Congratulations to this week's Titan Strong Certificate winners!

The CASEL’S SEL framework was used as the inspiration for the Titan Strong Certificates. The focus is on Self- Awareness, Self- Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. Students and staff who exhibit behaviors from this framework receive a Titan Strong Certificate.

There are new winners every week!

There is no newsletter this week due to the short week and Bronx Zoo Field Trip. The newsletter will be back next week!

Taconic Hills is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive next Friday, May 2 from 8am-3pm in the High School Library. This event is open to the public.

You can sign up to donate blood on the American Red Cross website here.

Let's save lives together!

The Taconic Hills Class of 2025 is hosting a Car Wash on Friday, May 16th from 3PM-7PM

Suggested donation is $10.

As spring athletics are now underway and the weather continues to warm up, we’re excited to see our school community coming together to enjoy outdoor events and cheer on our student-athletes. With that in mind, we’d like to kindly remind everyone that animals are not permitted on school grounds.

While we understand that the beautiful weather may make it tempting to bring pets to games and activities, this rule is in place to help ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all students, staff, and guests. Animals can be a distraction to our athletes during competition, and they may cause discomfort or anxiety for other attendees due to allergies or fear of animals. Additionally, pet waste and other messes can present sanitation concerns on our school grounds.

Please also note that animals may not be left unattended in vehicles while on school property. Service animals must be approved in advance by district administration and must be accompanied by the appropriate certification paperwork.

We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all.

Come join us on Friday, May 2nd at 6PM in the Lyle G. Hamm Performing Arts Center for a movie screening of Moana!

Light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP needed, we hope to see you there!

At its April 22 meeting, the Taconic Hills Central School District Board of Education adopted its proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year. The total budget of $43,222,236 includes a projected tax levy increase of 3.50%, which remains below the cap set by New York State. Overall spending is increasing by $2,937,240, a 7.29% increase compared to the 2024-25 budget.

The 2025-26 budget planning required the District to address a year-to-year gap of approximately $3.1 million, which will be covered using fund balance.This shortfall was primarily driven by rising health insurance and prescription costs, increased special education tuition, contractual obligations, and ongoing inflation.

Despite the challenges, the proposed budget preserves all current academic programs, class sizes, and continues to offer a wide range of student opportunities.

New initiatives include:

• New learning materials and curriculum updates

• Technology improvements for classrooms

• Additional support services for students

• New furniture for 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms to enhance learning spaces

• Professional development for teachers and staff

• Facility upgrades to keep our schools secure and inviting

• Purchase of 4 school vehicles (2 diesel buses, 1 SUV, 1 truck with plow and sander)

Community members are invited to learn more at a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board of Education Room. Additional details are also available on the 2025-26 Proposed Budget webpage, and the Titan Herald budget newsletter will be mailed to residents in early May.

Voting on the 2025-26 School Budget and Board of Education Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Veterans Community Room.

The Taconic Hills Central School District has two candidates running for one open seat on the Board of Education. Taconic Hills School Board Election will be held as part of the annual School Budget Vote on May 20, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Veterans Community Room. The candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order:

Samantha Maker

Danielle Lenco

The candidate elected to the Board will serve a five year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.

About Sam: Sam has lived in the district for 11 years, currently residing in Hillsdale. She is a former Taconic Hills teacher and Dollars for Scholars Member. She has an incoming Pre-Kindergarten student, and enjoys reading, animals, and puzzles. She is currently an Assistant Principal for another district.

About Danielle: Danielle has lived in the district for 10 years, currently residing in Philmont. She is a parent to a 7th grade student, and is looking to bring together the community with the board of education. She is an Administrative Assistant & Events Coordinator for a local business, and enjoys gardening, reading, sewing, and activites with her family.

Learn more about Sam and Danielle here.

Register your child (ages 5-13) now for the Town of Claverack Summer Camp!

Five Weeks of summer fun beginning July 7th! The program runs from 9AM-2PM

Registration is free for town of claverack residents, and $125 per out of town resident. pleae note that there are additional costs to attend field trips.

Registration is open until June 1! Space is limited to 70 campers.

Apply online here or at the Claverack Town Office.

Do you have unresolved concerns regarding your child's special education classification, services, or placement? Do you want to learn more about dispute resolution options? Participants will become more familiar with the Special Education Basic Mediation process to increase the use of this dispute resolution option to resolve complaints regarding the education and experiences of students with disabilities. Preschool and school age parents, families, and professionals working with families and students with disabilities are encouraged to attend this training!

Join us on Wednesday, April 30th from 10AM - 12PM on Zoom for this discussion and more!

Click here to register.

Join us on April 26th, 2025, at 10:00 am for a FREE IN-PERSON event: Mini Horse Mania!

First, visit the “adoption barn” and learn all about how firefighters cared for fire horses. Then pick your own stuffed horse to adopt and call your own! Finally, all kids will have the opportunity to meet our guests: mini horses!

All activities are FREE and will be outdoors (tents will be used in the event of rain). FREE admission to the Museum will also be offered to all who attend this special event. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. So, come horse around with us at the Museum!

Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open!!

PreK Eligibility Requirements:

• child must turn 4 years old on or before December 1, 2025

• child must be a resident of the district at the time of registration & thereafter

Kindergarten Registration for new families is also open!

Kindergarten Eligibility Requirements:

• child must turn 5 years old on or before December 1, 2025

• child must be a resident of the district at the time of registration & thereafter

We will also be hosting a Parent Night on Tuesday, April 8 2025. This will be a great opportunity for families to meet Principal Backlund, connect with the Pre-K and K teahers, and tour the elementary school. We will also cover how to support your child as they are transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten. RSVP by April 4 for Parent Night here.

Any questions regarding student registration should be directed to Karen Regina, District Registrar, at (518) 325-2806 or kregina@taconichills.k12.ny.us.

Additional information regarding registration can be found on the student registration page of our website here.

The Taconic Hills CSD Food Pantry will be open the following dates from 3PM-4PM in Room E102:

• Thursday, May 1

• Wednesday, May 21

• Thursday, June 12

All Taconic Hills families are welcome!

Cub Scout Pack 2130 is looking for Boys & Girls in Kindergarten-5th Grade to join!

Cub Scouting is a year round family oriented program designed for boys and girls who are in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Through this parent volunteer run program, we combine fun with education activities and lifelong values. Cub scouting is designed to support and encourage family and community involvement. Kids can join at any level.

Contact us at bsapack2130@gmail.com if your student is interested in joining!

We are seeking the following:
- Substitute Food Service Worker ($16.00/hr)
- Substitute Bus Drivers ($23/hr)
- Substitute Bus Attendants ($16.00/hr)
- Substitute Teachers ($140-$168/day)

Click here to complete the application, and send to Eileen Olson, Human Resources Coordinator at eolson@taconichills.k12.ny.us

Visit our Community & Parent Resources page for information regarding mental health, local food pantries, Columbia Opportunities' Headstart Program, and more.

Emergency Mental Health Service
11AM - 7PM Monday-Friday
9AM - 5PM Saturday & Sunday
Open 365 days a year
518-943-5555
- On-site face-to face mental health assessments
- Referrals to available services
- Follow-up from psychiatric hospitalizations
- Wellness calls when someone is concerned
- Phone assessments
- Consultations

https://www.mhacg.org/programs/mcat

Taconic Hills Elementary PTO
The Taconic Hills Elementary PTO has a Facebook page and new website! Please follow these pages to see all of the ideas and fun activities we have planned for your children. We would also love for you to join us. We meet the 1st Thursday of every month at 2:50pm in E146, and would love to see you there and hear any ideas that you might have. Contact us at taconichillspto@gmail.com