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Sun, fun… and learning!

From virtual camp-outs and volleyball to running and robotics, there was so much fun and enrichment happening this summer in our schools and on our track and fields.

Too, we were once again a site for summer meals for youth—ensuring our students and other area children and teens had the fuel they need for all their summer learning, play and exploration.

It’s great to be a part of year-round learning for our students!

 

 

 

2024-25 welcome letters from our principals

We are looking forward to welcoming our learners back for the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Students kindergarten through Grade 12 will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4; pre-K students will begin on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Read the 2024-25 welcome letters from Harry Hoag Elementary School’s Acting Principal Amy Bartholomew and Jr/Sr. High School Principal Nicholas Comproski:

Feasibility Study advisory committee appointed, focus group signup

Dear Community Members,

On July 30, 2024, both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Boards of Education appointed select applicants to the Advisory Committee for the Feasibility Study.

The following people were appointed:

  • Donald Bramer
  • Lauri Broady
  • Jed Brown
  • Jamie Bunker
  • Tracey Conover
  • Jessica Hecht
  • Lindsey Hodge
  • Todd Jones
  • Sara McDuffee
  • Michele Nare
  • Laura Pamkowski
  • Nadine Paul
  • Karlene Peck
  • Kyra Powylan
  • Patricia Prime
  • Samantha Sherwood
  • Lori Shults
  • Dale Smith
  • Neal VanSlyke
  • Edward Watt

The charge for all committee members is to:

  • fully commit to, and actively support, the study process.
  • remain open to learning throughout the process.
  • share relevant perspectives and experiences.
  • clarify and probe data, information and insights shared by consultants.
  • communicate openly, factually, and continuously with the public.

The committee will meet on the following dates (meetings are open to the public):

Aug. 21, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Meeting at Fort Plain CSD, Harry Hoag Elementary School Library Media Center.
Sept. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Oct. 17, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.  – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Nov. 14, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.  – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Dec. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Meeting at Canajoharie CSD.

Focus group discussions to be held this October

In addition, the focus group discussions related to the Feasibility Study have been rescheduled for October 30, 2024. Focus groups scheduled for this summer were not held due to a low applicant response.

Please apply with the following link if you would like to be considered for participation with a focus group.  If you applied previously, please apply again and select a new time and location.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJSh2M2lPK-R3jJiPhlrsh3dUU5N5p2HhzX0w-VEemo64UZw/viewform

Thank you in advance to the volunteers listed above for their willingness to represent the community’s perspectives, ideas and questions.

As always, please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Lauren H. Crisman, Superintendent

Award honors our talented and hard-working student-athletes

Our high school student-athletes are all-around strong and talented: in the classroom and on the field, track and court.

We are honored to have our students’ accomplishments recognized with a “School of Excellence” distinction for the 2023-24 school year by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA).

The NYSPHSAA School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are designed to unite athletic departments in challenging their student-athletes to achieve a statewide academic honor. Learn more about this year’s award and recipients.

Looking toward the 2024-25 school year: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman

Dear Fort Plain School Community,

I hope this letter finds you refreshed from summer vacation and ready to enjoy an exciting year of learning. We are eagerly awaiting the return of our students! 

2024-25 back-to-school information

The first day of school for students kindergarten through Grade 12 is on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.  Pre-kindergarten begins on Thursday, Sept. 5

The doors will open in both school buildings at 7:30 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:50 a.m. for Harry Hoag Elementary School and at 7:55 a.m. for the Jr./Sr. High School. 

FPCSD proudly welcomes several new faculty and staff members to our school team; be sure to watch the district website for introductions.

Fostering success for all students

Our goal is to prepare every student for success beyond graduation. Our graduates should be able to define what success means to them and feel confident when they leave that they are ready to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world. 

We believe that every child has their own distinct strengths, interests and learning styles. We are dedicated to creating a school experience that honors their individuality. 

Improving learning outcomes for all students is one of our district’s enduring goals. Strong school-based intervention systems play a key role in achieving this. Intervention is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process and should be accessible for all.  

Throughout the year, the administrative team will regularly assess our current intervention systems to analyze when and what screening tools are used to monitor achievement, what evidence-based practices are used to respond to needs, and how academic progress is reviewed and communicated.

Feasibility Study update

Additionally, the district remains committed to ensuring the responsible use of its fiscal and human resources. The Feasibility Study we are now engaged in with the Canajoharie CSD will include a comprehensive review of how fiscal and human resources are allocated. The results of this analysis will help us chart the best path forward to ensure our students 

receive a high quality education and a diverse continuum of other student experiences into the future.

Learn more about the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger.

Capital Improvement Project addresses needed work and upgrades

On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 community members will be asked to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. Regardless of the outcome of the Feasibility Study, the district must move forward with efforts to keep our facilities safe and modern. These buildings serve not only school-based programs, but are utilized year-round by many community-based organizations for the enrichment activities they offer youth.

The proposed scope of work includes upgrading electronic systems to promote efficiency and decrease annual costs associated with energy use. It also addresses areas in need of repair or replacement in all of the facilities and on the exterior sites of the campus. 

This revised project was prepared in an effort to maximize state aid reimbursement and will not have any impact on the local tax levy.

