Taconic Hills Central School District

We want to remind you that if you signed up for a Thanksgiving basket, it is ready for pickup this Saturday between 8 am and 11 am at the Roe Jan Food Pantry in Hillsdale, NY. The address for pickup is 2684 NY-23, Hillsdale, NY 12529. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the pantry directly at (518) 217-8749. Thank you, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jr./Sr. High Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 5:00-7:30 pm. Click the link below to set up an appointment with the desired teacher: https://sites.google.com/taconichills.k12.ny.us/jrsr-high-parent-teacher-confe/home You will receive an email confirming your appointment. Contact the Jr/Sr High Office at 518-325-2844 with any questions or concerns.

As the first 10 weeks of school come to an end, we feel it is important to offer availability to laptop insurance for a limited time. We have found that accidents occur and the cost of replacement can often be a hardship. We have reopened the opportunity to purchase laptop insurance for your student through November 30. We strongly encourage you to purchase the insurance as the majority of accidental repairs are cracked screens, which can cost up to $120 if the device is touchscreen. Lenovo 11E Models are assigned to Grades 6-12, and the insurance cost is $64 The insurance covers the following: - accidental drops/spills - cracked screen - liquid submersion - fire/flood/natural disasters - power surge by lightning - theft/vandalism Purchase laptop insurance for your student here: https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/taconichills/ If you do not purchase insurance, the following prices apply to replace equipment: - Power Adapter $25 - Battery $130 - Touch Screen $120 - Non-touch Screen $50 - Keyboard $70 - Laptop $600 If insurance is purchased, our technology department is able to begin repairing your student’s laptop right away If insurance is not purchased, payment for damages must be remitted before repairs can begin. This means that if the student is unable to use their device, they may lose valuable learning time. We believe that investing in laptop insurance is a proactive step in ensuring your student’s academic success. If you have any questions regarding laptop insurance, please contact John Dodds, Coordinator of Computer Technology, at JDodds@taconichills.k12.ny.us or (518) 325-2877.

We are hiring substitute bus drivers!🚌 Make $22/hr Complete the application here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/employment

🔈Attention: There WILL be 4:00PM buses this Thursday, November 16. There WILL NOT be 4:00PM buses Monday, November 20 or Tuesday, November 21. PLEASE NOTE: Before & After Transportation will remain unchanged.

Congratulation to this week's Titan Strong winners!

🔈Attention: There will be no 4PM or 5:15PM buses today, November 9. Before & After students will still have their normal transportation home.

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of one of our second grade students, who succumbed to a battle with cancer. Over the coming days, we will be providing support and resources to help our students and staff members cope with the grief and sadness that this loss has brought. Our school has shown remarkable strength and unity during these difficult times, and I know that you all will be there to support one another once again. Our thoughts are with the family members and friends who are affected by this loss, which we continue to struggle to make sense of. As your child processes this event, you may observe your child: - Demonstrating sadness, fear and/or confusion - Acting out or becoming withdrawn -Exhibiting anger about death - Having concern for their own safety Some ways you can support your child include: - Spending time with your child and assuring their safety - Talking about this event in an age-appropriate context - Having an open and honest discussion about feelings - Encouraging writing, drawing, and journaling Additional Resources: Grief and Bereavement (American Cancer Society): https://www.cancer.org/.../grief.../grieving-process.html Addressing Grief (National Association of School Psychologists): https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nasponline.org%2fresources-and-publications%2fresources-and-podcasts%2fschool-safety-and-crisis%2fmental-health-resources%2faddressing-grief&c=E,1,2HqU_QJYqWMSP6ECAFj15w1lheqkejWTF7gcyRYO9gLvCt37ApRWbHHd8_xpycq02PMQQv8Ig1fSDhajSmlhgc_BOSL027FwWGKN4S_Anlx-K_ZGpA9N4M-IGz8,&typo=1 Helping Your Child Deal With Death (KidsHealth): https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html Lynnette Brunger Superintendent of Schools

📣Reminder for upcoming dates - November 10: No School in observance of Veterans Day - November 17: First Quarter Report Cards Sent Home - November 20: Parent Teacher Conferences - November 21: Early Dismissal Drill (students dismiss 15 minutes early) - November 22-24: No School for Thanksgiving Recess

Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong Winners!!

The High School Drama Club's production of "Hamlet" will be next week. 🎭 There will be three performances: - Thursday, November 9 @7PM - Saturday, November 11 @ 2PM and 7PM Admission is free for all. Come out & support the Drama Club!

Want to have some fun? Get healthy and moving your body? Come play adult volleyball! This group is for competitive recreational players, to play pick-up and develop some volleyball skills. We play loosely following NCAA Rules. Minimal experience required, but a willingness to learn is appreciated. When: Thursdays 6:30-9:00; November 9th - May 9th Where: Jr. High School or Elementary gym (enter through the PAC doors on the left) Tuition: $25 Advisors: Renato Guanga and Donna Coons The $25 fee is to be paid the first day you play. Just bring cash or check (we will tell you who to make it out to) to Donna or Renato. Complete the form here: https://forms.gle/ExVm1NsZjEmwPZxH9

Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong Winners!

We invite you to wear pink to the football game this Friday, October 27 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 💗

Taconic Hills Senior Families, The Senior walkthrough & crowning of the Homecoming Court has been rescheduled for this Friday, October 27th, as this is the last home football game of the year for our Titans. The Senior walkthrough will start with a lineup at 6PM, and the announcement of names will begin at 6:15PM. Homecoming court will be crowned at halftime. We want to express our gratitude for your understanding and flexibility during these challenging times, as we've had to reschedule these events. This Friday, we look forward to celebrating with as many seniors as possible and hope to see you there.

The annual Elementary Halloween Parade will be Tuesday, October 31 at 1:20PM. 👻🎃 Parents are invited and can line up behind the gates along the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School Parking lots to observe. Parents MUST send a note prior to 1PM if they plan to bring their child home after the parade.

We will be offering Lifeguarding & CPR Courses October 30 - November 9 in our Aquatic Center Full Lifeguard Course: $250 Lifeguard Review Course: $150 Full CPR Course: $125 CPR Review Course: $83 Take this course & work at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, earning $15-$18 per hour! Contact Robin Semp at rsemp@taconichills.k12.ny.us for the registration form and more information.

Buy your yearbook early at the Back to School Yearbook sale! We ran out last year, make sure you reserve your copy now! Buy yours now here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1053325/Taconic-Hills-Senior-High-School/ If you would like your Senior Photo taken with Prestige free of charge, you must register with Mrs. Olson at eolson@taconichills.k12.ny.us. Photos will be taken on November 30, 2023. Senior pictures are due by December 15. Please have your photographer send your picture to Mrs. Olson. Senior quotes are due by December 15. Click here to complete the google form to submit your quote. Baby pictures are due by January 15, 2024. Contact Mrs. Olson or Mrs. Jause with any questions

Due to the weather & other unforeseen circumstances, the Pumpkin run will be rescheduled to next Saturday, October 28 at 10AM. Thank you for your understanding.

The Elementary Student Councils are hosting a Pop Top Drop this school year! Donate your aluminum pull tabs by giving them to a student council member or Ms. Hay. Proceeds from donating aluminum pull tabs will directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Donations will be collected throughout the whole school year!!!