Author: christine.carpenter
Merger Process Update: Next Steps and Focus Teams
The process of exploring a potential merger between the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts continues to move forward, guided by the CFP Development Panel. This panel has been meeting regularly to discuss key ideas, timelines and next steps as the steering group for this important process.
Focus Teams: shaping the future of the combined district
Important questions about what a merger would mean for our students and community have been raised throughout the recent merger process. As a way of digging into these, we plan to convene a set of focus teams that will include both district representatives, subject area experts and you, the members of our community. By coming together for this work, we believe we can best imagine our future and prepare to meet the interests and needs of our students–independently or as a merged district if that is what our communities choose. These groups will gather detailed information on key topics and prepare recommendations that will position us well to move forward if a merger is approved.
The Focus Teams will address the following areas:
- Cultural Integration: Traditions, celebrations, activities, athletics and mascots.
- Educational Programming: Academic offerings, curriculum, plans for schools and school configuration.
- Operational Planning: Transportation, facility usage and school day schedule.
- Student-Centered Transition: Orientation, mentoring and programs to support students.
- Staff-Centered Transition: Professional development, orientation and staff supports.
Dependent on the outcome of the vote next summer on a potential merger, we will also offer opportunities to be a part of additional focus groups, such as:
- Financial Planning: Long-term financial projections, taxes and current trends/budgets.
- Policy Alignment: Codes of conduct, curriculum requirements, contracts and district policies.
Join a Focus Team
Your voice and expertise are vital to this process. We are inviting all interested community members and school stakeholders to apply to be a part of a Focus Team. This is an opportunity to contribute directly with the planning for our students’ educational experience and success of a merged district, if this is the path the communities choose.
If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Google form available here. The first Focus Team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Mark your calendar: Straw Poll and Binding Vote
Straw Vote (Advisory Referendum): Wednesday, June 4, 2026 This non-binding vote will assess the community’s support for the merger proposal before proceeding to the final vote.
Binding Referendum (Final Vote): Wednesday, July 29, 2026 If the binding merger vote passes, the merged district would officially begin operation for the 2027-2028 school year.
We encourage all stakeholders to stay informed and participate in this important process and visit our website for information. We will also be sending monthly updates during that time.
Dec. 17 BOE meeting rescheduled for Dec. 18
Due to a conflict, the Fort Plain Board of Education’s regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 has been rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
The meeting will take place in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High St., Fort Plain.
Harry Hoag first quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Skylah Becker
- Ava Brownell
- Jayleigh Brownell
- Elliot Coveny
- Julianna Delgado
- Kaileb DiLorenzo
- Jackson Dolly
- Jacoby Henderson
- Jayce Humphrey
- Adisyn Jones
- Keegan Jones
- Isaiah Mykel
- Liam Ohlidal
- Avaj Schuyler
- Molly Williams
Grade 6
-
Payton Bennett
-
Khloe Cionek
-
Abel Clink
-
Jaydan Crouse
-
Sofia Dawson
-
Isaac Evans
-
Kailee Gordon
-
Maison Houston
-
Noah Randall
-
Cassidee Reese
-
Abigail Ryder
-
Joseph Walter
-
Carma Weaver-Porter
-
Kayleigh Woodcock
Principal’s List
Grade 5
-
Emalynn Alkinburgh
-
Amber Bowley
-
Kamilla Brazee
-
Kassidy Brazee
-
Emari Brown
-
Brady Brownell
-
Brianna Compton
-
Aleena Crouse
-
Jackson Curtis
-
Dawson Dean
-
Louis Fanelli III
-
Mieke Hallstein
-
Leigha Hardnett
-
Raelynn Hazzard
-
Samuel Hisert
-
Carter Hubal
-
Raylynn Jones
-
Sadie Jones
-
Arianna Lewis
-
Tessa McFee
-
Terrence Nemecek Jr.
-
Riley O’Connor
-
Penelope Prevost
-
Janasia Raphael
-
Ares Rockwell
-
Jace Savoie
-
Logan Staples
-
Madeline Valovic
-
Trent Webb
Grade 6
- Cecilia Baker
- Shani Brackett
- Zane Bradt
- Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Nicholas Compton
- Raelynn D’Arcangelis
- Ryelee David
- Blaine Dodson
- Bryson Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Jovalee Hisert
- Maria Hisert
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
- Audrey Krug
- Lailah Lewis
- Livia McDuffee
- Joshua Murphy
- Zannah Poultney
- Tanner Putnam
- Grant Reese
- Tabitha Romanello
- Kobe Skiffington
- Gracie Smith
- Samuel Thomas
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Garett Trumbull
- Troy Zabawczuk
Staff Spotlight: Meet Hanna Conbeer – School Librarian and Media Specialist
Join us in shining a spotlight on Harry Hoag Librarian and Media Specialist Hanna Conbeer.
“The Fort Plain Central School District is proud to recognize Hanna Conbeer,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan. “Hanna is an important part of our teaching team at Harry Hoag, helping our learners develop the strong English Language Arts (ELA) and literacy skills they need to be successful in and out of school, and for the world they will live and work in once they graduate. We are grateful to have Hanna in our school community.”
For Harry Hoag Library and Media Specialist Hanna Conbeer, it is a good day at school when she learns library time has sparked a love of reading in her students.
“I really enjoy being a part of the students’ learning,” said Conbeer. “I love watching kids discover a book that they love. I love when they tell me they have loved a book so much that they read it with their mom or dad, too. This is the best!”
Now in her third year with the district, Hanna Conbeer is an important part of the school team—helping our students become strong readers, writers and critical thinkers. She also works closely with the teachers—providing the books and other tools to support their classroom lessons and helping them build even the most reluctant readers’ “literacy muscles.”
“Hanna consistently engages the students in rigorous, ELA-focused lessons that go far beyond the traditional ‘read-and-check-out’ library model,” said Harry Hoag Principal Amy Batholomew. “Her commitment to their learning—and to her own growth as a professional—has a meaningful impact on the literacy learning for all of our students.”
Inspiring a love of reading – for every student
Before joining the Fort Plain teaching team, Conbeer worked as a librarian in the Springfield and Canajoharie public libraries. While this was meaningful, becoming a school librarian and media specialist has allowed her to do what she is most passionate about—work with kids and help develop their literacy skills.
“My heart has always been in working with children, but it was like pulling teeth to get the children into the public library. Here, I have a sort of ‘captive’ audience,” she said with a grin.
From lessons that help students build their skills at finding what they need to know in the library and online to one-on-one work with our students who are learning English as a new language, developing strong, curious and confident readers and media-smart citizens is the goal.
“Reading is essential. It opens doors in our minds and in our worlds. It helps us unlock our imaginations, be creative and solve problems. It helps us succeed in what we want to do,” said Conbeer. “I love that Harry Hoag is such a close-knit school and that I get to know all the kids, help inspire their learning and watch them grow.”
Jr./Sr. High School first quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Ezra Brown
- Emma Cook
- Marcus Dunbar-Eller
- John Fountain
- Isis Hammond
- Natashia Hammond
- Jorge Medina
- Sonia Medina
- John Morrison
- Makena Nurnberger
Grade 11
- Jayson Austin
- Kayden Battisti
- Trinity Belliveau
- Alannah-Mari Blowers
- Ariana Nemeth
- Brodie Poultney
- Trent Reynolds
- Aidyn Rooney
- Kendra Schaffer
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 10
- Blake Battisti
- Dio Callan
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Lincoln Kretser
- AshLyn Lewis
- Paige Lochner
- Sean McGuire
- Jasmine Rumrill
Grade 9
- Laura Atkins
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Khloe Hisert
- Joshua LaQuee
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Gideon McCarty
- Hailee Moore
- Jack Parkinson
- Isaac Passero
- Gabriella Peters
- Anthony Polidori
- Karson Rhodes
- Trent Richards
- Gregory Simons
- Anna-Belle Snyder
Grade 8
- Brantlee Brownell
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Amarha Herring
- Olivia Jones
- Kayden Rouse
- Ethan Shostek
- Rosabella Smith
- Maicee Thomas
- Ziva Yerdon
Grade 7
- Zachary Alkinburgh
- Kyle Christman
- KataLenah Clapper
- Lleyton Emrick
- Rystara Handy
- Andres Medina
- Isabella Shibley
- Colton White
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Alexis Buley
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Madison Clayburn
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Breyanna Gilot
- Jordynn Gomez
- Koby Herron
- McKenna Karker
- Kimberly Kirby
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Morgan Stock
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 11
- Genavive Bathrick
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Faith Clark
- Tyler Cotton
- Bryellah D’Arcangelis
- Isabella Fountain
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Lyllie Handy
- Hailey Hayes
- Levi Hext
- Brooke Jones
- Landon Kretser
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Morgan Prime
- Kendra Sackett
- Larry Sanders III
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Dameon Trant
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 10
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Nalisha Cadet
- Brianne Gallt
- Jordan Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Blake Lapi
- George Mang
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Zachary Walsh
- Evan Weaver
Grade 9
- Halleli Brackett
- McKenna Hisert
- Jazmain Leonard
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Jaymes Smith
- Gavin Souza
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 8
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Aubree Childs
- Milo Clark
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Sienna Dean
- Bently Dodson
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- Isabella Hearn
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Piper Kretser
- Jacob LaQuee
- Claudia Maring
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Dante Santiago
- Gavin Smith
- Noah Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb
Grade 7
- Isabelle Allen
- Aiden Bunker
- Nauni Fink
- Audrina Gomez
- Quinn Hisert
- Demora Lawson
- Lilly Mang
- IvyKate McGuire
- Elaena Minarich
- Oliver Parkinson
- Willow Richards
- Isley Ruszkowski
- Beverly Sherwood
- Addison Weaver
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: Ham or Turkey Melt Sandwich
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza Bagel
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Tomato Soup, Broccoli, Fruit
Thursday, Dec. 18
Breakfast: Muffin Tops
Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun w/french fries
Friday, Dec. 19
Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
Lunch: Pizza, Pizza Logs or Pizza Crunchers
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: French Toast Sticks or Warm Cinnamon Toast Crunch 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 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: Potluck Breakfast
Lunch: Potluck Lunch
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.
Board of Education Meeting – Nov. 19
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 beginning at 6 p.m.
The meeting will take place in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
View the FPCSD Board of Education – Nov. 19, 2025 meeting agenda.
NHS Thanksgiving food drive – through Nov. 21
Again this year, the Fort Plain chapter of the National Honor Society is holding a Thanksgiving food drive.
Food collected will provide holiday meals for area families.
Items being collected include:
- Boxed stuffing mix
- Canned corn
- Canned green beans
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Canned cranberry sauce
- Cornbread mix
- Pie crust and fillings
- Turkeys
Donations can be made at Room 204 of the Jr./Sr. High School or Room 5 at Harry Hoag Elementary, now through Friday, Nov. 21.
Questions? Want to arrange for drop off of food items? Please reach out to NHS Advisor Kolbe Gray.