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!

Grade 3
In third grade, the students are learning about forces, unbalanced, and balanced forces, push and pull, as well as Sir Isaac Newton. During Math, they are talking about area. In ELA, the students are looking at informational books and finding text features. They are also working on comparing and contrasting.

Grade 4
In fourth grade, the students have been working on long division during math. During Science, the students are learning about the Earth and how land forms are made.

Grade 5
In ELA, the students are reading "Esperanza Rising". and answering short response questions including quotes from the text. During Math, students are learning how to divide whole numbers by two digit divisors. They are also estimating quotients, using rounding and compatible numbers. Fifth graders are also learning about the Spanish Exploration of the Western Hemisphere in Social Studies. Students have finished their Science Investigation for energy, and have begun to learn about the ecosystem.

Grade 6
In sixth grade Science, the students are completing a State assessment. During math, knowing how to find the area, students are finding the surface area of 3D shapes by decomposing them into 2D shapes. The sixth graders have completed their novels. They will begin new novels after break. During Social Studies, the sixth graders took a test this week on Ancient China.

Important Information
Word of the Week: Cause & Effect

After School Activities
- Homework Club: Monday-Thursday in Library
- Art Club: February 24
- AV Club: February 27
- Drama Club: February 25
- Animal Club: March 12
- Diversity Club
- Spirit Club

Students of the Month
- Charlotte Defoe
- Asyianna Morrison
- Caleb Pelkey
- Emi Wakamatsu
- Emma Dellea
- Isabella Karon
- Melanie Callejas
- Chase Cohen Busch

Upcoming Events
- No School: February 17-21
- Food Pantry Open 3PM-4PM: March 6 and 27, April 10, May 1 and 21, June 12

REMINDERS:

• The district will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of President's Day.

• There will be no school on February 18th through February 21st for Midwinter Recess.

• Classes will resume on Monday, February 24th.

• We wish everyone a warm and safe break!

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

Due to limited class sizes, families interested in enrolling their child in Pre-K must complete the lottery form by March 3 here. If necessary, a lottery will take place on March 7, and families will be notified shortly after.

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 lottery form submission & 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 lottery form submission & 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.

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Good afternoon, we are conducting a student survey the week of the February 24- 28. We are two FFA students who are conducting an agriculture fair project and are asking for student participation in this survey to compare the correlation between knowledge of food and eating habits. This information will also help our Farm to School Committee. This survey is completely voluntary and anonymous, not all questions are mandatory and can be skipped. If you have any concerns about your child taking this survey please feel free to contact Dr. Sandra Gardner, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, at SGardner@taconichills.k12.ny.us with any questions you may have. If you or your child do not wish to participate, they do not have to fill out the survey. The results of this survey will be shared with everyone at the end of the experiment. 

Sincerely,

Carly Busch & Ava Hodges
Taconic Hills Jr/Sr High Students and FFA Members

Spring Athletic Registrations are opening soon for students in grades 7-12!

• Varsity/JV Registation opens 2/17

• Modified Registration opens 2/24

For this season, we are offering Girls and Boys Track & Field ( Varsity & Modified), Softball (Varsity, JV, and Modified), Baseball (Varsity, JV, and Modified), Tennis(Varsity only), and Clay Shooting.

Registration Info:

• Please click here to register your child. Parents are required to complete the registration to ensure all medical information is accurate.

• Clay Shooting: Registration will be open from February 12th- March 1st. Limit to 35 participants. Returning players have a spot on the team. New members will be asked to tryout on a date TBD. All need a current physical and the Hunters Safety Certification.

Additional Info:

• Tryouts: Varsity and JV tryouts will begin Monday March 17th. Modified tryouts will begin Monday, March 24th. In order to guarantee nurse approval to participate on the start date, registrations must be completed at least 5 days prior. Registrations will stay open until 5 days after start date but understand, that a late registration may be mean that spots on the team are no longer available.

• Physicals: Student -athletes are required to have a current health physical (dated 3/1/2024 or later) in order to be approved by our school nurse to participate. Student-athletes in need of an updated physical will need to provide the nurse with a copy of a physical completed by their primary care provider. Appointments can also be made at WellNow in Hudson. Please use the NYS health examination form attached. The box indicating approval for participation in athletics and cardiac history reviewed must be checked. Our school nurse's fax number is 518.325.2858.

