Category: Archive
Merger Feasibility Study update, upcoming “straw vote” set
Dear Community Members,
At the Jan. 16, 2025 joint Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Board of Education Meeting, action was taken to continue to seek community input regarding a potential school merger.
Both communities will now hold a non-binding Straw Vote on March 6, 2025 to learn if there is community support for a merger.
Additional details will be forthcoming about the time and location for voting.
Learn more about the Merger Feasibility Study at upcoming forums
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to participate in one of several community forums to learn more about the recent Feasibility Study and the proposed school merger. Your voices are critical in shaping the direction of this important decision. At the forums you will be able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in our two communities.
Forum dates and locations
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Fort Plain/Harry Hoag Elementary School Cafeteria
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Cafeteria
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting
Join the virtual meeting at this link.
During these forums, you will:
- Learn about potential opportunities and advantages a merger could provide for students.
- Understand the challenges facing both school districts.
- Be able to ask questions.
We encourage everyone — parents, students, teachers, staff and community members — to attend one of the forums.
Join the conversation about the Merger Feasibility Study
We have launched a final ThoughtExchange to learn more about the community reactions to the Feasibility Study and the potential merger.
Please follow this link to participate in the ThoughtExchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/745964927
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Merger Feasibility Study report and resources
During 2024, Fort Plain CSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district, as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
Local school teams in collaboration with the consultants for the study carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records, and student performance and program data.
Using that data, the consultants compiled a comprehensive report that is now available for review.
Join our team: Fort Plain CSD is hiring
Good schools make good communities—and are great places to work. Join our awesome Fort Plain CSD team!
Fort Plain Central School District is hiring:
Instructional
Non-Instructional
Questions? Please contact the District Office at 518-993-4000, ext. 1000.
Visit our employment page to learn more about working for the Fort Plain Central School District.
New Year greetings and Feasibility Study updates
A joint board meeting on Jan. 16, 2025 offers the community the chance to learn about the findings of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain Merger Feasibility Study. Learn more in this letter to the community from Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman:
Dear Fort Plain Families and Community Members,
Happy 2025! I trust this letter finds you well. As we enter into the new year, I am excited at the prospect of what lies ahead. This is a time period where we can embrace a sense of possibilities and set intentions for the future.
2025-26 school budget-making process begins
Throughout January, several important activities will occur in our district. As is tradition, we will begin planning the school budget for the 2025-26 school year. That process involves assessing the district’s revenues and expenditures as related to staffing, materials and equipment. In addition, we review our needs and determine budget priorities that will best support our mission of preparing every student for success beyond graduation.
Feasibility Study updates
As many well know, this year FPCSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
The local school teams in collaboration with the consultants have carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records and student performance and program data. Using that data, the consultants have compiled a comprehensive report. The Boards of Education for both districts and the community will now have a chance to review the contents of the study.
View the resources related to the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Merger Feasibility Study.
Learn about the Feasibility Study findings – Jan. 16
There will be a joint meeting of the school boards on Jan. 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Auditorium where the consultants will present their findings. I invite you to attend this meeting, which is open to all interested members of the public.
Thank you for your continued support. Take good care!
Sincerely,
Lauren Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Asian Lunar New Year school holiday – Jan. 29
In September 2024, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law declaring the Asian Lunar New Year a public school holiday statewide. The legislation requires that all public schools close for the Asian Lunar New Year holiday, which is a winter holiday for the Asian community.
This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, and public schools in New York including Fort Plain CSD will be closed to observe it.
Asian Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is regarded as the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. Those who celebrate consider it the time of the year to reunite with family.
Happy New Year! School resumes Jan. 2
Happy New Year! We are wishing you and your family a happy and peaceful start to 2025.
A reminder: school resumes on Thursday, Jan. 2. 2025.
We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school later this week!
January 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-k through high school.
