Category: Archive
School superintendents meet with state legislators
Fort Plain Central School District Superintendent Lauren Crisman joined with local school leaders in meeting with state legislators last week to discuss a range of important issues and initiatives supporting students and their families.
The meetings, conducted virtually, addressed priorities including mental health services and student health and safety, school district workforce shortages and employment procedures, and education funding and mandates.
Mental health services and student health and safety
In their discussions with lawmakers, the superintendents advocated for lawmakers to:
- Address the shortages of mental health providers and the increased need for ongoing, coordinated care, as well as the need for increased access to preventive services for family systems
- Collaborate with counties and other organizations to develop a stronger continuum of care
- Address challenges surrounding the management of and access to, medication and other health supplies
- Promote universal access to school meals and the need to expand support for community meal programs
“The lack of adequate regional mental health support has a direct and adverse impact on the students and families in Montgomery County,” Superintendent Crisman said. “The lack of regional options for mental health therapy and medication management under the care of qualified professionals is a significant challenge for many families.”
School district workforce shortages
To address critical workforce shortages, the superintendents discussed streamlining the teacher certification process and expanding recruitment efforts by encouraging lawmakers to promote more reciprocity with other states regarding teacher certification and also by continuing to support well developed retirement plans. The school leaders requested that the state review and revise the requirements associated with APPR regulations. All of the leaders strongly advocated for reform with civil service. The current processes associated with civil service employment are overly complex and inefficient.
“Schools across the state are grappling with workforce shortages; there is a decline in those planning to become teachers and administrators in the future, and a civil service process that can prove to be unnecessarily complex and time-consuming,” Crisman noted.
Education funding and mandates
In the areas of instruction and finance, the region’s superintendents and state lawmakers discussed increasing funding streams for career and technical education (CTE) programs and collaborating with the Board of Regents to establish an alternative funding procedure. The superintendents also noted the need to streamline state reporting and planning requirements for schools, including duplicative mandates, and they discussed the impacts of retirement costs and the state’s electric vehicle mandate upon districts.
“For schools to move forward in educating students and preparing them for success now and in the future, support from state lawmakers, leaders and policymakers is critical. We appreciated meeting with our state legislators and their staffs last week, and look forward to continuing an open, constructive dialog, for the benefit of our students, schools and the communities that we serve,” Crisman said.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Ron Pettit
Fort Plain Central School mourns the passing of Ronald J. Pettit (Sr.), who had been a long-time school bus driver for the district. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Ron was beloved member of the FPCSD community. As noted in his obituary, “Ron also drove school bus for Fort Plain Central School for over 30 years and was known for his kindness and friendly demeanor as a driver. Until his death, many, children whom he drove – now grown – would stop him in town to express how much he meant to them.”
For the full obituary and information on arrangements, visit https://houghtalingandsmith.com/tribute/details/4966/Ronald-Pettit/obituary.html.
Congratulations All County performers!
Congratulations to our talented elementary chorus members Claudia, Piper and Isabella, pictured above, and high school chorus members Ian Burns and Bailie Richardson, pictured below, for their recent performances at the All County Music Festival, and to music teacher Julieanne Sincavage.
All County Band
Congratulations to our talented band members Jasmine Lapi (10th grade flute) and Natalie Thibodeau (12th grade percussionist), who performed three pieces with the Senior All County Band, and to music teacher Dalton Burrello.
The songs were: “Shenandoah” by Claude T. Smith, “Spitfire!” by Gary P. Gilmore, and “Fate of the Gods” by Steven Reineke.
“The students rehearsed from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the festival, and then put on a wonderful concert in the evening,” Burrello said. “They had the opportunity to rehearse, practice, eat lunch, and perform extremely challenging music with talented students from schools across the county (Fonda, Canajoharie, Amsterdam, etc.)
“They also worked with guest conductors from different areas of New York State, which created a very professional atmosphere and required a very high level of musicianship from each student. It was a great experience to be able to come all together and perform such high quality, challenging pieces of music, and I am grateful that they had the opportunity to be a part of that.”
Registration is open for Girls on the Run
Registration is now open for Girls on the Run, a twice-weekly, afterschool program for 5th and 6th grade students where trained volunteers lead girls through interactive lessons and movement activities, culminating in a celebratory 5K in June.
