Tag: season’s greetings
Seasonal events and feasibility study update: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain Community,
As the holiday season approaches, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the joy this time of year brings!
Seasonal activities and events
- Winter athletic competitions are well underway. View the schedule of events at the Athletics page of our website)
- The PTA will host a Donuts & Drawing event on Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
- The annual Grade 5-12 Winter Concert is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 6 pm in the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.
Rumor has it, a special guest from the North Pole will visit the Morning Program to say hello to our littlest learners sometime this month, too.
We hope you can join us for these wonderful seasonal events!
Feasibility Study update
As many of you already know, the district chose to engage in a Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger with Canajoharie CSD. Over the course of the next two months, the study will conclude and the Boards of Education will make a determination regarding next steps.
Upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Feasibility Study
- Dec. 12, 2024 – Final Advisory Committee meeting, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. Committee members will be touring the facilities prior to the meeting.
- Jan. 16, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. The Feasibility Study consultants are scheduled to present a final report to both boards at this meeting and discuss their findings.
- Jan. 22, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Fort Plain CSD. At this meeting, the Boards will take part in an open discussion of the study recommendations and determine the next steps.
Community members, students, staff and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings.
View resources related to the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Merger Feasibility Study.
In closing, should you have any comments or questions about the Feasibility Study, the future actions of the Board or school organization, please feel free to contact me directly at lauren.crisman@fortplain.org or 518-993-4000, ext. 1000
Wishing each of you a wonderful season of merriment!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Season’s greetings and bright futures: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Season’s greetings families, faculty and friends of Fort Plain CSD!
Where does the time go! As we rapidly approach the end of 2023, it is important that we take a moment to appreciate the things we hold most dear.
For me, working as part of the FPCSD team will always be one of the things that I am most grateful for. This community continues to show unwavering support for its youth and the school system. Throughout the fall, it was wonderful to see our campus buzzing with community and parent engagement at so many school events, from fall sporting competitions and Open Houses to the annual Halloween Parade. These events were so much fun and your presence and partnership are appreciated!
The changing of the year invites us to think deeply about goals for the future. Goal setting is fundamental in achieving success.
Capital Improvement Project aimed at addressing essential needs
On Wednesday, Dec.13, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. This project was designed with two important district goals in mind; to address maintenance issues in all of the facilities and to enhance student learning spaces. An enduring Board of Education goal is to ensure the responsible use of fiscal resources. The proposed project takes advantage of the district’s current high building aid ratio to address the necessary repairs. If approved, the project will have no impact on the school tax levy, nor be an additional cost to taxpayers.
Conversation on possible consolidation study
Additionally, as we think of the future and our core fundamental purpose of preparing students for success beyond graduation, our Board of Education has agreed to meet with the Canajoharie Central School District’s board to consider engaging in a comprehensive consolidation (merger) study. Typically, consolidation (merger) studies take nine to twelve months to complete.
FPCSD continues to face many of the same challenges impacting other rural communities such as recruiting and retaining certified educators, finding coaches and advisors to maintain student enrichment options and acquiring skilled labor employees. Community-based organizations that provide such needed services as childcare and mental health supports continue to be sparse, as well. A consolidation study would allow both school communities to comprehensively assess the advantages and disadvantages associated with combining school services.
Some may ask why we would plan a Capital Improvement Project if we are considering a consolidation. While our board has agreed to have a conversation soon about the potential of consolidation, any action that may be taken to combine the two districts’ programs would be years away. In the meantime, our facilities will require maintenance in order to best serve our students and the many other youth and community groups such as Boy Scouts, Summer Rec and Biddy Basketball that utilize our campus for their activities. The Capital Improvement Project that will be voted on Dec. 13, 2023 was prepared with the entire community’s needs in mind so, whether a consolidation is agreed to or not, the campus structures will remain a great value and service to all.
With gratitude
Heading into the winter, be sure to stay informed of school happenings by visiting our website and joining our social media groups. We remain dedicated to sharing stories of our students’ achievement, growth and advancement.
As the time to say goodbye to another year nears, I encourage you to reach out to those who’ve made a difference in your life and express your gratitude for them. “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
From my family to yours, wishing you each a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
Fondly,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools