At its August 27, 2025 meeting, the Taconic Hills Board of Education adopted Policy 5695: Students and Personal Electronic Devices, following thoughtful review and consideration.
This policy fulfills New York State’s “bell-to-bell” restriction on personal internet-enabled electronic devices under the More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools initiative. It clearly outlines student expectations regarding use of personal electronics during the school day, as well as the consequences for any violations.
We kindly ask all families to review this policy with your child to ensure understanding and cooperation. Administrators and faculty will consistently enforce the policy to maintain a focused, respectful, and productive learning environment. Review the policy here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WO7v9iOfNzIdSiW-fAxMqDAzRJpwwGbgxVrMyZjy26U/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you for placing your child’s education first and partnering with us to help ensure their success.
We are excitedly preparing to welcome students and staff back for the new school year! Our district has been hard at work this summer, making improvements and ensuring our buildings and grounds are ready. Our district employees lived its core values! From safe, welcoming classrooms to new collaborative spaces and a library, staff worked with enthusiasm, responsibility, and innovation to get our campus ready for student success.
Highlights include:
- Roof repairs over the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
- New HVAC system installed in the Aquatic Center.
- New Board of Education room created, with easy access for community members.
- District Office updates:
-- Assistant Superintendent moved to a more central location
-- Assistant Superintendent space includes a professional library and places for teachers and staff to collaborate, learn and grow in their practices
-- Business Office relocated for individual private office spaces.
- Flooring repairs: The district has dealt with ongoing issues with some of the first floor tiling that was put in a few years ago. Correcting the issue requires flooring stripped down to the original concreate. This work will continue throughout the year. We ask for your patience and to pardon the appearance of these areas as we complete these necessary repairs to maintain overall safety for all students and staff, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
- Grounds and cleaning: Our Athletic fields and outdoor spaces are being prepared for fall sports in addition to the deep cleaning that occurs annually each summer
- New classroom furniture assembled for grades 2 and 3.
The majority of this work has been completed by our own Buildings and Grounds staff, saving time and money while making our facilities shine. We are proud of what has been accomplished in just two short months and can’t wait to see students and staff back in our refreshed spaces! We are thankful for the expertise and talent that our team has.
Highlights include:
- Roof repairs over the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
- New HVAC system installed in the Aquatic Center.
- New Board of Education room created, with easy access for community members.
- District Office updates:
-- Assistant Superintendent moved to a more central location
-- Assistant Superintendent space includes a professional library and places for teachers and staff to collaborate, learn and grow in their practices
-- Business Office relocated for individual private office spaces.
- Flooring repairs: The district has dealt with ongoing issues with some of the first floor tiling that was put in a few years ago. Correcting the issue requires flooring stripped down to the original concreate. This work will continue throughout the year. We ask for your patience and to pardon the appearance of these areas as we complete these necessary repairs to maintain overall safety for all students and staff, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
- Grounds and cleaning: Our Athletic fields and outdoor spaces are being prepared for fall sports in addition to the deep cleaning that occurs annually each summer
- New classroom furniture assembled for grades 2 and 3.
The majority of this work has been completed by our own Buildings and Grounds staff, saving time and money while making our facilities shine. We are proud of what has been accomplished in just two short months and can’t wait to see students and staff back in our refreshed spaces! We are thankful for the expertise and talent that our team has.
The first lunch menu of the 2025-2026 school year is here! 🍎🥪
Check out the delicious meals the Food Service Department is serving in September!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1suSJzB4VFzrh7Iqu01ERHAcEHO0bHxJN/view?usp=sharing
On behalf of the Taconic Hills IT Department:
Good Evening,
Student laptop and charger distribution night for Grades 6-12 will be Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 2PM - 6PM in the Jr/Sr High School Cafeteria. Students are asked to sign the 2025 Student Laptop Contract upon picking up new equipment.
Please be advised that prior to issuance of computer equipment for the new school year, previously issued equipment that has not been returned must be dropped off and outstanding balances for lost or damaged equipment from prior years must be satisfied.
Laptops and chargers will only be distributed to students who returned their equipment from the previous school year. For those who have lost equipment, a representative from the Business Office will be available to collect payments at distribution. If payment is not received, new equipment will not be issued. Payments can also be made in person at the school any weekday between 8 am and 3 pm.
