Category: District News
December 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-kindergarten through high school.
December 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Menus are subject to change without notice.
The USDA and this institution are equal opportunity employers and providers.
Printable December 2025 Menus
Harry Hoag Elementary School Menus
Link to December 2025 Menus
Harry Hoag Elementary School Menus
Pre-K
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Monday, Dec. 1
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Dinner Roll, Peas, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 2
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, BBQ Beans, Jello with Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 3
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 4
- Breakfast: Assorted Muffins
- Lunch: Ziti with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday. Dec. 5
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Fresh Veggies, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 8
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Breakfast: Pancakes
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich,Vegetarian Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
Lunch: BBQ Rib Sandwich, Sweet Potato Tots, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 11
Breakfast: Breakfast Bread
Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Tater Tots, Yogurt, Fruit
Friday, Dec. 12
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 15
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Garlic Breadstick, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Corn/Bean Blend, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza Bagel
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Tomato Soup, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 18
Breakfast: Muffin Tops
Lunch: Chicken Alfredo, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Dec. 19
Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
Lunch: Pizza, Green Beans, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 22
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 23
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Dec. 24
No School – Winter Break
Thursday, Dec. 25
No School – Winter Break
Friday, Dec. 26
No School – Winter Break
Monday, Dec. 29
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 30
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Jan. 1
No School – Winter Break
Elementary
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Monday, Dec. 1
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Dinner Roll, Peas, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
Lunch: Cheeseburger, SunChips, BBQ Beans, Jello with Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chicken Noodle Soup, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 4
Breakfast: Assorted Muffins
Lunch: Ziti with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Assorted Pudding
Friday. Dec. 5
Breakfast: Whole Grain Donut Holes
Lunch: Turkey Club, Cheese Crackers, Fresh Veggies, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 8
Breakfast: Bagel Bar
Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Corn Chips, Vegetarian Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
Lunch: BBQ Rib Sandwich, Sweet Potato Tots, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 11
Breakfast: Breakfast Bread
Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Tater Tots, Yogurt, Fruit
Friday, Dec. 12
Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Southwestern Chili, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 15
Breakfast: Whole Grain Funnel Cake
Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Garlic Breadstick, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Corn/Bean Blend, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza Bagel
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Tomato Soup, Broccoli, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 18
Breakfast: Muffin Tops
Lunch: Chicken Alfredo, Biscuit, Peas, Cookie
Friday, Dec. 19
Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
Lunch: Pizza, SunChips, Green Beans, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 22
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 23
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Dec. 24
No School – Winter Break
Thursday, Dec. 25
No School – Winter Break
Friday, Dec. 26
No School – Winter Break
Monday, Dec. 29
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 30
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Jan. 1
No School – Winter Break
Jr./Sr. High School
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Alternate: build-your-own-lunch at the Fresh Bar. Includes: PBJ, turkey sandwich, tuna sandwich, hummus cups, Greek yogurt, assorted grains, raw veggies, fruit.
Breakfast and Lunch
Monday, Dec. 1
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Biscuit, Peas, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
Lunch: Cheeseburger, SunChips, BBQ Beans, Jello with Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Breakfast: Tornado/Pancake Sticks
Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chicken Noodle Soup, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 4
Breakfast: Assorted Muffins
Lunch: Ziti with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Assorted Pudding
Friday. Dec. 5
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
Lunch: Turkey Club, Cheese Crackers, Fresh Veggies, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 8
Breakfast: Bagel Bar
Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: Chicken Fajitas, Corn Chips, Vegetarian Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
Lunch: BBQ Rib Sandwich, Gravy French Fries, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 11
Breakfast: Breakfast Bread
Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Sweet Potato Tots, Yogurt, Fruit
Friday, Dec. 12
Breakfast: Cereal & Bagel Half
Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Southwestern Chili, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 15
Breakfast: Whole Grain Funnel Cake
Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Garlic Breadstick, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Breakfast: Waffle Sticks/Sausage
Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Corn/Bean Blend, Fruit
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza Bagel
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Tomato Soup, Broccoli, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 18
Breakfast: Muffin Tops
Lunch: Chicken Alfredo, Dinner Roll, Peas, Cookie
Friday, Dec. 19
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
Lunch: Pizza, SunChips, Green Beans, Fruit
Monday, Dec. 22
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 23
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Dec. 24
No School – Winter Break
Thursday, Dec. 25
No School – Winter Break
Friday, Dec. 26
No School – Winter Break
Monday, Dec. 29
No School – Winter Break
Tuesday, Dec. 30
No School – Winter Break
Wednesday, Dec. 31
No School – Winter Break
Thursday, Jan. 1
No School – Winter Break
Winter weather and school closings and delays
Learn how Fort Plain CSD makes decisions regarding weather-related closings and delays.
As wintry weather returns to the region, we would like to remind families, staff and community members how they will receive notice if school will be delayed or closed due to inclement weather.
Notifications will be sent through ParentSquare if there are any changes to the daily school schedule. Information will also be posted on the district website and shared with most local media outlets.
All notices will be posted as soon as practicable, and every effort will be made to announce closings before 6 a.m. At times, the district may announce a delay while we continue to assess road conditions. If that occurs, the message will indicate when a final decision will be made.
We carefully consider many factors before making a decision to delay or close school due to weather, but the safety of our students and staff is our first priority when determining how to respond to winter weather. The Director of Facilities, Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent coordinate with local road service teams and law enforcement, and consider the travel conditions across the district to decide if we can safely transport students and open our schools.
A few weather-related reminders:
- Our school buildings open for early arrival at 7:30 AM.
- We will not have any outdoor recess on days when the temperature is extremely low.
- Please make sure that students wear coats, hats, gloves, scarves and any other necessary layers to stay warm while waiting for the bus or walking to and from school.
- If you need assistance with winter gear for your child, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or a school counselor. We have Care Closets in both buildings that can help to provide winter essentials as needed.
Walk indoors this season: Fort Plain Pacers Program sign up
Again this season, the Fort Plain Central School District is inviting district residents to walk indoors at Harry Hoag Elementary School, Nov. 17 through April 30.
Residents can walk during the hours of 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on days school is in session. The cost to participate is $5.00 for those who do not already have a Pacers Program Card.
Sign up for the Pacers Program by contacting Becky Smith in the District Office at 518-993-4000 ext. 1000 or becky.smith@fortplain.org.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Student Support Liaison Will Ryan
Join us in shining a spotlight on Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Teacher and new Student Support Liaison, Will Ryan.
“The Fort Plain Central School District is proud to recognize Will Ryan’s many years of dedication as a teacher, mentor and advocate for our teaching team,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan. “Will is known for the meaningful connections he builds and the impact he’s had with the students in his classroom. We are grateful to have him in this new role, where he will be able to continue this important work on a larger scale—throughout the school and with our many students.”
For more than 25 years, Will Ryan has been an active member of our school community: teaching social studies and University in the High School (UHS) psychology and sociology courses through UAlbany, serving as director for 14 years of the FP-Canjo Drama Club and its spring musical, and leading the Fort Plain Teachers Association as president for seven years.
Through it all, Ryan says he’s had the opportunity to grow as an educator while forming strong, lasting connections with students, their families (some of whom were once his students themselves!) and his colleagues.
This school year, Ryan has taken on a new role as Student Support Liaison at the Jr./Sr. High School—a position for which he feels his years of experience as a teacher and community volunteer have uniquely prepared him.
Building Bridges and Creating Connections
As Student Support Liaison, Ryan focuses on building trusting relationships with all students—in the halls, the lunchroom and the classroom—but especially with those who may feel disconnected or need extra support.
He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and compassion in understanding students: shifting the question from “What’s wrong with you?” when they misstep to “What’s going on for you?”
While part of his role involves assisting administrators with disciplinary procedures, Ryan knows that being a trusted adult—someone students know believes in them—can make all the difference during challenging times.
This summer, Ryan completed training in restorative practices, an approach that emphasizes accountability and helps students repair relationships with peers and staff when harm has been caused. He uses these strategies with his own students and is helping model them for teachers and staff across the school.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned as a teacher—and in life—is that how we treat others matters,” said Ryan, “We always have a choice in how we react to a situation or setback. Sometimes these are skills we already know; other times, we need someone to teach us. I hope I can help both our students and our school team learn and practice those skills together.”
2nd Annual Veterans Day Reception and Assembly – Nov. 7
Harry Hoag Elementary will host a reception and assembly on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 in honor of the veterans in our Fort Plain community.
Those who have served our country and are connected to our students, staff and community are invited to attend this reception beginning at 7:45 a.m. and to stay for an assembly in their honor. This event will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library and Gym.
Veterans: Please RSVP by Friday, Oct. 31 by calling 518-993-4000, emailing jennifer.ruszkowski@fortplain.org or to your child’s teacher.
Veterans who are unable to attend this celebration are invited to message us with their name and branch of service so we may include them in our Hall of Heroes display.
FPN News kicks off a new season
Fort Plain Network (FPN) is back and better than ever.
This bi-weekly news show, created by high school students in our Multimedia class led by teacher Rachel Heroth, provides information and announcements about upcoming events and highlights noteworthy celebrations. Each episode is written, filmed and edited by the students, giving them hands-on experience in media production while keeping the school community informed and entertained.
New this school year
This year, the Multimedia program has expanded into two sections, giving more students the opportunity to take the course. The FPN News team now includes both returning students who are building on their previous experience and new students eager to learn the ropes.
Another exciting change this year is a partnership with teacher Tracy Yurkewecz’s Sports Journalism class. Students in this class will be producing dedicated sports segments, highlighting and celebrating Fort Plain’s athletes and teams.
The FPN team will also be adding more educational and historical pieces to support students’ civic readiness.
Watch FPN News
The 2025-26 FPN News season is now live. Watch FPN News and follow along on our FPN YouTube channel to stay in the know and watch as our students grow their skills this school year.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Jean Watkins
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Jean Watkins, a Fort Plain alumnus, beloved educator and dedicated Fort Plain elementary school teacher for nearly four decades.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
View the tribute to Jean Watkins and learn about her many interests and life experiences.
