Category: Archive
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
February 1, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned late on Sunday, January 31, that an individual in the high school community tested positive for COVID. They were last in school on January 28. As of this afternoon, all those impacted for contact tracing have been contacted directly.
The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Fort Plain bids farewell to retirees
Fort Plain Central School bid farewell to three long-time employees who are retiring this week from decades of serving the district. Staff and students alike extended their congratulations and best wishes to John Fureno, Dawn Surnear and Philip Thibodeau.
John Fureno is retiring from teaching fifth grade math at Harry Hoag School. He has served Fort Plain for several decades as a general education teacher for multiple grades and as an athletic coach.
“John is a role model for us all, always smiling, always embracing the day with a positive, can-do attitude,” said Lauren Crisman, Harry Hoag principal. “In addition to teaching, John has been a valuable member of the FPCSD athletics department. He has served as a multi-season coach, investing in our young athletes by coaching the sports of golf, bowling and baseball.
“Colleagues and students alike regard John as one of the most kind, endearing and caring faculty members to ever walk the hallways of Harry Hoag Elementary School. He will be deeply missed by all.”
In bidding goodbye to a dedicated teacher, coach and colleague, Fort Plain wishes John all the best in his retirement.
Proud dad: John is at left in the photo below, taken at his son’s graduation from Fort Plain.
Dawn Surnear is retiring from her position as head cook in the Harry Hoag School kitchen. She began working for the district in 1999, and has served more than 21 dedicated years in the food service department. Dawn joined the Fort Plain staff because the school hours worked well with her own children’s schedules, and because she enjoys cooking and working with children. She worked her way up from a part-time position to full time and then to head cook.
“Throughout her career, Dawn has enjoyed trying new recipes and helping kids to try new things,” said Lauri Broady, school nutrition director. “She is known for her creativity and the kitchen decorations that have brought joy to students for many years. Dawn has always been a person to step up in a time of crisis, helping in the district in times of everything from floods to COVID. Her dedication to our school community has been admirable, and she will be missed by all.
“Please join us in wishing Dawn well in her well-deserved retirement and her plans to do more traveling, enjoy projects around the house, and continue her love of creating painting, crafts and gifts of all kinds,” Broady added. “Congratulations, Dawn!”
In the photo below, Dawn on the job and at a retirement celebration. Note her shirt: Lunch Ladies Rock!
Philip Thibodeau is retiring from teaching health and physical education (PE) at the junior/senior high school. He has taught in the district for 24 years. In addition to teaching, Phil has coached the Hilltoppers in a variety of sports including varsity and modified girls basketball, junior varsity softball, modified soccer and modified, junior varsity and varsity baseball. In 2016, his coaching abilities helped the varsity baseball team become the Class D NYSPHSAA state champions.
“Phil is a quiet force, for good, as a teacher, a coach and a colleague,” said Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Jr./Sr. High School principal. “His uncommon empathy for his students makes him an educator who will long be remembered by those whose lives he has touched.
“He is witty, quick to laugh, and just as quick to say the thing that will get others laughing – often at their own behaviors,” Dr. Larrabee continued. “Phil graduated from Fort Plain in 1983, and returned to his alma mater to help the young people of the community he loves and dedicated himself to. He will be missed, but forever remembered. Thank you, Phil Thibodeau.”
Charlie Karker, athletic director, has known Phil as a Fort Plain student and a colleague. He said, “Phil was known to be very diligent and determined to accomplish what needed to be done in order to become what he wanted to be as an adult and a human being. The same can be said of Phil, the athlete. He was very coachable, did what was asked, and led by example – qualities every coach wants from their athletes.”
Karker quoted football coach, Lou Houltz, to summarize Phil’s philosophy of teaching and coaching. “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
Phil helped foster students’ abilities, attitudes and motivation to help them succeed in school, in sports and in life. Fort Plain will not be the same without him. Fort Plain wishes him a retirement filled with health, fun and happiness.
Farewell to Phil: Philip Thibodeau on the job at Fort Plain, photoed shortly before his retirement.
Online Parent Forum addresses future of hybrid learning at Harry Hoag
Thank you to all who participated in the January 27 online Parent Forum to share the results of the recent Hybrid Learning Feedback Form and discuss the evolving instructional program at Harry Hoag School.
At the forum, Superintendent of Schools John Bishop and Harry Hoag Principal Lauren Crisman discussed the feedback received, addressed concerns and questions from parents and guardians, and noted that any changes from the current hybrid learning program would not take effect until March at the earliest. Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students and staff remains the district’s top goal.
The online Parent Forum was similar to those conducted in late August, and was broadcast and recorded on YouTube at https://youtu.be/xaJmskxbDA4.
“The purposes of the forum were to engage, inform and involve our stakeholders in the district’s goal of providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff,” said Superintendent Bishop. “We appreciate all who participated and will keep our school community apprised as we continue to develop our instructional plan for Harry Hoag.”
