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Marching For All

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Farmingdale Celebrates Music, Inclusion, and Community Pride with the All Abilities Drumline

The Farmingdale School District recently welcomed alumnus Brian Calhoun and his nationally recognized Calhoun Drum Academy, featuring the inspiring All Abilities Drumline, for a powerful collaboration celebrating music and inclusion.

This unique partnership unites individuals of all abilities through the shared language of rhythm and performance. The initiative will be featured in an upcoming professional documentary, produced by award-winning filmmakers based in New York City and scheduled for release in 2026. The film aims to redefine ability, promote inclusion, and showcase how music can bring communities together.

The collaboration’s first event, the Marching for All Unified Performance, took place on Saturday, October 4, at the Farmingdale High School turf field. The evening was filled with joy, energy, and emotion as the All Abilities Drumline joined the Farmingdale High School Marching Band for a unified performance that left the audience inspired. The highlight of the night was a moving, all-inclusive rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

And the celebration isn’t over yet! The All Abilities Drumline will return to Farmingdale for a special encore performance during halftime at the Farmingdale vs. Massapequa football game on Saturday, October 18. This encore will once again spotlight the spirit of unity, community pride, and musical excellence that defines the Daler community.

The Farmingdale School District is proud to stand behind initiatives that celebrate every student’s voice, rhythm, and potential. Together, we continue to march forward—for all.

Music Is For Everyone. Join Us This Saturday, October 4, 2025

Farmingdale School District Partners with Alumnus Brian Calhoun and Calhoun Drum Academy for “Marching for All” Performance and Documentary

The Farmingdale School District is proud to announce an inspiring collaboration with district alumnus Brian Calhoun and his nationally recognized Calhoun Drum Academy, featuring the All Abilities Drumline, an ensemble that unites individuals of all abilities through the power of music. This partnership will be featured in an upcoming professional documentary, scheduled for completion in 2026, produced by award-winning filmmakers based in New York City.

The documentary, which seeks to redefine ability and promote inclusion, will highlight a series of meaningful moments at Farmingdale, culminating in a community celebration and a joint performance with the Farmingdale High School Marching Band. The highlight of the collaboration will be a unified rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

Event Details:

Marching for All Unified Performance 

  • Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM
  • Farmingdale High School Turf Field
  • A joint performance by the Calhoun Drum Academy All Abilities Drumline and the Farmingdale High School Marching Band serves as the emotional centerpiece of the documentary.

Special Encore Performance

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Halftime of the Farmingdale vs. Massapequa football game
  • A celebration of inclusion, community pride, and musical excellence.

Notes of Appreciation:

Greg Warnokowski, Farmingdale Director of Fine and Performing Arts, shared: "As this event is captured for a documentary, the world will get to see what we already know—that when people of all abilities share the stage, the result is not just a performance, it's an inspiration."

Paul Defendini, Farmingdale Superintendent, shared: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Brian on this project. It perfectly reflects our district's values — celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and giving all students a chance to shine. That these moments will be documented and shared nationally makes it even more meaningful."

Brian Calhoun, Director of the Calhoun Drum Academy, shared: "This partnership will be a shining example of how General Education and Special Education can come together through Music Education. As a former Daler and proud Farmingdale alumnus, I believe Farmingdale is the perfect district for this unique collaboration. I hope our joint work will inspire students, educators, and communities everywhere that music is for everyone."

National Merit Stars

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Farmingdale High School is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of its students in the 71st National Merit Scholarship Program!

Collin Ramos has advanced as a Semifinalist, an incredible honor that places him among the nation’s top academic achievers. As a Semifinalist, he now has the exciting opportunity to continue in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship by showcasing his exceptional academics, leadership, and accomplishments. Winners will be announced between April and July, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!

The district also proudly recognizes Christopher Cruciata, William Herbert, Nicholas Zito, and Anthony McKee as Commended Students. This honor places them among the top 50,000 students nationwide who excelled on the 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. While they may not be advancing as Semifinalists, their remarkable achievements reflect outstanding academic potential, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.

Congratulations to all! Your dedication and hard work make our community proud!

News, Smiles, and School Spirit

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In your September Digest, you’ll find the latest news, special moments, and stories that celebrate the incredible energy, talent, and spirit that define our community.

Read the September Daler Digest Now.

BOE Public Meeting Notice - Audit Committee, Wednesday, October 7, 2025

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
AUDIT COMMITTEE


THE FARMINGDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S AUDIT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH OPEN MEETING LAW. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.

Rosemarie Fullam
District Clerk
October 1, 2025

By The Numbers