skills they are developing and the excitement surrounding this new opportunity.

“This Cosmetology Lab represents the power of community and shared purpose,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Olsen. “It’s more than a classroom—it’s a launchpad for dreams, creativity, and lifelong success in a growing industry.”

Open to juniors and seniors, the program provides seven elective credits and 1,000 hours of hands-on instruction in hair, nails, make-up, skin care, and salon management. First-year students focus on fundamentals, while seniors advance to industry-level services such as cutting, coloring, esthetics, and salon management.

The program prepares students to take the New York State licensing exams and step directly into the workforce. Graduates leave school licensed, career-ready, and equipped with the skills and credentials to begin working in the beauty industry right after graduation—an opportunity that would otherwise require families to invest tens of thousands of dollars elsewhere.

“This is a modern, state-of-the-art salon,” said Dana Monahan, Farmingdale High School Cosmetology Teacher. “Students will gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, fully preparing them to launch their own salon or begin a successful career immediately after graduation.”

As part of Farmingdale High School’s new Cosmetology Program, students will offer salon services to the community. These supervised sessions will allow students to practice their skills while providing residents with access to a variety of beauty services—at a fraction of typical salon prices. More details on how to book an appointment and support Farmingdale’s students as they train to become licensed cosmetologists will be provided in the spring.

“Students are sharing how life-changing this opportunity has been, recognizing that many might never have been able to pursue it otherwise,” said Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Marisa Bel. “We are overjoyed to empower these students, guiding them from eager learners to skilled stylists, and supporting them as they turn their dreams into bright, tangible futures.”

The cosmetology program was funded through the district’s capital reserve and budgetary appropriations, reflecting Farmingdale’s commitment to Career & Technical Education and providing students with valuable skills and real-world experience. These funding decisions were part of the public budget process in Spring 2024 and approved by the community in May. The district thanks the community for its continued support.

Spirit in Sync

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Dalers Kick Off the School Year with Band Camp at Pine Forest

Excitement filled Pine Forest as the Dalers launched the 2025–2026 school year with an unforgettable Band Camp experience. Over the course of three days, student musicians, the Dalerettes, and the Daler Guard immersed themselves in intensive rehearsals designed to sharpen their skills, build precision, and strengthen teamwork.

The camp was more than just practice—it was a chance to create lasting memories, forge friendships, and ignite school spirit. Students returned home energized and inspired, ready to showcase their talents at football games, parades, and community celebrations throughout the season.

“Band Camp is where everything comes together,” said Greg Warnokowski, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. “It’s not just about learning music and choreography—it’s about building confidence, developing leadership, and creating a family atmosphere that supports every student.”

For the students, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. The long hours of rehearsal pushed them to refine their performances, but the camaraderie and fun that filled the camp created a sense of belonging and pride. By the end of the three days, the group had grown closer and felt united in their mission to deliver an unforgettable season.

The Farmingdale High School Marching Band will take the field alongside the Varsity and JV Cheerleading squads during Farmingdale’s Homecoming Football game against Herricks on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 PM. Additionally, the district wants to remind community members about its meaningful collaboration with alumnus Brian Calhoun and the Calhoun Drum Academy’s nationally recognized All Abilities Drumline. This ensemble unites individuals of all abilities through the power of music.

This inspiring partnership is being documented by award-winning New York City filmmakers, with a feature-length film slated for completion in 2026. As part of this collaboration, the community is invited to a major public event, Marching for All—a unified performance by the All Abilities Drumline and the Farmingdale High School Marching Band. This powerful finale will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM on the Farmingdale High School Turf Field and will serve as the film's emotional centerpiece.

An Update from the Superintendent re: Ryder Cup

To Our Farmingdale Family,

I want to share some important information regarding the upcoming Ryder Cup, scheduled for later this month. As many of you know, this is one of the most significant golf tournaments in the world, and we anticipate a large number of visitors in our community. We have been working closely with Village officials, the Nassau County Police Department, the Village Fire Department, and our Transportation and Security staff to ensure a safe and orderly environment for everyone.

Ryder Cup and School Schedule

The tournament runs from September 23–28. Our schools will only be impacted on Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26. Please note that schools are closed on September 23 and 24 for Rosh Hashanah, as well as on September 27 and 28 for the weekend.

The practice rounds on Thursday, September 25, are expected to cause minimal disruption compared to the main event on Friday, September 26. All of our community partners have been extremely supportive in helping us ensure safety, particularly at Northside Elementary, which is located near Bethpage State Park. Dr. Peterson will continue to send updates as we make some minor adjustments to arrival and dismissal procedures.

You may have heard reports that President Trump is expected to attend the event on Friday. While we do not yet have confirmation, preliminary planning suggests his presence should not affect our school operations. At this time, we plan to keep all schools open on both Thursday and Friday with only minor adjustments that will be communicated in advance.

Important Consideration

While we fully expect schools to be open on both days, it is important to acknowledge that circumstances could change. If unforeseen events arise that compromise safety, we may need to adjust our plans. Our commitment is clear: as long as we can ensure a safe environment for students and staff, our schools will remain open.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued partnership as we begin the 2025–2026 school year together.

Best Regards, Paul Defendini

By The Numbers