Category: Harry Hoag News
Harry Hoag students to benefit from backpacks donation
Due to the generosity of Dr. Rao, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has donated 20 backpacks (absolutely stuffed with school supplies!) to Harry Hoag Elementary School. “We truly appreciate this amazing gift for our students,” said Principal Jodi Coppolo.
Principal Jodi Coppolo with Sheriff Jeff Smith
A warm welcome back from the Superintendent
August 23, 2022
Dear Fort Plain School Community,
I am excited to extend a warm welcome back to every member of the school community. I hope that each family had a chance to relax, unwind and reset in preparation for what I hope will be a terrific school year!
The first day of school for students is on September 6th. Doors will open in both buildings at 7:30 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:50 a.m. for Harry Hoag Elementary and 7:55 a.m. for the Jr./Sr. High School.
FPCSD remains committed to our goal to prepare every student for success beyond graduation. Now, more than ever, we need to closely examine what it is that our graduates will be asked to do in life beyond their senior year. The world is ever changing and we must adapt to embrace the new norms of society. It is the District’s responsibility to ensure that all graduates are well prepared to continue their education and/or to join the workforce. I have no doubt that there will be unexpected challenges in our future. If we remain dedicated to creating a productive, relevant and enjoyable school experience, we will surely achieve our goal in spite of any variables that may come our way.
I am honored to welcome several new administrators, teachers and other school employees to the FPCSD family. I would like to personally thank them for choosing to serve our community. I encourage you to attend a few fall events to get to know all of the highly qualified people who serve as members of the school team.
Communication will be a major focus of the District and we will work tirelessly to keep you informed. Please be sure to check the school website and the Parent Square app regularly to stay apprised of school happenings. This year, we will develop a strategic plan that will set our vision, mission, and priorities for years to come. Our plan will encourage diverse and creative ways for all students to experience the wonder of learning. Keep your ears open for ways to get involved in the planning process.
It is my sincere hope that every student and family will have a happy, healthy and safe learning experience this school year. It is truly an honor to serve FPCSD as a school leader.
Sincerely,
Lauren H. Crisman
Superintendent
Principal Jodi Coppolo’s letter to Harry Hoag families
Greetings Families of Harry Hoag Elementary,
As the new principal of Harry Hoag, it is my pleasure to welcome new and returning families to an exciting school year. We will continue to foster positive, productive relationships within our school. I look forward to getting to know the Fort Plain community, our students, our families, and the team of professionals who work tirelessly to create a learning environment that supports each student.
This year marks my 21st year in education. As a parent, I understand the aspiration of families: that their children are provided with a safe, equitable, and positive learning environment. As an educator, I understand the desire to ensure that every child makes academic and social-emotional growth. I was an elementary teacher for 19 years before I began my journey in administration. As a leader, collaboration and clear communication is essential. My goal is to continue to enhance the growth of all students and propel the school forward to increase long lasting achievement.
This letter includes updates regarding the schedule and school related procedures. Please take time to read it carefully.
Harry Hoag School Day
● 7:30-7:40 Bus Drop Off only
● 7:30-7:40 Parent Drop Off and Walkers are welcome
● 7:50-2:30 Instructional Day
● 2:30 Bus Dismissal only
● 2:35 Parent Pick Up begins
Use of School Transportation
Please be sure to review the Ride with Pride and Code of Conduct documents with your children before the first day of school. An electronic copy will be sent this year.
Self-Transportation
A traffic enforcer will manage traffic flow through the bus loop to the main entry. If you are early for Drop Off or Parent Pick Up, please park in Wiles Park. For Parent Drop Off and Pick Up, please remain in your car. A staff member will greet you at both times. If you pick up your child on foot, please report to the Main Entry.
Technology
Students in PK – Kindergarten will be offered an iPad to use for the school year. Students in Grades 1-6 will be offered a Chromebook to use for the school year. Older students will be able to bring their devices to and from school per their teacher’s directions. Caregivers and students (Gr 1 and above) will be asked to sign a Technology User Agreement.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Teachers will escort Parent Pick Up students to the library. All others will be escorted to the buses.
After the buses depart, Parent Pick Up will begin.
We kindly request that you update any forms related to your child’s residency and/or health needs. A form will be sent home with your child at the beginning of school. We appreciate any effort to return updated forms to the Main Office as soon as possible.
To stay abreast of all that is taking place at Harry Hoag, please be sure to have an updated cell phone number and email address to receive information via our ParentSquare messaging system. Also, remember to visit our website and social media platforms regularly for current news and upcoming events.
I am honored to serve as the new building principal. It is wonderful to be a part of a community where students, teachers, and families care for each other and strive to build meaningful relationships that support academic and social-emotional growth.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to reach me in the Main Office at (518) 993-4000, ext. 3059 or via email at jodi.coppolo@fortplain.org.
