Category: District News
Merger Process Update: Next Steps and Focus Teams
The process of exploring a potential merger between the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts continues to move forward, guided by the CFP Development Panel. This panel has been meeting regularly to discuss key ideas, timelines and next steps as the steering group for this important process.
Focus Teams: shaping the future of the combined district
Important questions about what a merger would mean for our students and community have been raised throughout the recent merger process. As a way of digging into these, we plan to convene a set of focus teams that will include both district representatives, subject area experts and you, the members of our community. By coming together for this work, we believe we can best imagine our future and prepare to meet the interests and needs of our students–independently or as a merged district if that is what our communities choose. These groups will gather detailed information on key topics and prepare recommendations that will position us well to move forward if a merger is approved.
The Focus Teams will address the following areas:
- Cultural Integration: Traditions, celebrations, activities, athletics and mascots.
- Educational Programming: Academic offerings, curriculum, plans for schools and school configuration.
- Operational Planning: Transportation, facility usage and school day schedule.
- Student-Centered Transition: Orientation, mentoring and programs to support students.
- Staff-Centered Transition: Professional development, orientation and staff supports.
Dependent on the outcome of the vote next summer on a potential merger, we will also offer opportunities to be a part of additional focus groups, such as:
- Financial Planning: Long-term financial projections, taxes and current trends/budgets.
- Policy Alignment: Codes of conduct, curriculum requirements, contracts and district policies.
Join a Focus Team
Your voice and expertise are vital to this process. We are inviting all interested community members and school stakeholders to apply to be a part of a Focus Team. This is an opportunity to contribute directly with the planning for our students’ educational experience and success of a merged district, if this is the path the communities choose.
If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Google form available here. The first Focus Team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Mark your calendar: Straw Poll and Binding Vote
Straw Vote (Advisory Referendum): Thursday, June 4, 2026 This non-binding vote will assess the community’s support for the merger proposal before proceeding to the final vote.
We encourage all stakeholders to stay informed and participate in this important process and visit our website for information. We will also be sending monthly updates during that time.
Harry Hoag first quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Skylah Becker
- Ava Brownell
- Jayleigh Brownell
- Elliot Coveny
- Julianna Delgado
- Kaileb DiLorenzo
- Jackson Dolly
- Jacoby Henderson
- Jayce Humphrey
- Adisyn Jones
- Keegan Jones
- Isaiah Mykel
- Liam Ohlidal
- Avaj Schuyler
- Molly Williams
Grade 6
-
Payton Bennett
-
Khloe Cionek
-
Abel Clink
-
Jaydan Crouse
-
Sofia Dawson
-
Isaac Evans
-
Kailee Gordon
-
Maison Houston
-
Noah Randall
-
Cassidee Reese
-
Abigail Ryder
-
Joseph Walter
-
Carma Weaver-Porter
-
Kayleigh Woodcock
Principal’s List
Grade 5
-
Emalynn Alkinburgh
-
Amber Bowley
-
Kamilla Brazee
-
Kassidy Brazee
-
Emari Brown
-
Brady Brownell
-
Brianna Compton
-
Aleena Crouse
-
Jackson Curtis
-
Dawson Dean
-
Louis Fanelli III
-
Mieke Hallstein
-
Leigha Hardnett
-
Raelynn Hazzard
-
Samuel Hisert
-
Carter Hubal
-
Raylynn Jones
-
Sadie Jones
-
Arianna Lewis
-
Tessa McFee
-
Terrence Nemecek Jr.
-
Riley O’Connor
-
Penelope Prevost
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Janasia Raphael
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Ares Rockwell
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Jace Savoie
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Logan Staples
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Madeline Valovic
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Trent Webb
Grade 6
- Cecilia Baker
- Shani Brackett
- Zane Bradt
- Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Nicholas Compton
- Raelynn D’Arcangelis
- Ryelee David
- Blaine Dodson
- Bryson Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Jovalee Hisert
- Maria Hisert
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
- Audrey Krug
- Lailah Lewis
- Livia McDuffee
- Joshua Murphy
- Zannah Poultney
- Tanner Putnam
- Grant Reese
- Tabitha Romanello
- Kobe Skiffington
- Gracie Smith
- Samuel Thomas
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Garett Trumbull
- Troy Zabawczuk
Jr./Sr. High School first quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Ezra Brown
- Emma Cook
- Marcus Dunbar-Eller
- John Fountain
- Isis Hammond
- Natashia Hammond
- Jorge Medina
- Sonia Medina
- John Morrison
- Makena Nurnberger
Grade 11
- Jayson Austin
- Kayden Battisti
- Trinity Belliveau
- Alannah-Mari Blowers
- Ariana Nemeth
- Brodie Poultney
- Trent Reynolds
- Aidyn Rooney
- Kendra Schaffer
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 10
- Blake Battisti
- Dio Callan
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Lincoln Kretser
- AshLyn Lewis
- Paige Lochner
- Sean McGuire
- Jasmine Rumrill
Grade 9
- Laura Atkins
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Khloe Hisert
- Joshua LaQuee
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Gideon McCarty
- Hailee Moore
- Jack Parkinson
- Isaac Passero
- Gabriella Peters
- Anthony Polidori
- Karson Rhodes
- Trent Richards
- Gregory Simons
- Anna-Belle Snyder
Grade 8
- Brantlee Brownell
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Amarha Herring
- Olivia Jones
- Kayden Rouse
- Ethan Shostek
- Rosabella Smith
- Maicee Thomas
- Ziva Yerdon
Grade 7
- Zachary Alkinburgh
- Kyle Christman
- KataLenah Clapper
- Lleyton Emrick
- Rystara Handy
- Andres Medina
- Isabella Shibley
- Colton White
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Alexis Buley
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Madison Clayburn
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Breyanna Gilot
- Jordynn Gomez
- Koby Herron
- McKenna Karker
- Kimberly Kirby
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Morgan Stock
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 11
- Genavive Bathrick
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Faith Clark
- Tyler Cotton
- Bryellah D’Arcangelis
- Isabella Fountain
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Lyllie Handy
- Hailey Hayes
- Levi Hext
- Brooke Jones
- Landon Kretser
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Morgan Prime
- Kendra Sackett
- Larry Sanders III
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Dameon Trant
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 10
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Nalisha Cadet
- Brianne Gallt
- Jordan Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Blake Lapi
- George Mang
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Zachary Walsh
- Evan Weaver
Grade 9
- Halleli Brackett
- McKenna Hisert
- Jazmain Leonard
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Jaymes Smith
- Gavin Souza
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 8
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Aubree Childs
- Milo Clark
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Sienna Dean
- Bently Dodson
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- Isabella Hearn
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Piper Kretser
- Jacob LaQuee
- Claudia Maring
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Dante Santiago
- Gavin Smith
- Noah Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb
Grade 7
- Isabelle Allen
- Aiden Bunker
- Nauni Fink
- Audrina Gomez
- Quinn Hisert
- Demora Lawson
- Lilly Mang
- IvyKate McGuire
- Elaena Minarich
- Oliver Parkinson
- Willow Richards
- Isley Ruszkowski
- Beverly Sherwood
- Addison Weaver
Walk indoors this season: Fort Plain Pacers Program sign up
Again this season, the Fort Plain Central School District is inviting district residents to walk indoors at Harry Hoag Elementary School, Nov. 17 through April 30.
Residents can walk during the hours of 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on days school is in session. The cost to participate is $5.00 for those who do not already have a Pacers Program Card.
Sign up for the Pacers Program by contacting Becky Smith in the District Office at 518-993-4000 ext. 1000 or becky.smith@fortplain.org.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Student Support Liaison Will Ryan
Join us in shining a spotlight on Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Teacher and new Student Support Liaison, Will Ryan.
