Category: Archive
Career exploration helps students see a world of possibilities
Along with helping our students gain essential knowledge and skills, we offer a host of opportunities throughout the school year designed to spark their interests in new career pathways.
Here are just a few of the ways our students have been exploring “a world of possibilities” this school year:
Touring today’s in-demand jobs
NYS Department of Labor was on campus earlier this year, offering our students a virtual tour through some of today’s in-demand jobs and emerging industries—from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and finance. This led to some great conversations with our high schoolers about future learning and careers!
Law and order
A group of our seniors recently attended the Women in Law program at the Onondaga County Courthouse in Syracuse. Hosted by the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, the program brought students and legal professionals together to introduce young women to the various professions in the field of law and promote the advancement of women in the legal professions.
Cultivating leaders
At the Cooperstown Central School’s 10th Annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, our student-athletes learned that leadership is an essential skill—in all aspects of life and on the track, field and court. Students had the chance to attend workshops about redefining success (it’s not all about winning!), self-care, and leadership with their teams/teammates, in their schools and community.
Inspiring the next generation of teachers
Students curious about a career in education participated in a two-day teacher recruitment workshop at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, led by members of our high school teaching team and designed to inspire and inform students about the rewards and impact they can have as teachers.
Women in the skilled trades
Career and technical education offers students a chance to train for jobs and careers in a host of skilled trades. Many of our high schoolers follow this course of study with our partner HFM BOCES and in-house through our welding pathway program. This March, Fort Plain students joined their peers from around the region for an event focused on women in the trades, offering them the chance to “see themselves” in the many career pathways offered through the BOCES.
Canajoharie and Fort Plain residents vote against merger in straw poll
On Thursday, March 6, residents in the Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts voted against the merger in an advisory referendum/straw poll vote.
The measure was rejected with a vote of 318 to 286 in Canajoharie and 206 to 191 in Fort Plain.
The boards of education now have one year to revisit the question of a merger and put the question to the community for a revote if they choose to do so. After that time, a new study would be needed if the districts wish to reconsider a potential merger.
Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald and Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman wish to thank all who voted in the straw poll. They also thank the districts’ boards of education, members of the Merger Advisory Committee and members of the two communities who gave generously of their time and thoughtful input during merger study meetings, in surveys and during forums on the potential merger.
Despite the outcome of the poll, the superintendents said the merger study and community feedback throughout the process have provided input that will be valuable as the districts continue to look for ways to work together for the betterment of their students.
Straw Poll Vote on proposed merger, Thursday, March 6
We continue to seek community input regarding a proposed merger of the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts.
A non-binding Straw Poll Vote is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 6.
Fort Plain residents can vote from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. Please bring proof of age and residency to the poll.
Fort Plain Canajoharie drama club presents—The Addams Family
This March, the Fort Plain Canajoharie high school drama club will present The Addams Family—a musical comedy based upon the creepy, kooky and all-together ooky cartoon family with an affinity for the macabre.
Performances are Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Shows will be held at the Canajoharie Central School District High School Auditorium, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, N.Y.
Tickets will be on sale at the venue on the day of each performance. There are no advance sales. Tickets are $5 for students/seniors and $8 for adults.
Library Club book collection for our students
Send our students on a reading adventure this summer!
Here is what you can do:
- Donate. Any amount is welcome!
- Adopt a book for $25.
- Send in new-ish books for young adults, teens or older elementary school students.
Checks can be made out to the “Fort Plain Library Club” and sent to the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, 1 West Street, Fort Plain, N.Y., 13339, c/o Ms. Tariyka Chalk.
Please contact Ms. Tariyka Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org or Mrs. Cory Cooley at cory.cooley@fortplain.org to make a cash donation.
Book donations can be dropped off at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org.
Thank you for your support!
Merger Public Forum – February 26
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to learn more about the recent Feasibility Study and the proposed school merger.
Your voices are critical in shaping the direction of this important decision. At the forums you will be able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in our two communities.
Upcoming forum date and location
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting
Join the virtual meeting at this link.
During these forums, you will:
- Learn about potential opportunities and advantages a merger could provide for students.
- Understand the challenges facing both school districts.
- Be able to ask questions.
Parents, students, teachers, staff and all interested community members are welcome to attend.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Barry Kahn
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Barry Kahn, a Fort Plain alumnus, beloved educator and dedicated Fort Plain elementary school teacher for more than three decades.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
View the tribute to Barry Kahn and learn about his many interests and life experiences.
Amy Bartholomew appointed as Harry Hoag Principal
On Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Amy Bartholomew to the position of principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Amy Bartholomew has been working as the Acting Principal of Harry Hoag since July 2024. Her recent completion of a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership allowed the board to consider making her appointment as the elementary school’s principal permanent.
“It has been a pleasure to mentor such a wonderful, qualified leadership candidate,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “Throughout the fall, while completing her administrative internship, Mrs. Bartholomew led Harry Hoag as its acting principal with integrity and demonstrated that she had the competencies required of a school building leader. The Board of Education and I are excited to officially announce her appointment to the role of Elementary Principal. Harry Hoag students and faculty are in good hands.”
“I am incredibly honored to officially step into the role of Elementary Principal at Harry Hoag,” added Amy Bartholomew. “Being able to serve in the community where I grew up is truly a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful to the Board of Education and Superintendent Crisman for their trust in me.”
“The past several months have been a truly rewarding experience. I am so fortunate to work alongside the best teachers and staff who are so dedicated to our students’ success,” Bartholomew continued. “As someone who has known many of our families for years, it’s especially meaningful to strengthen these close relationships. The work we’re doing together is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in a nurturing, supportive environment.”
Merger Feasibility Study update, upcoming “straw vote” set
Dear Community Members,
At the Jan. 16, 2025 joint Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Board of Education Meeting, action was taken to continue to seek community input regarding a potential school merger.
Both communities will now hold a non-binding Straw Vote on March 6, 2025 to learn if there is community support for a merger.
Additional details will be forthcoming about the time and location for voting.
Learn more about the Merger Feasibility Study at upcoming forums
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to participate in one of several community forums to learn more about the recent Feasibility Study and the proposed school merger. Your voices are critical in shaping the direction of this important decision. At the forums you will be able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in our two communities.
Forum dates and locations
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Fort Plain/Harry Hoag Elementary School Cafeteria
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Cafeteria
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting
Join the virtual meeting at this link.
During these forums, you will:
- Learn about potential opportunities and advantages a merger could provide for students.
- Understand the challenges facing both school districts.
- Be able to ask questions.
We encourage everyone — parents, students, teachers, staff and community members — to attend one of the forums.
Join the conversation about the Merger Feasibility Study
We have launched a final ThoughtExchange to learn more about the community reactions to the Feasibility Study and the potential merger.
Please follow this link to participate in the ThoughtExchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/745964927
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Merger Feasibility Study report and resources
During 2024, Fort Plain CSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district, as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
Local school teams in collaboration with the consultants for the study carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records, and student performance and program data.
Using that data, the consultants compiled a comprehensive report that is now available for review.