A public hearing for the proposed project will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in the District Office Conference Room.

There will also be a community walk-through on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. This will be open to the public and offered by representatives from King + King Architects.

All who are interested in learning more about the proposed project are encouraged to join us at these events. Information regarding both will be posted on the district website in September.

I am excited about the many possibilities that the new school year holds and eager to see our hallways filled with students once again.

Thank you to all for your ongoing support and partnership!

Wishing you well,

Lauren H. Crisman, Superintendent 

Welcome Amy Bartholomew, Acting Principal of Harry Hoag

Harry Hoag Elementary School Acting Principal, Amy Bartholomew, who has long dark blond hair and is wearing a white top and blazer, looks at and smiles for the camera.
Harry Hoag Elementary School’s Acting Principal for 2024-25, Amy Bartholomew

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Amy Bartholomew to the position of Acting Principal of Harry Hoag Elementary for the 2024-25 school year.

A longtime teacher at Harry Hoag Elementary, graduate of Fort Plain schools and life-long resident of the community, Amy Bartholomew has a strong commitment to Fort Plain.

“Amy’s breadth of experience and commitment to ensuring that every learner thrives is sure to benefit the students and families in the Harry Hoag community,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “We are pleased to welcome Amy into this new role and to offer this opportunity for her to learn with us and grow as a leader through this principalship.”

About Amy Bartholomew

Amy Bartholomew has taught for more than 22 years, 18 of which have been spent at Fort Plain’s Harry Hoag Elementary. She has taught students pre-K through grade 6, as well as those in special education.

This school year, Bartholomew and her sixth graders launched the “Our Words Matter” project at Harry Hoag Elementary. Students approached Bartholomew with the idea of learning to become strong advocates for their peers, particularly those who may be underrepresented or experiencing hurtful treatment from others. Together, the group worked toward being agents for positive change in the school.

Bartholomew has also lent her support and guidance as a mentor of new teachers for the past 12 years.

Bartholomew holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Reading from the University of Albany. She currently holds an internship certificate, which allows her to function in the capacity of school building leader through the end of the 2024-25 year.  Bartholomew is working toward a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Binghamton University, which she will complete this December.

“When I began my transition into administration, my goal and dream was to one day become the principal at Harry Hoag Elementary School,” said Bartholomew. “I am sincerely honored by the opportunity to step into this role and serve the school community as we work together toward our shared goal of creating a safe, welcoming and enriching environment where all of our learners can shine.”

 

Draft district-wide safety plan available for review

As required by New York State Education Law, Fort Plain CSD maintains a district-wide safety plan.The plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of emergencies and violent incidents. It also helps facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies.

The draft of the district-wide safety plan for the 2024-25 school year is available for review here. The Fort Plain Board of Education will consider this as part of its regular meeting on Aug. 21, 2024.

Thank you for your leadership of Harry Hoag, Mrs. Coppolo!

Dear Fort Plain CSD community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share an important update regarding the leadership of Harry Hoag Elementary School. Mrs. Coppolo, our building principal, has accepted a position in her hometown. I am grateful for her dedication and service to FPCSD. We wish her well in her new role.

I am working closely with the Board of Education to ensure that a strong leadership presence succeeds Mrs. Coppolo. We are developing a one year plan to hire a strong candidate who is dedicated to supporting student learning, advancing our district goals and fostering staff development, all in alignment with our district mission.

More information regarding the plan for Harry Hoag leadership will be shared prior to the end of July.

Thank you for your continued support.

Fondly,

Mrs. Crisman

Call for participants: Feasibility Study Focus Groups

Greetings FPCSD School Community,

The following letter is regarding the Feasibility Study and a recruitment campaign for stakeholder participation in Focus Groups. Learn more about the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger.

Advisory Committee

We will appoint representatives to an Advisory Committee at the end of the month.  Applications to participate on that committee are still being accepted.

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in serving on the Advisory Committee:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIVgpL3R8asx-e-FzMK5G87xW7RUAozgfHnwmoOAb7qtM6Mg/viewform?usp=sf_link

ThoughtExchange for community input

In addition, we launched the ThoughtExchange to gather community input. Read about the Feasibility Study and access the link to participate with its ThoughtExchange.

Focus Group discussions

Lastly, we are now looking to recruit people to participate in Focus Group discussions; participation requires a one time only commitment.  The goal of the groups will be to have discussions to harvest perspectives, experiences, and perceptions.

Focus groups will contain 8-10 people in each, with balanced membership among stakeholders (community members, families, faculty, staff and students) and districts.  The participants will be encouraged to provide commentary related to the current perceptions, understandings and beliefs about the merger study.

There will be three sessions:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Canajoharie High School
  • Tuesday Aug. 20 from 5-6 p.m. at Canajoharie High School
  • Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Fort Plain Elementary School

If you would like to be considered to participate in a Focus Group discussion, please fill out the google form in the link below by Thursday, Aug 8.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sjg7tEdqbyZ2aw9T6IgWSi5gOEEejFJ3m5oDgUJe0d8/prefill

Wishing everyone well,

Mrs. Lauren Crisman, Superintendent

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