Category: Archive
Pandemic challenges are no match for Gram Lorraine
A global pandemic is no match for the Gram Lorraine Project at Fort Plain. There was barely room to walk in the Harry Hoag library once it was stuffed shelf-to-shelf with bags of toys and clothing that will brighten the holidays of 135 children and 53 families in the district.
Fort Plain staff, students and community members donated generously to Gram Lorraine this year, with the school’s committee of Tara Hayes, Lori Fredericks, Lisa Petty, Lynn Palmeri and Joanne Kennedy, and “student elf” gift shopper and FP senior Olivia Kennedy, leading the successful holiday drive.
“The 2020 holiday season is going to be a bigger challenge than usual,” said Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee. “The pandemic is causing more stress than normal, but donations for the Gram Lorraine Project are as strong as ever. With the support of faculty, staff, students and the community we will be helping to make the holidays bright for many of our Fort Plain families.”
Each sponsor in the Gram Lorraine project spends around $100 to purchase at least four items of clothing and a toy. The biggest sponsor was the Fort Plain/Canajoharie Elks Club, with a $2,500 donation. Organizations that sponsored four or more students included the Fort Plain Police Department, Canajoharie Moose Lodge, Mohawk Valley Women’s Club, Mohawk Chevrolet, and the Fort Plain Student Council.
“We had many other generous sponsors from the school and community,” said Tara Hayes. “Some sponsors were from as far away as Texas, Ohio, and Virginia with ties to the Fort Plain Community. Thank you to all who supported Gram Lorraine.”
From left: Lori Fredericks, Lisa Petty, Corporal Don Richards (school safety officer), Tara Hayes
View more photos in our Facebook album.
Kristy’s Closet thanks community donors
Kristy’s Closet, which helps Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School students in need of clothing and personal care items, recently received some generous donations from the community.
Thank you to Curtis and Carrie Smith, who donated 30 makeup bags; to Brenda Hill of the Tilted Cone, who donated 100 shampoos, conditioners, body wash and soaps; and to Bev Dingmon, who donated hoodies, long sleeve t-shirts and hats for boys and girls.
For anyone who wishes to add to the closet: More hoodies would be appreciated (size M-XL in any color), as well as long-sleeve graphic t-shirts. Contact kristy.mcfee@fortplain.org
Harry Hoag pivots to full remote Dec. 21-23
Dear Fort Plain Schools Community,
As you know the Fort Plain School District has been vigilant in its attempts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Despite rising rates in Montgomery County, our schools have remained a safe haven, and positive cases in our schools have remained low despite having in-person instruction.
We remain committed to providing in-person instruction when feasible. At this time, due to staffing constraints, we are unable to provide in-person instruction at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Effective Monday, December 21st, we will pivot to a full remote instructional model at Harry Hoag Elementary School through Wednesday, December 23rd. The Jr.-Sr. High School schedule is unaffected.
We fully anticipate resuming in-person learning in accordance with our hybrid learning model following the holiday break. On behalf of the entire school community, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
December 18, 2020
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned this morning, Friday, December 18, that another individual at Harry Hoag School has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in school on December 16. The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are handling contact tracing and 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 unchanged: 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 school bus involved in accident
Updated December 19, 2020
A Fort Plain school bus that was bringing students back to the district was struck and pushed onto its side by another vehicle in New Hartford around 3 p.m. on December 18. Three students were transported by EMS to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica for treatment. The bus driver was not injured.
The district thanks all who assisted our school bus driver and students.
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
December 17, 2020
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned late this afternoon, Thursday, December 17, that an individual at Harry Hoag School has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in school on December 10. The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are handling contact tracing and advising on any necessary quarantine.
Following the guidance of the health department, all 6th grade students will be learning remotely through December 23. Any potentially impacted areas of the school will be deep cleaned and disinfected.
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
School closed for snow day Dec. 17 – no classes
Fort Plain Schools will be closed for a snow day on Thursday, Dec. 17, due to expected inclement weather. Classes will not be held. We expect to resume instruction on Friday following our regular schedule. Friday is an A day.
Talented athletes Troy Butler and Sarah Paradiso celebrating signing
They practiced, they competed, they shared their hard work on the baseball diamond and volleyball court with college representatives, and it all paid off. Talented Fort Plain senior athletes Troy Butler and Sarah Paradiso celebrated signing with Binghamton University and Keuka College at a December 15 ceremony at their high school.
