What's New on the FFCSD Website?

• F-F middle and elementary schools named "High Perfoming"

• Elementary raffles 21 baskets to benefit local fire victims

• Class of 2009 hanging basket fund-raiser

• Make your reservations for 55th Sports Banquet

• Test taking and studying tips

• Rulison named outstanding business student

• Budget vote set for May 20

Elementary School raffles to benefit local fire victims

Recent house fires have impacted a few of our elementary students and their families, as well as, two of our elementary teachers. Luckily, there were no injuries but, replacing items destroyed in these fires will be a hardship.

The elementary school is raffling 21 separate baskets (view the baskets) to benefit those in our elementary school community who were victims of these tragic events. Tickets are $1.00 each or 25 tickets for $20.00. Tickets will be on sale in the Multi-Purpose Room throughout the day and evening during our school budget vote on Tuesday, May 20th. Basket winners will be drawn on Wednesday, May 21st and notified by phone. Winners can pick up their baskets from the elementary office during regular business hours.

Anyone wishing to donate a basket or gift certificate should contact the elementary office as soon as possible at 853-3332 x 5001. (view the baskets)

Save money and support the PTA

The FFCS PTA is currently conducting its 13th Annual CDC Card Sale. The discount card offers saving at many area stores and eateries including Mike's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Winner's Circle, TJ's Pizza, Classis Auto Car Wash, and more. Cards cost just $6.00 each—you'll probably save that on your first purchase! Contact Robyn Rose at 853-4415 ext. 4231 to order a card.

Add a little color to your home with the Class of 2009 hanging basket fund-raiser

Spring has finally arrived to the Mohawk Valley—and what better way to celebrate than to spruce up your home with a little color! The Class of 2009 is currently selling bright, colorful, beautiful, hanging baskets. The  price is just $18 each (these are not your run-of-the-mill mass market baskets). Not sure what to order? Just check out the full-color flyer. The sale ends on Friday, May 23. Pick up is Thursday, May 29, 2:30-7 p.m. at the FFCS tennis courts in front of the school. For more information, contact class advisor Deb Morin at dmorin@ffcsd.org or 853-4747, ext. 4246 during school hours.

Be sure to vote and stay for Family Night

When district residents cast their ballots on the proposed 2008-09 school budget, they are invited to stay for Family Night. The event includes:

• Book Fair - 3-7 p.m. with 50 percent off all books (credit/debit cards accepted

• Art Show - 6-8 p.m.

• Animal Land - Stuff your own collectible animal, 4-7:30 p.m.

• Bake Sale and Basket Raffle - proceeds to benefit fire victims

District voters to decide on 2008-09 budget on May 20

The annual budget vote for the 2008-09 fiscal year by the qualified voters of Fonda-Fultonville Central School District will be at Fonda-Fultonville Central Schools on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, between the hours of noon and 9 p.m. Applications for absentee ballots are available by contacting Karen Kruppenbacher at 853-4415 ext. 4230.

On Tuesday, May 20, Fonda-Fultonville taxpayers are being asked to vote on a proposed $25,234,443 budget for 2008-09 that reflects a 2.98 percent increase in spending over the 2007-08 budget. The total estimated tax levy increase is 2.96 percent. (read more)

Dr. Hoffman presents budget overview

Superintendent James Hoffman presented an overview of the proposed 2008-09 school budget and answered residents' questions concerning the budget at the district's annual budget hearing on Tuesday, May 13. Don't worry if you missed the meeting, you can view Dr. Hoffman's presentation here (allow your computer to run ActiveX to view all pages)

F-F staff steps up for fire victims

When fire ripped through downtown Fonda, it destroyed more than just the Chinese restaurant. Two Fonda-Fultonville teachers, first grade teacher Teresa Sasso and special education teacher Alicia Magruder watched helplessly as flames engulfed their apartments located in the upper floors of the building. Ms. Magruder was in the process of moving and lost a portion of her possessions. Ms. Sasso lost everything.

A stunned group of teachers and staff stepped up to help by holding a raffle to raise to funds to help their fellow teachers. Each person purchased a five-dollar ticket that promised 25 percent of the proceeds to the winner and 75 percent to the fire victims. The fund grew to $1430 until Friday, May 9, when staff drew the winning ticket, elementary teaching assistant Cindy Monk. Ms. Monk promptly donated her winnings back to the fund.

"Our elementary school faculty and staff work to instill the pillars of character in our students," said Superintendent James Hoffman. "One of those principles is 'caring.' Our F-F employees demonstrated the importance of caring in their actions. Our community can be proud to have such a fine and caring group of people working here."

