Author: monique.jacobs
Seniors inducted into National Honor Society
Personal induction ceremonies into the National Honor Society (NHS) were held at the end of May and beginning of June for 11 Fort Plain High School seniors and their families.
During each ceremony, readings focused on the Candle of Knowledge, which signifies a tradition of honor that passes along the pillars of leadership, character, scholarship and service. The students lit candles to signify their commitment to knowledge and learning.
To finalize membership in the NHS, students then recited the National Honor Society pledge, securing their membership. Congratulations to the following NHS inductees:
Zavia Allen
Molli Bates
Troy Butler
Evan Crouse
Grace Hoffman
Olivia Kennedy
Sarah Paradiso
Megan Telfer
Matthew Travis
Seth Wintermute
Rachel Zuppardi
Senior Spotlight
Fort Plain salutes the Class of 2021. Visit our Senior Spotlight webpage!
Don’t miss our Senior Parade this Friday, June 18th!
Don’t miss our Fort Plain Senior Parade this Friday, June 18th!
Forum focuses on American Rescue Plan funding
District parents and guardians participated in a June 15 evening forum at Fort Plain High School and also offered their input online regarding how federal stimulus money provided by the American Rescue Plan will be budgeted over the next four fiscal years.
Fort Plain Superintendent John Bishop presented information about the plan at the forum, and how funds may be used for Fort Plain Schools in the future.
The superintendent thanks all who participated and appreciates the input received from the school community.
The American Rescue Plan, through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), provides funds to public schools to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon in-person instruction and learning; students’ social, emotional and mental health needs; school safety; educational technology, academics and enrichment; and early childhood education. School districts across the state are developing plans on how to use these funds to best serve their students.
Pride is more than a month & GSA is more than its name
June may be Pride Month, but kindness, understanding and inclusion are year-round goals of the GSA student organization at Fort Plain High School.
Likewise, the focus of the organization is much broader than its full name – the Gender & Sexuality Alliance – would indicate. GSA groups can be found in schools and communities across the country.
A group of students formed the GSA at Fort Plain High School during spring 2019 and began holding meetings bi-weekly the following fall. “We first wanted to get together to talk about problems in general, not only in school, but in our community and the world,” said Liz, a GSA member. “That morphed into regular meetings, and we talked about what the group wanted to be.”
“We show people they have support, not just related to sexuality or gender, but for life problems. We show them that there are more people out there that they can trust,” said Bree, a fellow member.
Maiya, another member of the GSA, added, “We are not here for ourselves, but to help other people. Our group is not just made up of LGBTQ students, but also of people who are allies and who support inclusion.”
With this in mind, GSA members brainstormed and developed activities for Pride Month, which is observed nationally each June. They created a banner that their fellow high school students, faculty and staff signed, committing to following the Ally Pledge: “I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:
• Not use anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) language or slurs.
• Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed or inform school personnel.
• Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.
• Encourage others to be allies.”
During lunch recently, the group offered pride swag which included bracelets, temporary tattoos, and stickers, and led an LGBTQ pride trivia game to help others learn more about pride history, events and efforts toward inclusion.
“It’s going pretty good,” Bree said. “Lots of people played the game and signed the banner, showing they believe in equal rights for everybody and not discriminating, and that no matter who you are, that you are important.”
About the establishment of the GSA at FPHS, Liz said, “It’s important because a lot of kids don’t belong to other organized groups and this gives them an opportunity to come together.”
Going to a small school in a small community can be challenging, the students noted. Maiya said, “We are here to support and so people feel like they are not alone. Our club offers friendship and being there for others.”
When asked to describe in one word what GSA has done for them, the students came up with two: safety and support.
“The GSA offers kindness, understanding and acceptance,” said club advisor and school counselor Kayla Mahoney. “They aren’t promoting anything – rather, they stand for diversity, equity and inclusion for all.”
Students interested in joining the GSA can talk to any of the club’s members or contact Mrs. Mahoney in the high school counseling office.
FP parents, guardians invited to June 15 forum about American Rescue Plan; questions & suggestions may made online
Fort Plain Central School District invites parents and guardians to attend an evening forum to discuss how federal stimulus money provided by the American Rescue Plan will be budgeted over the next four fiscal years. The forum will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Questions for the forums and suggestions for the use of the funds may be submitted online at https://forms.gle/eQGGq7FYuzvFhTAy9.
The American Rescue Plan, through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), provides funds to public schools to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon in-person instruction and learning; students’ social, emotional and mental health needs; school safety; educational technology, academics and enrichment; and early childhood education. School districts across the state are developing plans on how to use these funds to best serve their students.
Mask update
June 8, 2021
Dear Fort Plain School Community,
I’d like to provide a quick update regarding mask requirements in school. There had been much confusion statewide on this issue during the weekend.
Late yesterday, New York State issued new guidelines for schools that require face masks to continue to be worn inside schools and on buses. Masks may continue to be removed during mealtimes when a 6-foot social distance is maintained.
The guidelines do not require mask wearing outside or during outdoor sports. This means that students, staff and other responsible parties may choose to not wear a mask when outdoors on school property.
Physical distancing requirements, health screenings, cleaning/disinfection/hygiene, and other protective measures remain in effect.
We thank you for your ongoing cooperation and dedication to the health and well-being of our students and staff.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Undergraduate and sports awards ceremonies information
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School will be holding an Undergraduate Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Harry Hoag gymnasium. Letters will be mailed to students receiving an award. Students may bring two guests. We will be following state and local mandates relating to social distancing and assembling of large groups.
View the ceremony online at: https://youtu.be/c7oRQlc43Ks
The Spring Sports Awards Ceremony will be held Monday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium. (New location as of 6/18)
The district will also be livestreaming the Class of 2021 Graduation on June 26 at 10 a.m. at:
https://youtu.be/ChjBNGL_bfM
Fall sports sign-up is open
Attention Fort Plain students: Sign up now for fall 2021 sports.
Just visit this link and complete a short form.
High school sports start on August 23, 2021 and modified sports start on August 30. Go Hilltoppers!
Masks are still required per NYS
June 6, 2021
Dear Fort Plain School Community,
On Friday, June 4, 2021, Dr. Howard A. Zucker, New York State Commissioner of Health, sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which indicated that, without information from the CDC to the contrary, effective Monday, June 7, 2021, New York State public schools may lift the mask wearing requirement for students, staff, and visitors on school property. The CDC has not responded to this letter.
Since the issuance of this letter, the Fort Plain School District has received clarification from the Governor’s Office that mask-wearing requirements must remain in place until formal guidance is issued. Therefore, the requirement for masks in schools has not changed.
As this matter continues to evolve, we will promptly update you with any changes. Over the next few days, we anticipate clarification on this matter and intend to work closely with state and local officials regarding Dr. Zucker’s letter and the impact, if any, it may have on the remaining school year.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and your dedication to the health and well-being of our students and staff.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools