Category: Jr./Sr. High News
Grilled Cheese Challenge a tasty Home & Careers lesson
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School’s 8th grade Home and Careers class recently competed in a tasty event that tapped their culinary and creative skills: the 2nd Annual Grilled Cheese Challenge.
“The competition and the judging were tough, but when it came to the final Meltdown, two teams produced the winning ‘wiches,” said teacher Cory Cooley.
“Brady Spaulding and Brodie Poultney spiced up the competition with a chicken, tomato and chipotle grilled cheese that melted the judges’ hearts and warmed their tastes buds.
“Mason Gray and Levi Hext incorporated breakfast into their grilled masterpiece with scrambled eggs, a seasoned hashbrown and bacon, but the clincher that really sweetened the pot and the judges’ palates was their secret ingredient…maple syrup!
“We all had a great time making an ole standby into a new masterpiece!” Cooley said.
Sign up to audition, join crew for Drama Club’s “Mamma Mia”
Sing a song, read a scene, be in the cast! The Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club is holding auditions for their spring production of “Mamma Mia.” Auditions are open to Canajoharie and Fort Plain students in grades 7-12 and will be held on Nov. 14 and 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Canajoharie High School.
To sign up for one of the days to audition, contact Mrs. Lauri Broady at lauri.broady@fortplain.org or by phone at 315-867-5234. Students may also contact Mrs. Broady to sign up to be in the crew or tech team.
“Mamma Mia” will be presented at Canajoharie High School on March 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m. It is directed by Mrs. Broady and Will Ryan.
“This is considered a ‘high school’ show – we tell students it’s Modified, JV and Varsity all on one team!” said Mrs. Broady. “All are encouraged to participate.”
FPHS alumnus presents about mushrooms, permaculture farming and more
Brad Bowers, a Fort Plain alumnus (Class of 2008) and proprietor of Bowterra Farm on Calbet Road in Fort Plain, recently took time out to present to students in Cory Cooley’s Food Science class, Dorene Goodwin’s Life Skills class and others in the high school.
“Mr. Bower cultivates an amazing variety of mushrooms, among other products, and he shared the complex process with us,” said Cooley. “In addition, we were informed about the versatility and benefits of mushrooms and permaculture farming.
“Mr. Bower donated several beautiful mushrooms, which we cooked into an herbed chicken pasta for the students to try. It was a great success and wonderful learning experience.”
For more information about Bowterra Farms, visit their Facebook page.
SADD chapter holds Red Ribbon Week event
Fort Plain SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the Montgomery County Cares Coalition, held an event at the high school on Oct. 28 in recognition of Red Ribbon Week.
Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to wear red to school to show support for the cause. During lunch, hundreds of students chose to take the pledge to “grow up safe, healthy, and drug free.”
Students learned more about the dangers of drug use and abuse by playing a trivia game and got to walk away with pencils, bracelets and lollipops that sported the “Live Drug Free” logo.
An unforgettable “Aladdin” experience, thanks to Arts in Education
Twenty students in Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School’s OK2XL program visited Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady on Oct. 19 to see the Broadway musical “Disney’s Aladdin,” a trip made possible through the Arts in Education program.
The production was a hit with the students. “I was highly impressed by the beauty of the set and the costumes,” Taylor Potter said. “The cast was very talented and perfect for their characters. I recommend it to anyone to see ‘Aladdin’.”
“As for my experience at Proctor’s ‘Aladdin’, it was the most magical performance I had seen at the theatre,” Natalie Thibodeau said. “I had a wonderful time with my friends while seeing the play, and it was a school trip experience that was unforgettable.”
According to Proctors.org, “The timeless story of Aladdin, [is told in] a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.”
According to Proctors, reviews have described the show as ‘Pure Genie-Us,’ Fabulous’ and ‘Extravagant’.
Welcome new faculty and staff
Fort Plain Central School welcomes new faculty and staff to our campuses this school year. Some started in their new positions with the district during the summer, while others came aboard this month.
Welcome to:
- Amanda Battisti, food service
- David Bertram, director of student engagement and athletics
- Dalton Burrello, music
- Lisa Clement-Adams, speech language pathologist
- Elliott Cohen, school counselor
- Carol Connelly, special education
- Jodi Coppolo, Pre K-6 principal
- Lauren Crisman, superintendent of schools
- Madison Crouse, long term substitute
- Colleen Cushing, new position: K-12 mental health counselor
- Emma DiDonna, English
- Abigail Gorinshek, Grade 5
- Andrew Hanifin, long term substitute
- Jessica Hecht, aide
- Matthew Holden, English
- Heather Hubbard, special education
- Lisa Lamphere, bus driver
- Rusty Mento, bus driver
- Jamie MacDougall, RN, elementary nurse
- Courtney Momberger, special education
- McKay Nare, physical education
- Sonja Purinton, special education
- Charles Schermerhorn, cleaner
- Kelly Thomas, aide
- Adam Wilson, math
All were recognized at the Sept. 1 Superintendent’s Conference Day, along with current faculty and staff, including many who have served the district for decades and continue to do so this school year.