Registrations are first-come, first-served and may be made by visiting www.girlsontheruncny.org or by scanning the QR code below. The program is limited to 15 participants.
Practices will begin the week of March 13 at Harry Hoag School and will be held Mondays and Thursdays from 2:45-4:15 p.m., and the 5K will be held June 4. As the season progresses, practice may extend to 4:30 p.m. to accommodate more activity and prepare for the race.
Fort Plain’s Girls on the Run volunteers are Kristy McFee , Meagan Heiser, Stephanie Paradiso, Tracey Conover and Lauri Broady.
The program cost varies based on income. Upon registration, you will be able to select the payment option that suits your family. Thanks to the graciousness of the Fort Plain Student Council, each girl will receive a $20 discount upon registration! Please use the code: FTPLAIN20
For the program, girls will need:
- Shoes appropriate for running, such as sneakers (no Crocs, flip flops, etc.)
- Clothing appropriate for athletic movement and the weather (cooler days, light rain) that meets the district’s dress code
- A water bottle/drink for practices
- A snack for after school
Girls on the Run participants will have fun, make friends, increase their physical activity levels and learn important life skills, such as teamwork, embracing their strengths and building relationships.
Harry Hoag Student Council holds food & personal items drive for Senior Center
February is the month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the Harry Hoag Student Council is showing their love for their community. Through Feb. 17th, the Council is collecting non-perishable food and personal care items for the Fort Plain Senior Center. Donations may be sent to an elementary student’s homeroom or dropped off during school hours at the Harry Hoag School entry kiosk.
Student Council members said they wanted to give back to their community. They decided to hold a drive to benefit the Senior Center after enjoying a visit there, they wanted to help seniors who access the center. To add some fun to the drive, the Council is holding a competition to see which grade donates the most items.
“The Student Council and all of Harry Hoag School appreciates any donations to the drive,” Elementary Principal Jodi Coppolo said. “February is a month when we emphasize the importance of kindness – although we talk about it all year long at Harry Hoag School – and a kind action or word can make someone’s day. We continue to encourage these random and intentional acts. Thank you to all in our school community for supporting our efforts.”
In the photos:
At top: Harry Hoag students start counting and collecting donations for the Senior Center drive.
At bottom: A collection bag outside a classroom
Delving deeply into science
Hands-on, project-based learning and a deeper understanding of science concepts, practices and key ideas are at the heart of the plan to transition Fort Plain students to be successful with new learning expectations related to the updated New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards.
Patty Sweet, a retired Harry Hoag Elementary teacher, is working with the district’s teachers on strategies to implement a successful transition with teaching to the state’s new benchmarks. “She dedicates two hours each day that she is contracted to be here to each grade level, diving deeper into the meaning of the standards and practices that will allow students to demonstrate understanding of them,” said Harry Hoag Principal Jodi Coppolo.
“Ms. Sweet has been working with our teachers on preparing for the transition of the related NYS Science Assessment. Formerly, students took a paper-based test in grades 4 and 8. Now, with these newer standards, students will be asked to sit for an exam in grade 5 and 8. In addition, in grades 3-8, students will need to complete a required Investigation (a learning lab).
“The Investigations are aligned to grade-level standards and require many supplies. The district needed to purchase the new supplies in preparation to offer students the lab experiences. Some of the supplies are consumable, so we are planning thoughtfully to adjust our budget expenses to ensure yearly preparation.”
The district is using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to cover professional development expenses associated with this transition work.
The NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards were revised to reflect practices associated with Next Generation Learning. The standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepare them for college, careers, and citizenship.
Proud to be a Hilltopper: Brad Bowers, Class of 2008 & owner of Bowterra Farm
Hilltopper pride is strong in Fort Plain. Our Topper Pride video series explores the many reasons members of the Fort Plain school community, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators, are proud of the experiences, knowledge and friendships they gained here.
Proud to be a Topper: Brad Bowers, Class of 2008 & owner of Bowterra Farm
FPHS Class of 2008 graduate Brad Bowers earned degrees in environmental science, worked in the field, and now owns Bowterra Farm, which offers several varieties of mushrooms among other crops, to customers both local and afar. View our video below to learn why Brad is proud to be a Hilltopper. #TopperPride!
