Category: Jr./Sr. High News
Superintendent’s message about COVID-19 case
February 8, 2021
Dear Members of the Fort Plain Schools Community:
Over the weekend, we learned that an individual in the high school community tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in school on Monday, February 1. Anyone identified as a close contact was contacted directly by the county health department.
The district is working closely with the Montgomery County Public Health Department, and they are advising on any necessary quarantine. Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.
We will continue to work closely with the health department and keep you advised of any further information. Our goal remains to keep our schools open and safe for students and staff alike. Please contact my office with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Bishop
Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education approves winter sports
At a Feb. 1 special meeting, the Fort Plain Central School District Board of Education approved the offering of higher risk winter sports in accordance with state and local Department of Health and athletic league requirements and as long as certain health and safety conditions are met.
On Jan. 22, 2021, the Governor and New York State Department of Health (DOH) authorized schools to offer certain higher-risk winter sports effective Feb. 1, as permitted and authorized by local county health departments. DOH subsequently issued updated guidelines for such sports, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Section 2 issued revised “Return to Interscholastic Athletics [Guidelines] for the 2020-21 Season.”
[Note 3/9/2021: NYSPHSAA has updated their document.]
On Jan. 29, 2021, the Montgomery County Executive and Public Health Director announced that they had approved schools within the county to provide higher risk winter sports, subject to certain requirements.
Fort Plain Central School staff and leadership developed a plan to offer winter sports, including varsity girls and varsity boys basketball, junior varsity boys basketball and varsity cheerleading, in accordance with all applicable state DOH, county DOH, and league health and safety requirements, which will be implemented during all practices and games, and under the following conditions:
- Each parent/guardian must sign the district’s COVID-19 informed consent for athletic participation form;
- The County DOH approves the district’s plan containing the health and safety protocols in place to allow sports to safely occur;
- If, at any time, the high school hybrid learning model moves to remote-only learning, athletics, scrimmages, and practices will be temporarily suspended in their entirety and coaches shall not be required to engage in coaching responsibilities;
- No spectators will be allowed at any athletic contest – as stated by the Western Athletic Conference and Montgomery County; and,
- All practices and contests will occur in accordance with all guidelines issued by New York State, the County and NYSPHSAA/Section/League as such guidelines may be amended at any time.
District participation in the winter sports can be suspended if the Superintendent deems such action necessary. Contact the Superintendent’s office with any questions.
Resources & downloads:
NYSPHSAA: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (8/22 note: documents no longer online)
NYSPHSAA Return to Interscholastic Athletics, January 2021
[Note 3/9/2021: NYSPHSAA has updated the above document.]
WAC Winter High Risk Sports Statement
Fort Plain bids farewell to retirees
Fort Plain Central School bid farewell to three long-time employees who are retiring this week from decades of serving the district. Staff and students alike extended their congratulations and best wishes to John Fureno, Dawn Surnear and Philip Thibodeau.
John Fureno is retiring from teaching fifth grade math at Harry Hoag School. He has served Fort Plain for several decades as a general education teacher for multiple grades and as an athletic coach.
“John is a role model for us all, always smiling, always embracing the day with a positive, can-do attitude,” said Lauren Crisman, Harry Hoag principal. “In addition to teaching, John has been a valuable member of the FPCSD athletics department. He has served as a multi-season coach, investing in our young athletes by coaching the sports of golf, bowling and baseball.
“Colleagues and students alike regard John as one of the most kind, endearing and caring faculty members to ever walk the hallways of Harry Hoag Elementary School. He will be deeply missed by all.”
In bidding goodbye to a dedicated teacher, coach and colleague, Fort Plain wishes John all the best in his retirement.
Proud dad: John is at left in the photo below, taken at his son’s graduation from Fort Plain.
Dawn Surnear is retiring from her position as head cook in the Harry Hoag School kitchen. She began working for the district in 1999, and has served more than 21 dedicated years in the food service department. Dawn joined the Fort Plain staff because the school hours worked well with her own children’s schedules, and because she enjoys cooking and working with children. She worked her way up from a part-time position to full time and then to head cook.
“Throughout her career, Dawn has enjoyed trying new recipes and helping kids to try new things,” said Lauri Broady, school nutrition director. “She is known for her creativity and the kitchen decorations that have brought joy to students for many years. Dawn has always been a person to step up in a time of crisis, helping in the district in times of everything from floods to COVID. Her dedication to our school community has been admirable, and she will be missed by all.
“Please join us in wishing Dawn well in her well-deserved retirement and her plans to do more traveling, enjoy projects around the house, and continue her love of creating painting, crafts and gifts of all kinds,” Broady added. “Congratulations, Dawn!”
In the photo below, Dawn on the job and at a retirement celebration. Note her shirt: Lunch Ladies Rock!
Philip Thibodeau is retiring from teaching health and physical education (PE) at the junior/senior high school. He has taught in the district for 24 years. In addition to teaching, Phil has coached the Hilltoppers in a variety of sports including varsity and modified girls basketball, junior varsity softball, modified soccer and modified, junior varsity and varsity baseball. In 2016, his coaching abilities helped the varsity baseball team become the Class D NYSPHSAA state champions.
“Phil is a quiet force, for good, as a teacher, a coach and a colleague,” said Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Jr./Sr. High School principal. “His uncommon empathy for his students makes him an educator who will long be remembered by those whose lives he has touched.
“He is witty, quick to laugh, and just as quick to say the thing that will get others laughing – often at their own behaviors,” Dr. Larrabee continued. “Phil graduated from Fort Plain in 1983, and returned to his alma mater to help the young people of the community he loves and dedicated himself to. He will be missed, but forever remembered. Thank you, Phil Thibodeau.”
Charlie Karker, athletic director, has known Phil as a Fort Plain student and a colleague. He said, “Phil was known to be very diligent and determined to accomplish what needed to be done in order to become what he wanted to be as an adult and a human being. The same can be said of Phil, the athlete. He was very coachable, did what was asked, and led by example – qualities every coach wants from their athletes.”
Karker quoted football coach, Lou Houltz, to summarize Phil’s philosophy of teaching and coaching. “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
Phil helped foster students’ abilities, attitudes and motivation to help them succeed in school, in sports and in life. Fort Plain will not be the same without him. Fort Plain wishes him a retirement filled with health, fun and happiness.
Farewell to Phil: Philip Thibodeau on the job at Fort Plain, photoed shortly before his retirement.
Sarah Paradiso honored with DAR Good Citizen Award
Fort Plain High School senior Sarah Paradiso has been chosen as the winner of the 2021 DAR Good Citizen Award. The award recognizes a senior who possesses qualities of leadership, dependability, service and patriotism in school and the community.
By winning the award, Sarah has been recognized by both her teachers and her fellow students. High school faculty vote on nominees for the award, and once the field is narrowed, seniors vote for the winner.
“Sarah is the perfect choice!” said Dr. Deborah Larrabee, Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School principal. “She is an outstanding student, athlete and leader among her peers. Sarah’s academic success earned her a regular place on the honor roll, and last fall, she was among members of the Environmental Study Team who produced a video about the Erie Canal that the Smithsonian published to its website and made part of a traveling exhibit.
“Sarah also has been a standout player on the volleyball team,” Dr. Larrabee continued, “and this fall, she signed with Keuka College, a Division III school located southeast of Rochester, where she will major in education.
“Sarah is also the voice of our high school morning announcements, always greeting us with one of her jokes. She is a member of the Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club and will soon be showcasing her talents in ‘A Broadway Review: Director’s Choice’ . . . certainly a multi-talented young lady!
“We are proud to congratulate Sarah on earning this special honor.”
Sarah in action, airborne, on the volleyball court.
Western Athletic Conference statement on high risk winter sports
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has issued the following statement.
“The Western Athletic Conference is developing a plan for the implementation of high risk winter sports (basketball, wrestling and cheerleading) with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2021. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive and meaningful interscholastic athletic experience for our students. We are working in consultation with our local county health departments to ensure the health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, officials and school communities. We appreciate the time our health departments are directing towards interscholastic athletics during these trying circumstances.
“As has become the norm with this pandemic, this situation is very fluid and ever changing. We will share an update on an official start date as more information becomes available and necessary approvals have been granted. Please continue to be patient, but ready to begin the season quickly if approval has been given. Thank you for your continued support during this most challenging time.”
HS Elective Fair goes virtual
Calling all FPHS students in 8th through 11th grades: check out this year’s Elective Fair online! We are presenting the fair to students in January, and you can check out a pdf version of it below. If you have an idea or request for a specific class, contact Ms. Mahoney or Ms. Cushing.
FPHS science teacher blasts off into new career
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School science teacher Patrick Petty will blast off into a new career later this month, after accepting a position as an education specialist with NASA. Petty, a Fort Plain Class of 2007 alumnus who’s taught Hilltoppers since fall 2018, will help develop projects in NASA’s NSPACE program. He’ll work remotely at first, due to the pandemic, and in time will relocate to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Petty’s new position is a dream job for an individual who is as much a dedicated, lifelong learner as an energetic and innovative educator. “I’ve always been interested in learning new things, in what’s on the cutting edge in research and knowledge at NASA,” he said.
“I’ve attended a number of NSPACE curriculum conferences in Houston, and last February, I was a presenter at a Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) through NASA and Space Center Houston (the Johnson Space Center Visitor’s Center).” In June 2019, Petty was one 50 educators nationwide to attended the LiftOff Summer Institute.
“As an education specialist with NASA’s NSPACE program,” Petty said, “I’ll work with college and high school students to develop real-world projects with real-world applications that can ultimately be used on the International Space Station.”
Past NSPACE projects have included the design and testing of hardware to be used on the Space Station, such as tools, and fabric that could be used for seat covers.
Petty speaks highly of his Fort Plain education. “My teachers instilled in us the power of dreams and the belief that with hard work and a dream, you can accomplish anything,” he said. “Fort Plain truly is a special place; the community and the educators are top-notch.