Senator Farley secures grant

State Senator Hugh Farley announced that he had secured a $22,500 member grant for the Fonda-Fultonville School District. The funds will enable the district to begin pool repairs more quickly than originally anticipated.

"These funds came at the perfect time," said Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman. "Our original aid estimates from the state for the coming year were higher than the final numbers we received. That and a delay in the EXCEL funding process made it difficult for the district to begin making the needed pool repairs. We owe Senator Farley our sincerest thanks for his support."

EXCEL project update—roof work to begin

Work on the school's roofs is slated to begin in the immediate future. Bids for the work were opened on Tuesday, May 6. Pending the Board of Education's accepting one of the bids, work will begin as soon as possible.

In May 2007, voters approved a $2.71 million, state-funded EXCEL capital construction project which included the repair and replacement of our school's aging roofs. A backlog in the state's review process delayed final approval and funding of the project. As a consequence, the school district could not seek project bids until late Spring 2008.

Also included in the EXCEL project is the repair and renovation of the school's swimming pool. Plumbing repairs were "fast-tracked" through the review process.

"We expect final approval for the plumbing portion in the next few weeks," said Superintendent James Hoffman. "That, in combination with Senator Farley's generous member grant, should enable us to complete the plumbing repairs in time for school opening in September."

The balance of the pool renovations will be made in the Summer of 2009.

Cafeteria to test "Point of Sale" software

Imagine not having to find cash each day for your child's lunch. Imagine being able to pay for school lunches online. Imagine no more lost lunch money.

Your imagination will soon become a reality as the Fonda-Fultonville cafeteria introduces its new point of sale software. Food Service Director Judy Murray and her staff will begin testing the software beginning late in May. Mrs. Murray plans to fully implement the system beginning in September 2008.

 (learn how it will work and how students and families will benefit)

Cystic Fibrosis March teaches true meaning of "caring"

How do you teach students the importance of caring? You can tell them about it. You can ask them to write about it. You can have them look it up on the Internet. But sometimes, "doing" is the best teacher.

On Thursday, May 8, Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School PreK-4 students showed the community how much they care as they participated in the school's second annual Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Mini-March to raise money for CF research. The children collected donations from family and friends in the weeks prior to the walk. (read more and view pictures)

UPK Applications still being accepted

Although the May 2 deadline for applications for UPK has passed, there are still open slots for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for 2008-2009. There are still five (5) afternoon session seats available for the program, due to begin in September, 2008. All morning session program seats are now filled.

If you are interested in having your child attend, he or she must be four years old no later than December 1, 2008. To enroll, simply download and complete the UPK application, and return it to either the Superintendent’s office, or the Elementary School main office. Applications are now accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until all seats are full. If you send in your application after all seats have been filled, your child will be placed on a waiting list, based upon the date and time your application was received.

For further information, please contact Principal Mrs. Henry at the Elementary School at 853-3332, or District Superintendent Dr. Hoffman in the Superintendent's Office at 853-4415 ext. 4230.

Make your reservations for 55th Sports Banquet

FFCS will hold its 55th Annual All-Sports Banquet on Monday, June 2nd at 6 PM in the high school gymnasium to honor senior athletes, letter winners and special award winners. The cost of the dinner is $10 for guests. The dinner will be catered by the Winner’s Circle. Varsity letter winners attend for free.

Space is limited. For reservations, contact the athletic office at 853-3182, X 4225.

Class of 2010 fundraisers

The Class of 2010 is holding two fundraisers.

• Avon sales—The class is selling Avon products May 2-16. A portion of all sales will benefit the class.

• Webkinz gift basket raffle—tickets are $1.00 each and the drawing will be on May 20th. (Click on the photo to see the basket in greater detail)

Please contact a sophomore student or Cindy Monk at 922-6689 (after 3 p.m.) or cmonk@ffcsd.org for more information.

Kiwanis present books to preschoolers

How do you instill a love a reading in a student? Research indicates that you expose them to reading at an early age.

On April 2nd the Kiwanis Club of Fonda-Fultonville did its part to help youngsters on the road to reading as as they presented reading packets to preschoolers attending the Fulmont HeadStart program. (full story and photos)

District to participate in Education Department weight/health survey—survey includes only grades K, 2, 4, 7 and 10

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low.

Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. Fonda-Fultonville Central School District is taking part in a survey being pilot-tested by the New York State Department of Health. As part of the survey, we will be reporting to the New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent.

