Staff and students wrote thank you notes and designed creative posters to show their appreciation for our district transportation team and contracted staff. Transportation Supervisor Bobbie-Jo Mato and Bus Dispatcher Sarah Bacon also hosted a special luncheon last Friday, surprising staff with the notes and posters displayed throughout the bus garage!
Our elementary students also participated in a poster contest, with winning classes earning a special celebration!
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this week special! We are incredibly grateful for all our bus drivers and attendants, who are often the first friendly faces our students see in the morning and the last they see before heading home. Thank you for all you do for our Titans! 🧡
Our Athletics Department is excited to try something new this year! Based on the valuable feedback and data from our recent sports recognition survey, we are transitioning from individual end-of-season award ceremonies to a single, end-of-year sports banquet: May 27th, 2027.
We reached out to over 200 members of our athletic community, and there were 75 families who cast their votes. We listened to your feedback and saw an opportunity to modify the way we recognize our athletes. By bringing our entire athletic community together under one roof, athletes from the fall, winter, and spring seasons can celebrate each other’s achievements as one unified team!
To make this event truly memorable, we are excited to bring back a full dinner for the celebration, reviving an old tradition. Like past ceremonies, the evening will also feature a slideshow capturing the defining highlights and unforgettable team moments from the entire academic year.
We invite you to help us build this showcase! Please email your favorite action shots, team photos, and celebration videos from any sports season this year to Ericka Shook: eshook2@taconichills.k12.ny.us.
We will share specific details over the coming months so that you may plan well in advance! Thank you for your feedback, dedication and support! Let’s make this a celebration to remember!
Warmly,
Your TH Athletics Team,
Josh Piper and Ericka Shook
Interested vendors should contact Amie Moore (AMoore@taconichills.k12.ny.us) or Hollie Van Tassel (HVanTassel@taconichills.k12.ny.us) ASAP! ❄️🪀
This is the last week that laptop insurance is available for purchase for students in Grades 6-12. Once the window closes, it will be unavailable to purchase until next school year.
Accidents happen, and purchasing insurance can help prevent delays when your student’s device needs to be repaired. Coverage can help keep your student connected to their schoolwork while minimizing unexpected repair or replacement costs.
Basic Plan: Covers common accidental damage, including missing keys, cracked or damaged screens, water damage, and more.
Pro Plan: Includes all Basic Plan coverage, plus protection for lost or stolen devices and more extensive damage.
The deadline to purchase laptop insurance for the 2026–2027 school year is October 31.
Already have an outstanding device charge? You can still purchase insurance. Coverage will be retroactive, so you can purchase a plan even if your student currently has an outstanding device charge.
For a small cost compared to the expense of repairing or replacing a device, insurance can help keep your student’s learning on track, minimize interruptions, and give families peace of mind if something happens to their device.
We encourage families to consider purchasing coverage before the October 31 deadline.
Purchase laptop insurance through Worth Ave. Group: https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/taconichills/
Device Information & Cost
- Lenovo 11E (Grades 7-12) for accidental damages: $46
- Lenovo 11E (Grades 7-12) for accidental damages & theft/loss protection: $80
- Lenovo 300E (Grade 6) for accidental damages: $38
- Lenovo 300E (Grade 6) for accidental damages & theft/loss protection: $64
Final Reminder!
There will be a Flu, COVID-19, and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic tomorrow, October 28, provided by Hannaford Pharmacy. 💉
Faculty and staff are welcome from 2:30–3:30 PM, and families and community members are invited from 3:30–4:30 PM.
No appointment is necessary — please bring your completed vaccine consent form and your insurance card (copies are accepted).
Complete the vaccine consent form here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cMk1qxBVrc_1_4oXYV2yNXRTLZbih9K/view?usp=sharing
Elementary Books on Wheels is back!!
We are on a new schedule. Books on wheels will be held every other week and always on Mondays. The next date is 11/1. View our schedule here ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/19rpXKAUS8diu1_H7ZqJmMH6ESBwwlNOE/view?usp=sharing ). Any changes to the schedule will be posted on the Taconic Hills Elementary & Middle School PTO Facebook Page.
Send in those quarters and let your kids find a book they love. EVERY book no matter the size or condition is only .25! Our trinkets are all .75 and below!
We cannot wait to see the kids and bring the love of reading to the kids of Taconic Hills Elementary!
NYSED requires one survey each year for each student in your home. Please take a moment to complete this short 9-question survey to help us assess your household’s internet access. All responses are confidential. Complete the quick survey here: https://forms.gle/1NT1JAhPPG8wgHNFA
Paper surveys were sent home with families in the beginning of the school year. Please contact the District Data Coordinator, Karen Regina, at KRegina@taconichills.k12.ny.us if you need an additional paper survey mailed home or if you have any questions.
If you have already completed this year's survey, please disregard this message. We appreciate your participation, thank you!
- weapons or items that mimic weapons
- promotion of violence, drug use, alcohol use, or containing profane language
- masks, face coverings, or hoods (These will be permitted during the Elementary School Halloween Parade but must be removed promptly afterward.)
- revealing clothing that violates the code of conduct.
Thank you for ensuring that Halloween is fun & safe for all. We look forward to seeing all of your costumes!
Join us for Halloween Spirit week in Grades 7-12! Get ready to dress up, show out, and bring the spooky vibes!
Monday, Oct 26: What's Your Type?
Dress in the same fashion as your type.
Sporty, edgy, whatever it may be.
Tuesday, Oct 27: Twinning Tuesday
Find a friend and twin away!
Wednesday, Oct 28: VSCO vs Emo
Which side do you relate to? Show us your vibe.
Thursday, Oct 29: Harry Potter
Seniors - Slytherin
Juniors - Gryffindor
Sophomores - Ravenclaw
Freshmen - Hufflepuff
7&8 - House elves (think Dobby)
Friday, October 30: Freaky Friday
Grab your Halloween costume and celebrate the season!!
As always, attire must be school appropriate.
We can't wait to see what you all come up with!
Winter Sports Registration, SUNY Free Application weeks, Halloween Spirit Week, Elementary Books on Wheels & Read-A-Thon, and much much more!
Check out the Friday Folder for the week of October 19-23, 2026 here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/friday-folder
The Friday Folder is a weekly link to our website highlighting upcoming events, important information, and district celebrations.
To stay up to date with the most current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
Winter Athletics Registration is open!
Please complete the Taconic Hills Jr./Sr. High Athletics Registration if your child is planning to tryout for one of our athletic teams offered to students in grades 7 - 12. Parents must be the owner of the arbitersports (FamilyID) account and complete the registration so that all medical information is accurate. Registrations are due by the Friday prior to the first day of practice in order to be reviewed by our school nurse for approval. Late registrations will only be accepted within five days of practice and if the team did not need to hold tryouts.
For this season, we offer the following:
- Boys and Girls Basketball (Varsity, JV, Modified)
- Boys Volleyball (Varsity and Modified)
- Wrestling (Varsity & Modified)
- Boys and Girls Swimming (Varsity)
- Bowling (Varsity)
- Basketball Traditional Cheer (Varsity)
Varsity Basketball, Swim and Wrestling and all JV practices will begin Monday November 16th. Varsity Volleyball and Modified Wrestling begins Monday November 23rd. All remaining Modified Sports tryouts will begin Monday November 30th.
Student-athletes are required to have a current health physical on file prior to the start of the season. Physicals must be dated 11/1/2025 or later to be current. It is especially important to make sure that the health history information provided on FamilyID/arbitersports is accurate and up to date. Student-athletes in need of an updated physical will need to provide the nurse with a copy of a physical completed by their primary care provider or obtained from Wellnow. The physical must indicate that the student is cleared to a participate in athletics and that cardiac history has been reviewed. The physical form to be used by providers can be found in the links section.
Information on specific tryout locations and times for each sport will also be posted on the athletic website prior to the start date, announced at school and/or emailed home to you by the coach. Final team assignments are at the discretion of the coach.
Register your student here: https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/taconic-hills-athletics-registration-2026-2027-winter-season
Want to have some fun? Get healthy and moving your body? Come play volleyball!! 🏐
This group is for competitive recreational players, to play pick-up and develop some volleyball skills. We play loosely following NCAA Rules. Minimal experience required, but a willingness to learn is appreciated. Open to individuals 18 years of age and up!
When: Thursdays when school is in session from 6:30PM - 9:30PM
Dates: November 5th - May 27th
Where: Jr. High School or Elementary gym (enter through the PAC doors on the left)
Tuition: $25
Advisors: Glenn Martino and Donna Coons
The $25 fee is to be paid the first day you play. Just bring cash or check (we will tell you who to make it out to) to Glenn or Donna.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/mPRGWwPTJpsXvQvi9
Attention TH Juniors & Seniors, now is the perfect time to explore your college options!
SUNY's Free Application weeks are here! From October 19 through November 2, 2026, students can apply to up to five SUNY campuses with NO application fee!
With each application fee being $50, you could save up to $250!
How to Apply:
ApplySUNY: Add up to five SUNY campuses to your application list, complete your application, and proceed to the payment page. Your first five application fees should automatically show as $0.
Common App: Add each SUNY campus under the My Colleges tab. Look for the question asking if you'd like SUNY to pay your application fee during Free Application Week, and select Yes for up to five SUNY schools. Be sure not to request a general fee waiver on your main Common App profile for this promotion.
Ready to get started? Visit www.suny.edu/apply to explore your options and submit your applications!
Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to take the next step toward your future! 🧡🎓
Show your support by wearing PINK tomorrow, October 23rd!
Let’s come together to PINK OUT TH and show our support for everyone impacted by breast cancer! 🎀💕
Don't forget! The 2026 Taconic Hills Faculty Association Trunk or Treat & Pow Wow will be held this Friday, October 23rd from 4:00–6:00 PM!🍬
Join us for an evening of games, raffles, free books, and trick-or-treating fun with your favorite teachers!
Popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, hot cocoa, hot dogs, and baked goods will be for sale! 🍧🌭
$5 admission per student to benefit the THFA Scholarship Fund.
Come dressed in your Halloween best and spend the evening celebrating with the Taconic Hills community! 👻🎃
Whether you’re walking the track, getting in a workout, or simply enjoying the outdoors, we hope you enjoy this updated space as much as we do!
A Friendly Reminder: The track and turf field are closed to public use while school is in session and during athletic contests.
Thank you for helping us keep this space safe and enjoyable for everyone. We’re excited to see our community making the most of it!🧡
Laptop insurance is available for purchase for students in Grades 6-12 until October 31st. Once the window closes, it will be unavailable to purchase until next school year.
Accidents happen, and purchasing insurance can help prevent delays when your student’s device needs to be repaired. Coverage can help keep your student connected to their schoolwork while minimizing unexpected repair or replacement costs.
Basic Plan: Covers common accidental damage, including missing keys, cracked or damaged screens, water damage, and more.
Pro Plan: Includes all Basic Plan coverage, plus protection for lost or stolen devices and more extensive damage.
The deadline to purchase laptop insurance for the 2026–2027 school year is October 31.
Already have an outstanding device charge? You can still purchase insurance. Coverage will be retroactive, so you can purchase a plan even if your student currently has an outstanding device charge.
For a small cost compared to the expense of repairing or replacing a device, insurance can help keep your student’s learning on track, minimize interruptions, and give families peace of mind if something happens to their device.
We encourage families to consider purchasing coverage before the October 31 deadline.
Purchase laptop insurance through Worth Ave. Group: https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/taconichills/
Device Information & Cost
- Lenovo 11E (Grades 7-12) for accidental damages: $46
- Lenovo 11E (Grades 7-12) for accidental damages & theft/loss protection: $80
- Lenovo 300E (Grade 6) for accidental damages: $38
- Lenovo 300E (Grade 6) for accidental damages & theft/loss protection: $64
The District is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive this Friday, October 23rd from 9AM - 3PM! ❤️
If you would like to donate, please sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give
When you give blood from 10/19 to 11/22, you will receive a $10 gift card by email as well as extra bonus points toward donor rewards.
Give blood & give the gift of life! 🩸
The hearing will take place in the Board of Education Room. Members of the public are welcome to attend.