Category: Archive
2024 Board of Education Vacancies and Election
Three Board of Education seats up for election on May 21
Three seats on the Fort Plain Board of Education will be up for election this May to fill vacancies for terms expiring on June 30, 2024. The new terms will run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.
Regular elections for Board of Education seats are held each year on the third Tuesday in May, the same date residents vote on the coming year’s school budget. This year’s vote date is May 21.
Petitions to run for the Board must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024.
For information on how to be placed on the ballot, contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 1000.
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days prior to the vote may run for a seat on the Board.
Serving as a School Board Member
What does a Board of Education (school board) member do? Why volunteer to serve on the Board? Here’s some helpful information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Responsibilities of a Board Member
With school children always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
- Create a shared vision for the future of education.
- Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance.
- Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results.
- Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement.
- Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning.
- Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders.
- Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement.
- Adopt and maintain current policies.
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent.
- Ratify collective bargaining agreements.
- Maintain strong ethical standards.
Characteristics of a Board Member
Below are attributes that all effective board members should possess:
- Effective Communicator: Can describe what they want and describe what others want; a good listener.
- Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals.
- Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community.
- Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making.
- Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information.
- Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community.
- Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals.
Early release scheduled for April 8
An early release for all Fort Plain students at 1:30 p.m. on April 8, 2024 was approved by the Fort Plain Board of Education at its regular meeting on March 13, 2024.
On April 8, areas of New York state, including the Fort Plain region, will experience a partial or total eclipse of the sun. This is a rare occurrence, happening once every 400 years.
It is anticipated that many individuals will be traveling into and through the region in order to experience this once in a lifetime event.
Our goal, as always, is to ensure the safe and timely transport of students to and from school. Given the anticipated increase in traffic on our roads, and based on the advice of tourism, transportation and law enforcement officials, our leadership and board have decided on an early release on this day.
Learn about the April 8 eclipse
The April 8 solar eclipse will be fully visible across a narrow area of the state, referred to as the “path of totality.” People will experience a partial eclipse throughout the rest of the state.
To learn more about the eclipse, visit I Love New York and the New York State and the Department of Parks and Historic Sites.
Safety is key in an eclipse—make sure to follow all safety precautions and keep safety in mind when choosing where to watch the event.
Welcome Nicholas Comproski—Fort Plain’s new Jr./Sr. High School Principal
Join us in welcoming Nicholas (Nick) P. Comproski, Fort Plain CSD’s new Jr./Sr. High School Principal.
Mr. Comproski will begin in this new role with our district on May 1, 2024. His appointment was approved by the Board of Education at its regular meeting March 13, 2024.
Mr. Comproski has had a distinguished career in education to-date, with an emphasis on middle and high school youth and education. He brings a wealth of experience to this position, which includes time spent as a social studies teacher and special educator. Mr. Comproski comes to Fort Plain having most recently served as Assistant Principal of the Van Corlaer Elementary School in the Schenectady City School District.
“Mr. Comproski was selected based on the input of many people in our school community around the qualities they most hoped for in a new school leader for the high school. This included our students, families, teachers, community members, our administration and board,” said Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “We are thrilled to be welcoming Nick to our Fort Plain team. The students and our school community are sure to benefit from his experience and thoughtful approach to education.”
“I am extremely excited and honored to be selected as the next principal of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School,” said Nick Comproski. “In the past, I have been a teacher and an administrator in very large school systems. I feel I can make a greater impact in a smaller environment such as Fort Plain.”
“Since my first interview for this position, I have felt the small town feel, the community connection and the warm embrace,” Comproski continued. “This district’s mission statement is one that connects with many of my own beliefs and feelings. I believe relationships are one of the keys to life and look to not only create strong bonds, but collaborate with others in the school community to grow them together.”
About Nicholas Comproski
Nick Comproski is a k-12 graduate of North Colonie Schools and alumnus of Siena College and The College of Saint Rose, where he earned advanced degrees in educational leadership. He is currently working toward completion of his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College.
Additionally, Mr. Comproski has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Saint Rose in its teacher preparation program.
Outside of school, Mr. Comproski is a long-time firefighter/EMT with the Maplewood Volunteer Fire Department in Colonie, N.Y., and has coached teams in various sports over the years.
Since 2021, Mr. Comprowski has also served as a member of the North Colonie CSD Board of Education.