October 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-kindergarten through high school.
October 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Menus are subject to change without notice.
The USDA and this institution are equal opportunity employers and providers.
Harry Hoag Elementary School Menus
Pre-K
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Banana Muffin
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Bread
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Muffin Top
- Lunch: Boneless Chicken Wings, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Egg & Sausage Patty
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel w/jelly & margarine
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffin
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit and Juice
Elementary
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal and Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Cheese Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Breads
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Soft Pretzel, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit, Pudding
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Pizza, Cheese Stick, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Cookie
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Boneless Chicken Wings, Tostito Chips, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Pancakes and Sausage
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Egg & Sausage Patty
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Ice Cream Cup
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Peas, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Curly Fries, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit and Juice
Jr./Sr. High School
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Alternate: build-your-own-lunch at the Fresh Bar. Includes entrée options, grain sides, fresh fruits & vegetables.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club & Soup, Cheese Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Breakfast Breads
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Soft Pretzel, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit, Pudding
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Jiffy Stick/Tornado
- Lunch: Pizza, Cheese Stick, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Cookie
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken Bowl, Mashed Potatoes w/gravy, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Wings, Tostito Chips, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Ice Cream Cup
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Peas, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Whole Grain Donut Holes
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Pasta with Marinara, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Curly Fries, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Vegetable Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans,Chips, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit, Juice, Mini Danish
Staff Spotlight: Meet Mary Simons – teacher and science researcher
Join us in shining a spotlight on Fort Plain High School biology and chemistry teacher Mary Simons. Simons spent this past summer researching some very tiny beings that live in our rivers and now has some really big ideas to share with our students.
“The Fort Plain Central School District is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our high school science teacher, Mary Simons. Participation with the Cary Institute’s BioRETS program has not only strengthened her expertise, but also enriches the opportunities available to our students,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan.
This summer while school was out, Fort Plain High School biology and chemistry teacher Mary Simons was still in the classroom—and in love with what she was learning as part of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies’ BioRETS program (Biology Research Experience for Teachers.)
Through six weeks of intensive ecology instruction and field work, Simons and teachers from around the state developed their research skills by investigating a parasite’s effects on zooplankton that play an important role in Hudson River fisheries. The teachers were guided in this research by Cary Institute’s aquatic disease ecologist Dr. Tara Stewart Merrill.
The program also offered the teachers tools for turning complex scientific and research skills and processes into unique learning experiences for their students.
Simons and her research teammates presented their scientific findings and curriculum innovations at the Cary Institute in early August. Over the coming school year, Simons will work with BioRETS program managers to fine-tune her new lesson plans.
The [BioRETS program] was so incredibly satisfying and made me want to go back to school again,” said Simons. “I was treated like a scientist and given an enormous amount of scientific support that I am excited to share in the classroom with our students.”
Science in and outside our schools
Building a scientific research program for the students at Fort Plain has been a goal for Simons since she joined the district three years ago.
With the learning, support and connections to the scientific community she received this summer, Simons plans to create more ways for students to develop their own questions and dig for answers.
As a start, Simon’s biology students will be nature journaling around campus this fall – spending time each week in the same location and taking note of what they see, hear, smell and feel, and how things change over time.
“They will be asking lots and lots of questions,” said Simons, “which will generate ideas for science projects in the future.”
Simons is also launching a science club this year for students who are curious about their world and have questions the scientific process can help them answer.
Ultimately, Simons would like to launch a course in scientific research with experiences that allow students to contribute to the Cary Institute’s RAD lab (research of aquatic diseases) project by surveying the health of the Mohawk River and its tiny inhabitants.
“I want to give our students some unique and meaningful experiences in learning that they love and want to do more of once they leave school, in college and for their careers,” Simons said.
Fort Plain and Canajoharie boards agree to continue to pursue potential merger
Dear Families,
We would like to share an important update regarding the future of our school community. After careful discussion and collaboration, both the Fort Plain and the Canajoharie Central School District Boards of Education have agreed to continue their pursuit of a potential district merger. After receiving further clarification from NYSED, we learned our recent merger study is still in effect. Looming fiscal constraints from the state and federal governments, continued loss of programming and challenges in attracting qualified applicants for employment, coupled with the close vote in both districts last spring, guided the decision of the CFP Development Panel and Boards of Education.
As part of this process, both Boards will move forward with holding a straw poll vote in each community. This non-binding vote will give residents the opportunity to express their opinion on whether the merger should proceed to a binding public referendum.
We understand that this is a significant decision for our districts, and we are committed to ensuring that families, staff, and community members are well-informed every step of the way. Your voice and involvement are essential as we explore what is best for the future of our students and communities. We encourage you to stay engaged, ask questions, and participate in upcoming conversations.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fort Plain and Canajoharie Central School Districts. You will be hearing from us soon regarding the next steps in the process.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Geelan
Interim Superintendent of Schools, Fort Plain Central School District
Dr. Nick Fitzgerald
Superintendent of Schools, Canajoharie Central School District