The signing ceremony was postponed from its original date in early November due to Fort Plain’s temporary transition to remote learning. Troy and Sarah decided to wait to have their ceremony until school reopened, rather than celebrate virtually.
At the afternoon event, which was covered by the Daily Gazette, Troy and Sarah talked about how they connected with college recruiters despite a pandemic and attending a relatively small high school.
Troy chose to play baseball at Division I Binghamton over Siena, UAlbany, Rutgers, UMass, Maine and University of Maryland. He said he increased his exposure to recruiters by participating in college showcases and playing near and far with the Capital Region Renegades baseball travel team.
“We were all over this side of the country, all summer,” he told the Gazette reporter at the signing ceremony. “I had to get out, had to get my name out there first before they could start coming to me. I went to as many showcases as I could. After that, the phone started ringing.”
Troy noted that Binghamton liked him and he liked Binghamton. The university met his goals of playing at a Division 1 school that offers strong academic and athletic programs. He encouraged other student-athletes to pursue their dreams by putting in hard work and effort.
Sarah Paradiso shines on the court
Sarah has been a standout player on Fort Plain’s volleyball team. She played at a number of college showcases last year, and her skill on the court caught the eye of Keuka College coach Quinn Wright. Keuka is a Division III College located southeast of Rochester, in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.
After that showcase, Sarah received an email from Wright and met with him via Zoom. She told the Gazette reporter, “I did some research on my own, took a virtual tour, it had to be virtual my first time, and then I verbally committed our second or third meeting after talking to another player. It just felt right.”
Looking beyond college, perhaps Fort Plain’s hallways and volleyball court will see Sarah return to share her knowledge and experience: she plans to major in education at Keuka College.
“Sarah and Troy are outstanding students, outstanding athletes and true leaders,” said Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee. “I have watched them on the playing fields. They stand tall with their teammates and coaches. They never make excuses; they just play and they play hard.
“We share in their happiness as National Signing Day marks the end of one journey and the beginning of the next,” Dr. Larrabee added. “Keuka and Binghamton are so very fortunate to have these athletes, and we look forward to what the future holds for Sarah and Troy.”
Congratulations to Sarah and Troy. Go Hilltoppers!
In the photo above: In the back row, Coach Brad Niles, Coach Lisa Trembley, Sarah’s brother, Anthony Paradiso, and Coach John Fureno. In the front row, Sarah and her parents.
In the photo above: In the back row, Coach Craig Phillips, Coach John Fureno. In the front row, Troy and his parents.
HS picture retakes are Dec. 21 & 22
Lifetouch school picture retakes for Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School will be on Monday, Dec. 21 (grades 10, 11, 12) and Tuesday, Dec. 22 (Grades 7, 8, 9). Order envelopes are available in the high school main office. To order online, go to mylifetouch.com and use picture day ID: EVTGP423P
Please contact Mrs. Linda Cole in the high school with any questions at linda.cole@fortplain.org.
Winter state championships canceled, high-risk sports on hold
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced the cancellation of all 2021 Winter State Championships and the postponement of all high-risk sports until authorization is granted by state officials. Low- and moderate-risk regular season sports continue to be permitted.
NYSPHSAA’s decisions followed input from NYSPHSAA’s membership and executive directors of its 11 sections. “When examining the feasibility of Winter State Championships, it became apparent that travel and overnight accommodations would create a unique challenge for our member schools,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.”
The decision to postpone all high-risk sports until authorization is granted was reinforced by the increase in infection and hospitalization rates across the State. The New York State Department of Health has determined the following NYSPHSAA-endorsed sports to be high risk: basketball, boys lacrosse, competitive cheerleading, football, ice hockey, volleyball, and wrestling.
The cancellation of the Winter State Championships (bowling, basketball, boys swimming & diving, competitive cheerleading, gymnastics, indoor track & field, ice hockey, skiing, and wrestling) addresses membership concerns associated with increased travel, hotel accommodations, transportation logistics and the planning for meals. Venue capacity limitations and social distancing restrictions also make it difficult to ensure the safety of student-athletes, coaches, and families.
“As an educator, I am witnessing first-hand the challenges our member schools are facing each day in addressing this pandemic,” said Julie Bergman, NYSPHSAA President. “It is important we continue listening to the concerns being expressed by our membership when making decisions impacting interscholastic athletics.”
The 2021 NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships remain scheduled at this time.