As we approach the end of the calendar year, Farmingdale teachers consider the triumph and joys of the past year. While you may flip through the family photo album from last year's holiday celebrations and marvel at your changing children, we are equally amazed at the progress they have made in the four months since school started. The holiday break affords us time to reflect upon what worked and what didn't work in the classroom so we can continue that progress when we return to school in January.

Teachers, administrators, support staff, our Board of Education, parents and the community as a whole have formed our own informal village to support and encourage every child to reach high standards, allowing all children to become the best persons they can become. Together we have widened the circle of those involved in helping our young people achieve academic success.

Good State Report Card score, high achieving seniors and a well deserved reputation for a quality education epitomize Farmingdale's academic success. This hasn't happened by accident. All of us who have worked so hard for children should delight in our triumphs. Our students continue to successfully reach higher as each new standard is mandated by the state.

There is no question that this generation of students is the most tested group of aspiring scholars in the history of education in New York State. The fact that most Farmingdale students do well on the various assessments we require of them is a source of pride, for sure. However, we must be ever mindful of the question," how many tests are enough?" We must be careful not to allow excessive, sometimes redundant testing, especially in our elementary school, to rob our children of valuable classroom instruction time. The prime function of the classroom teacher must be teaching, and must never become test preparation.

As we approach 2001, we should remember that our children are our most precious resource. We certainly do have much to celebrate here in Farmingdale. As you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Ramadan, join with us as we renew our commitment to sharing the joy of learning with your children.

On behalf of the 557 members of the Farmingdale Federation of Teachers, I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season.