Category: District News
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.
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
December 11, 2020
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
We learned late this afternoon, Friday, Dec. 11, that an individual in the high school tested positive for COVID-19. The district is working closely with the Montgomery Public Health Department, and it’s been determined that school can remain open and follow the regular hybrid learning schedule on Monday. Any potentially impacted areas will be deep cleaned and disinfected before students and staff return. The health department is 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.
lease be assured that 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
Canajoharie Moose Lodge donates $1,000 to Snack Bag program
Each week at Snack Bag time, Lisa Petty’s Life Skills classroom in Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School is a whir of activity as students organize and count, assemble and package, and decorate dozens of bags of meals and snacks to be sent home on Thursdays and Fridays with students in need.
Thanks to the generosity of the Canajoharie Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, the Snack Bags will continue to head home each weekend. On December 9, Doc Davis of the Moose Lodge visited the high school to present a $1,000 donation check to Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Life Skills teacher Lisa Petty and Life Skills teacher assistant Lori Shults. The Moose Lodge is a charity organization, and their donation to the Snack Bag program is just one of the ways they have shown their commitment to the community.
“We are so grateful to Doc Davis and the Moose for their generous support of the Snack Bag program,” Dr. Larrabee said. “Their donation helps us continue a program that serves 19 high school students and 25 elementary school students, helping them with meals and snacks each weekend. The program is also an important instructional activity for our Life Skills class.”
“Our students enjoy getting the Snack Bags weekly,” said Harry Hoag Principal Lauren Crisman. “Each bag is decorated by a member of Mrs. Petty’s class. The students look forward to seeing the unique designs, and they always show appreciation for the delivery. We are grateful for the partnership.”
In addition to preparing the Snack Bags, the Life Skills class delivers them to the elementary school, walking them there when the weather permits.
Prior to the pandemic, the Life Skills students were assisted in preparing the Snack Bags in their classroom by visiting clients from Liberty ARC. Lori Shults, who previously worked with Liberty, praised the partnership. “Many of the clients formed friendships with the Life Skills students and would specifically ask for the Snack Bag assignment.”
“Without the help from Liberty this year,” said Lisa Petty, “our class has risen to the challenge on their own, filling 44 bags each week with tasty fare such as ravioli, cereal, applesauce and pudding, and fun items like goldfish crackers and cookies. We are very grateful to the Moose Lodge for their donation to help us continue the Snack Bag program.”
In addition to recognizing the Canajoharie Moose, Dr. Larrabee noted that Fort Plain faculty and staff have also been very generous in assisting the Snack Bag program and thanked them for their ongoing support.
Photo information
In the photo at top: Doc Davis of the Canajoharie Moose Lodge (third from left) presents a $1,000 check to Life Skills teacher assistant Lori Shults, as Life Skills teacher Lisa Petty (far left) and Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee (far right) look on during a Dec. 9, 2020 donation ceremony at the school.
In the photo below, Life Skills students and their teacher Lisa Petty pack Snack Bags in their classroom.
The NYS COVID-19 Report Card/Dashboard & our schools
December 8, 2020
Dear Fort Plain Schools Community Member:
To date, the Fort Plain School District has had two adults and one student confirmed as testing positive for COVID-19. Recently, we’ve received questions about the reporting of positive cases in our area and the New York State COVID-19 Report Card/Dashboard, which lists the number of positive test results by school and district. I’d like to allay those concerns and assure you that while the dashboard is accurate, it is not necessarily timely.
In some cases, there is a delay between the time that an individual within our school community tests positive and when our district is informed of that positive case as confirmed by the Montgomery County Public Health Department. In the Fort Plain School District, the most recent person tested positive during Thanksgiving break in late November, and this information was confirmed and shared with the district on December 3. The district then shared this information with the Fort Plain Schools community.
I’d also like to note that all school districts are required to submit a report to the dashboard each day, whether or not they had any positive cases. The “last reported date” reflects when the district most recently submitted its daily information, rather than being the date of a positive test result.
Please be assured that we will continue to keep our school community informed of confirmed positive COVID-19 test results as soon as we are able to report them. We will continue to share that information via ParentSquare, Remind and email, and on our website’s news feed and Important Updates page, which also lists helpful resources and references.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing partnership and support in keeping our schools and community safe and healthy. If you have questions, please contact my office.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Background information: How the COVID-19 Report Card/Dashboard works
What it is
New York State collects and posts on its COVID-19 Report Card/Dashboard the number of positive COVID-19 tests of students, faculty and staff attending or working in a school district, both on-site and off-site. The dashboard is searchable and contains data for districts and schools throughout the state.
Where the numbers come from
Positive COVID-19 test results are reported for state residents age 5-17 by labs, and by school districts for students, faculty and staff. Schools receive such information from parents/guardians, faculty and staff, and from their local county health department, which confirms positive COVID-19 results as a part of the state’s contact tracing effort.
What schools must do each day
Each day, school districts must submit a report to the COVID-19 Report Card/Dashboard, regardless of whether or not they learned of any confirmed positive tests that day. Because of the daily reporting requirement for schools, the Report Card lists the last date that a district submitted any data – not just positive test results – as the “last reported date.” Therefore, the dashboard date does not necessarily reflect the most recent positive test occurring within a school district and confirmed by the local health department.
What New York State reviews
The state reviews lab and school district data before adding it to the dashboard, because, the state notes, “There may be discrepancies in the two data sets due to reporting lag times and other variables. These are two distinct and separate data sets, both designed to offer up to date information on testing, viral spread, and other relevant details regarding your school and school district. As more data is available, this will be reported on the dashboard.”
Where positive test results are confirmed
Testing information for faculty and staff begins with the county health department where they live and is shared with the county health department where they work, if it is not the same.
Beyond the data and the dashboard: How you can help keep our schools and community safe and healthy
You can help us promote health and safety by:
- Wearing masks, practicing social distancing and frequently washing your hands.
- Adhering to guidelines for family and social gatherings. (70% of COVID-19 cases have been attributed to small gatherings).
- Observing travel regulations, including quarantine and/or testing requirements.
- Staying home and keeping children home when you or they don’t feel well or are experiencing symptoms.
Virtual HS Open House/Meet the Teachers – Part IV
What do you do when you can’t bring families into school for fall open house and meet the teachers night? You bring the event to them!
Presenting Part IV of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School’s Fall 2020 Virtual Open House/Meet the Teachers. Our faculty and staff welcome you to virtually visit their classrooms and work spaces and share in their students’ experiences through videos they created just for this event.
We have been highlighting a few departments each week. For this final part of our series, view our videos from our Math, Spanish, Counseling and Academic Coaching Center departments.
Math Department Video (Laurie Capece, Sue Summerfield, Deb Waner, Lucas Santiago)
Spanish Department Video (Melanie Pombrio & Patti Jarabek)
Counseling with Kayla Mahoney
Academic Coaching Center
Denise Smith
View Mrs. Smith’s tour of the Academic Coaching Center
View a video about Apex Learning
Visit the Academic Coaching Center webpage
Academic Coaching Center
Kristy McFee
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
Dear Members of the Fort Plain School Community:
The district learned on Thursday, December 3, that a member of the Fort Plain School community tested positive last week for COVID-19. The infected person has not been on campus since November 10, and the Montgomery County Public Health Department has advised us that there is no impact on students or staff.
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.
While there is no action that Fort Plain students or staff need to take at this time, we are sending this message to keep you informed, and to reassure you that we continue to work closely with the health department to ensure the safety of our Fort Plain School community.
Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Winter sports sign-ups
Attention Fort Plain High School students:
Please complete the Google Form linked below if you are a student in grades 9 thru 12 and are interested in participating in a winter sport. Low and moderate risk sports (bowling and swimming) are scheduled to begin on December 14. High Risk sports are tentatively scheduled to begin on January 4.
Link to Google Form to sign up for a winter sport:
https://forms.gle/vrMoTrymAFtRKKGs7
Superintendent’s message: Staying safe during the spread of COVID-19
Dear Members of the Fort Plain School Community:
I hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Given the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in our state and region, it is important that we reconnect about how we can work together to keep our schools open and our students learning and growing.
Schools have been recognized by Governor Cuomo and nationally for successfully taking precautions to help control the spread of the virus, and your partnership in these efforts is most appreciated. Thank you.
State and local guidance
I’d like to share information about new guidance from the state on tracking and slowing COVID-19 infection that could potentially impact our school community.
As part of its Micro-Cluster Initiative and Cluster Action Initiative to slow the spread of the virus, New York State is designating certain geographic areas as Yellow, Orange or Red zones. The zones are based on the prevalence of COVID-19 and take into account multiple factors including numbers of positive tests, hospital capacity, etc. The zones come with certain restrictions and protocols aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, including school-based COVID testing.
While our community is not currently within one of these zones, it is helpful to be aware of this information should it be designated in the future. Our school district continues to work with the Montgomery County Public Health Department and HFM BOCES to stay informed of the guidance and how it affects our students, staff and community.
A proactive partnership
We also continue to work proactively to prevent and limit exposure to the virus in our schools. As I noted earlier, your partnership in this effort is invaluable.
We can all help to promote health and safety in our schools and community by:
- Wearing masks, practicing social distancing and frequently washing our hands.
- Adhering to guidelines for sizes of family and social gatherings. (In his Nov. 30 news conference, Governor Cuomo noted that 65% of recent COVID-19 cases have been attributed to small gatherings).
- Observing updated travel regulations, including quarantine and/or testing requirements.
- Staying home when we don’t feel well or are having symptoms, and keeping our children home when they are experiencing the same.
Our number one goal in Fort Plain is to provide the safest possible environment for teaching and learning, in order to keep our schools open.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools