Category: District News
Helping students use digital tools safely and effectively
Harry Hoag students will learn how to use online resources safely and effectively through three special presentations in their school.
On Friday, Jan. 13, and on Feb. 17 and March 10, the Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization, will present to kindergarten through 6th grade classes about digital safety, the appropriate use of technology and how to navigate the internet responsibly.
School Counselor Stephanie Macherone organized the visits, with each presentation geared appropriately to meet each particular grade level’s developmental needs.
“The presentations are designed to increase our students’ understanding of digital safety, help them to become more mindful of their technology usage and increase their knowledge of how to navigate the internet safely,” said Elementary Principal Jodi Coppolo. “Our goal is to educate students and provide them with the tools, skills and strategies they need to become digitally literate.”
Vaping and e-cigarette use is a troubling trend
January 11, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The use of vaping paraphernalia and e-cigarettes has increased both nationwide and locally, becoming the most commonly used tobacco products among our youth. This is a troubling trend.
While these odorless tools are often marketed as safer and healthier alternatives to traditional cigarettes, to inhale nicotine, THC, flavored substances, and various synthetic chemicals, they are neither safe nor healthy.
Our school district is very concerned about the increase in vaping among students. Here is some important information for our Fort Plain families.
Teen vaping — 6 things every parent/guardian needs to know
- Slang terms: E-cigs, e-hookahs, hookah pens, vapes, vape pens, JUULs, “jeweling,” mods (customizable, more powerful vaporizers).
- Vaping devices can be used to inhale flavored substances – such as mint, crème brulée or mango. Many people are under the impression that it’s safe to inhale nicotine-free water vapors, but recent studies show otherwise. Flavoring agents can cause “popcorn lung” – a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs that results in the thickening and narrowing of airways. Popcorn lung mirrors the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
- Vaping devices can be used to inhale substances that contain nicotine, THC (the chemical compound in marijuana that produces the high), opiates and synthetic substances.
- Inhaling from a vaporizer enhances a drug user’s high and can amplify a drug’s side effects. That’s because it delivers a far more potent form of whatever drug is being used. The chemicals in synthetic drugs are dangerous and potentially fatal in cases of overdose.
- Vaping synthetic drugs is more discreet than other forms of drug abuse. Because e-cigarettes can resemble everyday ballpoint pens or USB memory sticks, they are easy to hide. E-cigarettes and vaping pens are odorless.
- E-cigarettes and pen vaporizers are easy to acquire for underage users.
Signs of vaping abuse and what parents/guardians can do
Parents/guardians can be on the alert for signs of vaping abuse. They can:
- Watch for physiological symptoms and side effects that may indicate their teen has a vaping abuse problem. These can include dry mouth syndrome, nosebleeds and strange, erratic behavior.
- Familiarize themselves with what e-cigarettes look like and how the devices work, so that they are able to identify them in the hands of their teens.
Student use of vaping paraphernalia on campus, school grounds and school buses is a violation of the Code of Conduct. Students who violate the Code of Conduct are subject to consequences outlined in the code.
Please review the fact sheet graphic below to learn more about vaping and its associated dangers. We encourage you to talk to your child about vaping, and remind them that state and federal laws prohibit them from purchasing tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. If you have any questions related to our prevention and intervention efforts, please contact Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee at deborah.larrabee@fortplain.org or the Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Coppolo at jodi.coppolo@fortplain.org.
Sincerely,
Lauren Crisman
Superintendent
Proud to be a Hilltopper: Anna-Belle, Harry Hoag Student Council Rep
Hilltopper pride is strong in Fort Plain. Our Topper Pride video series explores the many reasons members of the Fort Plain school community, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators, are proud of the experiences, knowledge and friendships they gained here.
Proud to be a Hilltopper: Harry Hoag Student Council Rep Anna-Belle
Anna-Belle is the 6th grade representative on the Harry Hoag Elementary School Student Council. Listen to why Anna-Belle is proud to be a Topper.
Please join us at our Community Conversations
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in the second in a series of Fort Plain Central School District Community Conversations on Jan. 11, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Harry Hoag library.
“Parents, guardians, families, students, community members and business owners are all welcome to participate in our Community Conversations. If you wish to be part of conversations about FPCSD’s mission and vision and related action plans, I invite you to join me on Jan. 11. The focus topic will be The Student Experience: Engagement and Advancement,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman.
“The goal of our Community Conversations is to foster a dialogue between our district’s leadership and our community related to matters of public interest. Questions, concerns and celebrations are all welcome for discussion.”
Please note that the superintendent and district leaders will not be able to discuss matters related to contractual negotiations or specific personnel.
A Community Conversation also will be held on May 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Harry Hoag library, with a focus topic of Improvement Priorities. The first Community Conversation of the year was held in October.
Sign up is not required.
FPCSD remembers Laura Ciani
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Laura M. Ciani, a retired long-time member of our food services team. Laura served local families as a valued member of our cafeteria staff for more than 35 years. The district extends condolences to her family and friends.
Congratulations to the D.A.R.E. Class of 2022
Congratulations to our 6th Grade D.A.R.E. graduates. They were recognized and presented with diplomas at a Dec. 19 ceremony in the Harry Hoag gym by D.A.R.E. instructor and master of ceremonies Deputy Nick Manginelli, Sheriff Jeffery T. Smith, Elementary Principal Jodi Coppolo and Superintendent Lauren Crisman.
“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with our local school districts in providing D.A.R.E. instruction to our youth,” said Sheriff Smith. “Making good decisions is the foundation of becoming a responsible adult.
“We thank the students, parents, staff and community for being part of this very important process. Congratulations to the graduates; take these lessons learned forward and continue to make us proud! Thank you.”
D.A.R.E. teaches students to resist drugs and violence and empowers them to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse and other dangerous behaviors.
In the photos:
At top: Deputy Nick Manginelli addresses the students and audience. Middle photo: The graduates look at their diplomas. Bottom photo: These students greeted and handed out programs to those attending the ceremony.
Proud to be Hilltoppers: The officers of the Harry Hoag Student Council
Hilltopper pride is strong in Fort Plain. Our Topper Pride video series explores the many reasons members of the Fort Plain school community, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators, are proud of the experiences, knowledge and friendships they gained here.
Proud to be Toppers: The officers of the Harry Hoag Student Council
The Harry Hoag School Student Council is led by 6th grade students Molly, Lainie, Coco and Gavin, who serve as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, respectively. Listen to why our Student Council officers are proud to be Toppers!
Welcome to the Fort Plain Free Library!
Harry Hoag first graders and their teachers toured the Fort Plain Free Library Monday morning, Dec. 12, before participating in a library scavenger hunt, snacking on popcorn and creating spiral snow people and paper tree ornaments. The collaborative program was the first in a series that will take place over the next few months.
Special Projects Library Assistant at the Fort Plain Free Library Linda Kellett said, “We are grateful to Fort Plain District Superintendent Lauren Crisman, the first-grade teachers and aides, and the staff at the bus garage who helped to make this inaugural program a reality!”
About the tour and program at the Fort Plain Free Library, Superintendent Crisman said, “Today was a dream come true! We thank the library for their efforts to provide our students with this enrichment. I hope this collaboration fosters new interest to engage with the library’s programming beyond the school day. I deeply appreciate their willingness to host us.”
All fall teams named NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athletes
All of Fort Plain’s fall teams have been named New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar–Athlete teams, in honor of their achievements in both academics and athletics.
To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team, a team’s grade point average (GPA) for 75 percent of the roster must be greater than or equal to 90. Congratulations to the following teams:
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Volleyball
Football
Golf
According to NYSPHSAA, “At the end of each sports season, the NYSPHSAA honors those teams and individuals that excel in the classroom. Those student-athletes, teams, and schools work very hard throughout the year and deserve to be recognized for their academic success.”
Great work FPHS Student Council!
The FPHS Student Council finished Spirit Week with their annual food drive for the local church pantry. They delivered the food on Friday, Dec. 9.
Great work and great spirit!