Category: Archive
Jr./Sr. High School Principal—next steps
A message to the Fort Plain community from District Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Students, Parents and Caregivers,
I hope you each enjoyed a wonderful December vacation!
To welcome the new year, I write to inform you about the district’s plan to address the vacancy of the Jr./Sr. High School Principal. Read about the retirement of Dr. Deborah Larrabee.
The position of Jr./Sr. High School Principal has been posted to several recruitment platforms. We intend to conduct interviews during the third marking period. The district is committed to finding the best candidate to be the new building-level leader. View the posting and description of the Jr./Sr. High School Principal position.
Through January 26, the duties associated with the role of the building principal will be covered by the members of our existing administrative team. Mrs. Canallatos will provide instructional leadership support; Mrs. Coppolo will assist both buildings as the Testing Coordinator for NYS Assessments in Grades 3-8. Mr. Bertram will provide on site leadership to implement the day to day operations associated with running the Jr./Sr. High School and provide student conduct support.
It is the district’s hope to secure an Interim Principal by the start of the second semester to provide building-level leadership during the third marking period and possibly until the end of the year, if deemed necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Darcie Jenks in the Jr./Sr. High School Main Office at 518-933-4000 ext. 2124. She will be happy to direct your call to the administrator who can best support you.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024!
Administrative Job Posting: Jr./ Sr. High School Principal
Fort Plain CSD is seeking a certified, experienced administrator to serve as the next Jr./Sr. High School Principal.
The successful candidate will have experience in team-building and creating a positive, respectful school culture; possess excellent communication skills and value collaboration.
The candidate must demonstrate proficiency with regard to the use of technology and analyzing data.
Required Qualification:
Candidates must hold a NYS School Building Leader Certification.
Start Date:
Anticipated start date in Spring of 2024, to be negotiated upon hire.
Salary Range:
Starting salary will be negotiated based on professional experience. The Fort Plain Administrators’ Association offers a competitive benefits package.
View the posting and description of the Jr./Sr. High School Principal position.
January 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.
January 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
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Oat Wednesdays: Oatmeal Breakfast Bar, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 4 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 5 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 8 –Cereal, Cheese Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Oat Wednesdays: Oats & Honey Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 11 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 12 – Cereal, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Oat Wednesdays: Oat/Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Round, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 19 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 22 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 26 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 29 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Oat Wednesdays: Banana & Oat Breakfast Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
lunch
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Chicken Nuggets, Corn Muffin, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Dec. 7 – National Spaghetti Day! Spaghetti w/meatballs, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Dec. 8 – Whipped Cream Day: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Baby Carrots w/dip, Fruit Crisp w/cream, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 8 – Pizza, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – National Apricot Day: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Refried Beans, Apricots, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Turkey Club, Tomato Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Pasta, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 12 – Cheeseburger, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Chicken Patty w/bun, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Ham & Cheese Bagel, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Pasta w/meat sauce, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 19 – Popcorn Chicken, Dinner Roll, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 22 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Pizza Crunchers, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Assorted Sandwiches, Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Chicken Rings, Dinner Roll, Cherry Tomatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 26 – Macaroni & Cheese, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 29 – Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Assorted Subs, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Harry Hoag Elementary
BREAKFAST
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Cereal & Grahams, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Oat Wednesdays: Oatmeal Breakfast Bar, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 4 – Sausage Patty Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 5 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 8 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Pancakes, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Oat Wednesdays: Oats & Honey, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 11 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 12 – National Donut Day! Whole Grain Donut Holes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Oat Wednesdays: Oat/Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Round, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 19 – Bacon & Egg Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 22 – National Granola Bar Day: Yogurt, Chocolate Chip Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Oat Wednesdays: Toasted Oat Cereal, Graham Crackers, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 26 – Sausage Patty, Egg Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 29 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – National Croissant Day: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Oat Wednesdays: Banana & Oat Breakfast Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
lunch
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Chicken Nuggets, Corn Muffin, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Soup Wednesdays: Hot Dog on a Bun, Chicken Noodle Soup, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 4 – National Spaghetti Day! Spaghetti w/meatballs, Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 5 – Whipped Cream Day: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Baked Chips, Baby Carrots w/dip, Fruit Crisp w/cream
Monday, Jan. 8 – Pizza, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Pudding
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – National Apricot Day: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Refried Beans, Apricots
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Soup Wednesdays: Turkey Club, Tomato Soup, MultiGrain SunChips, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Pasta, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 12 – Oat Month: Cheeseburger, Curly Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Oats & Cream Cookie
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Fig Newton Day: Chicken Patty w/bun, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Fig Newton Cookies
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Soup Wednesdays: Ham & Cheese Bagel, Chicken & Rice Soup, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Pasta w/meat sauce, French Roll, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 19 – National Popcorn Day: Popcorn Chicken, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 22 – Blonde Brownie Day: Hot Dog on a Bun, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice, Blonde Brownie
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Soup Wednesdays: Assorted Sandwiches, Vegetable Soup, Cheese Crackers, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Chicken Rings, Dinner Roll, Cherry Tomatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 26 – Macaroni & Cheese, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Ice Cream Cup
Monday, Jan. 29 – Corn Chip Day, Pizza, Corn Chips, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Soup Wednesdays: Assorted Subs, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Jr./Sr. High School
BREAKFAST
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Cereal, 1/2 Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Oat Wednesdays: Oatmeal Breakfast Bar, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 4 – Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 5 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 8 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Pancakes, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Oat Wednesdays: Oats & Honey, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 11 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 12 – National Donut Day! Whole Grain Donut Holes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Oat Wednesdays: Oat/Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Round, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 19 – Bacon & Egg Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 22 – National Granola Bar Day: Yogurt, Chocolate Chip Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Regents Week: Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Regents Week: Toasted Oat Cereal, Mini Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Regents Week: Bagels, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 26 – Regents Week: Potluck Breakfast, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 29 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – National Croissant Day: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Oat Wednesdays: Banana & Oat Breakfast Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
lunch
Monday, Jan. 1 – No School – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Chicken Nuggets, Corn Muffin, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Soup Wednesdays: Hot Dog on a Bun, Minestrone Soup, Soft Pretzel, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 4 – National Spaghetti Day! Spaghetti w/meatballs, Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 5 – Whipped Cream Day: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Baked Chips, Baby Carrots w/dip, Fruit Crisp w/cream
Monday, Jan. 8 – Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – National Apricot Day: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Refried Beans, Apricots
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Soup Wednesdays: Turkey Club, Tomato Soup, MultiGrain SunChips, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Pudding
Friday, Jan. 12 – Oat Month: Cheeseburger, Curly Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Oats & Cream Cookie
Monday, Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Fig Newton Day: Boneless Chicken Wings, Dinner Roll, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit & Fig Newtons
Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Soup Wednesdays: Ham & Cheese Bagel, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 18 – Pasta w/meat sauce, French Roll, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 19 – National Popcorn Day: Chicken Patty w/bun, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 22 – Blonde Brownie Day: Hot Dog on a Bun, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice, Blonde Brownie
Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Regents Week: Chicken Tenders, Dinner Roll, Cherry Tomatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Regents Week: Tuna or PBJ, Vegetable Soup, Cheese Crackers, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Regents Week: Buffalo Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 26 – Regents Week, Potluck Lunch, Assorted Chips, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 29 – Corn Chip Day: Pizza, Corn Chips, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Soup Wednesdays: Assorted Subs, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal, to retire
Please join us in wishing Dr. Deborah Larrabee well in her retirement.
Dr. Larrabee’s retirement, which will take effect on Jan. 3, was approved by our Board of Education at its Dec. 21, 2023 meeting.
Dr. Larrabee has served as an educator and leader in our Fort Plain schools for the past 22 years, as both a high school social studies teacher and class advisor and, since 2004, as the principal of the Jr./Sr. High School. Dr. Larrabee has had a significant and lasting impact on so many of our students and her colleagues across the district.
We are grateful for her service.
Next steps
The district is considering two options to best support the immediate needs of the Jr./Sr. High School students and staff, and allow us time to do a thorough search for the next principal.
A vacancy for an interim principal has been posted. View the posting and description of the Interim Jr./Sr. High School Principal position.
If there are not any interim candidates, the district will develop an internal coverage plan to delegate the building level leadership duties to our existing administrative team.
More information about our move to fill the Jr./Sr. High School Principal position will be forthcoming early in the new year.
For questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Crisman at 518-993-4000 ext.1000.
Fort Plain Board of Education – special meeting, Dec. 21
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2023 beginning at 7:30 a.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 FPCSD Board of Education agendas and policies.
Updated Dec. 20, 2023
Capital improvement project voted down
By a vote of 145 to 70, Fort Plain residents have voted down a proposed $18,655,000 capital improvement project.
The project was designed to fund needed repairs and improvements at Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School and enhance some of the district’s well-used gathering spaces such as the outdoor playground and athletic facilities.
Thank you to everyone who engaged in this process and took the time to vote on this proposed project.
Capital Improvement Project vote today, Dec. 13
Today, Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Fort Plain community can cast their vote on a $18,655,000 Capital Improvement Project.
Voting will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Harry Hoag Elementary School Library.
The project aims to address needed repairs in Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. It will also enhance some of our well-used gathering spaces, such as the outdoor playground and areas within the athletic complex.
Every member of our school community has the potential to benefit from the work outlined in this proposed project.
Board of Education meeting – Dec. 13
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 13, 2023 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 – Dec. 13, 2023 meeting agenda.
Season’s greetings and bright futures: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Season’s greetings families, faculty and friends of Fort Plain CSD!
Where does the time go! As we rapidly approach the end of 2023, it is important that we take a moment to appreciate the things we hold most dear.
