Category: Archive

Fort Plain Central School welcomes new faculty and staff to our campuses this school year. Some started in their new positions with the district during the summer, while others came aboard this month.

Welcome to:

• Amanda Battisti, food service
• David Bertram, director of student engagement and athletics
• Dalton Burrello, music
• Lisa Clement-Adams, speech language pathologist
• Elliott Cohen, school counselor
• Carol Connelly, special education
• Jodi Coppolo, Pre K-6 principal
• Lauren Crisman, superintendent of schools
• Madison Crouse, long term substitute
• Colleen Cushing, new position: K-12 mental health counselor
• Emma DiDonna, English
• Abigail Gorinshek, Grade 5
• Andrew Hanifin, long term substitute
• Jessica Hecht, aide
• Matthew Holden, English
• Heather Hubbard, special education
• Lisa Lamphere, bus driver
• Rusty Mento, bus driver
• Jamie MacDougall, RN, elementary nurse
• Courtney Momberger, special education
• McKay Nare, physical education
• Sonja Purinton, special education
• Charles Schermerhorn, cleaner
• Kelly Thomas, aide
• Adam Wilson, math

All were recognized at the Sept. 1  Superintendent’s Conference Day, along with current faculty and staff, including many who have served the district  for decades and continue to do so this school year.

Thank you to all!

Due to the district’s community eligibility status, all students in grades Pre-K through 12 will still receive free breakfast and lunch in Fort Plain Central Schools.

No forms are needed. To eat for free, students simply come through the cafeteria line.

Fort Plain Central School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022).  In our schools:

• As with any infectious illness, students or staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.
  • Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
  • Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving.
  • COVID-19 symptoms include:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever (temperature of greater than 100.0° F in the last 14 days)
    • Chills
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
• Testing is recommended for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms as soon as possible after those symptoms begin. Free COVID-19 test kits continue to be available in our schools, and may be picked up in the main entryway kiosks in the elementary and high schools during school hours.
• Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance. It is recommended that those exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get tested as soon as they show symptoms or at least 5 days after close contact, regardless of their vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection.
• Mask use continues to be optional in our school buildings and buses for students and staff; those choosing to wear a mask are welcome to do so. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or when ill with COVID-19.
• COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
• To prevent the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19, regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), are strongly encouraged.
• Our district also will continue to follow regular health and safety measures including cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, offices, common spaces and high-touch surfaces.

If COVID-19 guidelines change, we will notify FPCSD families and staff as soon as possible via ParentSquare and our website.

August 23, 2022

Dear Fort Plain School Community,

I am excited to extend a warm welcome back to every member of the school community. I hope that each family had a chance to relax, unwind and reset in preparation for what I hope will be a terrific school year!

The first day of school for students is on September 6th. Doors will open in both buildings at 7:30 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:50 a.m. for Harry Hoag Elementary and 7:55 a.m. for the Jr./Sr. High School.

FPCSD remains committed to our goal to prepare every student for success beyond graduation. Now, more than ever, we need to closely examine what it is that our graduates will be asked to do in life beyond their senior year. The world is ever changing and we must adapt to embrace the new norms of society. It is the District’s responsibility to ensure that all graduates are well prepared to continue their education and/or to join the workforce. I have no doubt that there will be unexpected challenges in our future. If we remain dedicated to creating a productive, relevant and enjoyable school experience, we will surely achieve our goal in spite of any variables that may come our way.

I am honored to welcome several new administrators, teachers and other school employees to the FPCSD family. I would like to personally thank them for choosing to serve our community. I encourage you to attend a few fall events to get to know all of the highly qualified people who serve as members of the school team.

Communication will be a major focus of the District and we will work tirelessly to keep you informed. Please be sure to check the school website and the Parent Square app regularly to stay apprised of school happenings. This year, we will develop a strategic plan that will set our vision, mission, and priorities for years to come. Our plan will encourage diverse and creative ways for all students to experience the wonder of learning. Keep your ears open for ways to get involved in the planning process.

It is my sincere hope that every student and family will have a happy, healthy and safe learning experience this school year. It is truly an honor to serve FPCSD as a school leader.

Sincerely,
Lauren H. Crisman
Superintendent