If you have a laptop or charger at home that you did not return in June, you must bring it to the laptop distribution so the IT Department can verify it is still in good working condition.
Equipment Replacement Prices:
- Power adapter: $25
- Battery: $130
- Touch screen: $120
- Non Touch screen: $50
- Keyboard: $70
- Complete Laptop: $600
Questions are to be directed to John Dodds, Coordinator of Computer Technology, at jdodds@taconichills.k12.ny.us
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to a successful school year!
Good Evening,
Student laptop and charger distribution night for Grades 6-12 will be Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 2PM - 6PM in the Jr/Sr High School Cafeteria. Students are asked to sign the 2025 Student Laptop Contract upon picking up new equipment.
Please be advised that prior to issuance of computer equipment for the new school year, previously issued equipment that has not been returned must be dropped off and outstanding balances for lost or damaged equipment from prior years must be satisfied.
Laptops and chargers will only be distributed to students who returned their equipment from the previous school year. For those who have lost equipment, a representative from the Business Office will be available to collect payments at distribution. If payment is not received, new equipment will not be issued. Payments can also be made in person at the school any weekday between 8 am and 3 pm.
If you have a laptop or charger at home that you did not return in June, you must bring it to the laptop distribution so the IT Department can verify it is still in good working condition.
Equipment Replacement Prices:
- Power adapter: $25
- Battery: $130
- Touch screen: $120
- Non Touch screen: $50
- Keyboard: $70
- Complete Laptop: $600
Questions are to be directed to John Dodds, Coordinator of Computer Technology, at jdodds@taconichills.k12.ny.us
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to a successful school year!
Please be advised that starting this school year, we will be adjusting our morning dismissal process. All high school students should enter through the PAC entrances, including students who are driving or being dropped off ONLY. NO high school students will be permitted to enter through the high school main entrance.
The elementary students drop off process will not change. This change is to ensure we are using the most efficient prompt way to get your children into school.
Thank you.
The elementary students drop off process will not change. This change is to ensure we are using the most efficient prompt way to get your children into school.
Thank you.
Attention:
Due to technical difficulties, the Virtual Title Grant Presentation that was scheduled for yesterday has been rescheduled to next Tuesday, August 26th, at 2PM.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Meeting Details:
Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjQ2ZTNlMzgtNjk3OS00ODMzLWFhODctZjk5YzUyMDkxOGU1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2206e94a63-a923-4b73-848d-36856daf3f13%22%7d
Meeting ID: 291 572 156 777 9
Passcode: nF96Ku29
Due to technical difficulties, the Virtual Title Grant Presentation that was scheduled for yesterday has been rescheduled to next Tuesday, August 26th, at 2PM.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Meeting Details:
Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjQ2ZTNlMzgtNjk3OS00ODMzLWFhODctZjk5YzUyMDkxOGU1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2206e94a63-a923-4b73-848d-36856daf3f13%22%7d
Meeting ID: 291 572 156 777 9
Passcode: nF96Ku29
Reminder!
There will be a public hearing on Wednesday, August 27th from 5:30PM - 6PM regarding the proposed code of conduct for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
During this public hearing, parents and community members are able to ask questions and discuss the code of conduct which will be approved at the Board of Education meeting later that night.
Your input is valuable and appreciated.
There will be a public hearing on Wednesday, August 27th from 5:30PM - 6PM regarding the proposed code of conduct for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
During this public hearing, parents and community members are able to ask questions and discuss the code of conduct which will be approved at the Board of Education meeting later that night.
Your input is valuable and appreciated.
We are pleased to announce that at the June 18, 2025 Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Elsa Kortright-Torres as the District’s new Assistant Superintendent for Academic & Instructional Leadership, effective July 7, 2025.
Dr. Kortright-Torres comes to Taconic Hills with over 25 years of experience in education. She began her career in the classroom and has since served in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Administrative Assistant Superintendent, and Executive Director of Teaching & Learning in the Hudson City School District. This past year at Hudson City, Dr. Kortright-Torres collaborated with principals, teachers, and instructional coaches to develop systems and protocols for their Multi-Tiered System of Supports and provided embedded professional development on using Harvard’s Data Wise to analyze student data and plan for explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy in all grade levels.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Kortright Torres’s personal and professional background allows her to bring unique insight and support to our growing population of English as a New Language (ENL) learners.
