Category: Jr./Sr. High News
All fall teams named NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athletes
All of Fort Plain’s fall teams have been named New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar–Athlete teams, in honor of their achievements in both academics and athletics.
To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team, a team’s grade point average (GPA) for 75 percent of the roster must be greater than or equal to 90. Congratulations to the following teams:
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Volleyball
Football
Golf
According to NYSPHSAA, “At the end of each sports season, the NYSPHSAA honors those teams and individuals that excel in the classroom. Those student-athletes, teams, and schools work very hard throughout the year and deserve to be recognized for their academic success.”
Great work FPHS Student Council!
The FPHS Student Council finished Spirit Week with their annual food drive for the local church pantry. They delivered the food on Friday, Dec. 9.
Great work and great spirit!
A message from the superintendent
December 9, 2022
Dear Students, Parents, Colleagues and Community Members,
From my family to yours, wishing everyone joy and happiness during the holiday season! May you take time this month to enjoy those you cherish most while making wonderful memories. We certainly have a lot to be grateful for as a community!
The early 2020s brought extraordinary challenges to all families, staff, teachers, school leaders and communities as a whole. With the pandemic complications behind us, it feels good to have a renewed focus on the District vision, to prepare all students for success beyond graduation.
The first half of the 2022-2023 school year was a productive time and as we approach the December vacation, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported FPCSD to make our many successes possible.
Throughout the fall, school teams regularly met to discuss teaching, learning and best practices to support student achievement. The administrators had thoughtful planning sessions dedicated to improving academic and social-emotional learning. The students had full access to learning and participation in co-curricular activities and athletic competitions.
Our long-standing FPCSD traditions resumed. Fifth graders hiked Kane Mountain and the National Honor Society was able to run a Blood Drive for community service. Student athletes felt support from live spectators. School visitors returned to enjoy activities like the Kindergarten Finger Food Feast, Morning Program and the Pacers Program. It was a rejuvenating feeling to see the campus buzzing once more with traffic from school-related and community-affiliated events.
As we continue to make plans for the future, we will keep our focus on what is most essential, the wellbeing of our school community members and our commitment to deliver robust instruction that prepares all students for success in whatever path their future holds.
If you wish to be part of conversations about FPCSD’s mission and vision and related action plans, I invite you to join me on January 11th at 5:00 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Library for another Community Conversation. The focus topic will be The Student Experience: Engagement and Advancement.
Again, I am truly honored to serve as your superintendent. I remain committed to shaping a future where our students prosper.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Crisman
Olivia Sweet honored with NASA’s “You’ve Got Perseverance!” award
Fort Plain 8th grade student Olivia Sweet has been honored by NASA with a 2022 “You’ve Got Perseverance!” award.
On Dec. 6, she spoke with NASA engineers and scientists in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. She also received a personalized message from the Perseverance Rover that is currently on Mars.
Olivia was nominated for the award based on how she has demonstrated determination, grit and perseverance in her academics and personal life. She is listed on NASA’s award webpage.
Congratulations Olivia!
Refreshed HS library enhances student learning, collaboration
Visitors to Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School’s library media center will find a brighter, more welcoming and functional space for student learning, collaboration and meetings.
Tapping into American Rescue Plan funding, the district was able to purchase additional furniture for the library media center that is colorful, comfortable, lighter in weight and easily moved and combined to create a variety of learning, meeting and working spaces.
Existing furniture and shelving in the were rearranged to improve students’ access to library resources, provide space for both individual study and group learning, and – combined with the new furnishings – create an environment that is more attuned to how students learn today.
“We wanted to restructure the library media center to be a space designed to embrace 21st century learning,” said Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “Education should be collaborative. We want our students to learn vital communication skills and use multiple forms of literacy (media, technology, information) to think constructively about the learning tasks that they are asked to complete.”
“Our library media center provides an inviting place for students to study, learn, read and explore,” said High School Librarian Tariyka Chaulk. “Last school year, we rearranged the library space to make it more student-centered. By putting the desk off to the side, students are the first thing you see when you walk into the library.
“Although the room is just a giant square, we tried to create little pockets for different student gatherings. Large groups and classes can gather in the back. Pairs or individual students can sit at the high-top tables near the windows.
“We even have small conversation areas where student groups have gathered to plan or brainstorm school events. And just like every library, we have open tables for students to work on assignments. I hope the new layout will help students we don’t see frequently feel more comfortable in the space.”
The updates and changes to the library media center are a hit with students, who find it to be a more engaging space that is better suited to their needs and learning styles. “I like the layout and color scheme,” said Kristin Sanders, a 12th grade student. “The chairs are a lot comfier, and the furniture looks more modern. I really like the tall tables by the window.”
