Dear Taconic Hills Community,
As you know at Taconic HIlls, we care about being a place in the community whose facilities can be enjoyed. Some of our capital project construction is complete and some is in progress.
To ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, District grounds and outdoor facilities are not available for general public use during school hours or while school sponsored activities are taking place.
Here is what you can expect at this time:
Track & Turf Field: The track and turf field are currently closed to the public due to ongoing construction.
During construction, use of the turf by District athletic programs is also being limited. The contractor is working within an established project schedule and requires as much uninterrupted access to the complex as possible. The turf is limited at this time to football as there is not another field on our campus that can be used for that sport. Where possible, teams are using other district fields for practices and games. This work has required flexibility and the support is appreciated. We look forward to all athletes having access to the new turf!
Playground: The playground is available for public use after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends, provided there are no school-sponsored activities or other district restrictions in place
Tennis Courts & Pickle Ball Courts: The tennis and pickle ball courts are available for public use when school is not in session, provided they are not being used for school-sponsored activities or otherwise restricted by the district.
Aquatic & Fitness Center: The district pool and fitness center are open to the public during designated community swim hours. Details can be found here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/aquatic-and-fitness-center
Other District Grounds and Athletic Areas: District grounds and athletic areas are not available for general public use during school hours. Public use outside of school hours may also be restricted when areas are being used for school activities and athletics.
As construction continues, we will keep you updated on progress and any changes to access. We appreciate your patience as we work through this phase as well as being mindful of signs and notices that are posted on campus. These improvements will benefit both our students and the broader Taconic Hills community for years to come.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Lynnette Brunger, Superintendent of Schools
Nick Smith, Director of Facilties
We will be hosting a Flu, COVID-19, and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, 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
The clinic will be held in the Veterans Community Room (Left / High School side of building).
School is back in full swing!
Student Laptop Insurance, Class of 2027 Chicken BBQ, Trunk-or-Treat & Pow Wow, and so much more!
Check out the Friday Folder for the week of September 14-18, 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!
You may have seen the recent local news coverage highlighting upcoming changes to the New York State graduation requirements. We want to share with you updates from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Board of Regents with regard to future graduation requirements so you are aware of what is changing and what is not.
Earlier this week, NYSED and the Board of Regents announced an important change to New York State’s high school graduation requirements that will begin with students graduating in 2028. As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is changing how students demonstrate their readiness to graduate and is moving to one high school diploma. Beginning in 2028, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents examinations as a separate requirement to earn a diploma.
Regents exams are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and will remain an important way for students to demonstrate achievement of New York State learning standards.
Please note that for the 2026-27 school year, current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect.
Students should continue to attend their courses, complete all required coursework and credits, and take Regents exams as scheduled. There is no immediate change to students' schedules, courses, or academic expectations.
New York State is gradually moving toward a broader system for determining whether students are prepared for life after high school. In July 2025, the Board of Regents adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which establishes a vision for the knowledge, skills and qualities students should develop by the time they graduate.
The Portrait of a Graduate identifies six attributes of a New York State graduate that are developed over the course of school K-12.
At Taconic Hills, this direction aligns closely with the work already underway in our classrooms. We are continuing to:
- Embed financial literacy standards into our Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework, such as health, finance, and computer-based classes, so students build practical, real-world skills.
- Provide opportunities for students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness, recognizing their ability to communicate across languages and engage thoughtfully as members of their communities.
- Engage our departments in reviewing student performance data and refining instruction to better meet student needs.
You may also hear more about project-based learning (PBL) as part of this work. PBL is an approach where students learn by actively engaging in meaningful projects connected to real-world challenges. Rather than only completing traditional assignments, students may research an issue, collaborate with peers, and present solutions with the goal of building both academic knowledge and skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
As a district, our strategic plan and building-level commitments are intentionally aligned to this direction so we can stay ahead in preparing students for their future.
NYSED will continue developing the regulations and guidance needed to implement these changes. Until those changes take effect, students and families should continue to follow all existing course, credit and Regents exam requirements.
As always thank you for your continued partnership.
Lynnette Brunger
Superintendent of Schools
The Class of 2027 Chicken BBQ will be Friday, October 2nd from 4PM - 6PM in the High School Cafeteria.
The meal includes BBQ chicken, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw, and a dessert for $18.
Get your meal & come watch the Homecoming Football game at 7PM!
Tickets are available for purchase from any TH Senior or Hollie Van Tassel via email at HVanTassel@taconichills.k12.ny.us
Thank you for supporting our seniors!
View all the photos here: https://capturewithem.pixieset.com/taconichillsvarsityfootball/ 📸
REMINDER!
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, 2026.
Purchase Insurance Coverage here: https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/taconichills/
The 2026 Burger-Laverack TH Alumni Soccer Game & Chicken BBQ is Sunday, September 27th! ⚽🍗All proceeds will be donated to Dollars for Scholars toward scholarships in honor of Justin Burger and Fred Laverack IV.
The soccer game begins at 1PM, and the Chicken BBQ is at 4PM.
BBQ tickets ($15 each) and t-shirts ($15 each) are available.
Checks should be made out to Community Scholarship Fund or CSF.
Contact Ryan Proper (rproper@taconichills.k12.ny.us) to purchase BBQ tickets or t-shirts.
This is a great opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, visit their classrooms, ask questions, and learn more about how we can work together to support your student throughout the school year.
While you’re here, take some time to explore our information booths located outside the Performing Arts Center, Outside of the Cafetieras, and along the Elementary Atrium hallway.
Learn more about:
📚 Intervention Services
🌎 ENL Services
💙 Student Support Services
🧩 Special Education
🍎 Food Services
🌿 Wellness & Support
📖 Elementary PTO Book Fair
💻 Family Digital Access — SchoolTool, Apptegy Rooms, & Digital Access Survey
…and so much more!
