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!
Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the upcoming school year is now 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.
📌 Pre-K Registration
Children who will be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible for Pre-K. Due to limited class sizes, families interested in Pre-K must complete a lottery form in addition to the required registration paperwork.
If needed, the lottery drawing will take place on Monday, March 9, and all families will be notified shortly afterward. Please complete the lottery form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFQe9qe5T1m8Fm9D8J-XnfL877QJhVRGdJBESqOjnY_ainQQ/viewform
📌 Kindergarten Registration
Children who will be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible to register for Kindergarten.
You can begin gathering required documents and completing the registration packet 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!
As cold temperatures continue, we want to remind families that student safety remains our top priority. With wind chills reaching dangerously low levels, frostbite and hypothermia can occur in a matter of minutes. We will continue to limit students’ time outdoors during arrival, dismissal, and bus transitions whenever possible.
Please ensure your student is dressed appropriately for the weather:
Layers (long sleeves, sweaters, fleece-lined pants, and a warm winter coat)
Hat and gloves or mittens
Warm socks and insulated or waterproof boots
Face covering or neck gaiter for wind protection (removed once indoors)
Bus riders
Although buses are heated, frequent door openings make it difficult to maintain warmth. Full winter gear is essential.
Students being driven
Please bundle students appropriately, as cold exposure can happen quickly during drop-off and pick-up.
Student drivers
Park in the section of the student lot closest to the building and limit time outdoors.
Late buses
Parents/guardians meeting the 4:00 PM or 5:15 PM late buses should arrive prior to drop-off to help keep routes on schedule.
If your student needs warm clothing or winter gear, please contact their counselor to arrange a visit to the Care Closet.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping all students safe and warm.
Spring Picture Day for Elementary students has been rescheduled from Tuesday, March 10 to Wednesday, March 4. Please be sure to update your calendars.
We’re also aware that there have been some conversations online about Lifetouch and student photo privacy, and we want to make sure families have clear and accurate information. Lifetouch has publicly addressed these claims as misinformation and has stated that student photos are used only for families and schools, not sold, shared with investors, used for AI, or for facial recognition purposes.For more information, you may review Lifetouch’s official statement here: https://schools.lifetouch.com/blog/a-message-from-ceo-ken-murphy-on-student-privacy/
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students in Grades 7-12,
We are excited to begin preparing for the Spring 2026 Athletic Season!
Before clicking on the registration link, please note that due to New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations, registration cannot open until 30 days prior to the official start date of each sport season.
Below are the registration and tryout dates for each spring sport:
Varsity Boys & Girls Track & Field, Varsity/JV Baseball, Varsity/JV Softball, Varsity Boys Tennis
Registration Opens: February 9, 2026
First Day of Tryouts: March 9, 2026
Modified Track & Field, Modified Baseball, Modified Softball
Registration Opens: February 23, 2026
First Day of Tryouts: March 23, 2026
🩺 Current Physical Required
All student-athletes must have a current physical on file before being approved to participate. Physicals may be obtained through your primary care provider or at WellNow. A copy must be submitted to the high school nurse or faxed to 518-325-2588.
🧾 Athletic Placement for 7th and 8th Graders Seeking Varsity Participation
If a 7th or 8th grade student wishes to try out for a varsity team, please contact me immediately to receive the required paperwork and information regarding the Athletic Placement Process. Athletic Placement Process: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N4Igj0h7qdAv19y9hpl8x9ANaY86a52LeNDducV-XvY/edit?tab=t.0
🔗 Important Links
Check out the Athletics website for game schedules and important forms.
https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/thsports
5:15 bus route
Note that our school provides transportation after practices to drop off points throughout the district.
https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/5-15-bus-routes
FamilyID / ArbiterSports Registration:
https://students.arbitersports.com/taconic-hills-athletics/taconic-hills-athletics-registration-2026-spring-season
✅ Please note that at the conclusion of the registration process, both parents/guardians and students must sign, acknowledging the athletic code of conduct and all expectations.
Thank you for your continued support of Titan Athletics. We look forward to a great Spring 2026 season!
Sincerely,
Angela Webster, Athletic Director
The Winter Edition of the District Newsletter, Titan Herald, is here! This 8-page issue highlights student achievements, district-wide initiatives, upcoming events, and so much more.
Copies will be arriving in mailboxes next week , or get a sneak peek of the online version here: https://aptg.co/c8MSb2
REMINDER! Early Bird Registration is open for Taconic Hills Little League!
