Friday Folder

November 15, 2024

Welcome to the Friday Folder, a weekly feature designed to highlight activities & events in the district.

Titan Strong Certificate Winners

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!

Grades 3-6 Newsletter

Powered by Mrs. Rowe's 6th Grade Creative Writing Class

November 11-15, 2024

Grade 3

  • In third grade writing, the students are learning about how to use dialogue in their small moment stories. During Reading, the students are learning about folktales. The third graders are learning about the difference between laws vs rules and citizenship in Social Studies. In Math, the students are learning about multiplication

Grade 4

  • In Math class, the fourth graders are learning about multiplication and division. The students are also learning about different types of maps in Social Studies. Today, the students finished learning about energy in Science.

Grade 5

  • In ELA, the fifth graders are working on visual imagery, figurative language, while reading Bud, Not Buddy. During writing, they are working on their personal narratives int their small moment notebooks. The students are learning about Law of Conversation of mass, lab to determine if mass changes during a chemical reaction, and microscopes in fifth grade Science. During math, students are estimating sums and differences with decimals and checking for reasonableness with actual answers. The students are learning about the geography and cultures of Canada during Social Studies.

Grade 6

  • In Social Studies, the sixth graders finished Ancient Egypt and took their unit test on Thursday. The students are close to the end of their book, Dark Water Rising, in ELA. During math, the sixth graders finished their ratios and are now working on double number lines. Today, the students took a test on particles in motion during Science class.

Upcoming Events

  • November 25: Parent Teacher Conferences 530PM-730PM

  • November 26: 1/2 Day of School, Parent Teacher Conferences 12PM-3PM

  • November 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving Break

  • December 19: 6th Grade Dance Landscapes Performance 1:30PM

Important Information

  • Word of this week: DEVELOP

After School Activities

  • Homework Club: Monday-Thursday

  • Art Club: 11/25

  • Harvest Club: 12/16

  • Student Council: 12/2

  • Animal Club: 11/20

  • Diversity Club: 11/18

  • Spirit Club: 11/19

Students of the month for 5th & 6th Grade: November

  • November Students of the Month will be announced at the end of the month

Jr/Sr High School Drama Production: As You Like It

The Taconic Hills Jr/Sr High School Drama Club, in collaboration with Shakespeare & Company, present the production of "As You Like It".

The Performance will take place in the Lyle G. Hamm Performing Arts Center TONIGHT, Friday, November 15 at 7PM, and tomorrow, Saturday, November 16 at 2PM and 7PM. Admission is free!

There will also be a performance at Shakespeare & Company's Tina Packer Playhouse on Friday, November 22 at 6:15PM. For tickets, please visit shakespeare.org, or call the box office at (413) 637-3353

No Late Buses November 25 & 26

Please be advised:

There will be no 4PM late buses on Monday, November 25. There will be no 4PM or 5:15PM late buses on Tuesday, November 26 due to the half day.

Normal late bus schedule will resume on Monday, December 2.

Jr/Sr High Parent Teacher Conferences

Our Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on Monday, November 25th from 5:30PM -7:30PM and Tuesday, November 26th from 12:00PM -3:00PM

Click here to set up an appointment with your choice of teachers.
You will receive an email confirming your appointment. 

Please contact the Jr/Sr High School Office at 518-325-2844 with any questions. 

Newest Edition of Titan Herald

The November 2024 edition of the Titan Herald Newsletter is coming to mailboxes soon!

View the edition electronically here:

Food Service Substitutes

We are hiring for Food Service Worker Substitutes!

Pay is $16/hr. Perfect for retirees or college students home for the holidays!

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

Elementary PTO Wreath Raffle

The PTO is excited to host a festive Holiday Wreath Raffle and we're calling on our creative community to donate beautiful wreaths!

We welcome all wreath designs—feel free to let your imagination soar! Whether you craft something unique or purchase a stunning wreath, add your personal touch with fun embellishments like gift cards, ornaments, or even experiences that will make someone’s holiday extra special.

How to Participate:

  1. Email your theme to taconichillspto@gmail.com to sign up.

  2. Submit your completed wreath to the Elementary Office by Wednesday, November 20.

Stay tuned for more details on the raffle coming soon!

Grades 9-12 Yearbook

Reserve your copy of the Taconic Hills High School (Grades 9-12) 2025 Yearbook today!

Yearbooks can be purchased either online or in the District Office.

From now through December 31, the cost is $54. Beginning January 1, the cost will increase to $60.

Secure your copy now!

- Purchase the Taconic Hills High School (Grades 9-12) Yearbook online here (this includes personalization options for extra cost):

- To purchase the Taconic Hills High School (Grades 9-12) in person, bring cash or check to Mrs. Olson in the District Office. Checks should be made out to "THCSD HS Yearbook"

Elementary Learn to Ski Program

Registration for the Elementary Learn to Ski/Snowboard Program is open now through December 1st!

The program runs through the month of January, and is open to students in grades 1-6.

This year, we have introduced the following additional safety precautions:

  • first time skiers/snowboarders and students under the age of 7 MUST have a parent/guardian at the mountain to supervise their child.

  • a parent/guardian MUST meet the bus at the mountain to assist if their child is unable to carry/bring equipment independently to and from the mountain. (We no longer have enough volunteers to provide younger students and novice skiers/snowboarders with the supervision and assistance they need to safely navigate the mountain.)

Please click here to review additional reminders for a successful season.

Please click here to register.
(Click here for step by step directions on how to register & pay).

Please contact Brittany Hay, Learn to Ski Advisor, and bhay@taconichills.k12.ny.us with any questions.

Cub Scout Cereal Drive

Cub Scout Pack 2130 is hosting a cereal drive to benefit the Roe Jan Food Pantry Thanksgiving Baskets.