• Hawthorne Valley Athletes: We understand that students coming from Hawthorne Valley may not arrive till approximately 3:15 for practices.  Transportation to Taconic Hills for practices must be provided by the parents.  Hawthorne Valley Students may take the 5:15 bus home. Please note that the 5:15 bus does not drop off at your door but at various drop off points throughout the district. https://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/page/5-15-bus-routes

• Grades 7-8 Students: Students in grades 7 & 8 are eligible to participate at the modified level and students in grades 9 - 12 are eligible to participate at the JV or Varsity level. Any 7th or 8th grade student, interested in playing at the JV or Varsity level, must go through the Athletic Placement Process.  Please contact the Athletic Director asap for the necessary forms as this process takes time.  The Fitness test will need to be given by the Athletic Department at your school.

We will be hosting Basketball Intramurals for any students in Grades 4-6!

Come learn the basics of basketball while learning skills and enjoying time with friends! No equipment needed. Must wear sneakers.

They will take place in the Elementary Gym from 2:40PM - 4PM on the following dates:

• Tuesday, February 25

• Thursday, February 27

• Tuesday, March 4

• Thursday, March 6

Participating students can take the 4PM bus home or be picked up by a parent/guardian.

Please click here to complete the registration form for your student prior to February 25th in order to participate.

Contact any of the following individuals with any questions:

• Josh Piper, Intramural Coach

• Nick Smith, Intrsmural Coach

• Angela Webster, Athletic Director

The Winter Edition of the Titan Herald Newsletter will be coming to mailboxes soon!

Click here to read the newsletter online.

This 8 page edition includes the Jr High Mock Assembly Club's visit to the Capitol, New District Technology, the following school year "at a glance" data, our new Stories Across Generations program, and so much more!

Dr. Seuss Week will be Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7!

Monday: "Oh the Places You'll Go": Dress like your future career!

Tuesday: "What Pet Should I Get?": Bring a stuffy to school!

Wednesday: "Wacky Wednesday!": Wear your wackiest outfit and your craziest hair!

Thursday: "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish": Twin day or wear red & blue!

Friday: "Sleep Book": Wear your PJs!

Make sure to take photos and share them with us at webmaster@taconichills.k12.ny.us, or via Facebook Messenger!

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 one (1) five-year term commencing on July 1, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2030 to succeed Board Member Heidi Beneke-Main, whose term will expire on June 30, 2025.

For more information, please visit our School Board Member Election Information webpage here.

Registration is open for Taconic Hills Little League!

Click here to register.
* if you do not have access to a computer, paper registration forms can be furnished upon request

Registration ends on March 8, 2025.

2025 Training Sessions:
Players age 8 and up are encouraged to join us for Indoor training at the Taconic Hills Central School Gymnasium. Please come prepared with your glove, helmet and bat. Sneakers (not cleats) are required in the Gym. Please enter the school through the Performing Arts Center Doors in the front of the building (between the Elementary and High School entrances).
Softball
Sunday 3/2: 2PM-3:30PM
Saturday 3/8: 12PM-1:30PM

Baseball
Sunday 3/2: 12PM-1:30PM
Saturday 3/8: 2PM-3:30PM

For more information please visit taconichillslittleleague.com

The Town of Claverack is currently accepting applications for a Summer Park Program Director for the 2025 Season. This is a 5-6 week program (up to director) held during July-August. Some responsibilities need to be completed prior to the start of the program in July.

The Claverack Park is located approx. 10 minutes from THCSD, service can be applied to NYS Employees Retirement System (ERS), and pay ranges from $28 - $30 per hour.

Job Responsibilities:

• Interviewing, Hiring, and Supervision of staff (approx. 10 individuals, including an Assistant Director and a Senior Counselor)

• Completing all required paperwork with the County Dept of Health

• Planning and set up of field trips and program visits (including coordination with Transportation Company)

• Communication with Parents (via email & Facebook page)

Qualifications:

• must be at least 21 years of age

• First Aid/CPR Certification required

• Previous experience in recreation supervision and/or working with children is preferred

Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to hoose@townofclaverack.com or mail to the following address:
Claverack Town Park
Attn: Park Program Director Search
PO Box V
Mellenville, NY 12544

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

• Thursday, March 6

• Thursday, March 27

• Thursday, April 10

• 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
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 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