Category: Archive
2025-26 Harry Hoag Elementary School welcome letter
A welcome-back message for Harry Hoag Elementary School families from Principal Amy Bartholomew:
Dear Hilltopper Families,
I hope you have all had a wonderful summer! It’s been great seeing many of you around the community, and for those I’ve missed, I look forward to welcoming you back in a few short weeks. Our faculty and staff are excited for another fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and new memories for our students.
Below you will find a summary of information that will be helpful when planning ahead for the coming school year. Please note: the first day of school for students will be Wednesday, Sept. 3.
School schedule
Arrival:
7:30 a.m. – Bus drop-off.
7:30 – 7:50 a.m. – Parent drop-off and walkers.
Instructional day for students:
7:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – students are marked tardy after 8:05 a.m.
Dismissal:
2:30 p.m. – Bus dismissal.
2:35 p.m. – Parent pick-up begins.
Bus riders
Please be sure to review the Ride with Pride and Code of Conduct documents with your children before the first day of school. They will be sent shortly in a separate message to electronically sign.
Student pick-up at dismissal
After the buses depart, Parent Pick Up will begin. If you are early for Parent Pick Up, please park along the road to Wiles Park. For both Student Drop Off in the morning and Pick Up in the afternoon, please remain in your car and a staff member will guide traffic through the bus loop to the main entry. If you pick up your child on foot, please report to the Main Entry.
Cell phones
To keep our school day focused on learning, we ask that all students keep smartphones, internet-enabled devices, and headphones put away during the day. For our youngest learners in second grade and below, we encourage families to have these items stay at home whenever possible.
In accordance with New York Education Law §2801, students who do bring devices to school will be asked to power them down at the start of the day, and they will be kept in a secure storage cabinet until dismissal. If you ever need to reach your child, please call the main office. We’ll be happy to get your message to them right away. Thank you for partnering with us to make our classrooms calm, focused spaces for all children.
Technology
- Pre-K, kindergarten and Grade 1 students will receive iPads that will remain in the classroom.
- Students in Grades 2-6 will receive a Chromebook that can go to and from school.
- Caregivers and students (Grade 1 and above) will be asked to sign a Technology User Agreement.
Parent communication and student information forms
Please be sure to have an updated cell phone number and email address to receive information via our ParentSquare messaging system. Also, remember to visit our website and social media platforms regularly for current news and upcoming events. In addition, please update and return any student information forms that have been sent home.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to reach me in the Main Office at 518-993-4000 or via email at amy.bartholomew@fortplain.org.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and look forward to seeing you on September 3rd!
Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal
Harry Hoag Elementary School
Additional 2025 -26 school year resources:
View the 2025-26 Prekindergarten Welcome Letter
View the 2025-26 Grade 5 Welcome Letter
2025-26 sixth grade welcome letter
A welcome-back message for Harry Hoag Elementary School sixth graders and their families from Principal Amy Bartholomew:
Summer 2025
Dear Families of Sixth Graders,
We look forward to the return of our students on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025!
Sixth grade uses a departmentalized model to provide instruction. Like they did last year in fifth grade, homeroom groups will travel to different classrooms to receive instruction in the core subjects as assigned below:
- Mrs. Parker will teach English Language Arts.
- Mrs. Bargstedt will teach Mathematics.
- Mrs. Souza will teach Social Studies/Science.
- Ms. Short will teach Special Education and Interventions.
Grade 6 Schedule
7:50 – 8:15 a.m. – All students will be in their homeroom (Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Bargstedt, Mrs. Souza)
M, W, F – Band students will report to band
8:15 – 8:45 a.m. – Tiered Intervention Time (small group work)
8:48 – 9:55 – CLASS 1: Math (Bargstedt HR), ELA (Parker HR), Soc Studies/Science (Souza HR)
9:57 – 11:04 a.m. – CLASS 2: Social Studies/Science (Parker HR), Math (Souza HR), ELA (Bargstedt’s HR)
11:06 – 11:32 a.m. – CLASS 3 (Part 1): ELA (Souza HR), Social Studies/ Science (Bargstedt HR), Math (Parker HR)
11:35 – 12:05 LUNCH
12:05 – 12:20 RECESS
12:23 – 1:03 p.m. SPECIAL #1
- Souza HR: PE (M), Library or Optional Chorus (T), Music, (W), Art (Th), Character Ed (F)
- Bargstedt HR: Tech (M), Art (T), Tech (W), Library or Optional Chorus (Th), Music (F)
- Parker HR: Music or Optional Chorus (M), Tech (T), Art (W), Tech (Th), Library (F)
Please note: In sixth grade, students are not required to take chorus, but they have the exciting option to sign up if it interests them. To ensure students are fully prepared for the winter and spring concerts, those who join must commit to two full quarters. Students not taking chorus will participate in either a music or library class, depending on their homeroom. We will allow your child to make the decision to join chorus; however, if you would prefer to make the choice for your child, please contact their homeroom teacher directly to let them know.
