Farmingdale Schools Thanks Community for 'Generosity and Support'

In a show of appreciation, the Farmingdale School District is extending thanks for the "overwhelming support it received from the Farmingdale community throughout an emotional 2013-2014 school year, including the community’s tremendous generosity in response to the deaths of four current and one former Farmingdale High School student on May 9," school officials said in a news release Thursday. 

“The last two months of this school year were extremely difficult for everybody in the community, including our students, parents, faculty and administrations,” said John Lorentz, superintendent of schools.  

“Throughout this emotional healing process, we provided our students and staff with all of the necessary resources, including grief counselors, for as long as they needed,” he added.

According to the district, Farmingdale residents, local business owners and community leaders hosted events that raised more than $45,000 in funds and items donated to the students’ families.

Farmingdale High School students also participated in healing exercises for students, including the signing of unification banners, support groups and student-organized fundraisers.

“Not only do we appreciate the amazing support we have received from the Daler community, but from our neighbors as well,” said Glen Zakian, Farmingdale High School principal.  

“The outreach we received was breathtaking," he added. "Many schools throughout the region generously donated funds through bake sales and sent us inspirational student signed banners to show their support.”