Grades 3 – 8 NYS testing information and schedules
This spring, students will be taking the New York State Grades 3-8 state assessments.
Grade 3-8 English Language Arts will be given April 8-12, 2024, with the state Math and Science tests to follow in early May (schedule below).
Students in all grades will participate in Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their English Language Arts, Math and Science exams.
The state tests will continue to be untimed. This means that as long as students are working productively, they will be given as much time as they need to complete the tests during the regular school day.
Grades 3 – 6 NYS assessment schedule
English Language Arts (ELA) Assessments
Grades 3 and 5—Tuesday, April 9 – Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Grades 4 and 6—Thursday, April 11 – Friday, April 12, 2024
Math Assessments
Grades 3 and 5 – Tuesday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Grades 4 and 6 – Thursday, May 9 – Friday, May 10, 2024
Grade 5 Science
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Grades 7 and 8 NYS assessment schedule
English Language Arts (ELA) Assessments
Tuesday, April 9 – Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, 2024 will be makeup days for students who may be absent on April 9 or 10.
Math Assessments
Tuesday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, 2024 will be makeup days for students who may be absent on April 9 or 10.
Grade 8 Science
Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16 will be makeup days for students who may be absent on May 14.
More details about the Grade 3-8 exams will be shared with students and families by teachers and the building principals.
If you have questions about this testing, please contact the Main Office of your child’s school for assistance: Harry Hoag Elementary School, 518-993-4000, ext. #3059; Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, 518-993-4000, #2124.
Families are encouraged to have their children put their best efforts into preparing for and taking the assessments.
We know that no single test offers a complete picture of your child’s abilities. Children are asked to simply do the best they can on these tests as the results are a valuable tool for educators to improve teaching and student learning. Please know that children’s scores on these exams will not affect their overall grades.
March 2024 Harry Hoag Roundup
Each month during the school year, Principal Coppolo shares news and information about what’s happening and upcoming at Harry Hoag Elementary School in Harry Hoag’s Monthly Roundup.
The March edition of the Roundup is now live. Read the March 2024 Harry Hoag Monthly Roundup.
Student Council to host blood drive March 5; sign up today
Save the date and help save lives: The Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Student Council is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in the high school gym, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org (sponsor code FortPlainHS), call 1-800-RED CROSS or email Student Council Advisor Adam Cutspec at adam.cutspec@fortplain.org.
Thank you!
March 2024 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-k through high school.
Plain or chocolate fat-free and low-fat milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
March 2024 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Harry Hoag Elementary—Breakfast | Lunch
Jr./Sr. High School—Breakfast | Lunch
Pre-K
BREAKFAST
Friday, March 1 – Mini French Toast, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 4 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 5 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 6 – Cereal, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 7 – Cereal Day – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Friday – Cheese Omelet, Mini Potato Cakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 11 – Whole Grain Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 12 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 13 – Sausage & Egg Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 14– Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 –Yogurt & Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 20 – Breakfast Nuggets, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 21– Pancakes or Minis, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday –Banana Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 25 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 26 – Bacon and Egg, Croissant Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 27 – Waffle Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 28– Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
LUNCH
Friday, March 1 – Chicken Fries, Dinner Roll, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 4 – Cheeseburger, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 5 – Meatball Sub, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 6 – Ham & Cheese Bagel, Mixed Veggies, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 7– French Bread Pizza, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Friday – Fish Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Baked Beans, Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 11 – Chicken Tenders, Cornbread, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 12 – Baked Dinner Ham, Biscuit, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 13 – Assorted Subs, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 14– Grilled Chicken Club, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Bowties w/marinara, Cheese Filled Breadstick, Broccoli, Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 – Cheeseburger, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 20 – Ravioli Day –Beef Ravioli, 1/2 Breadstick, Salad, Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 21 – Crunchy Taco Day –Hard Tacos, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday – PBJ Uncrustable, Vegetarian Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, March 25 – Waffle Day – Chicken and Waffles, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, March 26 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, March 27 – Turkey Club, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, March 28– Stuffed Crust Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
Harry Hoag Elementary
BREAKFAST
Friday, March 1 – Mini French Toast, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 4 – Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 5 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 6 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 7 – Cereal Day – Cereal & 1/2 Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Friday – Cheese Omelet, Mini Potato Cakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 11 – Whole Grain Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 12 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 13 – Sausage & Egg Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 14– Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Mini Bagel Pack, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 – Yogurt, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 20 – Breakfast Nuggets, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 21– Pancakes or Minis, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 25 – Warm Cinnamon Toast Crunch Square, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 26 – Bacon and Egg Croissant Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 27 – Waffle Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 28– Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
LUNCH
Friday, March 1 – Chicken Fries, Dinner Roll, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 4 – Pound Cake Day – Cheeseburger, Cheese Crackers, Carrots, Fruit, Pound Cake
Tuesday, March 5 – Cheese Doodle Day – Meatball Sub, French Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 6 – Oreo Day – Ham & Cheese Bagel, Chicken & Rice Soup, Mixed Veggies, Fruit, Oreo Cookies
Thursday, March 7 – French Bread Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Option Friday – Fish Nuggets (or Chicken), Dinner Roll, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 11 – Chicken Tenders, Cornbread, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, March 12 – Baked Dinner Ham, Biscuit, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 13 – Chicken Noodle Soup Day – Assorted Subs, Chicken Noodle Soup, Crackers, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 14 – Potato Chip Day – Grilled Chicken Club, Assorted Potato Chips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Bowties w/marinara, Cheese Filled Breadstick, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 – Oatmeal Cookie Day – Bacon Cheeseburger, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Oatmeal Cookie
Wednesday, March 20 – Ravioli Day – Beef Ravioli, Garlic Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 21 – Crunchy Taco Day – Hard Tacos, Fiesta Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday – PBJ Uncrustable, Pretzels, Vegetarian Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 25 – Waffle Day – Chicken and Waffles, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, March 26 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Mozzarella Sticks, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 27 – Turkey Club, SunChips, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 28– Stuffed Crust Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Cookies
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
Jr./Sr. High School
BREAKFAST
Friday, March 1 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 4 – Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 5 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 6 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 7 – Cereal Day – Cereal & 1/2 Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Friday – Cheese Omelet, Mini Potato Cakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 11 – Whole Grain Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 12 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 13 – Sausage & Egg Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 14 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Mini Bagel Pack, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 – Yogurt, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 20 – Breakfast Nuggets, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 21– Pancakes or Minis, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, March 25 – Warm Cinnamon Toast Crunch Square, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, March 26 – Bacon and Egg Croissant Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, March 27 – Waffle Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, March 28– Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
LUNCH
Friday, March 1 – Chicken Fries, Dinner Roll, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 4 – Pound Cake Day – Cheeseburger, Cheese Crackers, Carrots, Fruit, Pound Cake
Tuesday, March 5 – Cheese Doodle Day – Meatball Sub, French Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 6 – Oreo Day – Ham & Cheese Bagel, Chicken & Rice Soup, Mixed Veggies, Fruit, Oreo Cookies
Thursday, March 7 – French Bread Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 8 – Meatless Option Friday – Fish Nuggets (or Chicken), Dinner Roll, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 11 – Chicken Tenders, Cornbread, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, March 12 – Baked Dinner Ham, Biscuit, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 13 – Chicken Noodle Soup Day – Assorted Subs, Chicken Noodle Soup, Crackers, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 14 – Potato Chip Day – Grilled Chicken Club, Assorted Potato Chips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 15 – Meatless Friday – Bowties w/marinara, Cheese Filled Breadstick, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 18 – NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Tuesday, March 19 – Oatmeal Cookie Day – Bacon Cheeseburger, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Oatmeal Cookie
Wednesday, March 20 – Ravioli Day – Beef Ravioli, Garlic Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 21- Crunchy Taco Day – Hard Tacos, Fiesta Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, March 22 – Meatless Friday – PBJ Uncrustable, Pretzels, Vegetarian Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, March 25 – Waffle Day – Chicken and Waffles, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, March 26 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Mozzarella Sticks, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, March 27 – Turkey Club, SunChips, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, March 28 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cookies
Friday, March 29 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month—a time when school communities across the country celebrate the programs that prepare students for work and careers in the skilled trades.
Students who attend Career and Technical Education programs earn both career-specific technical skills and other valuable real-world practices, such as public speaking, time management and working collaboratively. These skills give our students a host of opportunities, whether they pursue college, continue their education at a technical school or head right into the workforce.
Additionally, they are on a path toward some of today’s high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers.
