Author: monique.jacobs
Message from the superintendent about social media posts
December 16, 2021
Dear Fort Plain Central School Community,
On Thursday, December 16, school superintendents in the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES region met with local law enforcement agencies to discuss reports from around the nation of non-specific threats of school violence circulating on social media.
We have been informed that these posts have circulated in the past around this time of year and that these posts do not pose a credible threat. Regardless, we take this matter very seriously, and our local law enforcement and state agencies will continue to closely monitor social media.
Additionally, the district will have an increased presence of law enforcement at our schools.
We also ask our families and staff to be vigilant. If you receive any information about these posts or any threat of violence, please report it immediately to school officials. If you receive information that you believe requires immediate action, please call 911.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep our schools safe. We will keep you updated with any information that we receive.
Sincerely,
Jeffery Ziegler
Interim Superintendent
Virtual Reality kits are real learning for Harry Hoag students
Harry Hoag students went around the world without leaving Matt Heiser’s technology classroom in early December, literally viewing the ends of the earth, the Amazon rainforest, lower Manhattan and beyond while learning about science, geography, ancient cultures and more.
“We borrowed Virtual Reality kits from the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC) for two weeks that included software and VR goggles,” Heiser said. “In our Tech class, students in grades two through six viewed places that align with their curriculum.”
The VR goggles provide a 3-D view that changes as a student moves their head up, down and side to side. For example, a VR view of the rainforest through goggles shows flora and fauna on the forest floor to birds in the canopy and sky above, and everything in between.
The VR technology made the following come alive for students:
- Second graders explored the North and South Poles
- Third graders viewed various natural habitats
- Fourth graders visited New York City
- Fifth graders visited National Parks
- Sixth graders viewed ancient Egypt
The students reacted to their experiences with wonder and excitement, asking questions and showing a desire to learn more about what they were exploring. Virtual Reality truly made their subjects come alive.
“The VR kits were a hit. I wish we had them all year,” Heiser said.
Coding, Cubelets and Ozobots, oh my
Throughout the week of Dec. 6-11, Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School celebrated Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) by participating in the international Hour of Code.
CSEdWeek was founded as an international call to action to raise awareness of the need to elevate computer science education at all levels and to underscore the critical role of computing in all careers.
Fort Plain High School’s Toppers participated in Hour of Code activities with teachers Kevin Bogus, Laurie Capece, Louise Clute, Kreig Heroth, Kajee Quick, Lucas Santiago, Wendy Stokna, Susan Summerfield and Lisa Trembley. Teachers worked with Educational Technology Specialist Rachel Heroth and Library Media Specialist Tariyka Chaulk to integrate coding into their curriculum, and students enjoyed accessing content through a computer science lens.
Hour of Code activities included various hands-on coding, robotics, and computational thinking lessons. Students in Materials Processing, Keyboarding, and Math used Ozobot and Cubelet robots to understand how mechatronics is utilized in manufacturing, how to write and transfer code to robots through multiple sensors and channels, and how robots can be used to solve and illustrate mathematical equations.
In English, students learned how to code a program using block and JavaScript languages to animate poems to convey mood, and how to code a storyboard. In Science, students wrote programs to create a solar system, illustrate the importance of recycling, and create a tether game to simulate the principles of physics.
Students also had some fun writing code to create their own video games and complete challenges based on popular video games and pop culture characters.
CSEdWeek is just the beginning of what the future holds for FPHS students as the district implements new Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards adopted by the state last December. The district will work toward full implementation of the new standards, with three years to build awareness and capacity.
Events like the Hour of Code are great opportunities for introducing computer science skills into our classrooms and getting students excited about learning how to code. Computer science and digital fluency are being further integrated into existing courses and curriculum, and computer science is being developed into future course offerings.
More information about the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards can be found at http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/computer-science-and-digital-fluency.
Article submitted by Rachel Heroth, educational technology specialist
In the photos:
At top: Student working with Cubelet robots
Middle photo: Students coding Ozobots
Bottom photo: Rachel Heroth teaches about Cubelet robots with Kreig Heroth
Taylor Potter wins Patriot’s Pen essay contest, goes on to regionals
Congratulations to Taylor Potter on winning the Patriot’s Pen essay contest through VFW Post 3275. Forty-two 8th grade students submitted an essay on the topic, “How to be A Good American” to our local VFW Post for review.
Taylor’s essay will advance to the VFW District 3 regional competition. Best of luck, Taylor!
In the photo at top: Fort Plain VFW Jr. Vice Commander Laurence Maynard, Taylor, and Fort Plain VFW Commander Tom Ellwood.
Mask wearing is now required at all times inside school facilities
In accordance with new regulations recently released by the state, masks are required to be worn at ALL times when inside the school facilities.
Fort Plain Board of Education meetings will be streamed to allow participation virtually by those who are unable to wear a mask. If you have any questions, you may contact Becky in the District Office at 518-993-4000 ext. #1000.
High School picture retake day is Monday, Dec. 20
Attention Fort Plain High School families: Lifetouch school picture retake day for the high school is Monday, Dec. 20.
Picture envelopes are available in the main office. Parents can also visit mylifetouch.com and enter picture day ID: EVT3CN8WG
Please contact Mrs. Linda Cole with any questions at linda.cole@fortplain.org.
Student-athletes will receive spectator passes for home games; fans may also view sports online
Attention Hilltopper fans: Fort Plain student-athletes are being provided with passes for spectators at this season’s home games per guidelines issued by the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Each Fort Plain athlete will receive four (4) spectator passes for home games, and two (2) spectator passes for away games. Home passes are white, and away passes are purple. Please present passes and check in at the table in the lobby by the Harry Hoag gym.
Limited seating will be available on the bleachers behind the players’ benches. Home fans may also sit in the bleachers by the cheerleaders. Guests will be seated on the bleachers opposite the home team. Chaperones will be available to guide spectators to proper seats.
As a reminder, masks must be worn properly at all on-campus activities. Masks will be available at the front table. Anyone refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave. Please practice social distancing (3 feet) when around non-family members.
Fort Plain cheerleaders will be performing at home games only.
There will be no admission charge and no concession stand. Food or drink is not allowed in the gym except for players and coaches.
For Hilltopper fans who would like to view virtually, links to live streams and recordings of home games are posted on this website’s View Sports Online page. Check the WAC website for other schools’ streaming links.
For WAC events held at other schools, please check with the host’s school’s website or athletic office regarding their spectator policy. Passes must be presented for entry to sporting events at any school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to provide opportunities for students and their families to continue to safely enjoy athletics and other activities at our schools.
Please direct any questions to Athletic Director Charlie Karker at charlie.karker@fortplain.org, (518) 993-4000, ext. #2134.
Constitutional learning is in the cards
Students in Mr. Hanifin’s 5th grade social studies class at Harry Hoag School have been learning about the U.S. government and the Constitution. An early December afternoon found them testing their knowledge by playing Constitution Cards, a term/definition matching game.
The students assembled into small teams and had a certain amount of time to turn over slips of paper and match terms from the Constitution with definitions. They used study guides they had earlier completed during the game, which also built on previous lessons about the structure and function of the U.S. government.
“Making an exercise into a game works well, because the students are competitive,” Mr. Hanifin noted.
Board to hold Dec. 8 work session with BOCES District Superintendent
The Fort Plain Board of Education will conduct a work session with the BOCES District Superintendent on December 8, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room.
Fort Plain schools on 2-hour delay Thursday, Dec. 2
Fort Plain schools are on a two-hour delay Thursday, Dec. 2, due to road conditions. There will be no a.m. BOCES.