Author: monique.jacobs
Superintendent of Schools John Bishop reflects on the past year – video
As we approach the one-year anniversary of our buildings closure due to the pandemic, Fort Plain Superintendent John Bishop offers his reflections on the past year, the good things happening in our schools, and how parents and guardians may get involved in planning for the 2021-22 school year and beyond.
Superintendent’s message: School is in session Monday, 3/15
March 12, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
This is a reminder that school is in session on Monday, March 15, following the regular schedule for students and staff.
This is a change from the printed Fort Plain wall calendar that was mailed late last summer and included a conference day on that date. That conference day was moved to an earlier date and already held, and so school will be in session on Monday. Thank you for your understanding.
This week, we resumed full-day, in-person instruction at Harry Hoag School for grades one through six. I would like to thank our parents, families, faculty, staff, administrators and the community for their partnership in bringing our elementary children back together on campus. It was a great week!
We are so happy to have all our students learning and growing as we spring ahead toward longer days and nicer weather. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of School
Western Athletic Conference statement on spectators at Fall 2 soccer games
The following is a statement from the Western Athletic Conference:
“The Western Athletic Conference has developed a boys and girls varsity soccer schedule that utilizes neutral site turf fields that will allow league games to be played until weather improves and our school fields become playable. To make this work, we have created a schedule in which multiple games are played at a single location and with little time between games. With the number of people that would be coming from various counties to attend these games, the WAC, in consultation with our local county health departments and host sites, has made the difficult decision to not allow spectators at any of these neutral site soccer games. While we know this decision will be upsetting to many, it is being made with the health and safety of all spectators, families, players, coaches, officials and school communities in mind.
“Failure to follow the no spectator rule will result in games being stopped until the premises is cleared. Further violations of the spectator rule could result in forfeiture of games and/or the elimination of neutral site games for the league. We are excited our teams have the opportunity to compete during this difficult year. While we understand families want to support their athlete in person, we appreciate your support and understanding of the circumstances.
“On April 12th, games will move to our school fields (conditions permitting) in a traditional “home and away” format, at which time two spectators per athlete will be allowed. At that time, each athlete will be given two spectator passes. The individuals using those passes must enter through the designated area, display the pass and complete a COVID questionnaire prior to entering the field. Spectators must be masked and practice proper social distancing at all times. Failure to follow protocols will result in removal from the contest.
“Thank you for your continued support during this most challenging time.”
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
March 8, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned today, Monday, March 8, that an individual in the high school community has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in school on March 7. Anyone identified as a close contact has been called, and the Montgomery County Public Health Department is advising on any necessary quarantine.
Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
March 4, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned today, Thursday, March 4, that an individual in the high school community has tested positive for COVID. They were last in the building on March 2. The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
February 24, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned today that an individual in the high school community has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in school on February 21. Anyone identified as a close contact will be contacted directly by their county health department.
The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine or testing. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education special meeting March 1 at 6 p.m.
The Fort Plain Central School Board of Education will meet in special session on Monday, March 1, 2021, in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room at the Harry Hoag School.
The agenda is as follows:
1. Call to Order at 6 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Comment
4. Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment of a particular employee
5. Return to Open Session
6. Adjournment
Note: Time updated Feb. 26
Watch our Cheerleaders online
Our high school cheerleaders have been working and practicing, and all are welcome to view their cheers online beginning Thursday, Feb. 25, at 3:30 p.m., and after that date by clicking on their link at that time on our View Sports Online webpage.
Go Hilltoppers!
FP senior leads Eyes For Hope donation drive
Sarah Paradiso enjoys helping others, so when she learned of an opportunity to partner with Eyes For Hope, she was right on board. The Fort Plain senior is leading a donation drive for eyeglasses for those in need.
Through March 3, donations of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses in good condition can be left in a drop box at the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School main entrance during school hours, and at Center Street Station in Fort Plain and Sportee Designs in St. Johnsville, businesses that Sarah approached for support. Sportee Designs will also donate a pair of reading glasses for each pair of donated eyeglasses they receive.
Sarah is partnering to help Eyes For Hope with fellow high school students who are active in the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) organization.
“I went to a HOBY youth leadership weekend at SUNY Oneonta my sophomore year,” Sarah said. “I spent the weekend making new friends and learning how to be a leader, as well as doing a community service project making blankets for organ donors and their families. Even after that weekend, we, in our area groups, have looked for ways to help out in our local community. This year we are partnering with Eyes for Hope.”
At the close of the donation drive, Sarah will ship the boxes of eyeglasses to Eyes For Hope, which will in turn distribute them to individuals who need them.
“Good work Sarah!” said Fort Plain Superintendent John Bishop. “Sarah leads by example and continues to make positive contributions to the Fort Plain school community.”
“The goal of my Eyes For Hope donation drive is to help make people feel they are making a difference, especially during a time when it’s hard to have positive interactions,” Sarah said. “There are easy ways to do it, [and this is a way] to try to reach out and do what you can.”
Board of Education special meeting Feb. 22
The Fort Plain Central School Board of Education will meet in special session on Monday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room at the Harry Hoag School.
The agenda is as follows:
1. Call to Order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Comment
4. Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the employment of a particular employee
5. Return to Open Session
6. Adjournment