Students in fourth and fifth grade at Saltzman East Memorial joined the Kids Heart Challenge on February 12, 2026. They took part in a jump rope event to support heart health and learned about staying active and caring for others. We are proud of our heart-healthy Dalers!

The spirit of the games has arrived at Northside Elementary! The Physical Education department hosted a spectacular Winter Olympics where students competed in team skiing, curling, bobsled, and a torch relay. These young athletes learned about Olympic traditions and winter sports while staying active and showing incredible teamwork!

The Farmingdale School District’s annual All-District Concert drew a full house to the Farmingdale High School Auditorium, where 371 student musicians in grades 5 through 12 took the stage. This year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, featuring students from all six schools, as part of the district’s tradition of rotating among Band, Strings, and Chorus each year. Families and community members gathered to celebrate the students’ musical growth from elementary through high school.

A Year of Preparation

“Our choral staff began preparing for this concert more than a year ago,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “I am deeply grateful for their dedication, the countless hours of preparation, and the unwavering commitment they showed to our students. Because of their hard work, our students were given a truly special musical experience they will carry with them for a lifetime.”

Performance Highlights

The evening featured a sequential showcase of talent:

• Elementary All-District Chorus, directed by Deanna Cupolo and Irene Smykowski
• Howitt Middle School Chorus, directed by Danielle Tucker and Eric Hulse
• Farmingdale High School Treble Chorus, directed by Joseph Franzino
• Farmingdale High School Mixed Chorus and Combined Chorus, directed by Jessica Mischke

For the Grand Finale, all 371 singers filled the stage. Conducted by Danielle Tucker, the combined group performed "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

A Message on the Power of Community

As the evening concluded with a powerful grand finale, Superintendent Paul Defendini left families with a heartfelt reminder of the program’s lasting value. “I encourage you to do everything you can to keep your child involved in our music program, because it’s so much more than a class — it’s a community. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, your children form meaningful connections that help guide them through middle school, high school, and beyond with confidence and a true sense of belonging.”

Looking Ahead

The All-District Concert is a cherished tradition that brings together the entire Farmingdale School District. While this year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, next year’s 2026–2027 All-District Concert will proudly feature the Strings ensemble.

Congratulations to our talented students and the following choral directors: Abigail Coacci, Deanna Cupolo, Emilie D’Andrilli, Joseph Franzino, Stephanie Haas, Eric Hulse, MiHee Hwang, Catherine McLoughlin, Jessica Mischke, Nicole Nappi, Irene Smykowski, and Danielle Tucker.

On January 29, 2026, Albany Avenue Elementary School held its third annual International Night. Organized by Emily DiSanto and the Shared Decision Making Team, this vibrant event invited students and their families to share and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the school community.

Cultural Displays and Interactive Learning

The cafeteria was transformed into a global showcase. Families organized detailed displays featuring traditional clothing, historical information, and heritage artifacts. To encourage engagement, the event featured coloring pages representing each country, allowing students to learn about global symbols while exploring the room.

A Global Feast

The highlight of the event was the international food spread. Families prepared and shared traditional dishes, and the Shared Decision Making Team provided recipes next to each dish for families to take home. The evening was a significant success, fostering a sense of community as families learned about one another through food, art, and conversation.

Howitt Middle School began its Wellness Week celebrations on February 9 with "Mindful Monday". While the district-wide initiative runs through February 13, Howitt Middle School started the week by focusing on the power of breath and movement.

Mrs. Rapinat led 20-minute yoga sessions at the beginning and end of each lunch period for both staff and students. These sessions focused on light yoga and stretching, requiring no previous experience. Students participated during the second half of their lunch period, while teachers had the flexibility to attend either the first or last 20 minutes. Because these sessions were high in demand, a formal sign-up was required to ensure a calm, organized environment.

While Monday focused on mindfulness, the rest of the week at Howitt Middle School continues with these unique daily themes:

• Thankful Tuesday: Creating gratitude journals to improve mental strength and sleep.
• Workout Wednesday: Class-wide stretching to boost self-confidence and lower stress.
• Thoughtful Thursday: A "Be The Light" discussion based on "The Starfish Story."

The week’s activities set the stage for the grand finale of Wellness Week—P.S. I Love You Day.