Across the region, more than a quarter of high school juniors and seniors are enrolled in Career & Technical Education at HFM BOCES, our partner in this learning. In Fort Plain alone, nearly 30 of our students are learning this school year in one of more than a dozen diverse CTE pathways offered by the BOCES. Learn more about HFM BOCES and its Career & Technical Education offering for high school students.
In their voices
Career and Technical Education Month is a great time to hear from our students about why they have chosen CTE and what they hope it will mean for their futures.
Here’s what just a few of the juniors and seniors now attending Career & Technical Education at HFM BOCES this school year had to say about learning in these programs:
“My sister also did this program and I thought it would be something I would like, too. This has given me lots of experiences and space to think about what I might want to do after high school.” — Senior Courtney Euler, Veterinary and Animal Science
“I just fell in love with the program and would recommend it to anyone. I am really looking forward to learning more in my internship with Brown’s Collision and am planning to follow through with this as a career.” — Senior Ayden Hart, Auto Body Repair
“I want to go into a career in art and this has been a great way to get a jump start on it.” — Senior Matthew Paul, Digital Multimedia
“This is something I always said I was going to do. It’s something I have a passion for and am good at. This program is helping me get set up for the future.” — Junior Nevaeh Rivers, Cosmetology
“I knew this was something I could do well with. With these skills and the experiences I am having, I can see myself working in a salon after I graduate and maybe even owning my own salon in the future.” — Senior Delana Tracki, Cosmetology
“I have always been interested in helping people and finding ways to give back. In this program and as a patient care technician, I have had a chance to learn a lot of things and now have a much better idea about the options available to me.” — Senior Marissa Wilder, Medical Assisting
Pediculosis/Head Lice Policy
Head lice are tiny insects that can be found on the scalp and hair. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age. The term for infestation of lice is pediculosis.
While head lice are not harmful and do not spread disease, they can cause discomfort and annoyance. It is essential that we work together as a community to prevent and manage any cases that may arise.
Pediculosis Policy
At its regular meeting on February 14, 2024, the Fort Plain CSD Board of Education voted to approve district policy 7515 related to pediculosis (head lice.)
This policy is designed to support students and families in their efforts to control and eliminate lice, maintain student privacy and decrease absenteeism.
Fort Plain Central School District Policy 7515 – Pediculosis
Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse, Pediculus humanus. There are two subspecies, the head louse (P. h. capitis) and the body louse (P. h. humanus).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) do not treat head lice as an illness that necessitates an absence from school and have shown that the contagion does not spread as easily as once thought.
The Board of Education does not condone the absence of students from school for unnecessary reasons. The District is invested in keeping infestations to a minimum.
In order to control infestations of pediculosis, the Board of Education has adopted the following protocols:
- Whenever there is a possibility of an infestation, the School Nurse will conduct a head check to assess the situation. If live lice are found, the School Nurse will contact the student’s parent/guardian. The parent/ guardian will be asked to pick up the student and apply a corrective treatment. The student will not be allowed to return to their classroom until a corrective treatment has been given. Corrective treatments will be made available as needed (provided by the School Nurse) and are to be administered at home. The School Nurse will reassess the student via a head check after treatment is applied. The student must be free from live lice in order to return to the classroom and/or be able to participate in school functions.
- Administrators and the School Nurses will work with both students and parents to minimize the number of absences caused by head lice.
*If a student has live lice, they may not attend any after school events on the day of the assessment, unless a treatment has been applied and there has been a consultation with the School Nurse or an administrator clearing them to participate. Ex. Student is sent home at 2pm. Treatment is applied. Parent contacts the administrator to receive permission for the student to attend the concert. Administrator grants permission.
- All School Staff will protect student privacy and maintain the confidentiality of medical information related to infestations of head lice.
Mitigation
- Whenever a student is identified with live lice, a parent notification will be sent to the entire class to raise awareness regarding exposure.
- Ongoing monitoring by School Nurses via random classroom and household head check.
- Treatment kits provided to families as needed.
- Timebound interventions for classrooms where a case of live lice was identified.
- Spacing between personal items
- Classroom screenings
- No head-to-head contacts or sharing of headgear allowed
Board of Education meeting – Feb. 14
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Feb. 14, 2024 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 – Feb. 14, 2024 meeting agenda.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/fpcsd/Board.nsf/Public