FCSD District Update: A Message from Mr. Lawrence, Athletic Updates, and more!

Posted Date: 12/28/25 (05:30 PM)

FCSD District Update

Monthly news and updates from the desk of the Superintendent

A Message from the Superintendent

As we turn to our winter recess, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful progress we have made together this fall and share some important updates as we head into the new year:

First and foremost, I am thrilled to report that we are off to an exceptional start to the school year! Our recent data shows a very positive trend: student attendance is improving across the district. This is a significant achievement, and I want to thank you for your partnership in prioritizing your child’s presence in the classroom. We know that school attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of student success — when students are here, they are learning, growing and building the relationships that make our school community so strong. Let’s keep this momentum going into 2026!

I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in our recent parent surveys. Your feedback is a vital part of our growth. Hearing directly from our families allows us to understand what is working well and where we can grow. Please know that your input is carefully reviewed and plays a major role in the important improvements and decisions we make as a school district. We value your voice and your commitment to our students' future.

As we move farther into our snowy season, I also want to provide a quick reminder regarding winter weather. While our goal is always to have students in school as much as possible, Mother Nature occasionally has other plans. Decisions regarding school delays, closures, or early dismissals are never taken lightly. Please rest assured that student safety is always our primary focus when making these calls. We will continue to communicate any weather-related changes as early as possible through our use of ParentSquare.

Finally, on behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Fulton City School District staff, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and safe holiday season. I hope the coming weeks offer you time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of friends and family.

We look forward to welcoming our students back in January. Happy New Year!

Mr. Douglas Lawrence

Superintendent of Schools

A group of young musicians in black shirts and red ties play trumpets on stage.

Digital Resources Survey

The New York State Education Department annually asks parents to complete a Digital Resources Survey (for each student in the family) in grades K-12. This survey provides information on student access to devices and internet access in their places of residence. Please complete the survey by clicking here:

NYS Digital Resources Survey.

Snow-covered trees stand in the background, with a foreground of fresh snow.

Winter weather is here!

When delays and closings happen, all FCSD families will be notified through ParentSquare. As in the past, notifications will also be sent to Facebook, Instagram, local news and media outlets. Finally, a popup alert will appear on the district website. Make sure your contact information in ParentSquare is correct to receive the fastest information available!

What's new in Fulton?

A group of people, mostly women, stand in a line wearing black tops and red scarves.

Winter Concerts at FCSD

GRB and FJHS students gave a series of spectacular winter concerts this month, ringing in the holiday season. Elementary Schools will begin their own winter concerts in January (see individual schools and the district calendar for more details).

A young girl wearing a pink Santa hat smiles while decorating a small object on a stick.

Festive Fun across Fulton!

Throughout the month, students across FCSD decorated candy houses, visited with Santa and the Grinch and so much more! Our students love to learn and play! See photos on the FCSD District Facebook page, available here!

A group of young children look in the same direction, some with expressions of surprise.

UPK & Kindergarten Registration opens this January

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens January 5, 2026! UPK and Kindergarten students looking to begin school in September of 2026 should fill out our online registration form, available on FultonCSD.org.

FCSD Athletics Updates

Two young women smile at the camera, one in a navy UConn shirt and the other in a green Wagner Seahawks shirt.

This fall, Joslyn Cantine earned an outstanding 3rd place finish at the Section 3 Cross Country Championships and went on to place 33rd at the NYS Championships, representing our district with excellence at both levels.

We are also proud to recognize the signing of two Division I lacrosse players, Callie Shaw and Allie Mainville, who will continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level. Their commitment reflects years of hard work, leadership, and dedication.

Our Section 3 Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative, Hayden McCauley, participated in a regional meeting held in Syracuse. Hayden engaged in workshops focused on the dangers of teen gambling, officials and sportsmanship, behind-the-scenes operations of Section 3 athletics and an overview of the college recruiting process. Hayden will share highlights from these experiences with the Board of Education.

Congratulations to all of our fall student-athletes for their accomplishments, leadership, and continued positive contributions to our athletic community!

A group of adults and children pose for a photo in a classroom, with two children holding a "Fulton School Champions" award.

December Fulton School Champions

Our well-loved and nationally-recognized Fulton School Champions program celebrated another round of exceptional staff members this month. A special congratulations to:

Missy Hughes - Teaching Assistant, Lanigan Elementary
Miranda Smith - English Teacher, G. Ray Bodley High
Kristin Bellinger - Special Education Teacher, Volney Elementary

Looking to nominate a Champion of your own? Click here to access our Champions page and click on the red "NOMINATE" button!

Click here for Fulton Flybys!

Three young boys stand together, one wearing a Santa hat and festive pajamas.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

JANUARY 5 - Students return to FCSD
JANUARY 12 - Title I Family Engagement Meetings (9 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.)
JANUARY 13 - BOE Meeting (6 p.m.)
JANUARY 15 - Lanigan Winter Concert (6 p.m. at GRB)
JANUARY 19 - MLK Jr. Day (All Facilities Closed)
JANUARY 21 - Granby Winter Concert (6 p.m. at GRB)
JANUARY 20-23 - Regents Week at GRB
JANUARY 27 - BOE Meeting (6 p.m.)
FEBRUARY 6 - Early Release Day (Half Day for Students)

FCSD SOARS

This year, FCSD students and staff will work together to SOAR in the classroom and beyond. Our Red Dragons will be able to show:

SELF CONTROL: Red Dragons show self-control by making thoughtful choices -- even when it’s hard. Whether it’s staying calm during a disagreement or waiting their turn, Fulton students rise above challenges with focus and maturity.

ON-TASK BEHAVIOR: Fulton Red Dragons stay on-task by staying focused and giving their best effort during learning time. They avoid distractions, follow directions, and keep their minds set on reaching their goals—showing the true determination of a Red Dragon.

ACHIEVEMENT: Achievement for a Red Dragon means setting goals and working hard to reach them. Whether it's mastering a new math skill or helping a classmate, Fulton students celebrate progress and push themselves to be their best.

RESPECT: Red Dragons lead with respect by treating everyone—classmates, teachers, and themselves—with kindness and dignity. In the Fulton City School District, respect fuels a positive, inclusive environment where all can thrive.

Fulton City School District

(315) 593-5500

167 South 4th Street

Fulton, NY 13069

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