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