Teachers and Principals Welcome Families for an Evening of Interactive Learning and Games

The Farmingdale School District hosted students and families for the annual Family Math Night on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The event took place at Howitt Middle School at 6:00 p.m., bringing the community together for an evening dedicated to educational entertainment.

District teachers were on hand to guide families through a variety of interactive games and challenges. These educators expertly facilitated the activities and managed to sneak in valuable learning moments amidst the fun. The hands-on approach allowed parents and students to explore mathematical concepts together in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Principals from the district’s K-8 schools attended the event to greet families and support the teachers running the stations. The presence of administration and staff highlighted the strong partnership between home and school within the Farmingdale community. We were thrilled to see so many families enjoying mathematics together and look forward to another successful event next year.

The heartwarming connection between students at Saltzman East Memorial continues to flourish this winter. The Buddy Program remains in full swing this week as fifth graders pair with kindergartners for seasonal engagement. Students are currently teaming up to create winter-themed crafts, develop fine motor skills, and model cooperative play.

These activities allow the older students to mentor their younger peers while strengthening the bond between grade levels. These cross-grade interactions ensure students build meaningful friendships that last throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

Saltzman East Memorial wrapped up the district's winter concert season on a high note last night! It was a magical evening featuring a selection of music that truly captured the sounds of the season.

A round of applause for our amazing ensembles and their directors:

• Junior Chorus: Dir. Abigail Coacci 
• Senior Orchestra: Dir. Kelly Policastro
• Senior Band: Dir. Kieran Fiorentino
• Senior Chorus: Dir. Irene Smykowski

Have a great weekend, everyone. We are in the home stretch, only two more school days until holiday recess!

SEM Students Exhibit Creativity and Knowledge in History Showcase

Saltzman East Memorial recently provided its students with a groundbreaking educational experience by hosting its annual "Living History Museum" on Thursday, December 4. During this event, historical figures stepped out of the textbooks and into the classroom, where visitors could interact with them and learn their stories simply by pressing a designated button.

This immersive and highly interactive program gave students a unique opportunity to apply their research skills. Each student independently selected a significant historical figure to research and subsequently embody for the museum exhibition. The preparation spanned several weeks, involving the creation of detailed costumes, supportive props, and original scripts designed to capture the essence of their chosen character.

As visitors moved through the museum, they engaged directly with the student performers and their exhibits. The diverse array of individuals represented included iconic figures such as Neil Armstrong, the pioneering astronaut; civil rights activist Rosa Parks; baseball legend Mickey Mantle; and groundbreaking scientist Marie Curie. The Living History Museum served as an outstanding platform for students to demonstrate their research and creativity. Furthermore, it offered all attendees a meaningful way to connect with and appreciate the pivotal contributions made by these historical figures to our global society.

On the morning of December 6, Farmingdale High School opened its doors for the annual Deck the Halls Holiday Breakfast. This beloved tradition fills bellies with delicious food and fills hearts with a sense of togetherness. The Farmingdale Council of PTAs ensures each year that the magic of the holidays reaches every corner of the community while reminding everyone of the power of kindness and generosity.

Elves worked their magic to turn the Farmingdale High School commons into a winter wonderland capable of melting even the Grinch's icy heart. The Deck the Halls celebration unfolded with a mouthwatering hot breakfast served by the Board of Education. A vibrant DJ entertained the families with cheerful holiday tunes while guests were invited to indulge in games and crafts. Tables adorned with raffle baskets lined the area while sizzling hot chocolate stations added to the festive atmosphere. Enchanting characters from Frozen, Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and the Polar Express wandered through the crowd to bring joy to all. The celebrations reached new levels of excitement when the legendary Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived to captivate guests and pose for photographs.

Dozens of volunteers gathered to support the event. Theatre students from Farmingdale High School dressed in full costume to warmly welcome guests and pose for pictures. Enthusiastic National Honor Society members served as Santa’s helpers. These students guided young guests through various craft stations where they could make ornaments, reindeer food, and holiday cookies. Children also participated in an exciting elf scavenger hunt and dropped off their letters to Santa in a special mailbox.

The annual holiday breakfast acts as a charity event with 100% of the proceeds used to purchase holiday gifts for local families.

Yule Want to Watch This! All the Action from Deck the Halls, courtesy of Farmingdale High School junior Robert Herbst.