Category: Archive
Job opening: 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.
Schools reopen for learning January 4
January 3, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
Fort Plain Schools will welcome back our students and staff on Monday, January 4. It will be an A day at Harry Hoag, and grades 7, 8 and 9 are in-person at the Jr./Sr. High School.
COVID-19 remains a concern, with many regions including ours experiencing increased infection rates. However, data has shown a low rate of virus transmission in schools, which have been recognized by the governor for taking effective precautions. Your continued partnership in our efforts is most appreciated. Wearing masks, maintaining social distance, washing your hands, screening your own and your children’s health daily, and staying home when you or your children are sick are all vital to our continued ability to provide a safe learning environment.
As always, we will keep you apprised of any developments that impact our school schedule. We continue to work closely with the county health department and follow their guidance. During the holiday recess, when our schools were closed, the district was notified of three positive COVID-19 cases involving individuals in the Fort Plain Schools community. The health department is advising those individuals on testing and 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 are looking forward to seeing our students and staff back in the classroom tomorrow and to a happy and healthy year ahead. Please contact my office with any questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Keeping you informed
Dec. 23, 2020
Dear Fort Plain Schools Community:
As the holiday recess approaches, I would like to thank you for your partnership in helping us provide our children with continued opportunities to learn and grow, despite the challenges of the pandemic. I’m sure we are all looking forward to having some time to rest and enjoy the season.
Fort Plain Schools will not be in session from December 24 through January 1, with students and staff returning to class on January 4. We will keep you informed of any developments impacting the return to school at the end of the holiday recess. We will post any such updates on our website and ParentSquare.
Thank you again. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
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.