Fat-free and low-fat white and chocolate milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
January 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Harry Hoag Elementary—Breakfast | Lunch
Jr./Sr. High School—Breakfast | Lunch
Pre-K
Breakfast
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 3 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 6 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – French Toast, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Pancake Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 10 – Blueberry Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 13 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Waffle Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –Cheese Omelet, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 17 – Trix Bar or Cinnamon, Toast Crunch Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Egg & Sausage Patties, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 24 – Fruit Loops Waffle, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 27 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Pancakes
Assorted Fruit Choice
100% Fruit Juice
Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Egg & Sausage Patties, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 31 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Lunch
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 3 – Popcorn Chicken, Cornbread, Carrots & Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 6 – Macaroni & Cheese, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Hot Dog, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Chicken Patty on a Bun, Sweet Potato Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Meatballs with Sauce, Dinner Roll, Tossed Salad & Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 10 – Hot Turkey Sandwich, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 13 – Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Broccoli & Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Taco Salad, Rice, Vegetarian Beans & Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –PB & J or Ham Sandwch, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Cheeseburger, Potato Smiles & Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 17 – Breakfast4Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Scrambled Eggs, Applesauce, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Ham or Tuna Bun, Celery Sticks w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 24 – Fast Food Day: McRibb BBQ on Bun, Shoestring Fries, Corn & Fruit, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Jan. 27 – Taco Bites, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Hoisin Pork, Fried Rice, Oriental Veggie Blend, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Jan. 31 – French Bread Pizza, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Elementary
Breakfast
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Cereal and Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 3 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 6 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – French Toast, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Pancake Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 10 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 13 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 17 – Trix Bar or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Cereal and Poptart, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 24 – Fruit Loops Waffle, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 27 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Pancakes Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Egg Patty, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 31 – Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 3 – Popcorn Chicken, Cornbread, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 6 – Macaroni & Cheese, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice, Dessert
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Hot Dog, Corn Chips, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Chicken Patty on a Bun, Sweet Potato Tots, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Meatballs with Sauce, Breaded Mozzarella Sticks, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 10 – Hot Turkey Sandwich, Curly Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 13 – Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Taco Salad, Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –PB & J or Ham Sandwch, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Cheeseburger, Potato Smiles, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 17 – Breakfast4Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Applesauce & Juice
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Cheese Dog, Soft Pretzel, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Ham or Tuna Bun, Baked Lays, Celery Sticks w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 24 – Fast Food Day: McRibb BBQ on Bun, Shoestring Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 27 – Taco Bites, Nacho Chips, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Hoisin Pork, Fried Rice, Oriental Veggie Blend, Assorted Fruit Choice, Fortune Cookie
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 31 – French Bread Pizza, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Dessert
High School
Breakfast
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Cereal and Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 3 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 6 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – French Toast, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Bacon, Egg and Cheese, Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted, Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Pancake Stick or Breakfast Tornado, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 10 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 13 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Pancakes, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 17 – Trix Bar or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Cereal or Poptart or Yogurt with Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Cereal or Poptart or Yogurt with Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Cereal or Poptart or Yogurt with Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 24 – Cereal or Poptart or Yogurt with Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, Jan. 27 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, Jan. 31 – Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Thursday, Jan. 2 – Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Salsa Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 3 – Popcorn Chicken, Cornbread, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Jan. 6 – Pasta with Sauce, Pizza Crunchers, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Double Hot Dogs, Chili, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cookie
Wednesday, Jan. 8 –Chicken Patty on a Bun, Vegetable Soup, Saltines, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 9 – Meatball Sub Sandwich, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cake
Friday, Jan. 10 – Hot Turkey Sandwich, Curly Fries, Corn, Fruit Crisp
Monday, Jan. 13 – Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Taco Salad, Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 15 –Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, Jan. 16 – Chicken Parm on a Bun, Tater Tots, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 17 – Breakfast4Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Applesauce & Juice
Monday, Jan. 20 – No School – Observed Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Cheeseburger, Chips/Cheetos/Crackers, Misc. Vegetable, Misc. Fruit
Wednesday, Jan. 22 –Hot Dog on a Bun, Chips/Cheetos/Crackers, Misc. Vegetable, Misc. Fruit
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips/Cheetos/Popcorn, Misc. Vegetable, Misc. Fruit
Friday, Jan. 24 – Misc Lunch Entrees, Chips/Cheetos/Popcorn, Misc. Vegetable, Misc. Fruit
Monday, Jan. 27 – Chicken Tenders, Biscuit, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Grilled Chicken Deluxe, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Celery Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Jan. 29 –No School – Observed Holiday
Thursday, Jan. 30 – Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham & Cheese, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Jan. 31 – Pizza, Chicken Wings, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thank you for your service, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Nicholas Comproski
Please join us in wishing Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Nicholas Comproski success with his future. He recently finished his Doctorate degree and has decided to pursue other opportunities.
Dr. Comproski has served as the principal of the Jr./Sr. High School since the start of this school year. His resignation, effective as of Dec. 31, 2024 was approved by the Board of Education at its Dec. 12, 2024 meeting.
“I have learned an incredible amount in the time I have spent in Fort Plain, particularly about what makes this community so special and about the unique needs of a small and rural school district,” said Dr. Comproski. “The school community welcomed me with open arms. I am grateful for this kindness, for the trust you have shown for my leadership and for the chance to grow as a professional in this role with the district.”
Next steps
Starting on Jan. 2, 2025, Mrs. Katrina Canallatos, the current Director of Special Education, will become Acting Principal of the Jr./Sr. High School and will assume the duties associated with that position.
“Mrs. Canallatos has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and high level of integrity, and she has deep knowledge of our internal systems,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “I am confident that she can seamlessly continue to help FPCSD thrive during this time of transition. With the support of our faculty, staff and other leaders, we will remain focused on supporting learning, achievement and overall well-being.”
For questions, please contact Superintendent Lauren Crisman at 518-993-4000 ext.1000.
Fired up for learning!
Students explore the skilled trades with new high school offerings.
While traditional classroom instruction has its place, hands-on learning helps lessons come to life.
This is especially true for learners who have a passion for the skilled trades—pursuits such as construction, culinary arts, carpentry, plumbing, welding and more.
In the past, students with such a drive had to wait until their junior or senior year of high school to begin this sort of learning. Educational partners such as HFM BOCES’ Career & Technical Education program has been, and remains, key to this.
Increasingly, though, more of our students enter high school knowing how they want to learn and where they want to go career-wise.They aren’t content to wait until their required high school coursework is well-underway to start learning about what interests them most.
At the start of this school year, and in response to our students’ request, the high school launched its first “technology pathway.” Centered around a welding curriculum, classes include a range of electives—from stick, MIG and TIG welding to Computer Assisted Design (CAD)—and offer students a chance to take the “deep dive” they know is right for them as soon as they enter high school.
Students who successfully complete the technology pathway now offered at Fort Plain, along with other core subjects, can earn their diploma with an added technical endorsement.
Students will also be able to use this type of career and technical education pathway to demonstrate mastery of their high school coursework and earn their diploma under the new graduation measures being developed by the state.
The path to the pathway
“Many years ago, we began offering electives aimed mostly at students who had pre-engineering leanings and were likely to pursue this sort of coursework in college,” explained high school technology teacher Kreig Heroth. “While this has been an important way to inspire these students, we knew we were missing out by not offering courses that could bring in students who have more of a bent toward the skilled trades.”
The addition of a second technology teacher this school year, and upgrades to both the technology and welding classrooms at the high school, have allowed the district to offer students an expanded “package” of electives. This includes an early introduction to technology for all seventh and eighth graders with the opportunity for students to take electives beginning in ninth grade for a full experience with the design, creation and building that go into a career such as welding.
“Some of the students are hands-on learners and all they want to do is weld, so they might not naturally gravitate to a class like CAD or Design and Drawing for Production,” Heroth continued. “Over the years, there has been an evolution in technology education. We want to give them a range of experiences and help them build all the skills they need to pursue their passion.”
“This has been a way to expand our students’ career and technical education learning right in our schools,” added Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “We want to ensure our learners have as many opportunities as possible to gain the skills they tell us they want and we know they will need to be successful in the future.”
Both Crisman and Heroth note that there is already a high level of interest for this elective pathway and indications that it will grow even more in the coming years, given the demand for skilled welders in the workforce.
The goal is to continue to expand this offering with new courses and work toward partnerships with area businesses that will allow students to network, take part in apprenticeships and learn on the job.
Following their passions
Seniors Ace Roy and Gabby Calhoun are both taking full advantage of these new electives. And while they have different career goals, both say what they are learning is sure to help them on their paths.
Ace Roy, who is interested in welding as a profession, says this experience is giving him a leg up on learning.
“These classes are teaching me a lot of handy skills I am sure I will be using as a welder and throughout my life. It is good to know how to make things and to do it myself. And, if I can get paid for doing what I love, all the better!”
For Gabby Calhoun, the classes have offered her the chance to try something new and learn more about what interests her.
“I didn’t even know welding was a thing before I took these classes, but thought this would be something new to try.”
She recommends that other students give it a try, too.
“The sparks might scare you at first, but it is a great way to find out if it’s something you might want to learn more about.”
While Gabby intends to study veterinary and animal science after graduation, she is already putting the skills she is learning to good use.
“My family owns a trucking business and others work in construction. I have already been helping out with the skills I have learned.”
Seasonal events and feasibility study update: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain Community,
As the holiday season approaches, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the joy this time of year brings!
Seasonal activities and events
- Winter athletic competitions are well underway. View the schedule of events at the Athletics page of our website)
- The PTA will host a Donuts & Drawing event on Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
- The annual Grade 5-12 Winter Concert is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 6 pm in the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.
Rumor has it, a special guest from the North Pole will visit the Morning Program to say hello to our littlest learners sometime this month, too.
We hope you can join us for these wonderful seasonal events!
Feasibility Study update
As many of you already know, the district chose to engage in a Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger with Canajoharie CSD. Over the course of the next two months, the study will conclude and the Boards of Education will make a determination regarding next steps.
Upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Feasibility Study
- Dec. 12, 2024 – Final Advisory Committee meeting, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. Committee members will be touring the facilities prior to the meeting.
- Jan. 16, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. The Feasibility Study consultants are scheduled to present a final report to both boards at this meeting and discuss their findings.
- Jan. 22, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Fort Plain CSD. At this meeting, the Boards will take part in an open discussion of the study recommendations and determine the next steps.
Community members, students, staff and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings.
View resources related to the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Merger Feasibility Study.
In closing, should you have any comments or questions about the Feasibility Study, the future actions of the Board or school organization, please feel free to contact me directly at lauren.crisman@fortplain.org or 518-993-4000, ext. 1000
Wishing each of you a wonderful season of merriment!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools