A student at Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale saved the life of a classmate by performing the Heimlich Maneuver.

Anthony Agrillo and Daniel Kelly sat down to eat lunch during fifth period on Tuesday, January 24th. It was midterms week at school, and both boys looked forward to a relaxing lunch/recess break. Daniel had attended Saltzman East Memorial, and Anthony went to Northside before entering Howitt Middle School this year. They became friends over the summer, having met through the Farmingdale Hawks Football program. As Daniel ate his lunch, he locked eyes with Anthony, who had started banging on the table and pointing to his throat.

“It all happened so fast,” said Daniel Kelly. “I got up, threw my arms around him, and started performing the Heimlich. Within seconds a piece of food shot out of his mouth.”

A large piece of cheese from a mozzarella stick was the culprit. With his airway cleared, Anthony’s breathing returned to normal.

“He didn’t hesitate,” said Anthony Agrillo. “Daniel is a loyal friend, he saw I was in trouble, and he acted.”

The Heimlich Hero program was taught to all Howitt Middle School students during health class earlier this school year. Students watched a fifteen-minute video that taught them how to recognize the signs of choking and respond with the Heimlich Maneuver.

Howitt Middle School Assistant Principal Cheryl DePierro was motivated to bring the Heimlich Heroes program to our buildings after a choking incident in the teacher’s lounge last year.

“The Heimlich Maneuver is very easy to learn and a great first step for students of all ages to begin learning life-saving techniques,” said Cheryl DePierro. “Regardless of a student's age, size or strength, they can successfully dislodge an item from someone's throat when choking and save a life. I am so proud of all our students who took the training seriously, and I am especially proud of Anthony and Daniel for remembering exactly what to do in an emergency. It is one of those skills you never want to use but are happy to have when the time calls for it!”

Farmingdale School District plans to recognize our Howitt Heimlich Heroes at the next Board of Education meeting in February.

It's midterms week at Farmingdale High School but senior Rebecca Kenjesky and freshman William Herbert graciously donated their free time to work with Northside teacher Nicole Nappi's music classes.

Students had a fantastic time learning about various jobs in musical theater, acting, and how music inspires specific emotions. Northside students even learned about the musical Pippin, where Rebecca and William were the leads this past November. Rebecca and William performed a duet, taught students a song and dance, and signed autographs.

"It's wonderful to have extraordinary Northside alumni come back to show the students what their futures could look like in the performing arts, said music teacher Nicole Nappi. "Thank you, Mr. Febbraro and Dr. Peterson, for allowing me to make this happen!"

Each year, the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA) selects the best student musicians from schools throughout the county to participate in its annual All-County Festival. Held in January at Long Island University’s Tilles Center in Brookville, this year’s festival featured 103 representatives from Farmingdale Schools! These talented musicians in grades 5-12 were chosen based on teachers’ nominations and their outstanding scores in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) 2022 Adjudication Festival. Farmingdale students participated in ensembles across five divisions: band, orchestra, chorus, jazz band, and jazz chorus.

These tremendous accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and support of our music educators, who worked with our students for months to prepare for the festival.

Bump, set, spike! A school-wide volleyball tournament was held to celebrate the conclusion of the physical education volleyball unit. Students and staff cheered on the six teams gym teachers put together to compete, have fun and show off their newfound skills. All had a fantastic time, but Team Garcia ultimately won bragging rights.