Since joining Taconic Hills, she has already been actively collaborating with administrators and faculty, building strong relationships, and laying the foundation for a smooth transition into her new role. We are confident that her leadership, vision, and commitment to student success will guide us forward, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming school year and beyond.
Dr. Kortright-Torres comes to Taconic Hills with over 25 years of experience in education. She began her career in the classroom and has since served in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Administrative Assistant Superintendent, and Executive Director of Teaching & Learning in the Hudson City School District. This past year at Hudson City, Dr. Kortright-Torres collaborated with principals, teachers, and instructional coaches to develop systems and protocols for their Multi-Tiered System of Supports and provided embedded professional development on using Harvard’s Data Wise to analyze student data and plan for explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy in all grade levels.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Kortright Torres’s personal and professional background allows her to bring unique insight and support to our growing population of English as a New Language (ENL) learners.
Since joining Taconic Hills, she has already been actively collaborating with administrators and faculty, building strong relationships, and laying the foundation for a smooth transition into her new role. We are confident that her leadership, vision, and commitment to student success will guide us forward, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming school year and beyond.
Attention Pre-K & Kindergarten Families!
The first day of school on Thursday, September 4th will be a little different for our youngest learners!
Please note: Pre-K and Kindergarten students should NOT arrive at the regular 8:00 AM start time. Instead, we invite students and their parents/guardians to join us for a special Orientation at the times below:
- Pre-K Orientation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Kindergarten Orientation: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
During your orientation, you and your child will:
- Meet the teachers and their classmates
- Explore the classrooms
- Learn about the school day
- Take a short bus ride to practice safe bus behavior
This orientation is for all Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
The next day, Friday, September 5th, students will attend their first full school day beginning at 8:00 AM, then enjoy a weekend break before beginning their first full week on Monday, September 8th.
We are so excited to welcome our youngest learners and their families!
If you have any questions, please contact the Elementary Main Office at 518-325-2820.
We are hiring!
We have a handful of positions we are looking to fill for the new school year.
View more information on our employment page here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/employment
We have a handful of positions we are looking to fill for the new school year.
View more information on our employment page here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/employment
Taconic Hills receives Title Grant funds in order to provide several programs to our students.
We will be hosting a virtual presentation on Thursday, August 21 from 2PM-2:30PM with more information regarding Title Grant Funding for our District.
Join via Microsoft Teams with the link and information below:
Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mzg0NTk2NjUtNTBkMy00Y2M3LWIxMDYtMmMyN2ZjNDQ5YmNh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2206e94a63-a923-4b73-848d-36856daf3f13%22%7d
Teams Meeting ID: 242 395 476 159 0
Teams Meeting Passcode: P2aM92tE
The presentation will be hosted by Dr. Elsa Kortright-Torres, Assistant Superintendent of Academic & Instructional Leadership
We hope you can join us!
We will be hosting a virtual presentation on Thursday, August 21 from 2PM-2:30PM with more information regarding Title Grant Funding for our District.
Join via Microsoft Teams with the link and information below:
Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mzg0NTk2NjUtNTBkMy00Y2M3LWIxMDYtMmMyN2ZjNDQ5YmNh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2206e94a63-a923-4b73-848d-36856daf3f13%22%7d
Teams Meeting ID: 242 395 476 159 0
Teams Meeting Passcode: P2aM92tE
The presentation will be hosted by Dr. Elsa Kortright-Torres, Assistant Superintendent of Academic & Instructional Leadership
We hope you can join us!
2025-2026 Bus Transportation Schedules have been sent home to families. If you do not receive your schedule by Monday, August 25, 2025, please contact the transportation office at 518-325-2875 to obtain a copy.
School supply lists are published!🎒
Check out any additional items your student needs for back to school here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/school-supplies
A reminder that Taconic Hills provides all students with stationary supplies throughout the year. These lists are for grade specific needs requested by teachers.