1:06 – 1:46 p.m. – CLASS 3 (Part 2): ELA (Souza HR), Soc Studies/ Science (Bargstedt HR), Math (Parker HR)
1:49 – 2:29 p.m. – SPECIAL #2
- Souza HR: Tech (M, T, W), PE (Th, F)
- Bargstedt HR: PE (M, T, W), Tech (Th), Character Ed (F)
- Parker HR: PE (M, T, W), Character Ed. (Th),Tech (F)
Please reach out if you have any questions. See you soon!
Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal
Harry Hoag Elementary School
2025-26 fifth grade welcome letter
A welcome-back message for Harry Hoag Elementary School fifth graders and their families from Principal Amy Bartholomew:
Summer 2025
Dear Families of Fifth Graders,
We look forward to the return of our students on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025!
In fifth grade, our team uses a departmentalized model to provide instruction. Homeroom groups will travel to different classrooms to receive instruction in the core subjects as assigned below:
- Ms. Gorinshek will teach English Language Arts.
- Mrs. VanGorder will teach Mathematics.
- Ms. Lacetera will teach Social Studies/Science.
- Mrs. Yestremski will teach Special Education and Interventions.
Grade 5 Schedule
7:50 – 8:15 a.m. – All students will be in their homeroom (Mrs. VanGorder, Ms. Gorinshek, Ms. Lacetera)
8:15 – 8:45 a.m. – Tiered Intervention Time (small group work)
8:48 – 9:28 SPECIAL #1:
- VanGorder’s HR: PE (M, T, W), Art (Th), Tech (F)
- Gorinshek’s HR: Tech (M), PE (T,W), Tech (Th), Art (F)
- Lacetera’s HR: Character Ed (M), Tech (T,W), PE (Th), Library (F)
9:31 – 10:38 a.m.:
- Math (VanGorder’s HR)
- ELA (Ms. Gorinshek’s HR)
- Soc Studies/Science (Ms. Lacetera’s HR)
10:40 – 11:47 a.m.:
- ELA (Mrs. VanGorder’s HR)
- Soc Studies/Science (Ms. Gorinshek’s HR)
- Math (Ms. Lacetera’s HR)
11:50 – 12:20 LUNCH
12:23 – 1:03 p.m.
- VanGorder’s HR: Library (M,), Chorus (T), Character Ed (W), Chorus (Th) Tech (F)
- Gorinshek’s HR: Character Ed (M), Chorus (T), Library (W), Chorus (Th), PE (F)
- Lacetera’s HR: Art (M), Chorus (T), PE (W), Chorus (Th) PE ( F)
1:06 – 2:14 p.m.:
- Social Studies/Science (Mrs. VanGorder’s HR)
- Math (Ms. Gorinshek’s HR)
- ELA (Ms. Lacetera’s HR)
2:15 – 2:30 – RECESS
Please reach out if you have any questions. See you soon!
Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal
Harry Hoag Elementary School
2025-26 pre-K welcome letter
A welcome-back message for Harry Hoag Elementary School prekindergarten families from Principal Amy Bartholomew:
Welcome to our prekindergarten family!
We are so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to get to know both you and your child. I’m Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal of Harry Hoag Elementary. Fort Plain has always been home to me, and I’ve been part of our district for 19 years—as both a teacher and now as principal. I feel so lucky to work alongside such caring families, dedicated staff, and bright, curious students each day.
Our Prekindergarten program is a very special place. It’s where your child will make their first school friends, learn new routines, explore through play, and discover just how fun learning can be. Our teachers create warm, welcoming classrooms where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
View and download a copy of the 2025-26 Prekindergarten Handbook.
Preparing your child for a successful start to school
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine during the last week of August.
- Talk to your child about what to expect at school to help ease the separation process.
- Develop a habit of checking backpacks daily for notes, papers, and communications from school.
Important Dates
First Day of School for Prekindergarten: Thursday, Sept. 4. Please note: K-6 students begin one day earlier on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Prekindergarten Visitation Day: Wednesday, Sept. 3
This casual visit lasts about 15 minutes. Children can drop off supplies, see their classroom, and meet their teacher.
- Students with last names beginning with the letters A-K are invited to visit anytime between 9 – 9:30 a.m.
- Students with last names beginning with the letters L-Z are invited to visit anytime from 9:30-10 a.m.
School schedule
7:30-7:40 a.m — Bus rider drop-off .
7:30 – 7:50 a.m. — Parent drop-off. PreK students will wait in the library before school.
7:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Instructional day.
2:30 p.m. — Bus rider dismissal.
2:35 p.m. — Parent pick-up begins.