“The Fort Plain Central School District is proud to recognize Will Ryan’s many years of dedication as a teacher, mentor and advocate for our teaching team,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan. “Will is known for the meaningful connections he builds and the impact he’s had with the students in his classroom. We are grateful to have him in this new role, where he will be able to continue this important work on a larger scale—throughout the school and with our many students.”
For more than 25 years, Will Ryan has been an active member of our school community: teaching social studies and University in the High School (UHS) psychology and sociology courses through UAlbany, serving as director for 14 years of the FP-Canjo Drama Club and its spring musical, and leading the Fort Plain Teachers Association as president for seven years.
Through it all, Ryan says he’s had the opportunity to grow as an educator while forming strong, lasting connections with students, their families (some of whom were once his students themselves!) and his colleagues.
This school year, Ryan has taken on a new role as Student Support Liaison at the Jr./Sr. High School—a position for which he feels his years of experience as a teacher and community volunteer have uniquely prepared him.
Building Bridges and Creating Connections
As Student Support Liaison, Ryan focuses on building trusting relationships with all students—in the halls, the lunchroom and the classroom—but especially with those who may feel disconnected or need extra support.
He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and compassion in understanding students: shifting the question from “What’s wrong with you?” when they misstep to “What’s going on for you?”
While part of his role involves assisting administrators with disciplinary procedures, Ryan knows that being a trusted adult—someone students know believes in them—can make all the difference during challenging times.
This summer, Ryan completed training in restorative practices, an approach that emphasizes accountability and helps students repair relationships with peers and staff when harm has been caused. He uses these strategies with his own students and is helping model them for teachers and staff across the school.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned as a teacher—and in life—is that how we treat others matters,” said Ryan, “We always have a choice in how we react to a situation or setback. Sometimes these are skills we already know; other times, we need someone to teach us. I hope I can help both our students and our school team learn and practice those skills together.”
2nd Annual Veterans Day Reception and Assembly – Nov. 7
Harry Hoag Elementary will host a reception and assembly on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 in honor of the veterans in our Fort Plain community.
Those who have served our country and are connected to our students, staff and community are invited to attend this reception beginning at 7:45 a.m. and to stay for an assembly in their honor. This event will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library and Gym.
Veterans: Please RSVP by Friday, Oct. 31 by calling 518-993-4000, emailing jennifer.ruszkowski@fortplain.org or to your child’s teacher.
Veterans who are unable to attend this celebration are invited to message us with their name and branch of service so we may include them in our Hall of Heroes display.
FPN News kicks off a new season
Fort Plain Network (FPN) is back and better than ever.
This bi-weekly news show, created by high school students in our Multimedia class led by teacher Rachel Heroth, provides information and announcements about upcoming events and highlights noteworthy celebrations. Each episode is written, filmed and edited by the students, giving them hands-on experience in media production while keeping the school community informed and entertained.
New this school year
This year, the Multimedia program has expanded into two sections, giving more students the opportunity to take the course. The FPN News team now includes both returning students who are building on their previous experience and new students eager to learn the ropes.
Another exciting change this year is a partnership with teacher Tracy Yurkewecz’s Sports Journalism class. Students in this class will be producing dedicated sports segments, highlighting and celebrating Fort Plain’s athletes and teams.
The FPN team will also be adding more educational and historical pieces to support students’ civic readiness.
Watch FPN News
The 2025-26 FPN News season is now live. Watch FPN News and follow along on our FPN YouTube channel to stay in the know and watch as our students grow their skills this school year.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Jean Watkins
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Jean Watkins, a Fort Plain alumnus, beloved educator and dedicated Fort Plain elementary school teacher for nearly four decades.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
View the tribute to Jean Watkins and learn about her many interests and life experiences.
October 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-kindergarten through high school.
October 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Menus are subject to change without notice.
The USDA and this institution are equal opportunity employers and providers.
Harry Hoag Elementary School Menus
Pre-K
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Banana Muffin
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Bread
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Muffin Top
- Lunch: Boneless Chicken Wings, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Egg & Sausage Patty
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel w/jelly & margarine
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffin
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit and Juice
Elementary
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal and Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Cheese Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Breads
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Soft Pretzel, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit, Pudding
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Pizza, Cheese Stick, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Cookie
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Boneless Chicken Wings, Tostito Chips, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Pancakes and Sausage
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Egg & Sausage Patty
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Ice Cream Cup
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Peas, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Curly Fries, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit and Juice
Jr./Sr. High School
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Alternate: build-your-own-lunch at the Fresh Bar. Includes entrée options, grain sides, fresh fruits & vegetables.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 6
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Dinner Roll, Green Beans, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheeseburger, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Turkey Club & Soup, Cheese Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 10
NO SCHOOL – Superintendent’s Conference Day
Monday, Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day/Indigeonous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Breakfast: Breakfast Breads
- Lunch: Macaroni & Cheese, Soft Pretzel, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit, Pudding
Thursday, Oct. 16
- Breakfast: Jiffy Stick/Tornado
- Lunch: Pizza, Cheese Stick, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Cookie
Friday, Oct. 17
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken Bowl, Mashed Potatoes w/gravy, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 20
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Wings, Tostito Chips, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Veggie Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Breakfast: Pizza Bagels
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Pasta and Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Ice Cream Cup
Friday, Oct. 24
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Peas, Fruit
Monday, Oct. 27
- Breakfast: Whole Grain Donut Holes
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Pasta with Marinara, Broccoli, Fruit
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: BBQ McRibb on a Bun, Curly Fries, Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Vegetable Soup, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans,Chips, Jello with Oranges
Friday, Oct. 31
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit, Juice, Mini Danish
Staff Spotlight: Meet Mary Simons – teacher and science researcher
Join us in shining a spotlight on Fort Plain High School biology and chemistry teacher Mary Simons. Simons spent this past summer researching some very tiny beings that live in our rivers and now has some really big ideas to share with our students.
“The Fort Plain Central School District is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our high school science teacher, Mary Simons. Participation with the Cary Institute’s BioRETS program has not only strengthened her expertise, but also enriches the opportunities available to our students,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan.
This summer while school was out, Fort Plain High School biology and chemistry teacher Mary Simons was still in the classroom—and in love with what she was learning as part of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies’ BioRETS program (Biology Research Experience for Teachers.)
Through six weeks of intensive ecology instruction and field work, Simons and teachers from around the state developed their research skills by investigating a parasite’s effects on zooplankton that play an important role in Hudson River fisheries. The teachers were guided in this research by Cary Institute’s aquatic disease ecologist Dr. Tara Stewart Merrill.
The program also offered the teachers tools for turning complex scientific and research skills and processes into unique learning experiences for their students.
Simons and her research teammates presented their scientific findings and curriculum innovations at the Cary Institute in early August. Over the coming school year, Simons will work with BioRETS program managers to fine-tune her new lesson plans.
The [BioRETS program] was so incredibly satisfying and made me want to go back to school again,” said Simons. “I was treated like a scientist and given an enormous amount of scientific support that I am excited to share in the classroom with our students.”
Science in and outside our schools
Building a scientific research program for the students at Fort Plain has been a goal for Simons since she joined the district three years ago.
With the learning, support and connections to the scientific community she received this summer, Simons plans to create more ways for students to develop their own questions and dig for answers.
As a start, Simon’s biology students will be nature journaling around campus this fall – spending time each week in the same location and taking note of what they see, hear, smell and feel, and how things change over time.
“They will be asking lots and lots of questions,” said Simons, “which will generate ideas for science projects in the future.”
Simons is also launching a science club this year for students who are curious about their world and have questions the scientific process can help them answer.
Ultimately, Simons would like to launch a course in scientific research with experiences that allow students to contribute to the Cary Institute’s RAD lab (research of aquatic diseases) project by surveying the health of the Mohawk River and its tiny inhabitants.
“I want to give our students some unique and meaningful experiences in learning that they love and want to do more of once they leave school, in college and for their careers,” Simons said.