May Daler Digest

Farmingdale High School's Mixed Chorus and Treble Chorus delivered an outstanding performance at the Music In The Parks festival at Dorney Park on May 29.

Both ensembles earned a Superior rating and took first place in their categories. The Mixed Chorus also won the Overall Chorus Award, and student Sarah Sohl won the Overall Student Accompanist award. We are proud of our talented students and directors for their hard work.

Farmingdale High School Theatre 3 students performed a student-led production of Cinderella for local elementary students on May 27, 2026. Our actors engaged with the audience to create an unforgettable experience. We hope our young guests from Albany Avenue Elementary School and Northside Elementary School left feeling inspired to take the stage themselves one day. It was a magical morning that proved the right fit can spark a lifelong love for the arts.

Farmingdale High School added three distinguished names to our Wall of Fame! We honored Mrs. Rose Celentano, Honorable Steven Connolly, and the late Mr. Glenn Padnick for their outstanding contributions. Family, friends, and the board of education gathered to celebrate these alumni from the classes of 1961, 1983, and 1964. Their success stories serve as a roadmap for our students, proving that hard work leads to lasting impact. Learn more about our honorees and watch the ceremony.

Farmingdale High School held its inaugural Wall of Valor ceremony on May 27, establishing a permanent tribute to district graduates who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The evening featured a presentation of colors, a service song medley performed by the Daler Brass, and the induction of veterans spanning decades of service. Learn more about the Wall of Valor and watch the ceremony.

Small hands gripped the edges of handmade banners as students lined the sidewalk, waiting for the first siren to signal the start of the celebration. The Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School community stood together to honor local first responders and military members during their annual appreciation parade.

Students at Saltzman East Memorial Elementary recently stepped into the shoes of professionals during our annual Career Day. Volunteers from various industries visited classrooms to share their personal journeys and the passions that drive their work. From donning professional uniforms to demonstrating specialized tools, these guests provided a tangible link between classroom learning and future possibilities.

The gentle click of a tape measure locking into place signaled a new discovery for our second graders. Moving beyond the classroom, students at Woodward Parkway Elementary School explored the school grounds to apply their math skills to the real world.

Partners worked together to estimate and then measure the lengths of benches, planters, and pathways. This hands-on challenge transformed abstract numbers into tangible distances, fostering teamwork and precise communication.

A group of Kindergarten students at Albany Avenue Elementary School gathered in a quiet circle on the lawn, eyes wide as they watched a bright orange wing flutter for the first time. This moment was the culmination of weeks spent observing the miraculous transformation of life right in their classrooms.

Instead of just reading about nature, students at Albany Avenue Elementary School experienced it by caring for caterpillars and monitoring their growth daily. They witnessed the patience of the chrysalis stage and the eventual emergence of vibrant butterflies. This hands-on lesson turned scientific concepts into a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment.

William Herbert stood under the bright lights of a New York City stage on Sunday, May 17, 2026, earning the title of Emerging Artist Winner at the Roger Rees Awards Showcase. This prestigious runner-up honor is awarded to only one male and one female performer who demonstrate exceptional promise, artistry, and growth. This achievement followed William's selection as a Top 12 Finalist earlier in the evening. Read more...

Students huddled around a small, warm incubator, their eyes fixed on a tiny crack forming in a shell. This journey began on April 14, when students discovered a lone goose egg on the field at Northside Elementary School. Under the guidance of teacher Hillary Siegel, the class decided to protect the egg, beginning a week-long lesson in patience and biology.

The experience transformed the classroom into a living laboratory. Students monitored the incubator daily, learning about heat, humidity, and the stages of development. Their dedication was rewarded when the gosling finally emerged. This hands-on project taught the children the value of stewardship and the wonders of the natural world. These young scientists are now looking forward to more discoveries as they observe the gosling’s growth and eventual return to nature.

Howitt Middle School teacher Kim Baccarella has been named a recipient of the 2026 STEM Star Teacher Award by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences. Baccarella was honored alongside educators from districts across Long Island at a recognition ceremony on May 14.

Ten student-athletes sat surrounded by family and coaches on May 14, 2026, to sign their letters of intent. This moment captured the culmination of years of early morning practices and hard-fought victories. These Dalers represent the heart of our athletic programs, and their commitment has set a high standard for the 2025-2026 school year.

As they prepare to compete at the collegiate level, they carry the #DalerPride of Farmingdale with them. We are proud of their hard work and look forward to watching them compete at the college level next year. Read more...

Jack Lewis, Lily Defendini, and Mariah Espinal recently earned top honors at the Long Island Business Teachers Association awards luncheon! These dedicated students competed against the best on Long Island in subjects like finance and law. We are so proud of their hard work and the bright futures ahead of them. Congratulations to our winners and the business department for this incredible achievement!

Young artists beamed with pride as they led their families through the displays, pointing out the intricate details of their latest masterpieces. This year’s District-Wide Art Show, held on May 11, 2026, transformed the Farmingdale High School commons into a professional gallery.

Director of Orchestras Thérèse M. Mannino is the winner of the Manilow Music Teacher Award!

This incredible achievement brings $5,000 to her classroom, providing new instruments for our talented young musicians. Ms. Mannino will also be celebrated by Barry Manilow during a special ceremony at his June 27 concert.

Please join us in sharing a huge congratulations to Ms. Mannino on this well-deserved honor!

Sixth-grade students stood at the edge of the woods, wooden shields in hand, ready to step into the world of Mount Olympus. On May 8, 2026, the district’s young readers saw the pages of the Percy Jackson series come to life during an immersive field trip at Bethpage State Park.

Guided by experts from Mythik Camps, students moved beyond the classroom to experience the trials of a demigod. They practiced teamwork through tactical games and sharpened their problem-solving skills, mirroring the legendary quests of their favorite characters. This day of active storytelling transformed a popular book into a lived adventure, fostering a deeper connection to literature and peer collaboration. These budding heroes returned to Howitt Middle School with newfound confidence and a lasting passion for the power of a great story.

The Woodward Parkway Theater Club dazzled audiences with its production of Disney Frozen KIDS! Students brought energy, creativity, and dedication to each performance, resulting in a truly memorable experience for all who attended. We are grateful to our district staff, parents, and high school volunteers whose support made this production possible. With so many enthusiastic young performers taking the stage, the future of theater in our district is bright, and we look forward to what’s ahead.

The Creative Writing Club at Albany Avenue wrapped up its final session by celebrating the students’ hard work with a Publisher Party! Each student completed their own creative story and had the opportunity to read their peers’ work, share positive feedback, and celebrate one another’s creativity and accomplishments.

On May 9, our students and staff participated in the annual Best Buddies Long Island Walk—an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Walk is a day of celebration, friendship, and advocacy, but for Farmingdale, there was a special surprise. Our team was honored with the "Spirit Award" for their incredible energy and commitment to inclusion. After a day spent walking in solidarity with their peers, receiving this award was truly the icing on the cake, validating the hard work of Katie Lagnese, Nick Marino, and the entire committee. It showed the whole of Long Island what we already know: that Dalers stand together to support all students.