For morning arrival, you are welcome to park in the parking lot to walk your child into the building. You are also able to drive through the parent drop off line to drop your child off. To drop off and pick up in the parent car line, please remain in your car. A staff member will be out in the parking lot to guide traffic and to let your child know when it is safe to cross. If you are early for Parent Pick Up, please park along the road to Wiles Park. If you pick up your child on foot, please also report to the Main Entry.
Transportation to and from school will be provided by the school bus for any students who are 4 years of age. If your child begins the school year as a 3 year old, he/she must be transported by an adult until he/she comes of age to be eligible to ride the bus per NYS Law.
Supply List
Please label clothes, blanket and backpack with your child’s name.
- Backpack large enough to hold a folder.
- Blanket for naptime.
- Labeled baggie with 2 sets of clothes (one set for warm weather and one set for colder weather.)
- Optional items to donate to the classroom: tissues, paper towels, glue sticks, dry-erase markers.
I know the first day of school can bring a mix of excitement and nerves—for both children and parents. Please know that our entire staff is here to make your child’s transition into school a happy and positive one. They will have the best time with the most loving teachers! We look forward to seeing your little one’s smile in the hallways very soon!
See you soon!
Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal
Harry Hoag Elementary
Fort Plain CSD Announces Interim Superintendent – Dr. Karen Geelan
The Fort Plain Central School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Karen Geelan as Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective Aug. 15, 2025.
Dr. Geelan brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership as an elementary principal, high school principal and as a superintendent of schools. Since retiring, Dr. Geelan has successfully served as interim superintendent in both the Olean City School District and the Greater Johnstown School District.
“Dr. Geelan is adept at leading school communities through periods of transition,” commented David Ziskin, HFM BOCES District Superintendent. “Students are her top priority and she is deeply committed to staff collaboration and community engagement. Dr. Geelan is familiar with our region. During her time in Johnstown, she was a valuable contributor to our regional leadership team as we collectively struggled with the uncertain conditions created by the pandemic.”
As the district transitions following the departure of Superintendent Lauren Crisman, who will be leaving in late August to become the superintendent in the Mount Markham Central School District, the FPCSD Board of Education sought a steady, resolute leader.
“The Board is confident that Karen Geelan’s expertise and thoughtful approach will support our students, staff and families during this important time,” stated Fort Plain Board of Education President Sara McDuffee.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Geelan to the Fort Plain community.
Award honors our talented and hard-working student-athletes
Our high school student-athletes are all-around strong and talented: in the classroom and on the field, track and court.
We are honored to have our students’ accomplishments recognized as a “School of Distinction” for the 2024-25 school year by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA).
The NYSPHSAA School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are designed to unite athletic departments in challenging their student-athletes to achieve a statewide academic honor. Learn more about this year’s award and recipients.
Board of Education meeting – Aug. 5
A special meeting of the Fort Plain Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.
View the agenda for the Aug. 5 meeting of the FPCSD Board of Education.
Brenna Kirkpatrick appointed as Director of Special Education
In a special meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Brenna Kirkpatrick as the district’s new Director of Special Education.
Prior to this vote, the board accepted Ms. Kirkpatrick’s resignation from the Board of Education, on which she had served since 2023.
Brenna Kirkpatrick, a life-long resident of Fort Plain and graduate of our schools, has worked for the past 14 years as an elementary school and an academic intervention teacher at Herkimer Elementary School/Herkimer CSD. She holds an advanced degree in literacy from UNC-Pembroke, and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from SUNY Fredonia.
“Fort Plain has always been home, and returning to serve as Director of Special Education feels like coming full circle,” said Brenna Kirkpatrick. “As a 2004 graduate and life-long member of this community, I’m honored to take on a role that allows me to give back in such a meaningful way. This opportunity is both personal and professional, a chance to work alongside families and staff to ensure every student is supported, valued and given every opportunity to thrive. I’m excited for the work ahead and committed to helping all learners reach their full potential.”
School supply lists for 2025-26
2025-26 pre-kindergarten registration open
Registration is open for the district’s 2025-26 pre-kindergarten (pre-K) program.
Applications are available at the Harry Hoag Elementary School office. Please contact Jennifer Ruszkowski at 518-993-4000, ext. 3059 for more information.
Fort Plain CSD pre-kindergarten program
Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) is a full-day program offered at Harry Hoag Elementary School. School hours are 7:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Pre-K is held Monday through Friday from September through June, following the regular school calendar.
Children must be four years old on or before Dec.1 in order to begin pre-K in the 2025-26 school year. They also must be residents of the Fort Plain Central School District.
Transportation to and from school will be provided by school bus for students who are four years old. Children who begin the school year as a three-year-old must be transported by an adult until they turn four and are eligible to ride the bus per New York state law.
View and download a copy of the 2025-26 Pre-Kindergarten Handbook.