Grades 4, 5, and 6

• In fourth grade, the students are learning about fractions and angles during math. During ELA, they worked very hard on their state test.

• The fifth Graders are putting on a canned food drive (collection in the main hallway outside the ES Art Room) for their art show/concert on May 9. We ask if each student can bring in at least 1 can of soup or canned good, we can make a big difference! This ties into one of their art projects they are completing for the concert as well, so the more we can inform the better. All donations will be gifted to the local food bank. We are accepting donations April 22 - May 3. In ELA, the fifth grades began argumentative essays.

• This week, the sixth grade classes continue to learn about their unit on Rome in Social Studies. In English, the students worked very hard on their state test. They then did a fun project for the author coming at the end of May. This week in math, the classes are working on geometry.

Upcoming Events

• Math State Test 4th Grade: April 29-30

• Math State Test 5th&6th Grade: April 29-30

• 5th & 6th Grade Concert/Art Show: May 9

Library Events

• Author Jack Gantos will be visiting our school on May 30th.

Important Information

• Papers are coming out to order your elementary yearbook.

• Also, students need to have sneakers for PE everyday.

After School Activities

• Homework Club: Monday-Thursday

• Drama Club every Monday

• 4th Grade Art Club: 5/6

• 5th & 6th Grade Student Council: 4/22

• 4th Grade Student Council: 5/13

• Animal Club: 5/16

• Harvest Club: 5/8

• AV Club: every 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month

Students of the Month for 5th & 6th Grade

• April Students will be announced at the end of the month.

The final lockdown drill of the 2023-2024 was held this morning at Taconic Hills. Students and staff did a wonderful job.

Thank you to all emergency responders for their assistance with this drill.

The Elementary Library is hosting the Taconic Hills 7th Annual Learning Fair!

Students in Grades K-6 can participate in this fair, researching a topic of their choosing! Click here for more information and to sign your student up for this opportunity!

Sign up forms have also been mailed home to families. You can either complete the online form or the paper form.

Projects are due on Monday, May 20, and will be displayed in the Elementary Library for that week. There will be a celebration on Tuesday, May 21 from 4:30PM-6:30PM for all projects. This celebration is open to all TH families, and there will be ice cream!

Please note: The original information sent home for the learning fair stated the week of May 13, with a celebration on May 14. The date has been changed to coordinate with the District Budget Vote and Election on May 21. Thank you for your understanding.

Tee off for Education!

Join us for the 18th annual Taconic Hills CSD E-Fund Scramble Golf Tournament. The day includes 9 holes of golf, lunch, soft drinks, and prizes!

When?
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Registration at 9:30AM
Tee off at 10AM

Where?
Undermountain Golf Course
274 Undermountain Road
Copake, NY 12516

Cost?
Adults $60
Juniors (Under 18) $30
Cart Fee $5 (must register in advance)
All Day Putting Contest $5 Donation

Registration deadline is April 26, 2024.

For more information, please contact Undermountain Golf Course at 518-329-4444.

Complete the registration form here, and submit with payment to Undermountain Golf Course.

Attention Junior Parents!

We will be hosting a Junior Parent Night on Wednesday, April 24 at 6PM in the High School Library!

Please join our School Counselors in discussions regarding what your students senior year will look like, how our counselors can help plan, and how to help prepare at home for what your student decides after high school. Please direct any questions to Mr. Purificato (Last name begins with A-L) or Ms. Pytell (Last name begins with M-Z).

Spring Concerts & Art Shows are here!

High School Chorus/Band: Tuesday, May 7 at 7PM

Grades 5&6 Chorus/Band: Thursday, May 9 at 7PM

Jr High School Chorus/Band: Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30PM

Introducing the new continuing education course:
Beginner Mat Pilates with Dr. Ali Kochey!

This is a six class series for all levels!
The cost is $100 for the entire six classes.

Click here for the registration form.

Please contact Dr. Kochey with any questions.

Columbia County Sheriff's Office is hosting a "Sheriff for a Day" Contest for 4th, 5th and 6th graders through April 30. Please see the two page contest entry form below.

Interested Students must complete the form & return to the Elementary Office by May 1. The winner will be the Sheriff for a day coinciding with police week, which begins May 13. The winner will likely be sworn in, given a badge, meet with command staff, test out radar equipment, go for donuts, etc. Unfortunately, students with family members who work at the Sheriff's Office are ineligible for selection.

Please contact the Sheriff's Office at 518-828-0601 with any questions.

Click here for the entry form

Dear Taconic Hills Senior Class of 2024 Families:

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul recently released the following letter encouraging the FREE application process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for those considering college post-graduation:

"Dear High School Senior:

Did you know that in 2022, more than $200 million in available Federal Pell Grant funding remained unclaimed in New York State? It's true! Students who don't complete the FAFSA miss out on valuable opportunities to receive financial assistance from the federal government and New York State.

