REMINDER!
Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the upcoming school year is open! If you have a child who will be turning 4 or 5 on or before December 1, 2026, it’s time to start the registration process at Taconic Hills. Don't wait to register, as there are a lot of opportunities to connect with the school prior to the start of the year in September.
📌 Pre-K Registration
Children who will be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible to register for Pre-K.
📌 Kindergarten Registration
Children who will be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2026, (and are not already enrolled in Taconic Hills Pre-K program) are eligible to register for Kindergarten.
There will also be a Parent Night on Tuesday, April 14th from 5PM-6PM, where you will meet Principal Backlund, connect with the teachers, and see the classrooms!
Begin gathering required documents and complete the registration packet online here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18hwj1F84c_lMkUb1slbe7dsGjDw9zMbr/view?usp=sharing
For additional details, online registration access, and helpful resources, please visit the Student Registration page on our website:
https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/student-registration
We look forward to welcoming new families and supporting your child as they begin their learning journey!
The Taconic Hills Central School District is seeking candidates for three open seats on its Board of Education.
This year, there are two (2) five-year terms commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031. These terms will succeed Board Members Bonnie Torchia and Margaret Hallisey, whose current terms expire on June 30, 2026. In addition, there is one (1) one-year term commencing May 20, 2026 and expiring June 20, 2027, to succeed Board Member Kevin Maisenbacher.
Serving as a board member is more than attending meetings. It means being active in the school community, attending district events, and committing at least two evenings per month to district responsibilities.
Candidate petitions are due by April 20, 2026, and the election will take place May 19, 2026, during the annual budget vote.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be a qualified voter of the district, at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen.
- Have been a district resident for at least one year.
- Not be a current district employee or hold another incompatible public office.
Board members guide the district by monitoring student progress, evaluating the superintendent, ensuring policies support district goals, and fulfilling governance responsibilities.
For more information or to download the application packet, please visit the “School Board Election Information” page on the Taconic Hills CSD website: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/school-board-election-information
You may also contact Alexsis Miller, District Clerk, at AMiller1@taconichills.k12.ny.us
Step up and help make a difference in our schools and community!
Clyde Drake, the son of Margaret Hallisey and Nathaniel Drake of Philmont, has been named the Valedictorian of the Taconic Hills Class of 2026. Clyde has always loved sports and has participated in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field throughout his high school career. Of these he enjoys soccer and track and field the most. Clyde is also part of the National Honors Society where he serves as Vice President. In school, his favorite subjects are Math and Science where he excels the most. Clyde credits his academic success to the many dedicated teachers he has had during his time at Taconic Hills. Outside of school, Clyde loves outdoor activities and spending time with his family. Next year, Clyde will attend Wesleyan University, where he has been recruited to run track & field, and will pursue either mathematics or engineering in his studies.
Maia Hamann, daughter of David & Molly Hamann of Hudson, has been named Taconic Hills Class of 2026 Salutatorian.Throughout her high school career, Maia has been an active athlete, participating in soccer, cross country, swimming, and track, where she embraced the dynamics of competition and sociability found in the collaborative environment of the team. She is a member of the National Honors Society and values the opportunities it provides to give back to her community. She was especially moved by her time volunteering at the Salvation Army food pantry in Hudson. Outside of school, Maia enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, painting, listening to music, cooking, and connecting with her family and friends. With a passion for science, art, and language, Maia plans to attend Sarah Lawrence College, where she can further immerse herself in these subjects and cultivate the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the future.
Congratulations Clyde & Maia!
Our Food Services Department has put together a special menu for the New York State Testing in grades 3-8 next week!
Monday, April 20
- Strawberry Banana Trix Yogurt
- Cinnamon Granola
- Polly-O String Cheese
Tuesday, April 21
- Ham, Egg, and Cheese on a Bagel or English Muffin
Wednesday, April 22
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito
Thursday, April 23
- Pancake Wrapped Sausage on a stick
Friday, April 24
- Bagel with Peanut Butter & Banana
All meals come with juice, fresh fruit, and your choice of white or chocolate milk.
Did you Know? Students who eat breakfast the morning of a standardized test achieve 17.5% higher scores on average.
Nourish your body & mind with breakfast!
The Aquatic Center is hosting American Red Cross Lifeguarding Courses!
Training Includes:
Deep water lifeguarding
Waterfront skills
CPR/AED for professional rescuers
First responder skills
Teamwork in emergency situations
Courses will be held the following dates:
May 1, 4 & 5: 5:30PM - 8PM
May 2 & 3: 8AM - 6PM
Cost:
For TH students & staff: $77
For Non TH students or staff: $274
The registration form along with payment is due to the district office no later than Wednesday, April 29. Complete the registration form here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11KyYI_0lgN4Vts7b0H6EKMpehEeW1iqy/view?usp=sharing
Please contact Logan Savage, Aquatic & Fitness Center Director, at LSavage@taconichills.k12.ny.us with any questions.
Registration has been extended for the Elementary Running Club!
This program is available for students in Grades 4-6 only. The program will held from 2:40PM-3:55PM. Students can take the 4PM bus home, or be picked up from the Elementary Office at 3:55PM.
This program assists students in setting and reaching goals in running through various running events and games.
The program will consist of 10 sessions: 4/23, 4/28, 4/30, 5/5, 5/7, 5/12, 5/14, 5/19, 5/21, 5/26, and 5/28, and will conclude with a track meet on June 2 at Columbia High School (depending on size of meet, date may change to 6/8). Students are expected to attend ALL of the sessions.
Due to the number of slots available, placement in the program will be determined by lottery.
If you would like your child to have an opportunity to be considered to participate in the program, fill out the google form here by April 21: https://forms.gle/zxjBQRqzC5tmqT176
I am writing to share some difficult news. One of our volunteers serving in our school reading program, Stories Across Generations, and her husband, were involved in a car accident and tragically did not survive.
Our reading volunteer was a valued member of our school community, and we are deeply grateful for the time and care she gave to our students. She truly enjoyed spending time with our students and reading to and with them.
This loss will be felt by many, especially those who knew her and worked with her. The two students she supported through reading will receive regular check-ins, and we have supports in place for any students or staff who may need additional care during this time.
While we want to protect the privacy of the family and not disclose names, we also want to simultaneously acknowledge a community member who had a positive impact on our children and our school.
Please take care of yourselves and one another in the days ahead. A simple check-in, a kind word, or a bit of patience can make a difference. This is also a reminder to appreciate the time we have and to be present in our daily lives. We are grateful for the strength and care of this community and the way we continue to support one another.
Most sincerely,
Lynnette Brunger
Superintendent of Schools
Blood Drive, Philmont Rod & Gun Club Fishing Derby, Running Club Registration Extended, Lifeguarding Courses, and so much more!
Check out the Friday Folder for April 17, 2026!
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
A lockdown drill was held this morning at Taconic Hills. Students and staff did a wonderful job.
Thank you to the emergency responders for their assistance with this drill.
Reminder!
The Family Arts Kaleidoscope, in partnership with the Spencertown Academy Arts Center, invites you to a FREE Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 18!
🌎 Event Highlights:
- Move and groove to eco-themed music with an instructor from a local dance company
- Enjoy a screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” and design your own caterpillar to take home
- Create and decorate a bird feeder using recycled materials
- Help design and assemble a collaborative poster to be displayed at Spencertown Town Hall
- Show your Earth Day spirit by creating your own crown or badge
🎨 Plus, enjoy Earth Day inspired face painting!
Come celebrate, get creative, and take action for our planet!
When? Saturday, April 18 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where? Spencertown Academy Arts Center
Cost? FREE
We hope to see you there!
Reminder!
Taconic Hills Elementary School will be hosting a “Learning Fair” for any interested students in Kindergarten thru Sixth grade. A Learning Fair is a way for children to explore something they really want to learn about. We encourage all students to do a project on a topic that interests them!
All projects must be brought to school on the morning of May 18th. They will be displayed during the week in the elementary library. We will also have an evening event where parents and community members may view the projects, participate in activities and fill up on some ice cream. This event will be on Tuesday, May 19th from 4:30PM -6:30PM. All students will receive a participation ribbon!
If interested, please complete the Learning Fair google form, https://forms.gle/r8ps6Hcqr4hFSQtj6 by Friday, April 17. Copies of the form are also available in the Elementary Library, or can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12wKmMJcRsnYd_tndYuCjdLviRbJOHv0f/view?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Beth Flores at bflores@taconichills.k12.ny.us.
The Class of 2027 is hosting an online fundraiser to help make prom more affordable to attend!💃🕺
All proceeds will go directly toward lowering ticket costs so more students can enjoy this special night!
The fundraider ends on May 12, 2026.
Donate here: https://raise.snap.app/donate/taconic-hills-class-of-2027
Thank you in advance for your support!🪩
Join us as our young performers take the stage!!
Join us on Wednesday, April 15 by wearing PURPLE to support the children of our military!
Did you know?
• Over 1.6 million children have a parent serving in the military
• Many move 6–10 times before graduating high school
• Many experience long separations from a parent due to deployment
• They often navigate new schools and friendships on their own
Let’s come together to show our appreciation and turn the school purple! 💜
#MCEC #PurpleUp #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild
Reminder!
Author Doreen Cronin is visiting Taconic Hills Elementary School on Friday, May 15th! She has written some amaxing books! If you are interested in ordering one of her books to have autographed for your child, please fill out the order form and return it to the elementary library: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Tml3rjXeNMXx3vTzHWniQBX50GCCX38KqcefCT5Wd4/edit?tab=t.0
ALL ORDERS MUST BE IN BY FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Flores at bflores@taconichills.k12.ny.us
Thank you!
Registration is open for the Elementary Running Club!
This program is available for students in Grades 4-6 only. The program will held from 2:40PM-3:55PM. Students can take the 4PM bus home, or be picked up from the Elementary Office at 3:55PM.
This program assists students in setting and reaching goals in running through various running events and games.
The program will consist of 10 sessions: 4/23, 4/28, 4/30, 5/5, 5/7, 5/12, 5/14, 5/19, 5/21, 5/26, and 5/28, and will conclude with a track meet on June 2 at Columbia High School (depending on size of meet, date may change to 6/8). Students are expected to attend ALL of the sessions.
Due to the number of slots available, placement in the program will be determined by lottery.
If you would like your child to have an opportunity to be considered to participate in the program, fill out the google form ASAP, but no later than Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Complete the lottery form to register your grades 4-6 student here: https://forms.gle/zxjBQRqzC5tmqT176
🌎 Event Highlights:
- Move and groove to eco-themed music with an instructor from a local dance company
- Enjoy a screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” and design your own caterpillar to take home
- Create and decorate a bird feeder using recycled materials
- Help design and assemble a collaborative poster to be displayed at Spencertown Town Hall
- Show your Earth Day spirit by creating your own crown or badge
🎨 Plus, enjoy Earth Day inspired face painting!
Come celebrate, get creative, and take action for our planet!
When? Saturday, April 18 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where? Spencertown Academy Arts Center
Cost? FREE
We hope to see you there!
Spring Recess, Local Earth Day Celebration, Running Club Registration, and more!
Check out the Friday Folder for April 3, 2026!
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
Please note: Due to the Spring Recess, there will be no Friday Folder next week