Category: Archive
Season’s greetings and bright futures: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Season’s greetings families, faculty and friends of Fort Plain CSD!
Where does the time go! As we rapidly approach the end of 2023, it is important that we take a moment to appreciate the things we hold most dear.
For me, working as part of the FPCSD team will always be one of the things that I am most grateful for. This community continues to show unwavering support for its youth and the school system. Throughout the fall, it was wonderful to see our campus buzzing with community and parent engagement at so many school events, from fall sporting competitions and Open Houses to the annual Halloween Parade. These events were so much fun and your presence and partnership are appreciated!
The changing of the year invites us to think deeply about goals for the future. Goal setting is fundamental in achieving success.
Capital Improvement Project aimed at addressing essential needs
On Wednesday, Dec.13, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. This project was designed with two important district goals in mind; to address maintenance issues in all of the facilities and to enhance student learning spaces. An enduring Board of Education goal is to ensure the responsible use of fiscal resources. The proposed project takes advantage of the district’s current high building aid ratio to address the necessary repairs. If approved, the project will have no impact on the school tax levy, nor be an additional cost to taxpayers.
Conversation on possible consolidation study
Additionally, as we think of the future and our core fundamental purpose of preparing students for success beyond graduation, our Board of Education has agreed to meet with the Canajoharie Central School District’s board to consider engaging in a comprehensive consolidation (merger) study. Typically, consolidation (merger) studies take nine to twelve months to complete.
FPCSD continues to face many of the same challenges impacting other rural communities such as recruiting and retaining certified educators, finding coaches and advisors to maintain student enrichment options and acquiring skilled labor employees. Community-based organizations that provide such needed services as childcare and mental health supports continue to be sparse, as well. A consolidation study would allow both school communities to comprehensively assess the advantages and disadvantages associated with combining school services.
Some may ask why we would plan a Capital Improvement Project if we are considering a consolidation. While our board has agreed to have a conversation soon about the potential of consolidation, any action that may be taken to combine the two districts’ programs would be years away. In the meantime, our facilities will require maintenance in order to best serve our students and the many other youth and community groups such as Boy Scouts, Summer Rec and Biddy Basketball that utilize our campus for their activities. The Capital Improvement Project that will be voted on Dec. 13, 2023 was prepared with the entire community’s needs in mind so, whether a consolidation is agreed to or not, the campus structures will remain a great value and service to all.
With gratitude
Heading into the winter, be sure to stay informed of school happenings by visiting our website and joining our social media groups. We remain dedicated to sharing stories of our students’ achievement, growth and advancement.
As the time to say goodbye to another year nears, I encourage you to reach out to those who’ve made a difference in your life and express your gratitude for them. “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
From my family to yours, wishing you each a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
Fondly,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
American Rescue Plan funds benefit every learner
The American Rescue Plan, signed into law in March 2021, provided $350 billion in funding for state and local governments to build an equitable economic recovery from the devastating economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the nearly $9 billion allocated for New York state, Fort Plain CSD has received $4,235,088 in American Rescue Plan relief funding over the past three years. The district has used the funding strategically and in alignment with the guidance issued from the New York Education Department to coordinate COVID-19 mitigation efforts and to address learning loss and the inequities experienced by low income families. View Fort Plain CSD’s American Rescue Fund Plan.
Along with safely returning students to in-person instruction as of Fall 2021, the American Rescue Plan funding has provided us with the financial means to:
- Recruit and hire a second School Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor. Supporting the social and emotional wellness for all school community members was a stated goal of our plan and aligns with one of the district’s enduring goals. The district has developed long range plans to be able to financially sustain the new positions, ensuring this continued social and emotional learning and support in our schools.
- Expand programming that benefits all. While the district has traditionally offered summer learning programs, the American Rescue Plan funding allowed us to expand programming this summer to offer a math and literacy camp, Hilltopper Athletic Camp, technology camps at both the elementary and the secondary levels, a Middle School Intervention Program and a Credit Recovery Program.
- Mitigate the damages incurred by the national shutdown. Many grades were unable to fund raise during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving them with the thought that long time traditions, such as year-end trips and celebrations, would have to be canceled. In the past two years, the district has paid for the transportation for the Senior Trip, thus significantly decreasing the personal cost of the trip for all seniors who wanted to participate. Recognizing the negative impact social distancing and living in isolation had for so many of our learners, the district also added funding to each grade level to bolster options for field trips options for all.
- Make improvements to our facilities to improve the school experience for our students, including renovations to the Technology Lab in the Jr./Sr. High School and to the Fitness Center and Athletic Complex.
As the district plans for the future, we continue to think about the best ways we can promote the development of the skills and knowledge that will best prepare our students for success… now and beyond graduation. While classroom learning is one important route toward this goal, we place equal value on offering enriching experiences that will help our students explore and grow their personal interests and aspirations, and foster pride in being a Topper.
The feedback gathered from formal and, more casually, in one-on-one conversations with our students, staff and others in our Fort Plain community have helped and continue to inform the set of enduring goals we use each day to guide us. View the full list of district goals for 2023-24.
We thank you for your continued support, suggestions and the trust you place in us as educators!
December 2023 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-k through high school.
Plain or chocolate fat-free and low-fat milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
December 2023 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
Friday, Dec. 1 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 4 – Blueberry Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Egg Patty, 1/2 Bagel with margarine, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Cereal, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 8 – Egg Patty, Croissant w/margarine, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 11 – Corn Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Cereal, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Bagel w/margarine, cream cheese, jelly, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 15 – Egg Patty, Biscuit w/margarine, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 18 – Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese Filling, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Pancakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
lunch
Friday, Dec. 1 – Breakfast for Lunch! Scrambled Eggs, Cinnamon Pretzel, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Dec. 4 – Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Pizza Stick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Celebrate Pears! Turkey Club Sandwich, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Pear Halves w/cream, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Dinner Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Dec. 8 – Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Dec. 11 – Have a Bagel Day!, Ham & Cheese Bagel, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – National Ambrosia Day! Pizza Burger, Mixed Vegetables, Ambrosia Fruit Salad, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Celebrate Pears! Hot Dog on a Bun, Vegetarian Beans, Pear Crisp, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Biscuits & Gravy Day! Chicken & Biscuits, Tossed Salad, Cranberry Sauce, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Dec. 15 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, Dec. 18 – Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Chicken Patty w/bun, Celery & Carrot Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Celebrate Pears! Spaghetti & Meatballs, Cooked Carrots, Diced Pears, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Asian Chicken, Fried Rice, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
Harry Hoag Elementary
BREAKFAST
Friday, Dec. 1 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 4 – Breakfast Breads, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Egg Patty, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Cereal, Graham Crackers, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 8 – Bacon & Egg Croissant Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 11 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Cheese Omelet, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Cinni-Minis, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Bagel w/margarine, cream cheese, jelly, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 15 – Sausage & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 18 – Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese Filling, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Pancakes & Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Cereal, Graham Crackers, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
lunch
Friday, Dec. 1 – Breakfast for Lunch! Eggs & Bacon, Cinnamon Pretzel, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 4 – National Cookie Day! Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Chocolate Cookie
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Pizza Stick, Bowties w/sauce, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Celebrate Pears! Turkey Club Sandwich, Vegetable Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Pear Halves w/cream
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Dinner Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Dec. 8 – Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 11 – Have a Bagel Day! Ham & Cheese Bagel, Chicken Noodle Soup, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – National Ambrosia Day! Pizza Burger, Cheese Crackers, Mixed Vegetables, Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Celebrate Pears! Hot Dog on a Bun, Baked Potato Chips, Vegetarian Beans, Pear Crisp
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Biscuits & Gravy Day! Chicken & Biscuits, Tossed Salad, Cranberry Sauce, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Dec. 15 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Potato Smiles, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 18 – Cheeseburger, Pretzels, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Chicken Patty w/bun, MultiGrain SunChips, Celery & Carrot Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Celebrate Pears! Spaghetti & Meatballs, Cooked Carrots, Diced Pears, Pudding
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Chicken Rings, Breadsticks, Broccoli, Fruit
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
Jr./Sr. High School
BREAKFAST
Friday, Dec. 1 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 4 – Whole Grain Cinnamon Roll, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Greek Yogurt, Cheese Stick, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Whole Grain Donut Holes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 8 – Cereal/Grahams or Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 11 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Sausage, Egg and
Cheese Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 15 – Cereal/Grahams or Granola, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Monday, Dec. 18 – Assorted Breads, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Pancakes & Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Bagel w/margarine, cream cheese, jelly, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, NYS Milk
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
lunch
Friday, Dec. 1 – Breakfast for Lunch! Eggs & Bacon, Cinnamon Pretzel, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 4 – National Cookie Day! Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice, Chocolate Cookie
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Pizza Stick, Bowties w/sauce, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Celebrate Pears! Turkey Club Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Pear Halves w/cream
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Dinner Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Dec. 8 – Pizza Burger, Cheese Crackers, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 11 – Have a Bagel Day! Ham & Cheese Bagel, Chicken Noodle Soup, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Dec. 12 – National Ambrosia Day! Boneless Buffalo Wings, Garlic Knot, Celery Sticks, Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Celebrate Pears! Hot Dog on a Bun, Baked Potato Chips, Vegetarian Beans, Pear Crisp
Thursday, Dec. 14 – Biscuits & Gravy Day! Chicken & Biscuits, Tossed Salad, Cranberry Sauce, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Dec. 15 – Stuffed Crust Pizza, Garlic Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, Dec. 18 – Cheeseburger, Cheese Crackers, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Chicken Patty w/bun, MultiGrain SunChips, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Celebrate Pears! Meatball Sub, Cooked Carrots, Diced Pears, Pudding
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Asian Chicken, Fried Rice, Corn, Celery & Carrot Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL
Lights, camera, action!
Students share the news of the week on the new Fort Plain Network
New this school year, students in the high school’s Multi-Media Production class have been honing their skills while reporting and sharing school news and happenings in a weekly broadcast on the in-house Fort Plain Network (FPN).
“The idea for these broadcasts has been a couple of years in the works,” said teacher and Educational Technology Specialist Rachel Heroth. “Last year we offered a Video Production class that the students really enjoyed. The Multi-Media class, which is new this school year, and the FPN project have expanded on that. They include so many hands-on and authentic ways for the students to learn new skills, to try new things and be creative. It is also a good way to serve our school community.”
Gimme a beat!
Many of this year’s FPN news team caught the news “bug” early on while producing the sixth grade Hilltopper Herald school newspaper with Harry Hoag teacher Matt Heiser. Trying their hand at broadcast news was a logical next step.
Though members of the school news team say it can be a challenge to be “camera ready” so early in the morning (class is the first period of each school day) and meeting weekly deadlines takes dedicated effort and organization (often free periods and evenings, too!), all say they are enjoying the FPN experience and positive feedback their efforts have received.
Broadcasts are planned, written and produced each week by the students in the Multi-Media Production class. And while students are gravitating to roles they most enjoy, they are also given regular opportunities to try new parts of the production and develop skills with these, too.
“This is about student learning, so I really try to keep the entire production in their hands,” said Heroth.
Junior Jordan Brown, who along with sophomore Emma Cook research and write each week’s script, chose this class to fill an elective requirement but is finding the experience fun and satisfying.
“I like writing and English is one of my favorite classes. I took a turn as anchor one week, but like writing the script most,” Brown said. “I like the creative aspect of putting together the news because every video is different, but there is still a sameness to what we do each week.”
On-camera personalities Sean Gutermuth, Jacob Herringshaw and Madison Stuart say they weren’t comfortable immediately with being in front of the camera, but are settling into and enjoying the role of being the ones who deliver the week’s news
Great things from humble beginnings
Like many great productions, the Fort Plain Network (FPN) has had humble and homespun beginnings. The studio is in a high school classroom. The “green screen” that students deliver the broadcast in front of was hand painted this past summer by Heroth and her family. Even the episode “clapper” and teleprompter were produced in-house by students in the school’s Technology and Design class.
That said, production values are high and the news is of-the-moment. The team takes care to include content that will matter to their peers and the larger school community. Along with the week’s regular news, recent special segments have focused on such topics as mental health and wellness, clubs, activities and volunteer opportunities.
“Part of the process involves planning a week ahead or sometimes more for the content we want each episode to include. But, just like network news, we are sometimes tweaking our script the day of filming depending on when we get submissions or if there is something ‘late breaking’ that we need to be sure to add,” Heroth said. “We are always learning how we can do more and do better.”
Behind the scenes: Meet the FPN Team
Jordan Brown – screenwriter, anchor, editor
Madison Clayburn – stage manager, cinematographer, graphic designer, editor
Emma Cook – screenwriter, anchor, graphic designer, teleprompter operator, editor
Shawn Gutermuth – anchor, animator, graphic designer
Jacob Herringshaw – anchor, editor
Vandwane Hisert – graphic designer
Hunter Palmeri – graphic designer
Kendra Sackett – teleprompter operator, graphic designer
Peyton Spicci – graphic designer, special reporter anchor, graphic designer
Madison Stuart – anchor, editor, graphic designer
Watch the Fort Plain Network (FPN)
View current episodes of the Fort Plain Network broadcasts on our school channel.
Learn about the Capital Improvement Project, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6
Dear Community Members,
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, the Fort Plain community will vote on a $18,655,000 Capital Improvement Project. The project aims to address needed repairs in Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. It will also enhance some of our well-used gathering spaces, such as the outdoor playground and areas within the athletic complex.
Every member of our school community has the potential to benefit from the work outlined in this proposed project.
I welcome you to join me for coffee and conversation about the Capital Improvement Project on Nov. 29 or Dec. 6, 2023 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the District Office Conference Room, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY. Community members, parents and other stakeholders are all welcome.
The student experience matters and this proposed project would address high priority maintenance issues derived from the most recent Building Conditions Survey. The executive planning team, which consisted of architects, financial advisors, school administrators and department supervisors, designed a project that is both respectful of our taxpayers and supportive of the vision for our schools and in the best interest of students.
Funding for this project will be paid for using the district’s reserve fund and bond borrowing that is reimbursable through New York State Education Department (NYSED) Building Aid.
On May 17, 2022, voters authorized the district to increase the balance in our Capital Reserve Fund. That action allows us to build the reserve fund up to $10,000,000. The authorization for this fund expires June 30, 2029. Currently, we have a balance of $7,015,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund. If approved, $2,780,000 from our reserves would help fund this project.
Bond borrowing in the amount of $15,875,000 would provide the additional funds.
The district formulated a payment plan for this proposal, in consultation with Bernard P. Donegan Financial Advisors, that maximizes our ability to use New York State Education Department (NYSED) Building Aid. The district is currently eligible to receive reimbursement through state Building Aid at a rate of 92.4%. If approved, this means the district would receive back approximately 92 cents on every dollar spent on this project. Please note: Building Aid ratios are not constant; these formulas are regularly adjusted by the state government.
It is a Board of Education goal to ensure the responsible use of both our fiscal and human resources. By taking advantage of our high Building Aid ratio, coupled with the utilization of a portion of the Capital Reserve Fund, the proposed project will not have any impact on the local tax levy.
Wishing everyone wellness always,
Mrs. Lauren Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
With gratitude: a message from District Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain CSD Families and School Team Members,
It’s that time of year again when we reflect on the blessings that have been bestowed upon us and show gratitude for them.
As I have traveled throughout our buildings during the fall, I’ve been amazed by the work that we do to support the development of our youth and to promote positivity in the community. FPCSD is a place where we help each other in big and little ways and care for each other daily. I am grateful to serve this community.
For our students and families, may this Thanksgiving recess be a well-deserved break where you can be joyful and laugh in good company.
For the school team, I hope that you are able to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Mrs. Crisman
Regular board meeting, hearing on Capital Improvement Project – Nov. 15
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold a public hearing regarding the district’s proposed Capital Improvement Project and its regular meeting on Nov. 15, 2023 beginning at 6 p.m. The hearing and meeting will take place in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
View the regular board meeting agenda.
The public hearing on the Capital Improvement Project, which begins at 6 p.m. prior to the board meeting, will offer all interested parties the opportunity to learn more about the proposed scope of work and other details.
Learn more about the proposed Capital Improvement Project.
Food drive to support Fort Plain community – now through Nov. 17
The Fort Plain HS Library Club is collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at the Fort Plain Reformed Church.
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off now through Nov. 17 at any of the following locations:
- Fort Plain High School Library
- Harry Hoag Elementary School Library
- Fort Plain Free Library
All donations are greatly appreciated and will go directly to the food pantry.
What’s needed
Most needed items include:
- Canned chicken, tuna, vegetables, or fruit
- Pasta
- Rice
- Tomato sauce
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Boxed cereals
- Instant potatoes
- Ramen noodles/canned soups
Questions? Please contact Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Librarian Tariyka Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org.
Thank you for your support!
About Loaves and Fishes
The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is an essential resource for our community, providing food assistance to those in need. By donating to this food drive, you can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Fort Plain spirit wear on sale – now through Nov. 14
Cozy beanies, sweatshirts and more—perfect for the cooler weather—are now on sale through Nov. 14.*
Show your Topper Pride and support our Jr./Sr. High School freshman Class of 2027, the hosts of this fundraiser.
Service and work-based learning—a win for students and the school community
Kevin Bogus Memorial Garden beautified – check. Weekend snack bags prepped for peers – check. Coffee served and Kristy’s Closet stocked – check and check.
Thanks for these and many other activities that support and enhance our school community go out to the learners in the Jr./Sr. High School Life Skills classroom of Dorene Goodwin.
“Our curriculum is designed to support the students in gaining essential academics and life skills. With all the activities we do throughout the school and to support the community, the students are learning by doing,” explained Goodwin.
Consider an activity such as preparing weekend snack bags for peers. Steps such as taking inventory, grocery shopping for essentials, preparing and then delivering the completed bags to each school site further the weekly project. They also offer students hands-on practice with subjects such as math and English Language Arts (ELA) and with practical life and workplace skills such as problem solving, teamwork, collaboration, customer service, perseverance and much more.
“What I like about the students participating in all of these projects around the school, is that it gives them a chance to build their own skills. It also allows them to give back to our community in ways that really matter,” Goodwin said.