Crisis Center At Farmingdale Middle School To Offer Support

FARMINGDALE, NY — Howitt Middle School will serve as a crisis center this weekend where people can seek support from volunteer counselors in the wake of Thursday's bus crash in Orange County, the Farmingdale School District announced.

The bus, carrying the Farmingdale High School marching band, crashed and tumbled into a 50-foot ravine around 1:10 p.m. Thursday.

High school band director Gina Pellittiere and retired teacher Beatrice "Bea" Ferarri died in the crash. Five students were critically injured and more than 40 were injured. The bus was headed to the annual band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania.

"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support in the wake of this tragic incident," Superintendent Paul Defendini told the community. "Daler Strong is alive and well right now, and we are working together to support our students and staff as we take the time to heal."

The crisis center will be open to any staff, student, or community member who needs support. The center will have volunteer counselors from the Farmingdale team and from neighboring districts and facilities.

The center will be open 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Any interested community members, staff members, or students can enter by the main entrance of Howitt Middle School by the flagpole.

All after-school competitions on Friday and the upcoming weekend were canceled.

"Again, I thank you all for everything you’ve done to support our kids during this incredible time of need," Defendini said. "Stay together, stay strong, and we will get through this together."