Thank you to all!
Meals are still free for ALL Fort Plain Central School District students
Due to the district’s community eligibility status, all students in grades Pre-K through 12 will still receive free breakfast and lunch in Fort Plain Central Schools.
No forms are needed. To eat for free, students simply come through the cafeteria line.
COVID-19 Update
Fort Plain Central School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022). In our schools:
- As with any infectious illness, students or staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.
- Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
- Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving.
- COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever (temperature of greater than 100.0° F in the last 14 days)
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Testing is recommended for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms as soon as possible after those symptoms begin. Free COVID-19 test kits continue to be available in our schools, and may be picked up in the main entryway kiosks in the elementary and high schools during school hours.
- Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance. It is recommended that those exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get tested as soon as they show symptoms or at least 5 days after close contact, regardless of their vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection.
- Mask use continues to be optional in our school buildings and buses for students and staff; those choosing to wear a mask are welcome to do so. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or when ill with COVID-19.
- COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
- To prevent the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19, regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), are strongly encouraged.
- Our district also will continue to follow regular health and safety measures including cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, offices, common spaces and high-touch surfaces.
If COVID-19 guidelines change, we will notify FPCSD families and staff as soon as possible via ParentSquare and our website.
A warm welcome back from the Superintendent
August 23, 2022
Dear Fort Plain School Community,
I am excited to extend a warm welcome back to every member of the school community. I hope that each family had a chance to relax, unwind and reset in preparation for what I hope will be a terrific school year!
The first day of school for students is on September 6th. Doors will open in both buildings at 7:30 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:50 a.m. for Harry Hoag Elementary and 7:55 a.m. for the Jr./Sr. High School.
FPCSD remains committed to our goal to prepare every student for success beyond graduation. Now, more than ever, we need to closely examine what it is that our graduates will be asked to do in life beyond their senior year. The world is ever changing and we must adapt to embrace the new norms of society. It is the District’s responsibility to ensure that all graduates are well prepared to continue their education and/or to join the workforce. I have no doubt that there will be unexpected challenges in our future. If we remain dedicated to creating a productive, relevant and enjoyable school experience, we will surely achieve our goal in spite of any variables that may come our way.
I am honored to welcome several new administrators, teachers and other school employees to the FPCSD family. I would like to personally thank them for choosing to serve our community. I encourage you to attend a few fall events to get to know all of the highly qualified people who serve as members of the school team.
Communication will be a major focus of the District and we will work tirelessly to keep you informed. Please be sure to check the school website and the Parent Square app regularly to stay apprised of school happenings. This year, we will develop a strategic plan that will set our vision, mission, and priorities for years to come. Our plan will encourage diverse and creative ways for all students to experience the wonder of learning. Keep your ears open for ways to get involved in the planning process.
It is my sincere hope that every student and family will have a happy, healthy and safe learning experience this school year. It is truly an honor to serve FPCSD as a school leader.
Sincerely,
Lauren H. Crisman
Superintendent
FPHS students are state youth leaders in promoting health & preventing illness
It wasn’t a mountain they climbed, but the goal was just as impressive when FPHS students Trinity Belliveau, Kassidee Dodson and Kaitlyn Dodson summited at Keuka College to promote health and prevent illness.
They took part in the New York State Youth Summit Aug. 1-4 as members of the Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities (ATFC) of Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Counties Reality Check program.
Trinity, Kassidee and Kaitlyn joined with fellow youth leaders from across the state at the engaging and educational summit, which culminated in a community activism event anchored by the message, “We Have Seen Enough Tobacco!”
“It was inspirational to see all the work the older youth have done,” Trinity said about the summit.
“The Youth Summit provides an opportunity for Reality Check youth leaders to come together to learn, plan and connect,” said ATFC Coordinator for Catholic Charities Grace Dawson. “Trinity, Kassidee and Kaitlyn were among almost 200 teens and adults who worked together for a healthier New York State at this incredibly impactful event. These youth leaders take what they experience home with them, to plan for similar actions in their own communities.”
Dawson accompanied the students at the summit along with Reality Check Coordinator Monica Tirado, and Luann Santabarbara, Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties substance abuse prevention counselor and Reality Check coordinator, who is based at Fort Plain High School.
Trinity and Kassidee are 8th grade students at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, and Kaitlyn is in 11th grade. Their participation in the summit was funded by a Reality Check program grant.
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