We recently celebrated National School Bus Safety Week, an opportunity to recognize and thank our dedicated Transportation Department staff. For many students, their bus driver is the first person they see from our district each morning and the last person they see before returning home. Our drivers, monitors, mechanics, and transportation staff play an important role in keeping our students safe and starting and ending their school days on a positive note.
As we move through the school year, I also want to share a few transportation updates and highlight some of the work underway to strengthen student safety, transportation services, and communication with families.
Transportation Updates
• Bus Routes and Staffing: Like many districts, we continue to experience a shortage of qualified bus drivers. This, along with occasional mechanical issues and road construction, has required adjustments to some bus routes and schedules. We recognize the inconvenience these changes can cause families and appreciate your patience as we work to provide safe, consistent, and reliable transportation.
• New Transportation Provider: Our contracted transportation provider has transitioned to First Student. Families should not notice any changes as a result of this transition. The same drivers will continue serving our students, and the District transportation office will remain at its current location.
• Improved Communication: We are working to improve how we communicate bus route information and delays, with the goal of providing families with more timely, possible real-time information when changes occur.
Keeping Student Safety a Priority
In addition to our daily transportation operations, we have incorporated age-appropriate bus safety instruction and practice into the school day. This includes:
• PreK and Kindergarten students are learning and practicing how to properly buckle their seat belts.
• Review of emergency bus evacuation procedures occurred for grades PK-6.
• Our 7-12 graders had the opportunity to learn more about electric buses and safety features.
• Bus safety expectations and responsible rider behavior have been discussed with all students.
Your Voice Matters to Us
We appreciate the families who have reached out to share questions, concerns, and suggestions. Your voices help us identify things we may not have considered, better understand your experiences, and find ways to improve. While we may not always be able to make every requested change, we value your input and carefully consider it as we make decisions.
We also recognize that reliable transportation and timely communication are important to your family's daily routine. Our Transportation Department continues to work hard, often taking on additional responsibilities to ensure students get to and from school safely.
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and partnership as we make improvements that benefit our students, strengthen safety, and enhance communication with families. Our commitment remains the same: safe, dependable transportation for every student, every day.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Brunger, Superintendent of Schools
Bobbie-Jo Mato, Transportation Supervisor
We had an unexpected visitor on campus this afternoon. At approximately 1:00 PM, a black bear was spotted roaming campus by the Veteran park & tennis courts. Once spotted, gym classes and any other students who were outside were immediately brought indoors, and a brief lockout was initiated.
We think he was just looking to join a science class and expand his knowledge. Unfortunately, when we politely declined his request to come inside, he made sure to let us know exactly how he felt about it, and left us something special to remember him by....
All students and staff are safe, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation during our unexpected wildlife encounter.
Just another Monday on Taconic Hills' rural campus! 🤣
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, November 3rd due to a Superintendent's Conference Day.
Thank you!
We are excited to bring back our Stories Across Generations program for the 2026–2027 school year! This year's program will run from December 1, 2026, through May 13, 2027, with a special end-of-year luncheon for all participating students and volunteers!
Through this program, students in grades 2–6 will be paired with a school volunteer to enjoy reading together during their lunch period. It's a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen their reading skills, build meaningful connections with caring members of our school community, and discover the joy of sharing a good story!
If you are a parent or a teacher of and are interested in having your grade 2-6 student participate in this program, please sign them up here as soon as possible: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuH7FHUpFsS_vBp77waTLz95_S_V9XkZepLXZ6UTDVbbyaDw/viewform
Community members who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Erin Brady at EBrady@taconichills.k12.ny.us to begin the volunteer approval process.
We look forward to another wonderful year of bringing generations together through the love of reading!
Algebra I review sessions will be held with Mrs. Beebe in S294 after school on the following dates:
- November 12
- December 2, 9, & 15
- January 6, 13, &19
The Regents Exam will be on January 27.
Earth and Space Science Reviews will be held with Mr. Fuller in S173 after school on the following dates:
- November 10, 12, 17, & 19
- December 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 17, & 22
- January 5, 6, 7, 12, 19, 21, & 25*
*Please note that transportation home will NOT be available following the January 25 review session. Students should make alternate arrangements.
The Regents Exam will be on January 26.
Students must sign up with Mrs. Beebe or Mr. Fuller in advance to attend review sessions.
Additional information about the Regents exams will be communicated directly to students as the exam dates approach.
We encourage all students taking these exams to take advantage of these review opportunities!
The November Lunch Menu has arrived!
There's a lot of yummy meals to "gobble" up!
This month's menu features:
🧀Meatloaf Mac n Cheese
🦃Oven Roasted Turkey Dinner
🥘Buffalo Chicken Dip
View the whole menu here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SxJl3KADGqc_s0U6S4hLmFIMJAaBxM1Z/view?usp=drive_link
Happy Halloween!
November Lunch Menu, TH Trap Team Benefit on Sunday, Stories Across Generations Program, Regents Review Sessions, and much much more!
Check out the Friday Folder for the week of October 26-30, 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!
Couldn't make the annual Elementary Halloween Parade?
Watch it here! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1M2GfyakU5/
🎃👻🦇
Attention TH Juniors & Seniors! There's still time to explore your college options with SUNY's Free Application Weeks!
Through November 2, 2026, students can apply to up to FIVE SUNY campuses with NO application fee!
With each application normally costing $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 before the promotion ends next Monday!
Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to take the next step toward your future! 🧡🎓
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!