The instructional plan and schedules at the junior/senior high school will remain unchanged this school year.
Anyone who was unable to participate in the forum and has questions, may call or email the Superintendent’s office.
County approves start of high risk sports
On Friday, Jan. 29, Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort announced, in conjunction with Public Health Director Sara Boerenko, that “high-risk sports are permitted to begin Feb. 1, pending local school district approval. Spectators will not be allowed at games and scrimmages, however districts plan to use live streaming for parents and fans.”
In a news release, Ossenfort said, “Together with our superintendents, we have created a path forward for high-risk sports that balances safety but also allows student athletes to compete.
“Teams will be allowed to begin practicing, scheduling scrimmages and games Feb. 1 within Montgomery County. Upon the rolling seven-day average falling below 4 percent or less, Montgomery County teams will be allowed to play games with counties that have approved play. Currently districts are awaiting guidance from Section 2 regarding wrestling protocols, and more information will be forthcoming upon receipt.
“This decision will allow teams to begin practice and games, avoiding a total loss of the season. It is truly my hope the metrics improve and student athletes can commence out of county competition during the winter season.”
Ossenfort will discuss high-risk sports in further detail during Montgomery County’s Facebook live briefing on Monday at 1 p.m.
A special meeting of the Fort Plain Board of Education will be held on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Harry Hoag cafeteria to discuss approval of high risk winter sports.
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
January 28, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned today, Thursday, January 28, that an individual in the high school community tested positive for COVID. They were last in the building on January 27. All those impacted for contact tracing have been contacted directly.
The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Jan. 27 Parent Forum addresses hybrid learning at Harry Hoag
Note 1/27/p.m.: You may view a recording of the forum at the event link below.
An online Parent Forum will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, to share the results of the Hybrid Learning Feedback Form and how this information is being used to inform and evolve our instructional program at Harry Hoag.
Similar to the forums conducted in late August, this will be broadcasted on YouTube Live at: https://youtu.be/xaJmskxbDA4. The goals of the forum are to engage, inform and involve our stakeholders in the district’s goal of providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.
Note: If you are unable to participate in the forum and have questions, you may call or email the Superintendent’s office.
You also may view a recording of the forum at the above link.
Sarah Paradiso honored with DAR Good Citizen Award
Fort Plain High School senior Sarah Paradiso has been chosen as the winner of the 2021 DAR Good Citizen Award. The award recognizes a senior who possesses qualities of leadership, dependability, service and patriotism in school and the community.
By winning the award, Sarah has been recognized by both her teachers and her fellow students. High school faculty vote on nominees for the award, and once the field is narrowed, seniors vote for the winner.
“Sarah is the perfect choice!” said Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School principal. “She is an outstanding student, athlete and leader among her peers. Sarah’s academic success earned her a regular place on the honor roll, and last fall, she was among members of the Environmental Study Team who produced a video about the Erie Canal that the Smithsonian published to its website and made part of a traveling exhibit.
“Sarah also has been a standout player on the volleyball team,” Dr. Larrabee continued, “and this fall, she signed with Keuka College, a Division III school located southeast of Rochester, where she will major in education.
“Sarah is also the voice of our high school morning announcements, always greeting us with one of her jokes. She is a member of the Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club and will soon be showcasing her talents in ‘A Broadway Review: Director’s Choice’ . . . certainly a multi-talented young lady!
“We are proud to congratulate Sarah on earning this special honor.”
Sarah in action, airborne, on the volleyball court.
Job opening: Bus Driver
Schools are great places to work! The Fort Plain Central School District is looking for a bus driver:
Regular Run Bus Driver
The Fort Plain Central School District has an opening for a Regular Run Bus Driver. This is a 10-month position with benefits. Starting rate is $23.17 per hour. The work of employees in this class involves, but is not limited to, the responsibilities of the safety of students while operating a school bus on a regular schedule. Job description and duties will be further discussed during the interview.
Applicants must have a valid NYS Driver’s License, CDL-B with S endorsement.
Please submit your application, letter of interest, three letters of recommendation and copy of your driver’s license to Jessica Sanders, Director of Human Resources.
Western Athletic Conference statement on high risk winter sports
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has issued the following statement.
“The Western Athletic Conference is developing a plan for the implementation of high risk winter sports (basketball, wrestling and cheerleading) with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2021. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive and meaningful interscholastic athletic experience for our students. We are working in consultation with our local county health departments to ensure the health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, officials and school communities. We appreciate the time our health departments are directing towards interscholastic athletics during these trying circumstances.
“As has become the norm with this pandemic, this situation is very fluid and ever changing. We will share an update on an official start date as more information becomes available and necessary approvals have been granted. Please continue to be patient, but ready to begin the season quickly if approval has been given. Thank you for your continued support during this most challenging time.”
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
January 20, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned on Wednesday, January 20, that a member of our school community at Fort Plain Jr-Sr High School has tested positive for COVID-19.
The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike.
Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools