Category: District News
Board adopts proposed $21.8 million budget with no tax levy increase
The Fort Plain Board of Education adopted a proposed $21,875,000 budget for the 2021-22 school year at their April 14 meeting. The proposed budget would maintain all academic programming with no increase in the tax levy.
The proposed budget is an increase of $500,000, or 2.34%, over the current-year budget, but does not raise the tax levy, as funds would be allocated from increased state aid to cover school faculty and staffing costs, as well as adding offerings such as summer and after-school enrichment.
When district residents vote on the proposed budget on May 18, they will also consider a referendum authorizing the district to acquire school vehicles at a maximum cost of $275,000, with the funds to be drawn from the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund. The purchase would not have an impact on the tax levy, and would allow the district to replace aging buses and minimize maintenance costs.
Voters will also elect two members of the Board of Education for three-year terms running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024, to succeed Mary Beth Hudyncia and Kimberly Keane, whose terms expire on June 30, 2021. Petitions to run for the Board can be picked up at the District Office and must be returned by April 19.
“Our goal is to always put forward a responsible budget that maintains high quality programming. This year, we can achieve this with zero impact on the tax levy,” Superintendent John Bishop said.
Student-crafted Kachina Masks display learning, creativity
While some masks obscure things, those crafted by students in Patrick Hanifin’s 5th grade social studies class at Harry Hoag School provide a big, bright display – of learning, knowledge and creativity.
The students recently studied the Pueblo people. Then, each of the students created a Kachina Mask.
“The Hopi tribe used Kachina Masks in dance ceremonies to become the spirit their mask represents,” Mr. Hanifin said. “The students were very creative with their mask designs.”
He added, “The Hopi, native to Arizona, look to the Kachina spirits to renew the land each year and guarantee water for another season. Ceremonies honoring the Kachina take place from the winter solstice until July.”
Now live online: Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club presents “On Broadway: Directors’ Choice!”
UPDATES April 6: Act 2 link updated, 2:21 p.m.
April 5: Links to view online – Act 1 link updated 4:50 p.m.:
- Act 1:
https://youtu.be/HKjVtsIiLb8 - Act 2:
https://youtu.be/o0ca9kEWNNA
The Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club is proud to announce an online performance of “On Broadway: Directors’ Choice!” This musical review will include 21 songs from famous Broadway shows. The production includes full costumes, lights, sound and sets. Meet the cast.
Performances will include numbers from Broadway favorites such as “RENT,” “Chicago,” “Spring Awakening,” “A Chorus Line,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music,” “Lion King,” “Wicked,” “West Side Story,” “Into the Woods,” and more. The production will also include four songs from “Les Miserables,” which the drama club was scheduled to perform during the spring of 2020 and had to cancel due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year’s show features eight solo songs, performed by Sarah Paradiso, Faith Clark, Tori Rocas, Howie Kelley, Macenzie (Max) Richtmyer, Chiarra Morris, Michael Palmeri and Caleigh Bartholomew. Other featured soloists include Dawson Sweet, Avery Merchant, Alex Gyurik and Chad Rogers. Completing the ensemble are Anthony Paradiso, Hannah Briggs, Matthew Travis, Emery Frew, Grace McFee, Lily Lapi, Jayden Bentz, and Jasmine Lapi. There will be special cameos by Mr. Will Ryan, Mrs. Lauri Broady and recent Canajoharie graduate Vicente Nunez.
The production is directed by Mr. Will Ryan and Mrs. Lauri Broady, with musical direction by Mrs. Norma Bowley. Technical direction is provided by Mr. Mike Broady and costuming is by Mrs. Lisa Hill and Miss Autumn Dodson. Student crew includes Noah Ehle on sound, Matthew Ehle and Clayton Welch on lights, and Tucker Jones and Anthony Paradiso on stage crew.
“On Broadway: Director’s Choice” will be taped for home viewing and posted on the YouTube channels of both school districts. The performance will be available beginning on April 5.
For more show details, please visit the Drama Club website.
