Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you know, Taconic Hills maintaining a safe and welcoming environment are a primary focus of what we do each day. We understand that recent concerns about immigration enforcement may be causing uncertainty for some families. As a smaller, rural district with a diverse and close-knit community, we are committed to ensuring that our schools remain a safe, welcoming, and supportive place where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
In line with our core values of safety, support, diversity, and equity, we want to emphasize the following:
Access to Education: According to New York State Law, NYSED guidance, and the Plyler v. Doe (1982) Supreme Court decision, no child can be denied access to public school based upon their immigration status.
Student Privacy: The District does not disclose student records to any third parties except in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Should federal immigration authorities request any student records from the District, it will require that they provide a judicial/lawfully issued subpoena or other documentation demonstrating a right to the records, which will be reviewed by the District and its counsel for validity before any records are provided.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on School Grounds: Officials/Agents from ICE will not be granted access to students on school grounds without a valid judicial warrant or subpoena, unless parental/guardian consent is granted. Any warrants or subpoenas presented to the District will be reviewed by the District and its counsel for validity before any access is granted.
What Families Can Do:
Keep Emergency Contact Information Updated: Please make sure the school has the most current contact information for parents, guardians, and trusted family members or friends who can be reached if needed. This information should be updated with the main offices.
Identify Backup Contacts: In case of an emergency, it’s helpful to list additional contacts who are authorized to pick up your child from school.
As a school district, our top priorities are the education and well-being of our students and the community we serve. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child can learn and grow without fear. To ensure the protection of our students, our administrative staff and School Resource Officer have been informed of the proper procedures to follow, guided by our district attorneys, and we have taken every precaution to uphold the safety and security of our families.
We stand together in support of all families, dedicated to preserving the dignity and rights of every student. Every day, in every way, everyone counts.Together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Brunger
Superintendent of Schools