They are collecting boxes of cold cereal now through Thursday, November 21! If you would like to donate, please drop off cereal boxes at the main offices, or send them in with your student.

Thank you for your generosity! For more information, please contact bsapack2130@gmail.com

Taconic Hills CSD Food Service Social Media Pages

Our Food Service Department has created Facebook and Instagram pages to provide regular updates on new menu items and upcoming events!

Follow them on Facebook
Follow them on Instagram

Food Pantry Grand Opening

Please join us for the Grand Opening of the Taconic Hills CSD Food Pantry!

When? Monday, November 25th during Parent Teacher Conferences (5:30PM-7:30PM)

Where? Elementary School, Room E102

All are welcome!

The pantry will be open for the additional dates:

  • Tuesday, December 3 from 3PM-4PM

  • Tuesday, December 10 from 4PM-5PM

  • Thursday, December 19 from 3PM-4PM

  • Thursday, January 2 from 4PM-5PM

Winter Arts & Crafts Festival

We are a little over a month away from the Winter Arts & Crafts Festival on December 7! Don't miss out on the festivities!

  • Crafters and Vendors: wooden crafts, holiday wreaths & centerpieces, hand sewn and knit items, jewelry, primitive crafts, resin items, ornaments, candles, pickles, chocolate, and more!

  • Bake Sale: cakes, pies, cake pops, cookies, and more!

  • Silent Auction & Raffle

  • Holiday Kids Corner: story time, face painting, pictures with Santa and elves, ornament making, snacks! 30 participants allowed per session, Please register in advance and pay $10 at the door. Click here to register!

  • Paint & Snack: Create a snowman snow globe canvas or a set of 4 wine glasses with holly! Snacks are provided. Please register and pay in advance. $45 per session. Click here to register!

Download Taconic Hills CSD App Today!

If you haven’t already, now is the time to sign up for our new Parent-Teacher Communication platform: Thrillshare Rooms!

We encourage you to download the Taconic Hills CSD App, which allows you to seamlessly access our website, view your student’s courses, and chat directly with their teachers.

Download the app for iPhone here: https://apple.co/3vmuwYo
Download the app for Android here: https://bit.ly/34gZUeM

If you need help accessing & creating an account for Thrillshare Rooms, please follow this helpful YouTube video. We also have a Rooms Support on our webpage here.

We will also provide assistance at the Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 25 and 26. It is essential that you come prepared with the Taconic Hills CSD App already downloaded, as we will not be able to facilitate downloads at the district during the event.

Your participation is vital to ensure effective communication and support for your child’s education. Thank you for your cooperation!

Senior Photos with Prestige

Prestige will be visiting Taconic Hills to offer complimentary senior photos for all interested seniors!

When? Tuesday, December 3
Where? Veterans Community Room

To schedule your appointment, please contact Eileen Olson at 518-325-2813 or eolson@taconichills.k12.ny.us. You can also reach out to any Senior Advisor.

Additionally, Yearbook or Cap & Gown attire is available for a fee of $25.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Roe Jan Food Pantry Thanksgiving Baskets

Each year, the Roe Jan Food Pantry offers Thanksgiving Baskets to support those in need. Serving much of the Taconic Hills area, the pantry provides for all except Philmont and Mellenville, as these communities have their own pantries that distribute baskets independently.

Baskets will be available for pickup on Saturday, November 23 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Hillsdale Fire House, located at 9387 State Route 22, Hillsdale, NY 12529. Patrons customize their own baskets from a variety of food items provided. In addition to all the essentials for a festive Thanksgiving meal, there are extra supplies to help families throughout the month.

If you would like to receive a basket, please complete the attached form and return it to the pantry by November 1st. Forms can be emailed to roejanfoodpantry@gmail.com or dropped off at 2684 State Route 23, Hillsdale, NY 12529.

We also ask that patrons include the name and age of each child for the Christmas Friends Program. A letter will be included in the Thanksgiving Basket for those who wish to participate and request a Christmas gift for their child. A representative from the Christmas Friends Program will be available at the Thanksgiving Basket pick-up to answer any questions.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the pantry at roejanfoodpantry@gmail.com or reach out to Betty White at 518-441-2789 via call or text.

Square 1 Art Elementary Fundraiser

The Taconic Hills Elementary PTO is proud to announce the 2024 Square 1 Art Fundraiser!!

The students are currently working at school on a special art project with their art teachers.

Once their artwork is completed it will be sent into Square 1 Art!

You then will be able to purchase personalized items for your home or as gifts, just in time for Christmas and the holiday season!!

You also have the option to upload artwork from home and purchase items with that artwork on them as well!!

Once the student’s artwork from school is submitted, fun sticker sheets with a preview catalog of their artwork will be sent home.

The art you purchase through our fundraiser will help our PTO to fund and provide for different school activities. The goal of the PTO is to make school a better, more enjoyable experience for all of the children!

You may use your child‘s name to find precious artwork from previous years that you can still purchase or to upload some of your favorite artwork from home.

https://shop.square1art.com/Shop/customer/myart

Join the Cub Scouts

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 Hiring Substitutes!

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

we are hiring clipart

More Information

Community & Parent Resources

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

comm resources

Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)

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

MH

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

SchoolTool App

Athletic Calendar

Check out the schedule for upcoming sporting events.

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If you have something you would like to add, send an email to webmaster@taconichills.k12.ny.us and we will share it with the school community. You can also send comments/feedback by email.
Make sure you check the District Calendar for up to date events coming to school. 

Download the Website APP
With the new app, you can access school information, cafeteria menus, news updates, and emergency notifications. 
Download the app on Android: Google Play App or App Store