That's why today, I am writing to encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. As Governor of New York, I'm committed to helping students receive the financial aid they need to help make their college dreams a reality. Filling out the FAFSA is a key step in accessing these federal and state resources designed to aid students. We want to encourage all eligible individuals to apply, ensuring they take full advantage of the available financial support to pursue their academic goals. Together, we can raise awareness about these opportunities and reduce the financial burden on you and your family.

I know that applying for college and financial aid can feel daunting, but we are here to help you. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has more than 24 grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs that support more than 330,000 New York students pursue their educational goals each year. HESC offers resources to guide you through every step of the financial aid process and allows you to sign up to receive text messages with key information about financial aid, important deadlines, and resources to ensure you're on the right path toward your college career. You can find out more about NYS financial aid and the resources available to you at hesc.ny.gov.

Remember, financial aid is available to you, but you have to apply. Complete the FAFSA and take advantage of all the financial aid opportunities available to you. Don't miss out on your opportunity to claim the funding you need to go to college.

We are rooting for your success!

Sincerely,
Kathy Hochul
Governor"

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is holding a free car seat check event on Saturday, May 4 from 11AM-3PM at the Ghent VFW.

Parents and caregivers will receive a one-on-one installation guidance and safety education from nationally certified child passenger safety technicians.

The Northern Columbia County Wildcats are a pop warner league that offer cheerleading and football to athletes ages 3-18.

Click here for more information on the Wildcats!

We will be hosting American Red Cross Lifeguarding/CPR/AED Training in our Aquatic Center.

Full Lifeguard Course: $208
Class Time: 5/19, 6/2, 6/9 from 9AM-4PM

Lifeguard Review Course: $129
Class Time: 5/19, 6/9 from 9AM-4PM

Full CPR/AED Course: $81
Class Time: 5/19 from 12:30PM-4PM

Review CPR/AED Course: $50
Class Time: 5/19 from 2PM-4PM

In order to participate in these courses, you must:
- be at least 15 years old
- complete the blended learning portion online
- continuously swim 300 yards
- retrieve a 10 pound brick and tread water for two minutes

NO WALK INS. Registration and Payment must be received by 5/15/2024.

Please contact Robin Semp, Aquatic Center Director, at rsemp@taconichills.k12.ny.us with any questions.

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.

We will be hosting Saturday swim lessons in April and May. These will be both Parent/Child Classes and Group Lessons

Session 2: May 4, 11, 18, June 1

Click here to complete the registration form.

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.

Our ENL Department will be teaching virtual English classes for second language English speakers on the below dates & times.

Join here: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODQyMDM2NTQtYzllOC00Y2U3LTkyYTAtNTliZTdiOGFlN2Iy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228e5a11b-6f5b-4e99-9b76-5963e5c2f4b5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%226fd03a7a-892e-4e80-bd31-480ee652c905%22%7d

Are you interested in helping shape the future of Taconic Hills? Become a candidate to join the TH Board of Education!

This year, we have two five year terms commencing on July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2029 to succeed Board Members Joseph Costa and Alicia O'Rourke, whose terms will expire on June 30, 2024.

For more information, please visit our School Board Member Election Information webpage here: https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/school-board-election-information

We are now accepting student registrations for Pre-K & Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 School Year!

Students residing in the District and are turning 4 on or before December 1, 2024 are eligible for Pre-Kindergarten beginning in September 2024. As Pre-Kindergarten spots are limited, you must complete a form to enter the Pre-K Lottery by Friday, March 8. Click here to complete the lottery form.

Students residing in the District and are turning 5 on or before December 1, 2024 are eligible for Kindergarten beginning in September 2024.

Please contact the registrar at 518-325-2806 with any questions.

Our Before & After School Program is looking for additional helping hands!

Pay Rate

• $18/hr AM (7AM-8AM)

• $16/hr PM (2:30PM-6PM)

Complete the TH Employment application and send to Eileen Olson, Human Resources Coordinator, if interested.

Come and Join Cub Scout Pack 2130!

Adventure is Calling
- Our 2023-24 plans include camping, hiking, Pinewood Derby, marching in parades, community service, and so much more! These are activities that develop skills and create friendships for a lifetime!

Who Can Join?
- Boys & Girls Grades Kindergarten through 5th

Don't Miss the Fun!
- For more information, please contact bsapack2130@gmail.com

Girl Scouts Troop 1038 is looking for 7th-10th Graders to join their troop!

Learn more at girlscoutsneny.org

We are seeking the following:
- Substitute Food Service Worker ($15.80/hr)
- Substitute Bus Drivers ($22/hr)
- Substitute Bus Attendants ($15.80/hr)
- Substitute Teachers ($135-$145/day)

Click here to complete the application, and send to Eileen Olson 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
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 days a week
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/mcat-team

Taconic Hills Elementary PTO
The Taconic Hills Elementary PTO is back up and running, plus we have a new Facebook page. Please follow this new page 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. Zoom links will be posted closer to meeting times. Contact us at taconichillspto@gmail.com

SchoolTool App

Download and set up the SchoolTool App on your phone or tablet

Athletic Calendar

Check out the schedule for upcoming sporting events.