Register here: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1196801
* if you do not have access to a computer, paper registration forms can be furnished upon request
The Divisions with recommended ages:
TBall - 4-6 year old (COED)
Coach Pitch (Baseball and Softball) - 7/8 year old
Minors (Baseball and Softball) - 9/10 year old
Majors (Baseball and Softball) - 11/12 year old
Early Bird Registration Cost: $25
If you would like to volunteer to coach or assist in coaching, please apply as a volunteer during the registration process. If you have already registered your child, you can still log back into your account and apply to volunteer.
We are very grateful for the hard work and dedication of our community parents!
For more information please visit taconichillslittleleague.com
Thank you to Club Advisor, Ms. Hay, for sharing!!!
We are excited to share that Ava Hodges will be advancing to Substates in Senior Creed Speaking! 🎉
In addition, our outstanding Parliamentary Procedure teams earned 2nd place and will also be moving on to Substates. Parliamentary Procedure challenges teams to run a meeting while correctly following parliamentary rules and procedures.
We are so proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication! 💙💛🌽
❤️The District will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents' Day.
💕There will continue to be no school through Friday, February 20th.
💘Classes will resume on Monday, February 23rd.
We wish everyone a safe and warm break!
At the meeting, Board President Bonnie Torchia read a statement from Mr. Maisenbacher sharing his reasons for resigning and expressing his sincere gratitude to the community for the opportunity to serve the district.
The District extends its appreciation to Mr. Maisenbacher for his service and wishes him nothing but the best. We also welcome Mrs. O’Rourke and thank her for her willingness to serve the District in the months ahead.
Spring Athletics Registration, Elementary Music Concerts/Art Show Dates, February Titan Herald Newsletter, and more!
Check out the Friday Folder for February 13, 2026!
To stay up to date with current news & events, follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
On January 23, our Food Services team served a special speed-scratch lunch featuring Mongolian meatballs, garlic brown rice, and roasted broccoli, made with fresh New York State ingredients! 🍽️
Speed-scratch cooking combines high-quality, pre-made items (like our NYS beef meatballs) with from-scratch preparation. Our team built the rest of the meal from scratch, creating a fresh, flavorful lunch students loved.
In partnership with Brigaid, NYSED, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, we’re proud to continue expanding innovative, locally sourced meals for our students!
REMINDER!
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.
📌 Pre-K Registration
Children who will be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible for Pre-K. Due to limited class sizes, families interested in Pre-K must complete a lottery form in addition to the required registration paperwork no later than Friday, March 6, 2026.
If needed, the lottery drawing will take place on Monday, March 9, and all families will be notified shortly afterward. Please complete the lottery form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFQe9qe5T1m8Fm9D8J-XnfL877QJhVRGdJBESqOjnY_ainQQ/viewform
📌 Kindergarten Registration
Children who will be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2026 (and are not currently in our Pre-K Program) are eligible to register for Kindergarten.
You can begin gathering required documents and completing the registration packet 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
At the Jr./Sr. High School, students showed their appreciation by signing posters filled with messages of thanks for their counselors as simple but meaningful way to put our counseling team in the spotlight.
Thank you to our counselors!
• Jen Berry – Grades PK–2
• Brian Whitley – Grades 3–6
• Gabby Mattson – Grades 7–8
• Nicholas Purificato – Grades 9–12 (last names A–L)
• Christopher Tramel – Grades 9–12 (last names M–Z)
During the conference, students learned how bills are passed and connected with legislators, agricultural leaders, and top FFA members from across New York State.
Our students also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assembly Member DeStefano, and Assembly Member Fitzpatrick, where they discussed:
🌱 the importance of agricultural education programs in schools
🌱 what FFA is and the role it plays in developing student leaders
🌱 the importance of soil health and the future of agriculture
We are incredibly proud of our students for representing Taconic Hills FFA with professionalism, confidence, and passion for agriculture. Experiences like this help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders!
Early Bird Registration is open for Taconic Hills Little League!
Register here: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1196801
* if you do not have access to a computer, paper registration forms can be furnished upon request
The Divisions with recommended ages:
TBall - 4-6 year old (COED)
Coach Pitch (Baseball and Softball) - 7/8 year old
Minors (Baseball and Softball) - 9/10 year old
Majors (Baseball and Softball) - 11/12 year old
Early Bird Registration Cost: $25
If you would like to volunteer to coach or assist in coaching, please apply as a volunteer during the registration process. If you have already registered your child, you can still log back into your account and apply to volunteer.
We are very grateful for the hard work and dedication of our community parents!
For more information please visit taconichillslittleleague.com