You may choose to have your grade K, 2, 4, 7 or 10 child’s information excluded from this survey report by completing an exemption form and returning it to Dr. Constance Spohn, Director of Special Programs at the address listed on the form. All exemptions must be submitted by April 10th.

Burton and Wemple Scholarship creates buzz in region—and opportunity for F-FHS grads

By now, virtually everyone in the Fonda-Fultonville School District has heard about the newly established Burton and Wemple Scholarship. In fact, people throughout the region know about Mr. and Mrs. Wemple's extraordinary gift and the resulting scholarship from widespread newspaper, television and radio coverage.

What makes this story so intriguing is that the Wemples passed away over 30 years ago. For much of their lives, they published a weekly newspaper, the Mohawk Valley Democrat, in what is now the NAPA Auto Parts store on the corner of East Main St. and South Center St. in Fonda. Only upon the death of their last descendent, was their $1.83 million bequest made known to the school district. The gift was totally unexpected.

The challenge then fell to the district to establish a foundation to invest the funds and to distribute them to students according to the conditions of the Wemples' will. The will stipulates that the funds be distributed to an equal number of boys and girls who who are continuing on demonstrate financial need. FFCS officials came up with a unique plan to tie the value of the scholarship to the cost of getting an associate degree from Fulton-Montgomery Community College. As those costs change, the amount of the award will change.

According to Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman, students need at least an associate degree in today's job market. This scholarship assures that finances will not prevent capable students from continuing their education whether at college or an accredited trade school. Scholarship packets which include instructions, student application and parent financial forms are available online and in the high school guidance office. (read more about the scholarship)

See what the media had to say:

Capital 9 News video
Capital 9 News print article
The Gazette article
The Leader-Herald article
Amsterdam Recorder (not available online)
WNET radio (not available online)

Safety efforts earn Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Safety Excellence Titanium Award

The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District received the "2008 School Safety Excellence Award," Titanium Level, from the Utica National Insurance Group.

Utica National Officials presented the award at its 28th annual school safety seminar, one of seven held in Ness York State. Utica insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York for property and liability insurance and is of the leading companies in the field.

The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District received a certificate from the insurance company to commemorate the district's safety efforts. (read more)

A day in NYC—courtesy of the Class of 2010

The Class of 2010 is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, April 26th. Spend the day do whatever you like—shopping, a show, or sightseeing. At just $40 per person, this is a great deal. (The tolls alone are $19.50, not to mention the price of gasoline!) For more information, please contact Cindy Monk at 922-6689 or cmonk@ffcsd.org on or before April 21st. There are still plenty of seats available, so why not come and have some fun!

Elizabeth Valade deployed to Iraq

1999 Fonda-Fultonville graduate 1LT Elizabeth Valade is currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Elizabeth is the daughter of Martha Stanton who teaches on Team Seneca. She was an athlete in school, playing soccer and basketball, and running track at FFCS and later playing soccer and lacrosse and running track in college. Elizabeth enlisted in the US Army in 2001. She was an Intelligence Analyst (96B) for 5 years. As a non-commissioned officer she was offered a direct commission into the Officer Corps. She was selected to branch into Military Intelligence. When not deployed Elizabeth works in the metropolitan Washington DC area.

Beth Donovan named CASDA's top administrator

The Library Review Committee of the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) has named Fonda-Fultonville Middle School principal Beth Donovan as the 2008 Administrator of the Year. She was nominated for the honor by high school media specialist Nikki Hathaway.  Mrs. Donovan will receive award at the conference for Library Media Specialists and Administrators at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Road in Albany on April 4. Congratulations!

Community Open Swim canceled until further notice

Community Open Swim is canceled until further notice due to pool maintenance and repairs.

Parents of special education students urged to complete questionnaires

Fonda-Fultonville Central School District is working with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to collect information on how we help you and other parents of students with disabilities to be involved in their children’s education. Parents from school districts throughout the State are completing the same survey. NYSED is working with CyberData, Inc., an independent research firm, to collect the information.

Your answers to the survey are very important to us. They will help us identify how well we work with parents in order to improve services and results for all our students with disabilities. No one from our school district will see how you answer the questions. CyberData, Inc. will compile the results of the surveys from all our parents and the results for will be available to you in a public report issued by NYSED for our school district.

You may fill out the paper survey and mail it to CyberData, Inc. in the postage-paid envelope. Or, complete the questionnaire on the Internet. To do this, go to www.vesidsurvey.com/parent. The questionnaires have been mailed and should have reached your mailbox. Please take the time to complete the survey as soon as possible.

Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, you may call the Pupil Services Office at 853-3189 ext. 4234.

FFCS hosts Jazz Festival

Some of the regions finest high school and middle school jazz musicians took the stage at Fonda-Fultonville High School at the district's annual Jazz Festival on Thursday, Feb. 14. Bands from Mayfield, Westmoreland, New Hartford, Oneida, Oppenheim-Ephratah, Broadalbin-Perth, LaSalle Institute, Gloversville, Canajoharie, and Amsterdam joined three Fonda-Fultonville ensembles in the all-day event. (click here for full story and more photos...)

Important calendar updates

• The Sherburne Pageant of Bands has been rescheduled. The new dates are Thursday, June 5—Saturday, June 7.

• The Fonda-Fultonville High School's Spotlight Performers will present "The Music Man" on April 4-6.

Holiday gift gives back to F-F third graders
U.S. military honors classroom with special U.S. flag

For Amy Mulyca’s third grade class, Monday, Feb. 4 was an extraordinary day. In a special classroom ceremony, the Fonda-Fultonville students accepted a very special gift from the U.S. military—an American flag that had flown aboard a reconnaissance aircraft in the Middle East.

The flag, a certificate, and a poster of photos from the Middle East were presented to the class by Fonda native and Senior Airman Jacob Mundell who just completed service in Saudi Arabia with the U.S. Air Force. (Click here to read more...)

Middle school media center—it's not your same old library

If you graduated from school ten or more years ago, then chances are that a visit to the Fonda-Fultonville Middle School media center will shock you. Yes, you will still find plenty of books, tables, and chairs, but any resemblance to the library you remember ends there.

Gone is the card catalog—those drawers filled with index cards listings titles, authors, subjects and locations of every publication on the library shelves. In their place you are more likely to find rows of computers and an online card catalog instead.

The  media center has entered the digital age. (Click here for the full story)

Finding the true meaning of the holidays
Six elementary students give of themselves

If this is the season for giving, then six Fonda-Fultonville Elementary School students have clearly discovered what it means to give. Instead of simply going to the mall and buying gifts, these six young ladies did something extraordinary for others. (Click here to read the full story)

When is nothing good news?
When it is the result of a New York State Comptroller's audit

At the Board of Education meeting held Monday, December 17, 2007, Superintendent Jim Hoffman announced that the result of the audit conducted by the New York State Comptroller’s Office was a “no findings” report. This type of report states that there were no deficiencies in the areas audited that required changes in the processes used by the district. (Click her to view the full story and copy of the report)

Students launch school-wide recycling program

The Fonda-Fultonville High School Student Government is spearheading the district's first school-wide recycling program. The program begins January 2, 2008 recycling only paper and cardboard, but plans are in the works to expand include recycling plastics, metal cans, and glass.

Student government recognized that a tremendous volume of paper was simply being dumped in the trash. The new plan is both environmentally responsible and may ultimately reduce waste costs. When the group proposed the effort, it quickly gained the support of the Board of Education, Superintendent Jim Hoffman, Principal Dave Halloran, and Head of Buildings and Grounds Tim Cellary.

On Thursday, December 19th, student government members distributed recycling receptacles in the high school and a few selected rooms in the middle school. On January 2nd or 3rd, the members will finish distributing receptacles throughout the entire school, pre-K-12.

The group initially plans pick-up once each week from classrooms and twice weekly from the copy center, media centers, and offices.

• Accepted materials: newspapers, magazines, card board, mixed papers such as corrugated boxes, cereal boxes, junk mail (including envelopes with plastic windows) catalogs, telephone books, and stapled paper.

• Unacceptable materials: food-stained papers, tissues, stickers, wet paper products and those containing wax, plastic, or metal foil coating.

Your paper becomes home insulation. And remember, one Sunday paper recycled each month saves a tree a year (Better Homes and Gardens, Feb. 2008).

Fight the weather and support your F-F Braves

What's big and colorful and keeps out the rain?—giant Fonda-Fultonville umbrellas being sold by the Class of 2010! These are not those little, black, fold-up umbrellas that collapse in a light breeze—these are rugged, 60" across, maroon and white, and emblazoned with the Braves logo. They are in stock and available for immediate pick-up. At just $20 each, these will make great gifts. To purchase your's, contact Cindy Monk at 922-6689 or cmonk@ffcsd.org.

Alumni: Don't forget to register in database

The FFCSD Web site features an alumni directory, which almost 300 former F-F students have registered in to date. Want to register? Click here.

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