“I really enjoy the new furniture in the library,” said fellow senior Madison Delgado. “Everything is comfy, yet still allows students to be productive. The tall table and chairs are my favorite so far.”
Tenth grade student Gracelynn Rice said, “The tables are smooth for writing and the chairs are colorful and comfy. There’s more space to work. The tall tables and chairs are cool, too.”
Cameron Mussey, a 10th grade student, added, “I like how you can move all the furniture easily, and the tables are nice. I like how they’re square, too, so you can fit more people. The new chairs are comfy, too.”
“It’s so fun! The chairs are very comfy and the desks are great for writing,” said Lyrique Busch, an 11th grade student.
The library media center is located just past the high school’s main entrance, with large windows that let in the sunlight, ample space and an extensive collection of books, reference materials and online resources for students and staff. For more information, visit the library and media center webpage.
Update Jan. 11, 2023
In the photos below: More furniture, including moveable tables with storage and cabinets have been added to the library.
Students’ Friendsgiving floats make 8th grade team proud
What is colorful, creative, has a bunch of wheels and rolls to student-performed marching music? Why, the Fort Plain 8th Grade Float Parade, of course!
Before leaving for the Thanksgiving break this year, 8th grade students took part in a grade-wide project where they were asked to design and build parade floats.
The students were placed in groups based on what they considered to be their strengths in school, as well as their interests. Once their groups were formed, they began to plan and build their design. Each group was randomly assigned rolling bases that they had to use for the base of their float. These items were things that you could find in school that rolled, such as laptop carts, rolling chairs, wheelbarrow, and other items.
Students were shown a video of Macy’s Day Parade floats to gain inspiration. Once their design was drawn up and a plan was put into place, students used materials from different classrooms to construct their floats. Their finished product needed to consist of a float that rolled and also represented the category they were given.
“The day before vacation, each group lined up in the gym and paraded their float around while Mr. Burrello and members of the high school band played ‘Mickey Mouse March’,” said teacher Adam Cutspec. “Several faculty and students took the time to come down and take a look at what the 8th graders had created.
“To celebrate all that they accomplished, the entire 8th grade class had a ‘Friendsgiving’ during their lunch period. They feasted on traditional Thanksgiving food that was provided by Mrs. Cooley and her 8th grade Home and Careers classes, as well as by the cafeteria staff.
“This was a new project put together by the 8th grade team that was meant to focus on creativity, teamwork, and problem solving, and the whole team was extremely proud of what the 8th graders created.”
Upcoming December events & important dates
Please note the following upcoming events and important dates:
- December 9: Yearbook Dance for the High School, 7 p.m.
- December 19: DARE Graduation, 2 p.m. at Harry Hoag
- December 20: Winter Concert, 6 p.m. at the Jr./Sr. High School
- December 22: Special Visitors at Morning Program at Harry Hoag
*Note: Morning Program will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22, for the last week of December. - December 23, 26-30: No school – vacation
*Offices will be closed on December 26 in observance of Christmas. - Athletic Events can be found on the athletics webpage.
Stephen Gray’s NHS project brings Thanksgiving dinner to 25 families
The High School National Honor Society requires each member to complete a community service project sometime during the school year. November was senior Stephen Gray’s month and for his project, he wanted to provide families in need with Thanksgiving dinner.
Stephen worked with fellow NHS students, faculty and staff members, and the Loaves & Fishes Pantry at the Reformed Church of Fort Plain. Stephen and the team gathered enough donations to put together Thanksgiving dinner supplies for 25 families!
Stephen thanks all of those who generously supported his project.
In the photo: Andra Fuhs, Stephen Gray and Mason Gray deliver the donations to the Loaves & Fishes Pantry in Fort Plain.
– Article and photo submitted by Will Ryan
Student-athletes named All Stars, Anthony Paradiso to play in Senior Game
Fort Plain student-athletes are being recognized for their performance and sportsmanship.
Several Hilltoppers have been named Western Athletic Conference (WAC) All Stars, including Landon VanGorder, Austin VanGorder, Jordan Brown and Alexis Palmeri (Golf); Natalie Thibodeau, Grace McFee and Bailie Richardson (Cross Country); Stephen Gray, Rylee Herron, Ryleigh Hart and Cameron David (Soccer); and Vivian Nunez (Volleyball).
Fort Plain football team member Anthony Paradiso was voted to play in the Section 2 Senior Game on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College.
Congratulations to all!
