Communication & Engagement

The district is committed to establishing and maintaining regular channels of communication and has reviewed and determined which methods have proven to be the most effective in communications with our school community. The district will use the alert banner on its website to communicate news, requirements and updates related to reopening of school. 

Parents and guardians should complete and return the emergency contact forms that are mailed to homes to ensure the school district can reach them with important information. They should contact the main office of their child’s school any time their contact information is updated. 

• Harry Hoag Elementary School 518-993-4000 ext. #3059
• Fort Plain Jr./Sr High School 518-993-4000, ext. #2124

In support of remote learning, the district will make computer devices available to students and teachers who need them.   The district will provide students and their families with multiple ways to contact schools and teachers during remote learning.  The district has adopted Google Classroom as a primary platform for students/families to access instructional materials and lessons.  The district has also adopted Gmail as a universal communication system for both students & teachers.  

Based on the feedback from parent and teacher surveys, the district will also be adopting a web-based application called “Parent Square” in order to systematize our communication procedures. Parent Square will replace the district’s use of the text-based platform “Remind.” Parents and guardians will receive more information about this new system prior to the start of the school year. The district will phase out Remind during the transition.

Parent Square unifies all communication tools from the classroom to the district level, featuring texts, emails and a mobile app to reach families in their preferred method. 

The district will use internal/external communications channels to notify staff, students and families/caregivers about in-person, remote and hybrid school schedules with as much advance notice as possible.  The framework for instructional schedules will be posted on the school website once they are available.  The district will follow its existing engagement and communication protocols with parents regarding the provision of special education services for their children.

A parent forum will be scheduled once the governor makes his announcement about opening schools in September. The district will answer questions collected from parents in the reopening survey that was sent in July.