More photos are posted in our Facebook album.
FPHS names students of the month
Six Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School students have been named Student of the Month in honor of their accomplishments. They received certificates on March 31.
Congratulations to:
- 7th Grade- McKenna Karker
- 8th Grade- Hannah French
- 9th Grade- Matthew Paul
- 10th Grade- Ethan Kilmartin
- 11th Grade- Talia Narzymski
- 12th Grade- Sarah Paradiso
The students were nominated by their teachers for the award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in academics, athletics, character, community service, hard work, kindness, leadership, positive attitude, and responsibility.
Above from left: McKenna Karker, Hannah French, Matthew Paul
Above from left, Talia Narzymski and Sarah Paradiso
Not pictured: Ethan Kilmartin
Spring sports sign-up
The spring sports season is scheduled for April 25, 2021 to June 15, 2021, as of now.
Students: Please fill out the following form to indicate your interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfU2-8EyGyr8tBNQ3oCLItuTD4saqYdUqMge11KYo1EkkAKdw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&gxids=7628
Sports physicals are required prior to first practice. Check with the nurse to see if you are approved to play.
Petitions to seek Board of Education seats are due by April 19, 5 p.m.
A nominating petition to seek one of the two available seats on the Fort Plain Central School Board of Education can be picked up from District Clerk Rebecca J. Smith in the District Office at 25 High Street during school hours.
The seats that are currently held by Mary Beth Hudyncia and Kimberly Keane are expiring June 30, 2021.
The petitions, with at least 25 signatures, are due back to the District Clerk on April 19 by 5 p.m.
The district election is scheduled for May 18.
Superintendent of Schools John Bishop reflects on the past year – video
As we approach the one-year anniversary of our buildings closure due to the pandemic, Fort Plain Superintendent John Bishop offers his reflections on the past year, the good things happening in our schools, and how parents and guardians may get involved in planning for the 2021-22 school year and beyond.
Watch our Cheerleaders online
Our high school cheerleaders have been working and practicing, and all are welcome to view their cheers online beginning Thursday, Feb. 25, at 3:30 p.m., and after that date by clicking on their link at that time on our View Sports Online webpage.
Go Hilltoppers!
FP senior leads Eyes For Hope donation drive
Sarah Paradiso enjoys helping others, so when she learned of an opportunity to partner with Eyes For Hope, she was right on board. The Fort Plain senior is leading a donation drive for eyeglasses for those in need.
Through March 3, donations of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses in good condition can be left in a drop box at the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School main entrance during school hours, and at Center Street Station in Fort Plain and Sportee Designs in St. Johnsville, businesses that Sarah approached for support. Sportee Designs will also donate a pair of reading glasses for each pair of donated eyeglasses they receive.
Sarah is partnering to help Eyes For Hope with fellow high school students who are active in the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) organization.
“I went to a HOBY youth leadership weekend at SUNY Oneonta my sophomore year,” Sarah said. “I spent the weekend making new friends and learning how to be a leader, as well as doing a community service project making blankets for organ donors and their families. Even after that weekend, we, in our area groups, have looked for ways to help out in our local community. This year we are partnering with Eyes for Hope.”
At the close of the donation drive, Sarah will ship the boxes of eyeglasses to Eyes For Hope, which will in turn distribute them to individuals who need them.
“Good work Sarah!” said Fort Plain Superintendent John Bishop. “Sarah leads by example and continues to make positive contributions to the Fort Plain school community.”
“The goal of my Eyes For Hope donation drive is to help make people feel they are making a difference, especially during a time when it’s hard to have positive interactions,” Sarah said. “There are easy ways to do it, [and this is a way] to try to reach out and do what you can.”
Sign up for Fall 2 sports
Grades 9 through 12 students may sign up for the Fall 2 sports of girls and boys soccer, football, and girls volleyball. Complete the form posted on the Athletics webpage by Friday, Feb. 26, 2021.
Sports start March 7 and run through May 1, and students need a physical to participate.