Hilltoppers let’s make it a fantastic year!
Jodi Coppolo
Camps offer lots of learning, creativity and engaging activities
Lots of learning, creativity and engaging activities were the features of this year’s math, literacy and technology summer camps at Harry Hoag School. Students enjoyed a variety of hands-on projects and challenges that taught them new skills, built upon their knowledge and provided some great opportunities for teamwork and growth.
Here are just a few highlights.
A closeup view of another part of our world: Math & literacy summer campers used Virtual Reality viewers to explore the Amazon rainforest and other environments, and they were joined in their adventures by K-1st grade and 5th grade students.
Soon to be 3rd graders put together a 500-piece puzzle from Roald Dahl’s book, “The BFG” at summer literacy camp. They also read the book and compared it to the Disney movie.
Math & literacy campers practiced making 2D and 3D shapes with marshmallows and toothpicks, reported Tayah Simmons. “Then for fun we got creative to see what we could build. Some built pools, campfires and houses!”
When these math & literacy summer campers head into 4th grade in September, they’ll bring with them skills they learned this week while journal writing, sketching, building with popsicle sticks, doing guided reading, using math manipulatives and having some crafting fun!
And more camping coolness from our summer math & literacy camp.
Matt Heiser’s Summer Tech campers created personalized movie promos using Adobe Express, a graphic design program.
One camper connected tech camp with her involvement in the summer musical: She created a promo for the Fort Plain/Canajoharie drama club production of “Holiday Inn.”
View more photos and our summer Team Tech News video on our Facebook page.
Jodi Coppolo named principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School
July 6, 2022 – Jodi Coppolo has been named principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School, effective Aug. 1, 2022. She was appointed at the July 5, 2022, Board of Education meeting and fills a vacancy created when Lauren Crisman was appointed Fort Plain superintendent of schools.
Superintendent Crisman will continue to supervise elementary programming until Coppolo begins. Coppolo comes to Fort Plain from South Kortright Central School, where she served as pre-K-12 building principal. She also served as elementary lead teacher, mentor, RtI coordinator, after school program site coordinator, pre-K-6 science coordinator, and teacher.
“I am excited to welcome Ms. Coppolo to our school community!” Crisman said. “She brings with her a variety of teaching experiences and has served in several leadership capacities in recent years. During the interview process, it became very evident that Ms. Coppolo is a thoughtful leader who cares deeply about the well being of all of her students and staff members. She stood out from the beginning of the process due to her preparedness for each interview.”
“It is my pleasure to serve as the next Harry Hoag School principal!” Coppolo said. “Prior to this position, I’ve had many leadership experiences, and even though my professional assignments evolved, I will always consider myself a teacher at heart. Before becoming an administrator, I spent 19 years in the classroom, teaching at a variety of grade levels.”
Coppolo holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, a Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy from the University at Albany, and a Certificate in School Building Leadership and Certificate in School District Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. “By pursuing lifelong learning,” she said, “I intend to be an example to students and teachers that we should never stop investing in a growth mindset.”
Coppolo and her family have lived in Cobleskill for the past eight years. She has two children, a daughter who will be a freshman in high school and a son who is going into seventh grade. “I have the same expectations for them as I do for Fort Plain’s children: I want to see them excel and become productive beings, who have ample opportunities to become whatever they want when they grow up,” Coppolo said.
“It is my privilege to lead Harry Hoag Elementary and the many talented staff and students here. My goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture that is conducive to teaching and learning. By doing so, each individual student and staff member can experience growth to their highest potential. I look forward to interacting with all in our school community this year.”
David Bertram named Director of Student Engagement and Athletics
Fort Plain CSD welcomes David Bertram as the new Director of Student Engagement and Athletics. He was appointed at the July 14, 2022, Board of Education meeting.
Bertram joins the Fort Plain Central School District having served public education for many years in assignments as an elementary teacher, boys varsity basketball and tennis coach and as an administrator. His resume includes professional experiences at Cooperstown Central School District and most recently, as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for Mohonasen Central School District.
Bertram stated, “I am extremely excited to start my new adventure as a Hilltopper. There is a rich tradition at Fort Plain and together we will continue to work on delivering the best possible experience for our students.”
Mr. Betram is a proven, effective coach having led the boys varsity basketball and tennis teams at Cooperstown CSD to win many sectional and league titles including two trips to the NYS final four for both basketball and tennis.
Superintendent Crisman said, “Mr. Bertram’s diverse experiences in education, from classroom to coaching, made him the ideal candidate for this new position. He will bring a breadth of knowledge to the job and possesses strong leadership skills. The position’s responsibilities will focus on strengthening the overall student experience by giving enhanced attention and support to our co curricular, extracurricular and athletic programs K-12. In addition, Mr. Bertram will provide mentoring to new or novice athletic coaches.”