Check out any additional items your student needs for back to school here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/school-supplies
A reminder that Taconic Hills provides all students with stationary supplies throughout the year. These lists are for grade specific needs requested by teachers.
The Policy Committee Meeting for tonight regarding the mandatory Cell Phone Policy will be held virtually only via Microsoft Teams. The meeting will begin at 5:30PM.
Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjI5ZjUzZDEtYzEwNi00NTEwLWI1MTQtZGFmOWMwNWVjOGNk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22c9d4bf12-dbb5-4ce5-bed2-cd6626ea1b11%22%7d
Review the proposed policy for Taconic Hills here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kLeVEH_cDEBO7xs7Cn52Z2ab0fOrDZch/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118299117949946750952&rtpof=true&sd=true
We look forward to your input and together creating a policy that works best for our students and their families.
Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjI5ZjUzZDEtYzEwNi00NTEwLWI1MTQtZGFmOWMwNWVjOGNk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22c9d4bf12-dbb5-4ce5-bed2-cd6626ea1b11%22%7d
Review the proposed policy for Taconic Hills here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kLeVEH_cDEBO7xs7Cn52Z2ab0fOrDZch/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118299117949946750952&rtpof=true&sd=true
We look forward to your input and together creating a policy that works best for our students and their families.
Join us next Wednesday, August 6 at 5:30 PM for our very first Coffee Talk with Superintendent Brunger! ☕💬
We’ll kick things off with a discussion on the newly required Cell Phone Policy, followed by a general Q&A session (as time allows).
The event will take place in the Board of Education Room, and coffee and tea will be available to all attendees.
We hope to see you there!
We’ll kick things off with a discussion on the newly required Cell Phone Policy, followed by a general Q&A session (as time allows).
The event will take place in the Board of Education Room, and coffee and tea will be available to all attendees.
We hope to see you there!
Dear Families,
As we continue preparing for a successful start to the new school year, we kindly remind you that student registration should be completed by August 1 to ensure transportation is in place for the first day of school.
Registrations received after August 1 may result in a delay in bus transportation. While we will do our best to accommodate all students, routes and schedules are finalized in early August, and late registrations may require additional time to process.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide safe and timely transportation for all students.
As we continue preparing for a successful start to the new school year, we kindly remind you that student registration should be completed by August 1 to ensure transportation is in place for the first day of school.
Registrations received after August 1 may result in a delay in bus transportation. While we will do our best to accommodate all students, routes and schedules are finalized in early August, and late registrations may require additional time to process.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide safe and timely transportation for all students.
Congratulations to our Jr/Sr High Honor Roll recipients for the final quarter of the 2024 - 2025 school year!
Read the list of Titans who achieved the honor here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/honor-roll
Read the list of Titans who achieved the honor here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/honor-roll
Attention Advanced Placement Students! Test scores were released today, and our students did a great job!
The Advanced Placement courses we had last year were:
- Calculus
- Language & Composition
- U.S. History
- World History
Well done, Titans!!
The Advanced Placement courses we had last year were:
- Calculus
- Language & Composition
- U.S. History
- World History
Well done, Titans!!
The Taconic Hills District Wide Safety Plan for the 2025 - 2026 school year is available for public comment though July 31, 2025.
There will be a public hearing on August 13, 2025 at 5:30PM in the Board of Education Room regarding the plan.
View the proposed plan here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZSaOzoAUGXn26ys1_sGk42z6TpGBstw/view?usp=drive_link
Please submit your comments here: https://forms.gle/kCAP27N5cQzxBQ5R9
The Taconic Hills District Wide Safety Plan for the 2025 - 2026 school year is available for public comment though July 31, 2025.
There will be a public hearing on August 13, 2025 regarding the plan.
View the proposed plan here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZSaOzoAUGXn26ys1_sGk42z6TpGBstw/view?usp=sharing
Please submit your comments here: https://forms.gle/kCAP27N5cQzxBQ5R9
There will be a public hearing on August 13, 2025 regarding the plan.
View the proposed plan here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZSaOzoAUGXn26ys1_sGk42z6TpGBstw/view?usp=sharing
Please submit your comments here: https://forms.gle/kCAP27N5cQzxBQ5R9