Category: Jr./Sr. High News
SADD chapter holds Red Ribbon Week event
Fort Plain SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the Montgomery County Cares Coalition, held an event at the high school on Oct. 28 in recognition of Red Ribbon Week.
Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to wear red to school to show support for the cause. During lunch, hundreds of students chose to take the pledge to “grow up safe, healthy, and drug free.”
Students learned more about the dangers of drug use and abuse by playing a trivia game and got to walk away with pencils, bracelets and lollipops that sported the “Live Drug Free” logo.
An unforgettable “Aladdin” experience, thanks to Arts in Education
Twenty students in Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School’s OK2XL program visited Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady on Oct. 19 to see the Broadway musical “Disney’s Aladdin,” a trip made possible through the Arts in Education program.
The production was a hit with the students. “I was highly impressed by the beauty of the set and the costumes,” Taylor Potter said. “The cast was very talented and perfect for their characters. I recommend it to anyone to see ‘Aladdin’.”
“As for my experience at Proctor’s ‘Aladdin’, it was the most magical performance I had seen at the theatre,” Natalie Thibodeau said. “I had a wonderful time with my friends while seeing the play, and it was a school trip experience that was unforgettable.”
According to Proctors.org, “The timeless story of Aladdin, [is told in] a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.”
According to Proctors, reviews have described the show as ‘Pure Genie-Us,’ Fabulous’ and ‘Extravagant’.
Welcome new faculty and staff
Fort Plain Central School welcomes new faculty and staff to our campuses this school year. Some started in their new positions with the district during the summer, while others came aboard this month.
Welcome to:
- Amanda Battisti, food service
- David Bertram, director of student engagement and athletics
- Dalton Burrello, music
- Lisa Clement-Adams, speech language pathologist
- Elliott Cohen, school counselor
- Carol Connelly, special education
- Jodi Coppolo, Pre K-6 principal
- Lauren Crisman, superintendent of schools
- Madison Crouse, long term substitute
- Colleen Cushing, new position: K-12 mental health counselor
- Emma DiDonna, English
- Abigail Gorinshek, Grade 5
- Andrew Hanifin, long term substitute
- Jessica Hecht, aide
- Matthew Holden, English
- Heather Hubbard, special education
- Lisa Lamphere, bus driver
- Rusty Mento, bus driver
- Jamie MacDougall, RN, elementary nurse
- Courtney Momberger, special education
- McKay Nare, physical education
- Sonja Purinton, special education
- Charles Schermerhorn, cleaner
- Kelly Thomas, aide
- Adam Wilson, math
All were recognized at the Sept. 1 Superintendent’s Conference Day, along with current faculty and staff, including many who have served the district for decades and continue to do so this school year.
Thank you to all!
Meals are still free for ALL Fort Plain Central School District students
Due to the district’s community eligibility status, all students in grades Pre-K through 12 will still receive free breakfast and lunch in Fort Plain Central Schools.
No forms are needed. To eat for free, students simply come through the cafeteria line.
COVID-19 Update
Fort Plain Central School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022). In our schools:
- As with any infectious illness, students or staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.
- Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
- Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving.
- COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever (temperature of greater than 100.0° F in the last 14 days)
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Testing is recommended for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms as soon as possible after those symptoms begin. Free COVID-19 test kits continue to be available in our schools, and may be picked up in the main entryway kiosks in the elementary and high schools during school hours.
- Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance. It is recommended that those exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get tested as soon as they show symptoms or at least 5 days after close contact, regardless of their vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection.
- Mask use continues to be optional in our school buildings and buses for students and staff; those choosing to wear a mask are welcome to do so. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or when ill with COVID-19.
- COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
- To prevent the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19, regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), are strongly encouraged.
- Our district also will continue to follow regular health and safety measures including cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, offices, common spaces and high-touch surfaces.
If COVID-19 guidelines change, we will notify FPCSD families and staff as soon as possible via ParentSquare and our website.
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
FPHS students are state youth leaders in promoting health & preventing illness
It wasn’t a mountain they climbed, but the goal was just as impressive when FPHS students Trinity Belliveau, Kassidee Dodson and Kaitlyn Dodson summited at Keuka College to promote health and prevent illness.