173 FPHS students achieve 1st Q Honor Roll or Principal’s List
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce that 80 students were named to the Honor Roll and 93 students were named to the Principal’s List for the first quarter of the 2022-23 school year.
To achieve Principal’s List, a student must earn an average of 89.445 or higher. To achieve Honor Roll, a student must earn an average between 84.445 and 89.444.
Congratulations to all of the students listed below.
Honor Roll
12th Grade
Alexis Euler
Iyanna Gilot
Amber Hayes
Vivian Nunez
Alyza Scott
Zimra Trant
Aleigha Van Alstine
11th Grade
Karissa Battisti
Ezekiel Brown
Kelsey Buley
Lyrique Busch
Mason Cook
Kaeden David
Courtney Euler
Aidan Guile
Kassidy Hogan
Kierstan Horender
Monika Kulczynski
Alexis Maaser
Sadie Mollel
Michael Palmeri
Zachary Sanders
Sarinda Sardina
Christina Schmidt
Alex Smith
Delana Tracki
Marissa Wilder
10th Grade
Jordan Brown
Dakota Cooper
Kaedence David
Dakota Dodson
Kaylie Field
Cris-John Fuhs
Christian (Charlotte) Krulczyk
Katie LeRoy
Damien Massie
Morgan McArthur
Asaiah Muha
Nevaeh Rivers
Brandon Schuyler
Chase Tyler
Calen Van Alstine
9th Grade
Emma Cook
Marcus Dunbar-Eller
Daniel Euler
John Fountain
Breyanna Gilot
Isis Hammond
Natashia Hammond
Koby Herron
Rachel Kamp
Macey LeRoy
Grace McFee
Bradley Rumrill
Jayde TenEyck
Dawson Tracki
8th Grade
Tyler Cotton
Aaliyah Delgado
Keagan Dodson
Isabella Fountain
Madison Lewis
Shawn Madden
Faith Narzymski
Ariana Nemeth
Jonathan Palmeri
Brodie Poultney
Brady Spaulding
Peyton Spicci
Riley Spraker
Jordan Thackrah
7th Grade
Logan Carey
David Hillsgrove Jr.
Brianna Hisert
Alexis Horender
Lincoln Kretser
Blake Lapi
Savannah Maddox
Sean McGuire
Sawyer Raymond
Jasmine Rumrill
Principal’s List
12th Grade
Americus Cotton
Cameron David
Madison Delgado
Andra Fuhs
Stephen Gray
Alexandra Handy
Ryleigh Hart
Madeline Heroth
Rylee Herron
Ethan Kilmartin
Brianna Krutz
Anthony Paradiso
Kaitlyn Parker
Mayreni Quiroz-Romero
Gavin Richards
Kristin Sanders
Corbin Sardina
Joseph Stinebrickner III
Natalie Thibodeau
Phoebe Wagner-Gollinger
11th Grade
Jasmine Fonda
Jordan Hillsgrove
Ethan Hubbard
Brady Keane
Payton Kretser
Matthew Paul
Devan Sanders
Joseph Sherman
Andrew Spicci
Breanna Steinhauer
10th Grade
Nathan Benson
Yunus Demir
James Douglas
Ashlynn Hart
Vienna Jackson
Payton Landry
Jasmine Lapi
Xavier Rivera
Adriyanna Rouse
9th Grade
Ian Burns
Josephia Carcasole
Owen Castellano
McKenna Karker
Dylan Keane
Kyera Murray
Constance Narzymski
Taylor Potter
Bailie Richardson
Morgan Stock
Summer Trumbull
8th Grade
Trinity Belliveau
Jordyn Best
Gamliel Brackett
Kala Clapper
Bryellah D’Arcangelis
Jeremy Gebhardt
Mason Gray
Jansheen Haider
Lyllie Handy
Hailey Hayes
Levi Hext
Nathalieann Hisert
Brooke Jones
Jay Kwasny
Lilly Lapi
Gavin Massie
Kaylee Minckler
Elle Nare
Alexis Palmeri
Zionna Robarge
Kendra Sackett
Larry Sanders III
Silas Smith
Olivia Sweet
Landon VanGorder
Cheyanne Wall
7th Grade
Joseph Barr
Caleigh Bartholomew
Alexis Bowley
Eliyahna Brackett
Dio Callan
Alexa Conley
Brianne Gallt
Jordan Gallt
Violet Handy
George Mang
Elijah Muha
Cristopher Quiroz-Romero
Charlotte Sherwood
Gabreilla Steinhauer
Daija Suits
Dorian Tracki
Evan Weaver