For me, working as part of the FPCSD team will always be one of the things that I am most grateful for. This community continues to show unwavering support for its youth and the school system. Throughout the fall, it was wonderful to see our campus buzzing with community and parent engagement at so many school events, from fall sporting competitions and Open Houses to the annual Halloween Parade. These events were so much fun and your presence and partnership are appreciated!
The changing of the year invites us to think deeply about goals for the future. Goal setting is fundamental in achieving success.
Capital Improvement Project aimed at addressing essential needs
On Wednesday, Dec.13, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. This project was designed with two important district goals in mind; to address maintenance issues in all of the facilities and to enhance student learning spaces. An enduring Board of Education goal is to ensure the responsible use of fiscal resources. The proposed project takes advantage of the district’s current high building aid ratio to address the necessary repairs. If approved, the project will have no impact on the school tax levy, nor be an additional cost to taxpayers.
Conversation on possible consolidation study
Additionally, as we think of the future and our core fundamental purpose of preparing students for success beyond graduation, our Board of Education has agreed to meet with the Canajoharie Central School District’s board to consider engaging in a comprehensive consolidation (merger) study. Typically, consolidation (merger) studies take nine to twelve months to complete.
FPCSD continues to face many of the same challenges impacting other rural communities such as recruiting and retaining certified educators, finding coaches and advisors to maintain student enrichment options and acquiring skilled labor employees. Community-based organizations that provide such needed services as childcare and mental health supports continue to be sparse, as well. A consolidation study would allow both school communities to comprehensively assess the advantages and disadvantages associated with combining school services.
Some may ask why we would plan a Capital Improvement Project if we are considering a consolidation. While our board has agreed to have a conversation soon about the potential of consolidation, any action that may be taken to combine the two districts’ programs would be years away. In the meantime, our facilities will require maintenance in order to best serve our students and the many other youth and community groups such as Boy Scouts, Summer Rec and Biddy Basketball that utilize our campus for their activities. The Capital Improvement Project that will be voted on Dec. 13, 2023 was prepared with the entire community’s needs in mind so, whether a consolidation is agreed to or not, the campus structures will remain a great value and service to all.
With gratitude
Heading into the winter, be sure to stay informed of school happenings by visiting our website and joining our social media groups. We remain dedicated to sharing stories of our students’ achievement, growth and advancement.
As the time to say goodbye to another year nears, I encourage you to reach out to those who’ve made a difference in your life and express your gratitude for them. “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
From my family to yours, wishing you each a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
Fondly,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
American Rescue Plan funds benefit every learner
The American Rescue Plan, signed into law in March 2021, provided $350 billion in funding for state and local governments to build an equitable economic recovery from the devastating economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the nearly $9 billion allocated for New York state, Fort Plain CSD has received $4,235,088 in American Rescue Plan relief funding over the past three years. The district has used the funding strategically and in alignment with the guidance issued from the New York Education Department to coordinate COVID-19 mitigation efforts and to address learning loss and the inequities experienced by low income families. View Fort Plain CSD’s American Rescue Fund Plan.
Along with safely returning students to in-person instruction as of Fall 2021, the American Rescue Plan funding has provided us with the financial means to:
- Recruit and hire a second School Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor. Supporting the social and emotional wellness for all school community members was a stated goal of our plan and aligns with one of the district’s enduring goals. The district has developed long range plans to be able to financially sustain the new positions, ensuring this continued social and emotional learning and support in our schools.
- Expand programming that benefits all. While the district has traditionally offered summer learning programs, the American Rescue Plan funding allowed us to expand programming this summer to offer a math and literacy camp, Hilltopper Athletic Camp, technology camps at both the elementary and the secondary levels, a Middle School Intervention Program and a Credit Recovery Program.
- Mitigate the damages incurred by the national shutdown. Many grades were unable to fund raise during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving them with the thought that long time traditions, such as year-end trips and celebrations, would have to be canceled. In the past two years, the district has paid for the transportation for the Senior Trip, thus significantly decreasing the personal cost of the trip for all seniors who wanted to participate. Recognizing the negative impact social distancing and living in isolation had for so many of our learners, the district also added funding to each grade level to bolster options for field trips options for all.
- Make improvements to our facilities to improve the school experience for our students, including renovations to the Technology Lab in the Jr./Sr. High School and to the Fitness Center and Athletic Complex.
As the district plans for the future, we continue to think about the best ways we can promote the development of the skills and knowledge that will best prepare our students for success… now and beyond graduation. While classroom learning is one important route toward this goal, we place equal value on offering enriching experiences that will help our students explore and grow their personal interests and aspirations, and foster pride in being a Topper.
The feedback gathered from formal and, more casually, in one-on-one conversations with our students, staff and others in our Fort Plain community have helped and continue to inform the set of enduring goals we use each day to guide us. View the full list of district goals for 2023-24.
We thank you for your continued support, suggestions and the trust you place in us as educators!