They took part in the New York State Youth Summit Aug. 1-4 as members of the Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities (ATFC) of Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Counties Reality Check program.
Trinity, Kassidee and Kaitlyn joined with fellow youth leaders from across the state at the engaging and educational summit, which culminated in a community activism event anchored by the message, “We Have Seen Enough Tobacco!”
“It was inspirational to see all the work the older youth have done,” Trinity said about the summit.
“The Youth Summit provides an opportunity for Reality Check youth leaders to come together to learn, plan and connect,” said ATFC Coordinator for Catholic Charities Grace Dawson. “Trinity, Kassidee and Kaitlyn were among almost 200 teens and adults who worked together for a healthier New York State at this incredibly impactful event. These youth leaders take what they experience home with them, to plan for similar actions in their own communities.”
Dawson accompanied the students at the summit along with Reality Check Coordinator Monica Tirado, and Luann Santabarbara, Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties substance abuse prevention counselor and Reality Check coordinator, who is based at Fort Plain High School.
Trinity and Kassidee are 8th grade students at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, and Kaitlyn is in 11th grade. Their participation in the summit was funded by a Reality Check program grant.
View more photos in our Facebook album
Fall 2022 sports practice schedules – Updated
Attention Hilltopper student-athletes: Initial fall 2022 sports practice schedules are as follows:
Football
Aug. 20 from 8-11 a.m.
Equipment pick up will be on August 18th at 3:30 p.m.
Modified Football
Aug. 25 from 8-10 a.m. Students should meet in the Nellis locker room.
Equipment pick up is Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or Aug. 23 from 10-11 a.m.
Boys Varsity Soccer
Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Sports Complex, then
Rest of week: 4-6 p.m.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Aug. 22 at 8 a.m. at the Sports Complex
Additional practice dates/times will be announced at the first practice.
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Aug. 22 from 5-7 p.m. at FP High School
Additional practice dates/times will be announced at the first practice.
Girls JV Volleyball
Aug. 22 from 8-10 a.m. at FP High School
Additional practice dates/times will be announced at the first practice.
Girls Modified Volleyball
Aug. 29, 30, 31 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Harry Hoag School
Sept. 1 from 3:15-5 p.m. at Harry Hoag School
Girls Modified Soccer
Aug. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at FP High School
Additional practice dates/times will be announced at the first practice.
Boys Modified Soccer
Aug. 29, 30, 31, Sept. 2 from 9-11 a.m. at the Sports Complex
Sept. 1 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Sports Complex
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
2021-22 Fort Plain Central School Athletic Awards
Fort Plain honored the achievements of the district’s student-athletes on June 14 at the 2021-22 Fort Plain Central School Athletic Awards ceremony. Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee gave the welcome address and opening remarks for the ceremony, which was held in the high school auditorium.
Congratulations to all of our Athletic Award recipients.
NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence
Fort Plain Central School has qualified as a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence for having 15 of its 16 2021-22 varsity teams achieve at least a 90% average and named Scholar-Athlete teams. The teams include golf, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, cheerleading, girls bowling, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, swimming, baseball, and boys and girls track & field. There was no varsity softball team this year.
