Category: Archive
Coding, Cubelets and Ozobots, oh my
Throughout the week of Dec. 6-11, Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School celebrated Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) by participating in the international Hour of Code.
CSEdWeek was founded as an international call to action to raise awareness of the need to elevate computer science education at all levels and to underscore the critical role of computing in all careers.
Fort Plain High School’s Toppers participated in Hour of Code activities with teachers Kevin Bogus, Laurie Capece, Louise Clute, Kreig Heroth, Kajee Quick, Lucas Santiago, Wendy Stokna, Susan Summerfield and Lisa Trembley. Teachers worked with Educational Technology Specialist Rachel Heroth and Library Media Specialist Tariyka Chaulk to integrate coding into their curriculum, and students enjoyed accessing content through a computer science lens.
Hour of Code activities included various hands-on coding, robotics, and computational thinking lessons. Students in Materials Processing, Keyboarding, and Math used Ozobot and Cubelet robots to understand how mechatronics is utilized in manufacturing, how to write and transfer code to robots through multiple sensors and channels, and how robots can be used to solve and illustrate mathematical equations.
In English, students learned how to code a program using block and JavaScript languages to animate poems to convey mood, and how to code a storyboard. In Science, students wrote programs to create a solar system, illustrate the importance of recycling, and create a tether game to simulate the principles of physics.
Students also had some fun writing code to create their own video games and complete challenges based on popular video games and pop culture characters.
CSEdWeek is just the beginning of what the future holds for FPHS students as the district implements new Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards adopted by the state last December. The district will work toward full implementation of the new standards, with three years to build awareness and capacity.
Events like the Hour of Code are great opportunities for introducing computer science skills into our classrooms and getting students excited about learning how to code. Computer science and digital fluency are being further integrated into existing courses and curriculum, and computer science is being developed into future course offerings.
More information about the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards can be found at http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/computer-science-and-digital-fluency.
Article submitted by Rachel Heroth, educational technology specialist
In the photos:
At top: Student working with Cubelet robots
Middle photo: Students coding Ozobots
Bottom photo: Rachel Heroth teaches about Cubelet robots with Kreig Heroth
Taylor Potter wins Patriot’s Pen essay contest, goes on to regionals
Congratulations to Taylor Potter on winning the Patriot’s Pen essay contest through VFW Post 3275. Forty-two 8th grade students submitted an essay on the topic, “How to be A Good American” to our local VFW Post for review.
Taylor’s essay will advance to the VFW District 3 regional competition. Best of luck, Taylor!
In the photo at top: Fort Plain VFW Jr. Vice Commander Laurence Maynard, Taylor, and Fort Plain VFW Commander Tom Ellwood.
Mask wearing is now required at all times inside school facilities
In accordance with new regulations recently released by the state, masks are required to be worn at ALL times when inside the school facilities.
Fort Plain Board of Education meetings will be streamed to allow participation virtually by those who are unable to wear a mask. If you have any questions, you may contact Becky in the District Office at 518-993-4000 ext. #1000.
High School picture retake day is Monday, Dec. 20
Attention Fort Plain High School families: Lifetouch school picture retake day for the high school is Monday, Dec. 20.
Picture envelopes are available in the main office. Parents can also visit mylifetouch.com and enter picture day ID: EVT3CN8WG
Please contact Mrs. Linda Cole with any questions at linda.cole@fortplain.org.
Student-athletes will receive spectator passes for home games; fans may also view sports online
Attention Hilltopper fans: Fort Plain student-athletes are being provided with passes for spectators at this season’s home games per guidelines issued by the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Each Fort Plain athlete will receive four (4) spectator passes for home games, and two (2) spectator passes for away games. Home passes are white, and away passes are purple. Please present passes and check in at the table in the lobby by the Harry Hoag gym.
Limited seating will be available on the bleachers behind the players’ benches. Home fans may also sit in the bleachers by the cheerleaders. Guests will be seated on the bleachers opposite the home team. Chaperones will be available to guide spectators to proper seats.
As a reminder, masks must be worn properly at all on-campus activities. Masks will be available at the front table. Anyone refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave. Please practice social distancing (3 feet) when around non-family members.
Fort Plain cheerleaders will be performing at home games only.
There will be no admission charge and no concession stand. Food or drink is not allowed in the gym except for players and coaches.
For Hilltopper fans who would like to view virtually, links to live streams and recordings of home games are posted on this website’s View Sports Online page. Check the WAC website for other schools’ streaming links.
For WAC events held at other schools, please check with the host’s school’s website or athletic office regarding their spectator policy. Passes must be presented for entry to sporting events at any school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to provide opportunities for students and their families to continue to safely enjoy athletics and other activities at our schools.
Please direct any questions to Athletic Director Charlie Karker at charlie.karker@fortplain.org, (518) 993-4000, ext. #2134.
Constitutional learning is in the cards
Students in Mr. Hanifin’s 5th grade social studies class at Harry Hoag School have been learning about the U.S. government and the Constitution. An early December afternoon found them testing their knowledge by playing Constitution Cards, a term/definition matching game.
The students assembled into small teams and had a certain amount of time to turn over slips of paper and match terms from the Constitution with definitions. They used study guides they had earlier completed during the game, which also built on previous lessons about the structure and function of the U.S. government.
“Making an exercise into a game works well, because the students are competitive,” Mr. Hanifin noted.
Board to hold Dec. 8 work session with BOCES District Superintendent
The Fort Plain Board of Education will conduct a work session with the BOCES District Superintendent on December 8, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room.
Fort Plain schools on 2-hour delay Thursday, Dec. 2
Fort Plain schools are on a two-hour delay Thursday, Dec. 2, due to road conditions. There will be no a.m. BOCES.
Tech & Design class puts popcorn machine back in business, in grand style
The FPHS Topper Store popcorn machine is back in business, thanks to some Hilltopper teamwork and very talented students.
“Our popcorn machine was in need of a cart,” said Wendy Stokna, business education teacher and work-based learning coordinator. “We had the machine, but no safe way to transport or display merchandise.
“Students from Mr. Heroth’s Tech and Design class solved that problem by designing and creating a cart for the popcorn machine. After listening to design requests, his students went to work developing the design, submitting the design for approval, and then putting the design into production,” Stokna said.
“We are now thrilled to have the machine back at the Topper Store!”
The Tech and Design students built the cart from the ground up – fabricating it from raw materials and finishing it with bright red paint. The completed, custom-designed cart holds the popcorn machine securely, can be moved easily and features fitted, on-board sliding trays and a storage cabinet for displaying the popcorn and storing supplies.
Stokna noted that Work-Based Learning students benefit from working at the Topper Store when it is open and from working on all of the behind-the-scenes activities, including making and bagging popcorn, cleaning the machine, staffing, tracking sales, keeping store records, and promoting sales.
“Thank you Mr. Heroth and Tech and Design Students – great job!”
Forensics & Criminology students learn a key skill
Corporal Richards from the Fort Plain Police Department gave an engaging demonstration of his crime technician skills in Dale Smith’s and Kevin Bogus’ Forensics and Criminology class. Corporal Richards showed students how crime techs in the field lift prints off everyday items like windows, water bottles and even dust.
“The students learned it is not as easy as it looks on TV, but it is a very important duty in catching the bad guys,” Bogus said.