Hedgehogs help little learners build literacy skills and more
Joanne Kennedy’s Pre-Kindergarten students are exploring winter through literacy, and they’ve also learned some cosmic yoga skills, all thanks to hedgehogs.
“In Pre-K we read the story, ‘The Hat’ by Jan Brett,” said Kennedy. “My students fell in love with the character Hedgie. Of course, they also love Sonic the Hedgehog. So ‘A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure with Sonic the Hedgehog’ was a perfect match for our Fun Friday activity.”
On Jan. 13, Sonic and his friend Jamie led the students through a fun yoga practice via video. “Pre-K students have so much power and energy like Sonic, but they also learned the importance of rest to balance it all out to be the best they can be,” Kennedy said. “What a fun adventure with Sonic the Hedgehog!”
Helping students use digital tools safely and effectively
Harry Hoag students will learn how to use online resources safely and effectively through three special presentations in their school.
On Friday, Jan. 13, and on Feb. 17 and March 10, the Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization, will present to kindergarten through 6th grade classes about digital safety, the appropriate use of technology and how to navigate the internet responsibly.
School Counselor Stephanie Macherone organized the visits, with each presentation geared appropriately to meet each particular grade level’s developmental needs.
“The presentations are designed to increase our students’ understanding of digital safety, help them to become more mindful of their technology usage and increase their knowledge of how to navigate the internet safely,” said Elementary Principal Jodi Coppolo. “Our goal is to educate students and provide them with the tools, skills and strategies they need to become digitally literate.”
Vaping and e-cigarette use is a troubling trend
January 11, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The use of vaping paraphernalia and e-cigarettes has increased both nationwide and locally, becoming the most commonly used tobacco products among our youth. This is a troubling trend.
While these odorless tools are often marketed as safer and healthier alternatives to traditional cigarettes, to inhale nicotine, THC, flavored substances, and various synthetic chemicals, they are neither safe nor healthy.
Our school district is very concerned about the increase in vaping among students. Here is some important information for our Fort Plain families.
Teen vaping — 6 things every parent/guardian needs to know
- Slang terms: E-cigs, e-hookahs, hookah pens, vapes, vape pens, JUULs, “jeweling,” mods (customizable, more powerful vaporizers).
- Vaping devices can be used to inhale flavored substances – such as mint, crème brulée or mango. Many people are under the impression that it’s safe to inhale nicotine-free water vapors, but recent studies show otherwise. Flavoring agents can cause “popcorn lung” – a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs that results in the thickening and narrowing of airways. Popcorn lung mirrors the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
- Vaping devices can be used to inhale substances that contain nicotine, THC (the chemical compound in marijuana that produces the high), opiates and synthetic substances.
- Inhaling from a vaporizer enhances a drug user’s high and can amplify a drug’s side effects. That’s because it delivers a far more potent form of whatever drug is being used. The chemicals in synthetic drugs are dangerous and potentially fatal in cases of overdose.
- Vaping synthetic drugs is more discreet than other forms of drug abuse. Because e-cigarettes can resemble everyday ballpoint pens or USB memory sticks, they are easy to hide. E-cigarettes and vaping pens are odorless.
- E-cigarettes and pen vaporizers are easy to acquire for underage users.
Signs of vaping abuse and what parents/guardians can do
Parents/guardians can be on the alert for signs of vaping abuse. They can:
- Watch for physiological symptoms and side effects that may indicate their teen has a vaping abuse problem. These can include dry mouth syndrome, nosebleeds and strange, erratic behavior.
- Familiarize themselves with what e-cigarettes look like and how the devices work, so that they are able to identify them in the hands of their teens.
Student use of vaping paraphernalia on campus, school grounds and school buses is a violation of the Code of Conduct. Students who violate the Code of Conduct are subject to consequences outlined in the code.
Please review the fact sheet graphic below to learn more about vaping and its associated dangers. We encourage you to talk to your child about vaping, and remind them that state and federal laws prohibit them from purchasing tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. If you have any questions related to our prevention and intervention efforts, please contact Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee at deborah.larrabee@fortplain.org or the Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Coppolo at jodi.coppolo@fortplain.org.
Sincerely,
Lauren Crisman
Superintendent
