Farmingdale, New York (August 13, 2021)—The Farmingdale School District is bringing the “heat” this summer with an exciting new program designed to keep students engaged and learning during summer vacation! This year, the KPMG Family for Literacy (KFFL) Summer Healthy Eating, Exercise, And Time Spent Reading (HEAT) program will supplement our existing summer literacy program at Satltzman East Memorial and in our new literacy program at Woodward Parkway with a focus on providing students with books and learning resources at a time when students lack access due to schools being closed for the summer. The campaign will also look to address food insecurity and promote health and wellness.
“While the summer months mark a time of rest and relaxation for students, the Farmingdale School District has always worked to identify programs that will build upon our students’ education during summer recess,” said Paul Defendini, Superintendent of Schools. “The KFFL program is wonderful in that it helps address student literacy, ensuring that students retain the progress they made during the school year, while also promoting food security, health, and wellness.”
Students participating in the program received a “healthy kit” that included two books (one focused on health and wellness and the second on diversity and inclusion), a jump rope, and a KFFL branded bag. A total of 500 books and 100 pre-packaged breakfast bags were also part of the program. Students in the district’s summer literacy programs at Saltzman East Memorial and at Woodward Parkway also had access to in-school virtual field trips hosted by US Olympic gold medalist and KPMG Learning Ambassador, Laurie Hernandez, who engages directly with students to introduce them to the exciting opportunities provided in this program. This year’s virtual field trips included “episodes” with Philadelphia 76er shooting guard Seth Curry; Krystal Joy Brown and Darnell Abraham from the musical stage show, Hamilton; and U.S. Olympic Gold medalist Laurie Hernandez. Over 160 Farmingdale students in grades 1-5 benefited from this generous support from KPMG.
KPMG Family for Literacy celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2018. Since its creation, the program has received over five million book donations which have been distributed to students across Long Island to provide continued access to literature resources.
For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.