Come connect, ask questions, and see all that Taconic Hills has to offer our students and families. We hope to see you there! 🧡
We want to provide a quick update regarding the yearly wall calendars provided to our families. Each year, we work with LifeTouch, who coordinates printing through a third-party vendor. This year, we were notified that the printing company they use has gone out of business, and LifeTouch is currently working to secure a new printing company.
We hope to have the calendars available for our students by October 1 and apologize for the inconvenience.
In the meantime, if you would like a printable monthly calendar to keep at home, you can access it here: Printable Monthly Calendar
Thank you for your understanding.
Welcome Back, Titans!
Open House, School Tax Information, the Taconic Hills CSD App, and more!
Check out the first Friday Folder of the 2026-2027 school year 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!
On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. Today, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and all those whose lives were forever impacted.
As a new generation grows up without memories of that day, we carry the responsibility to remember, to teach, and to never forget.
Attention Families:
This is an important notice that morning drop-off does not begin until 7:50 AM.
Students are not permitted to be dropped off or left unattended on District property before 7:50 AM. Staff supervision does not begin prior to this time, and leaving students unattended creates a significant safety concern.
We ask that families plan their mornings accordingly and arrive no earlier than 7:50 AM for student drop-off. This is a safety requirement and must be followed. Families who repeatedly drop students off prior to 7:50 AM may be contacted by District administration.
Please also follow the attached designated driving routes and the following procedures:
• District speed limit is 10 MPH.
• All student drop-offs must occur through the designated Elementary or Jr./Sr. High School drop-off loop. Do not pull into the parking lot or drop students off near the flagpole.
• If you have an appointment or need to walk a younger child into the building, please use the South Parking Lot near the softball fields on the Elementary side.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions. For the safety of everyone, please do not use cell phones or other electronic devices while navigating the drop-off lanes.
We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures. These expectations are not optional and are necessary to maintain a safe arrival process for our students and staff.
Hello Titan families,
The Titans Athletic Booster Club is excited for all of our student-athletes! This year, we will run concessions for all varsity home games played on the new field or in the gym. We have old favorites on the menu along with some new offerings.
Come grab a snack or a pepperoni sub this Friday night at 7:00 PM as our Titans take on the Catskill/Cairo-Durham Mustangs. Please note that we are currently cash-only. All proceeds go directly back into the program to support scholarships, senior banners, and other sports-related needs.
We are always looking for volunteers! If you would like to join the fun, please reach out to Kayla (kaylak87@yahoo.com) or Kerstin (kgkubina@gmail.com).
See you Friday at 7:00 PM!
Titans Sports Booster Club
We are searching for a School Psychologist, Registered Nurse, and Elementary Special Education Teacher to join our team!
Complete the application via Recruitfront here by September 18, 2026: https://taconichills.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities
Taconic Hills CSD Benefits:
- Generous Paid Time Off
- School Breaks and Holidays off
- NYS Retirement Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available
- Ongoing Professional Development and Career Opportunities
Join our team! 🧡🤩
Happy Labor Day, Titans! ☀️
Enjoy one last day to relax and recharge for the new school year, because the first day of school is TOMORROW, September 8th! 📚
We are so excited to welcome back all of our students and staff!
Families! We want to see those first-day faces! Email your student’s back-to-school photos to webmaster@taconichills.k12.ny.us so we can share them with our community! 📸
See you all tomorrow for the beginning of another year filled with learning, growth, memories, and success! 🧡
Pictured from left to right:
🎨Salinda Deery, Elementary Art Teacher
👩🏫Erica Cotter, Elementary Substitute Teacher
🪀 Becky Ward, Elementary Teacher
🎓Isabella Torre, Sr Guidance Counselor
📏Stefanie Driscoll, Math Teacher
🌽 Jessica Serna, Agriculture Teacher
👩🏫 Joan Karron, Elementary Teacher
👩🏫 Leah Brody, Elementary Teacher
📐Dell Potts, Math Teacher
❤️Nicole Kernan, Elementary Special Education Substitute Teacher
Not pictured:
❤️Kaya Osterhoudt, Elementary Special Education Teacher
💬Aja Sisco, Speech Language Pathologist
👩🏫 Nicholas Funk, Elementary Teacher
👩🏫 Kayla Frisicia, Elementary Teacher
Other New Staff:
🫶🏻 Christine Dwarka, Teacher Aide
⌨️ Ryan Oakley, Jr/Sr High Clerk Typist
🫶🏻 Lindsay Smith, Teaching Assistant
🍎Sarai Zele, Food Service Worker
School tax bills were mailed on August 31, 2026.
Payments may be made without penalty now through September 30, 2026.
In-person payments are accepted at the District Office on weekdays from 8:00 AM–2:30 PM. Please note that payments will not be accepted between 12:00–12:30 PM during lunch break.
Beginning October 1, 2026, a non-negotiable 2% penalty will be applied to all payments received through November 2, 2026.
Online payments are available and may be made at any time.
If you believe you may qualify for a property tax exemption, please contact your Town Assessor for more information.
For additional information about school tax collection, please visit our School Tax Information webpage: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/school-tax-information
Please contact Alexandria Rose, Tax Collector at taxcollector@taconichills.k12.ny.us or 518-325-2815 with any questions.
Our Taconic Hills Elementary Art Display took home 1st place at the Columbia County Fair, while our High School Art Display earned 2nd place!
We are incredibly proud of our talented Titans and all the creativity they brought to this year’s fair. If you’re heading to the fair this weekend, be sure to stop by and check out the amazing work created by our students!
A big thank you to Mrs. Bauhoff for sharing and helping showcase our talented Titans! 🤩