“The passion, dedication and belief in their students create a learning environment where students can dare mighty things and accomplish even greater things,” Petty continued. “For such a small town, we have had numerous individuals go on to accomplish amazing feats. There is talent in every zip code, and it is the job of educators to harness the talent and let it shine. In my mind, Fort Plain Central School does a wonderful job with that!”
“While we are sad to see him leave, we could not be more thrilled for Patrick,” said Fort Plain High School Principal Dr. Deborah Larrabee. “He has brought back so much information from conferences and infused it into our classrooms. I am incredibly proud of him for securing his dream job!”
“What a great opportunity for Patrick!” said Fort Plain Superintendent of Schools John Bishop. “We are grateful for the years he spent serving the students of the Fort Plain school community. NASA is lucky to have him. Congratulations!”
During his time at Fort Plain, Petty frequently shared his experiences and knowledge with students beyond those in his own classroom. After attending the LiftOff Summer Institute, he arranged a video chat for 8th grade students with NASA engineer Jerry Woodfill. He also taught students in Lisa Petty’s Life Skills class how to launch rockets outdoors as part of a science lesson.
“Patrick has always included my class in lessons, and he really connects with students at all levels,” said Lisa Petty (who is also Patrick’s mother). “I have gone to conferences with him, and he is so passionate about what he does. Our students definitely want to keep in touch!”
Judging from the past, space won’t be the final frontier for NASA-related learning for Fort Plain students. Patrick Petty does indeed plan to stay connected with his alma mater to share learning opportunities and inspire local students. When asked for parting advice for them, Petty said, “Dream big, and don’t be afraid to take a big leap. The world doesn’t end at the four corners of town.”
In the photo at top of page: Patrick Petty donned a space suit during a NASA conference for educators. His last day at Fort Plain is Jan. 15, but he’ll continue to educate and inspire students in his new position with NASA’s NSPACE program.
In the photo above, students in Patrick Petty and Dorene Goodwin’s Living Environment class were challenged to design a shield to protect Earth from an asteroid. They are working with students in Indiana on the project.
In the photo below, Patrick Petty teaches Living Environment students about the anatomy of a sheep’s eye.
Challenges inspire creativity and thrift in the kitchen
They’re getting creative in the kitchen, dining on a dime and working on wellness-worthy meals. Students in Cory Cooley’s 7th grade, Food and Nutrition, and Life On Your Own classes have been meeting their teacher’s challenges with tasty results.
For their Eating on a Dime lesson, 7th grade students were challenged to use ingredients limited to what’s already at home, or using just a few ingredients, to make a breakfast egg bake.
Starting with just biscuits and eggs, the students generated many tasty recipes. They added bacon, ham, sausage, spinach and cheese. Some students scrambled the eggs, while others left them whole. Others added various spices, and some added leftovers such as potatoes and roasted vegetables to their breakfast egg bakes.
The class was also challenged to create an apple pie dessert using a recipe with just two ingredients, plus what they found around the kitchen. The students then got to enjoy their sweet results.
For the Grilled Cheese Challenge, 7th grade and Food and Nutrition students were tasked with taking what they would ordinarily have at home and fit within their budget and making it a bit more healthful. They got creative and scored awards for the Best Plated, Most Creative and Best grilled cheese sandwiches.
Students in the Life On Your Own classes were not to be outdone. A three-day Holiday on a Dime challenge tasked them with making a gingerbread house -or something else – using minimal ingredients and what they had on hand in their classroom.
“Plan, paste and present!” Cory Cooley said about the challenge. “As you can see, the students are very hands-on and were comfortable in that arena. Jose created a peppermint roof house, Briana a blue icing house, Cam a jacked-up pickup and Tyler a truck with green trim and gifts in its bed. Spirits were high!”
View the students creations below and more photos of the recent challenges on our Facebook page.
Celebrating Pythagorean Theorem Day 21st Century
They were there: FPHS math teachers Mr. Santiago, Mrs. Capece, Mrs. Summerfield and Mrs. Waner recently sported bright pink Pythagorean Theorem Day 21st Century t-shirts. 12/16/20 was a Pythagorean Triple, which means that 12 squared + 16 squared = 20 squared.
The next two Pythagorean Theorem Days will be 7/24/25 and 10/24/26. Their shirts also show the dates of previous such days. Math is cool and so are our teachers.
Kristy’s Closet thanks community donors
Kristy’s Closet, which helps Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School students in need of clothing and personal care items, recently received some generous donations from the community.
Thank you to Curtis and Carrie Smith, who donated 30 makeup bags; to Brenda Hill of the Tilted Cone, who donated 100 shampoos, conditioners, body wash and soaps; and to Bev Dingmon, who donated hoodies, long sleeve t-shirts and hats for boys and girls.
For anyone who wishes to add to the closet: More hoodies would be appreciated (size M-XL in any color), as well as long-sleeve graphic t-shirts. Contact kristy.mcfee@fortplain.org