Farmingdale’s Spirit Week Concludes with Pep Rally and Homecoming Victory

Don Snyder stadium was packed with fans cheering the Farmingdale High School Varsity Football team to victory at their Homecoming game on October 10. The Dalers beat Syosset by a score of 49-13. The halftime show was spectacular, courtesy of the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, Cheerleaders, Daler Guard, and the Dalerettes.

The day's celebrations started with an energetic pep rally in the school gym, led by Farmingdale High School's Principal, Jed Herman, and our beloved lion mascot, Dale. As the lively sounds of the pep band and drumline filled the air, football team members were introduced, followed by stunning performances from the junior and varsity cheerleaders, the Dalerettes, and the Step-n-Dalers. Varsity captains representing all fall sports took center stage to receive a well-deserved applause. Fans were also wowed by an impressive party trick from the drumline—a blindfolded drum routine. Adding to the excitement, the senior cheer, dance, and step mashup made a spectacular comeback, getting everyone on their feet.

The Homecoming game marked the grand finale of Farmingdale's Spirit Week. This October tradition is a heartening occasion for students and faculty alike. Each day of the week boasted a unique theme, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The themes included Tropical Tuesday, Country vs. Country Club, Color Wars, and Daler Gear.

Spirit Week also included mini pep rallies at the elementary schools. The Farmingdale High School Cheerleaders, Dalerettes, and Step-n-Dalers treated the young students to electrifying performances. Our school Mascot, Dale, greeted the children and shared a few high-fives with the enthusiastic crowd. Wrapping it up, the Varsity Football captains shared inspirational words about what it truly means to be a Daler.

As the students look back on this incredible Spirit Week, the sense of belonging and pride in their community is undeniable. Farmingdale School District has once again proven its spirit is alive and thriving.

A Community Project That’s Making a Splash

Five Koi fish were introduced into the new Commons Pond at Farmingdale High School. This project was made possible thanks to some generous community contributions, including:

• Starkie Brothers for the pond liner
• No Maintenance Decking for the deck boards
• Home Depot for the lumber
• Mr. Kevin Brennan of Bay Shore for the Koi fish
• Mr. Mike Pavese (FHS Security guard) for the concrete blocks
• Intro to the Skilled Trades course for the workforce

The creation of this vibrant oasis of life and tranquility is also thanks to the tireless dedication and passion of Mr. Matthew Hobbes. His dedication to creating this serene sanctuary, often on his own time, deserves our recognition and appreciation.

Learn MORE about our Technology Department's projects. Take a look at The Legacy—a monthly newsletter designed to keep the community informed about hands-on experiences in the shops at both Weldon E. Howitt Middle School and Farmingdale High School.

As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, the spirit of the Dalers remains vibrant and optimistic. With each passing day, our schools continue to be a place where young minds flourish, friendships grow, and lifelong memories are made. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

Farmingdale’s Enthusiastic Return to Learning

The Farmingdale School District kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year on September 5th. Superintendent Paul Defendini, principals, administrators, and teachers greeted new and returning students and families as they arrived on campus.

Students hopped off the school buses and walked toward their classrooms, reuniting with friends, sharing stories of their summer adventures, and marveling at how much everyone had grown.

The district and its remarkable PTA have organized numerous informative and engaging events for the upcoming fall season to ensure a fantastic beginning to the 2024-2025 school year.

Sixth Grade Orientation was held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, allowing incoming students to get to know Howitt Middle School. The event commenced in the auditorium, where Principal Michael Gavalas introduced students and parents to the school's administration and grade-level team. Discussions covered student schedules, daily school routines, team interactions, and various school initiatives.

Following the orientation, students could walk through their schedules accompanied by a parent or guardian. These guided tours aimed to help students find their classrooms, lockers, and other important areas within the school, giving them confidence and familiarity before the academic year began. During the tours, the school staff and student ambassadors from the "Fun Bunch" were present to assist, offer tips on getting around the school, and address any concerns that new 6th graders or their parents might have had.

After the orientation and tours, many students and parents felt more confident and enthusiastic about the upcoming school year, having better understood the school environment and the available support systems.

WATCH highlights from HMS's 6th Grade Orientation HERE!