Fall Season Awards
Cross Country
Most Valuable Girl Runners: Emma Karker, Fort Plain; Olivia Schaffer, Canajoharie
Most Valuable Boy Runners: Kurt Sunderland & Michael Harris Jr., Canajoharie
Most Improved Runner: Sam Robinson, Canajoharie
Fort Plain Central School Board Of Education 2nd Effort Awards: Natalie Thibodeau & Dustin Welch
WAC All-Stars: Olivia Schaffer, Emma Karker, Natalie Thibodeau, Kurt Sunderland
3rd at Class D Sectionals & 13th at Class D State Meet – 2nd Team – All-State: Olivia Schaffer
Golf
WAC 1st Team All-Stars: Austin Van Gorder, Girls – Jordan Brown
2nd Team All-Stars: Owin Landry, Seth Rivkowich
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Jordan Brown
Most Valuable Golfer: Austin Van Gorder
Coaches Award: Owin Landry
Most Improved Girl: Shantel Kretser
Most Improved Boy: Seth Rivkowich
Girls Soccer
WAC Section 2 and Mohawk Division All-Stars – 1st Team: Erin Crouse
2nd Team: Emma Oldick
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Madeline Heroth
D’Arcangelis Super-Sub Award: Rylee Herron
Boys Soccer
WAC Mohawk Division All-Stars – 1st Team: Robert Jordan
2nd Team: Clayton Welch & Stephen Gray
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Nalzon Henry
D’Arcangelis Super-Sub Award: Noah Horning
Volleyball
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Vivian Nunez
Football
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Noah Norton
Winter Season Awards
Wrestling
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Alex Smith
State Champion – Division II – 172 lbs.: Reed Douglas, Canajoharie
Bowling
WAC Co-Most Valuable Bowler: Anthony Paradiso
WAC 2nd Team All-Stars: Emma Oldick & Ian Zuppardi
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Awards: Shantel Kretser & Ian Zuppardi
Most Valuable Bowlers: Emma Oldick & Anthony Paradiso
Most Improved Bowlers: Kaedance David & Dustin Welch
6th Man/Woman Award: Autumn Nichols & Jed Douglas
Swimming
Board Of Education Award: Tucker Jones
Coaches Award: Tucker Jones
Girls Basketball
WAC 2nd Team Mohawk Division All-Star: Erin Crouse
Section 2 Girls Basketball Scholar-Athlete Award: Erin Crouse
Team’s Most Valuable Player: Erin Crouse
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Ryleigh Hart
D’Arcangelis Super-Sub Award: Ashlynn Hart
Defensive Player of the Year: Sarah Florian
Rebounder of the Year: Erin Crouse (15 rb/game)
Rookie of the Year: Ashlynn Hart
P.R.I.D.E. Award: Sarah Florian
Boys Basketball
WAC Co-Most Valuable Players – Mohawk Division: Robert Jordan & Levi
Thomas
WAC 1st Team Mohawk Division All-Star: Clayton Welch
WAC Mohawk Division – Honorable Mention: Stephen Gray & Austin Van Gorder
Second Team All-State – Class C, Section 2 Class C All-Star and Times Union Newspaper Small School All-Star: Robert Jordan
Honorable Mention All-State Class C, Section 2 Class C All-Star, Times Union Newspaper Small School Honorable Mention: Levi Thomas
Board of Education 2nd Effort Award: Cameron David
D’Arcangelis Super-Sub Award: Estee Smith
Cheerleading
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Sadie Kersey
Spring Season Awards
Baseball
WAC All-Stars: Austin Van Gorder, Nalzon Henry & Griffin MaGinnis
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Award: Nalzon Henry
D’Arcangelis Super-Sub Award: Rich Paddon
Bo Baker Batting Average Award: Austin Van Gorder
Rich Bower Baseball Award: Griffin MaGinnis
Cy Young Award – Lowest ERA: Austin Van Gorder
Fox Hole Award: Stephen Gray
Track & Field
Board Of Education 2nd Effort Awards: Monika Kulczynski & Estee
Smith
Outstanding Girl & Boy Track Athlete: Natalie Thibodeau & Isaiah Handy (OESJ)
Outstanding Girl & Boys Field Athlete: Sarah Florian & Noah Norton
Outstanding Girl & Boy Track & Field Athlete: Jordan DeNinno (OESJ) & Clayton Welch
Note: Fort Plain had JV and Modified Softball this year – No Varsity Softball Awards
Memorial and Special Awards:
Western Athletic Conference “Dick Gray Profiles in Courage” Award:
Natalie Thibodeau
Bill Cutspec Memorial Scholarships: Erin Crouse & Owin Landry
Bo Baker Memorial Scholarship: Noah Horning
Noah Fredericks Memorial Senior Track Awards: Emma Karker & Estee Smith
Rich Bower Cross Country & Track Awards: Emma Karker & Michael Harris Jr.
Board Of Education Underclassman Awards: Ryleigh Hart & Stephen Gray
Board Of Education Senior Sportsmanship Awards: Emma Karker & Tucker Jones
Most Improved Athletes: Erin Crouse & Levi Thomas
William Doerrer & Son Outstanding Senior Athletes: Sarah Florian, Robert Jordan & Clayton Welch
Media coverage
Leader-Herald: “Fort Plain, A Scholar Athlete School of Excellence Hosts Sports Awards Ceremony”