Taconic Hills Central School District

Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong winners!

On Monday, April 8, New York State will be one out of eleven states in the U.S. to experience a total solar eclipse. New York last witnessed this event in 1925, and while the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be in 2045, New York will not see another until 2079. A total solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the moon, which fully blocks sunlight. During such phenomena, it is not uncommon to experience a notable 10-20 degree drop in temperature The nationwide eclipse will occur between 1PM and 5PM, with the most breathtaking moments happening between 3:15PM and 3:30PM across New York State. While Columbia County will not be positioned within the path of totality, we will still have 89-96 percent coverage. For a detailed video of the eclipse’s direct trajectory, visit https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/new-york-2024-eclipse. Since we will not be in totality, safety is priority. To ensure proper protection of your eyesight during this event, please refer to https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety for recommended eyewear and safe viewing practices. Despite the eclipse, the district will maintain its regular schedule with classes in session. We encourage everyone to observe this remarkable event. For more details on the eclipse, including precise timings and locations for optimal eclipse viewing near us, please visit https://rochestereclipse2024.org/

The Elementary PTO is hosting a Basket Raffle! Our teachers, staff and families have been hard at work creating fun filled baskets!! These baskets will be on display in the wall cabinets in the Elementary hallways starting March 12th and will remain on display until March 26th. Tickets will be available for purchase during the 3rd & 4th Grade Concert/ Art Show on Tuesday March 19th from 5-8pm at a table just outside of the auditorium. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the school during the Scholastic Book Fair Family Night and 1st & 2nd Grade Concert/ Art Show on March 26th from 3-8pm in the PTO Room (E146) across from the library. Please note that tickets purchased in person can only be paid by cash or check. Tickets can also be purchased via Venmo or Paypal through our Facebook page: Taconic Hills Elementary PTO or by this website: https://neartail.com/.../1FAIpQLSfAvLfZ2akHhOBbCC... The drawings will be held on March 27th!! Good Luck!!

Dear Taconic Hills Families, On March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially revised and simplified its COVID-19 guidance for how long individuals should isolate from others. Most notably, the updated guidelines discontinue the requirements for a 5-day quarantine. The CDC has moved from virus-specific guidance to issuing overall Respiratory Virus Guidance as the threat of COVID-19 has become similar to common respiratory illnesses such as the flu and RSV. Its new recommendations “suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.” If you are sick: Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others*. If you have early to latent symptoms of a respiratory illness or tested positive for COVID-19, please review the CDC's Updated Guidance. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. • Remember that even if you are feeling better, you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick. Depending on factors like how long you were sick, you are likely to be less contagious at this time. • If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then, take added precautions for the next 5 days. *Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, and wheezing. Thank you for your attention to these updated guidelines. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Lynnette Brunger Superintendent of Schools

Reminder to incoming Pre-K & Kindergarten families! Join us on Wednesday, March 27 at 5:30 in the Elementary School for an informative event, diving into important topics such as screenings, school expectations, and wonderful ways to prepare your soon to be Titan at home. Please note: This special gathering is limited to parents & guardians, in order to create welcoming space for the District to connect with our incoming families. However, childcare will be provided during the event for those in need. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/nvD5R6Sk2PeT65s8A

We will be hosting Saturday Swim Lessons in April and May. These will be both Parent/Child Classes and Group Lessons. Session 1: April 6, 13, 20, 27 Session 2: May 4, 11, 18, June 1 Complete the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aGim5eRdAWk9nLfNcSnRudqQHMhXnhTT7eEKLHVtHdo/edit Registration form and payment MUST be received by the business office prior to the start of the session.

Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong winners!

This week, the Elementary PE Dept hosted its much anticipated annual cosmic bowling event!🎳✨ From grades PreK-6, students donned their brightest neon outfits, immersing themselves in the glow of the lanes as they bowled to their hearts' delight. Watch this video put together by Colleen Romero, Elementary PE teacher, capturing all the energy and joy of this unforgettable event! Video Link: https://youtu.be/e8wbru7sh-Y?si=bJAYvdhDl_ggwOsc

Taconic Hills Jr/Sr High Guidance Dept is hosting a College Fair on Monday, April 22 from 9AM-10AM in the Jr/Sr High Cafeteria. Over 20 Colleges will be here to meet with interested students! Please see Ms. Brady in the Jr/Sr High Office for more information.

THCSD has partnered with the Hannaford Helps Schools program from now through June 1, 2024!🍎 All you have to do is shop, check out, and deposit! Visit https://hannafordhelpsschools.com for more information regarding this program.

Attention: The Board of Education Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 has been rescheduled to the following Wednesday, March 20. Thank you!

Calling all Parents of incoming Pre-K & Kindergarten Titans! 🌟 Join us on Wednesday, March 27 at 5:30 in the Elementary School for an informative event tailored just for you! We are thrilled to walk alongside you on this exciting journey, diving into important topics such as screenings, school expectations, and wonderful ways to prepare your soon to be Titan at home. Please note: This special gathering is limited to parents & guardians, in order to create welcoming space for the District to connect with our incoming families. RSVP by March 20 here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEMiV5ZzSLaL-3XQwG1--sFegKZ8PRJTAzlYKzSHiusltnyQ/viewform?usp=sharing

Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong Winners!

March is Women's History Month! This month highlights the strength, resilience, and achievements of women all around the world. Take time this month to celebrate the important women in your life! 🩷💜 "Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world." - Oprah Winfrey

The High School Drama Club Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma🤠 You can see this amazing musical in the Performing Arts Center on March 14, 15, or 16 at 7pm for only $5 a ticket! You do not want to miss this incredible production, directed and choreographed by Rebecca Miller, and assistant directed by Logan Savage.

We will be hosting a Spring Swim Stroke Clinic in the upcoming months. There is an option to do Monday or Wednesday courses. Complete the registration form here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aUu-AqCg2nD-ZTdzOCxfbycRN1Fuoj-I/view?usp=sharing Registration form and payment MUST be received by the business office prior to the start of the session. Please contact Robin Semp at rsemp@taconichills.k12.ny.us with any additional questions.

Yesterday's theme for THES Dr. Seuss week: If I Ran the Zoo! 🦁🐯🦓 Here are some of Mrs. Kennedy's Pre-K students, along with Mrs. VanAlphen and Ms. Dwy, sporting their animal print! Thank you to those who are sharing photos with us! We can't wait to post them all at the end of the week! 😊

The Dodgeball Tournament for this Friday, March 1 has changed to 3:30PM-5PM. There will be a 5pm bus available for student transportation for those who are participating or want to watch the game!

Kinderhook Memorial Library is hosting a "Say Yes to the Prom Dress" event on Sunday, March 10 from 12PM-4PM. All that is needed to "shop" for your free dress is a valid high school ID! This event is available to all students in Columbia County.

Attention Elementary Parents/Guardians: Spring Picture day is next Monday, March 4, 2024. Your student has been sent home with an order form Either complete the form and send back in with your student, or place your order online by going to mylifetouch.com and enter the picture day ID: EVTNVBFCC