Start with a Plan
- Set an overall spending limit before shopping begins
- List out categories (gifts, travel, meals, decor, etc.)
- Assign a realistic budget to each category & stick to it
Track as you Go
- Use a budget tracker app or spreadsheet to log expenses in real time
- Keep receipts or screenshots to help you monitor progress
- Review weekly to avoid suprise totals
Prioritize What Matters Most
- Focus spending on experiences or traditions that bring joy, not pressure
- Consider group gifts, exchanges, or setting dollar limits with family and friends
- Avoid “keeping up” with social media expectations: stay true to your values
Plan Ahead for Next Year
- Set aside a small amount each month
- Shop off-season sales for decor and stocking stuffers
- Keep a list of what worked (and what didn’t) for next year
Don't Forget Other Costs
- Include travel, postage, wrapping supplies, and food
- Look for free community events for holiday fun
- If hosting, consider potluck-style gathering
Avoid Debt Hangovers
- Use debit or cash when possible
- If using credit, aim to pay off balances immediately after the holidays
- Remember: peace of mind lasts longer than any present!
Give the Gift of Time
- Offer to help someone decorate, babysit, or cook a meal
- Acts of service often mean more than tangible items
- DIY gifts or cards when you can, handmade items can be more valuable than those purchased
Stories Across Generations Program for Grades 1-6, Holiday Budgeting Tips & Tricks, Winter Arts & Crafts Festival, and more!
Check out the Friday Folder for November 14, 2025.
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
Titan Pride is Strong! 🏈
The Taconic Hills Titans Varsity Football Team defeated Cairo-Durham/Catskill on Friday, November 7th, and now advances to the first round of 8-Man Regional Play! 💪🔥
Come out and support your Titans as they represent Section 2, hosting Tupper Lake (Section X) on Friday, November 14th at 5 PM right here at Taconic Hills.
Tickets will need to be purchased on GoFan for $8. Tickets must be purchased online. No cash sales. https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAII
Let’s pack the stands and show our Titan Pride! ❤️🤍
There will be over 50 arts & crafts vendors, a concession stand, bake sale, music from our choir, and so much more!
Admission is free.
Come out & support our seniors and knockout some holiday shopping!
The Taconic Hills High School Drama Club with Shakespeare & Company presents William Shakespeare's Macbeth, a tragic journey through the heart of ambition.
When: Friday, November 14th at 6:30pm and Saturday, November 15th at 2:00pm and 6:30pm
Where: Lyle G. Hamm Performing Arts Center
Admission is free, but be warned! In Macbeth, fair is foul and foul is fair!
High School Drama Club Performance of Macbeth, Winter Arts & Crafts Festival, District Closed on Nov 10 & 11, and more!
Check out the Friday Folder for November 7, 2025.
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
The District will be closed on Monday, November 10th for a Conference Day and Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, November 12th, for the start of the 2nd quarter!
The performance brought to life three of Edgar Allan Poe’s most chilling classics: "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart", and "The Masque of the Red Death".
You could say it was an experience "nevermore-to-be-forgotten"!
Reminder! Attention Veterans!
Please join the students of Taconic Hills for our Veterans Day Assemblies next Friday, November 7th at 8:30AM and 9:30AM in the Lyle G. Hamm Performing Arts Center.
Refreshments for Veterans will be served in the Elementrary Cafeteria beginning at 7:45AM. Please enter through the Elementary (left) side of the building.
We look forward to having you!
Before your child digs into their candy stash, take a moment to inspect the treats for any signs of tampering or unsafe items.
Check for:
- Unwrapped or damaged candy
- Anything that looks unfamiliar or suspicious
- Homemade treats from unknown sources
A quick inspection helps keep Halloween safe, fun, and fright-free!
Happy Halloween!
November Lunch Menu, Adult Recreational Volleyball, Elementary Picture Day next week, and more!
Check out the Friday Folder for October 31, 2025.
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
Thank you for your cooperation during our reunification drill held in conjunction with the annual PreK–6 Halloween Parade. We understand it took time, and we had communicated that in advance, because that’s exactly the point. We do this on purpose so we can learn, adjust, and become even more efficient and effective should we ever need to conduct a real reunification.
Had this been an actual event, having all students safely reunited with their families within about one hour is a strong outcome. Still, going through the process for the first time has already shown us ways to refine and improve, including how we pair staff teams for student release, verify families, and offer both electronic and paper sign-out options.
Our safety team will meet to assess the drill, review feedback, and make adjustments that will make our next effort even smoother. Your patience, understanding, and partnership made this drill successful and your cooperation helps us ensure that every student’s safety remains our top priority.
Enjoy the weekend festivities and don’t forget it is Daylight Savings Time weekend!
With appreciation,
Lynnette Brunger
Superintendent of Schools
We’re so excited for our annual Halloween Parade tomorrow! The parade will step off at 1:00 PM. Following the parade, at approximately 1:30 PM, we’ll begin our Reunification Drill to practice our safety procedures. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we make this a fun and safe event for everyone!
The November Lunch Menu is here!
Highlights:
- BBQ Pulled Pork with Mac & Cheese
- KFC Popcorn Chicken Bowl
- Turkey Dinner
Mark your calendars now! View the whole menu here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VvQqTGk1InUdVZakZKlcNqKszjtkJpV/view?usp=drive_link
The Taconic Hills Aquatic Center will remain closed through November 14th as we finish the upgrades to our HVAC system. Once this is complete, we need to clean, refill, and bring the pool to an appropriate temperature.
We understand the inconvenience and truly appreciate your understanding as we complete this project.
The Fitness Center remains open.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Aquatic Center very soon.
If you have any questions about the closure, please feel free to contact Nick Smith, Director of Facilities at (518) 325-2883 or NSmith1@taconichills.k12.ny.us.
LAST CHANCE!
The district offers families in grades 6-12 the opportunity to purchase laptop insurance for their student's device.
Insurance coverage provides peace of mind, ensures a quick and hassle free service, and helps students stay focused on their learning without interruption.
Coverage options:
- 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 deadline to purchase insurance for this school year is October 31, 2025.
Purchase Insurance Coverage here: https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/taconichills/
We Are Hiring!
Join the Taconic Hills Team today!
We are hiring for the following:
- Director of Special Education
- Jr/Sr High Psychologist
- Jr/Sr High Social Worker
We are also always hiring for Substitutes, especially teachers and clerical staff.
See more information & how to apply on our employment page here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/employment
Reminder to TH Elementary Families!
The district will be holding a reunification drill immediately following the Elementary Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31st.
Please check your email for detailed instructions on the drill. Permission slips are due no later than this Wednesday, October 29th. If you did not receive a permission slip, please contact the Elementary Office ASAP.
Thank you!