Mr. Bertram will begin employment with the District on July 18, 2022. To reach David Bertram, please contact the Main Office in the Jr./Sr. High School or email him at david.bertram@fortplain.org.
Media coverage:
Daily Gazette: Bertram takes over as Fort Plain athletic director; served at Mohonasen for 2 years
Congrats 6th grade graduates from the Harry Hoag Team!
Harry Hoag School celebrated sixth grade graduation on Friday, June 24, marking a milestone in the lives of the students, their families and school staff, faculty and leadership. These students will be missed!
“On behalf of the entire Harry Hoag team, congratulations to our graduating sixth grade students,” said Lauren Crisman, Elementary Principal and incoming Superintendent. “I have enjoyed greeting these young students every morning for many years. Harry Hoag will not be the same without them, but I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“Their diverse range of interests has favorably impacted the climate and culture of Harry Hoag. Several students were involved in organizing seasonal food drives to support our local food pantry,” she said. “Others worked to support the Student Council in purchasing the buddy bench to promote friendship and kindness at recess.
“Many students participated in the Team Tech elective and helped to publish our school newspaper monthly. I’m going to miss reading about our school from their perspectives. And I’m not quite sure where I will now fulfill my ‘random facts’ quota without more to read from these authors.
“On top of all of their Good Samaritan work, they collectively exceeded our expectations with learning,” Crisman said. “This group maintained excellent grade point averages in their core classes as evidenced by the significant amount of Principal’s List and Honor Roll awards that were printed after each marking period ended.
“Congratulations from the Harry Hoag team!”
View more photos on Facebook
Message from Mrs. Crisman to 6th grade families
Dear Sixth Grade Families,
On Friday, June 24th, at 8:30 a.m., Harry Hoag will celebrate the Sixth Graders in a Moving Up Ceremony. This culminating event will include student recognition and fond farewell remarks. We welcome families to attend the ceremony. Sixth Graders will have the option to leave school after the ceremony with a parent/guardian, or they can remain on campus until 10:00 a.m. to take the bus home.
I must share with you that I have mixed feelings about this event. On one hand, I’m excited to advance this exceptional group of students to the Jr./Sr. High School. They have demonstrated time and time again that collectively, they are responsible, respectful and highly motivated. Thus, they are ready to transition to the secondary building. On the other hand, selfishly, I will miss seeing their faces and enjoying their wonderful personalities every day.
Details:
Moving Up Ceremony, June 25th at 8:30 a.m. in the Harry Hoag Gym
*Guests may plan to arrive anytime after 8:10 a.m.
I am truly happy to have been a part of their learning journey thus far and I look forward to supporting their continued growth in my new role as the Superintendent of Schools.
Proud to be your Principal,
Mrs. Crisman
End of year activities and schedule for Harry Hoag School
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Here we are at the beginning of June with only one month of school left until summer vacation.
I am always surprised at how fast the school year passes by. Our students came back in September ready to soak up all that we had to offer. They had an appetite for normalcy and eagerness to engage in active learning. I have enjoyed watching each student mature throughout the year. I’d like to thank the amazing teachers for providing our students with meaningful experiences. Learning does not end when the school year ends. I hope you find time as families to explore nature, read a good book and enjoy fun summer adventures.
Upcoming Events:
- Harry Hoag Field Day is scheduled for June 10th (Rain date of June 17th).
- The Prekindergarten Moving Up Ceremony is scheduled for June 23rd at 8:30 am. (This is the last day of school for Pre-k.)
- The Grade 6 Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for June 24th at 8:30 am.
- Moving Up Day for Grades K-5 and the last day of school is also on June 24th.
* In addition, over the next few weeks, many classrooms have planned to do some special culminating activities.
Final week schedule:
- Monday, 6/20, Juneteenth, No School
- Tuesday, 6/21, Full Day of School
- Wednesday- Thursday, 6/22-6/23, 11:30 am Dismissal
- Friday, 6/24, 10:00 am Dismissal
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. I thank you for your ongoing support of the Fort Plain Central School District.
Be well today and always,
Mrs. Crisman
Grade 4 Fables project teaches many skills, shares lessons
Every picture might tell a story, but a fable teaches a life lesson – and presenting it showcases many skills. Harry Hoag fourth graders capped off their study of traditional literature by developing a readers’ theatre production to demonstrate their comprehension of the fables genre.
Fables feature talking animals who tell a story that teaches a life lesson, and the fables project provides a great opportunity for students to work together.
After learning about different fables and their morals, the students worked as a group to write a screenplay, create and decorate a colorful set, and build puppets and props. They then performed their fables live, in front of their classmates and teachers.
Their presentations were very impressive. View their video and learn the moral of their stories!