Taconic Hills Central
School District
Dr. Mark A. Sposato, Superintendent
518-325-2890
District Office 518-325-0310
Business Office 518-325-2810
Buildings and Grounds 518-325-2880
Elementary School (K-4) 518-325-2820 FAX: 518-325-2825
73 County Rte. 11A, Craryville, NY 12521
John V. Gulisane, Jr., Principal
Middle School (5-8) 518-325-2830 FAX: 518-325-2835
73 County Rte. 11A, Craryville, NY 12521
Dr. Neil Howard, Principal
High School (9-12) 518-325-2840 FAX: 518-325-2845
73 County Rte. 11A, Craryville, NY 12521
Marie Digirolamo, Principal
Taconic Hills Mission Statement
Our School is a K - Life community of learners where every member is involved and dedicated to
the learning process. We believe that every student should have the right, accept
the responsibility, and be provided with the means to grow educationally, socially and
emotionally. Therefore, we will teach all students a constantly updated curriculum,
using a variety of methods to meet individual learning styles, so that students will be
prepared for the demands of today and the challenges of the future. We will provide
a positive, safe and caring environment where teaching and learning are emphasized and
rewarded, and where there is mutual respect. We will hold ourselves accountable for
this through on-going evaluation.
Elementary School (Grades K- 4,
about 550 students)
Our underlying philosophy is derived from the district’s Mission Statement
which considers each child a unique individual with respect to his or her
needs, interests and learning rate and style. There are several options for
our students including transitional grades, single grade classes, combined
grades in one class and team teaching. The classes are organized in
self-contained, heterogeneous groups. Each classroom has a mixture of
children of all ability and performance levels.
Middle
School (Grades 5- 8,
about 575 students)
Fifth and
sixth grades are primarily taught in teams of two teachers much like what
students have experienced in prior years. Grades seven and eight are taught
by using a nine period day that requires students to change classrooms and
teachers every forty minutes. Another feature of grades seven and eight is
the usage of three academic teams, the Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor
teams. Students a re assigned one of the three teams for their core academic
classes (math, English, science, social studies and foreign language). All
seventh and eighth grade students have the same teachers for their
encore classes (art, music, physical education, home and careers, health and
technology).
High
School (Grades 9 - 12
about 625 students)
The High School has a comprehensive core curriculum, consistent
with State and local graduation expectations. Elective courses include
second languages, art, research, technology, home and careers, business,
computers and instrumental and vocal music. Career exploration and
occupational education utilize work study, job shadowing, mentoring and
vocational training at the nearby Questar III Educational Center. Additional
enrichment is provided through many clubs with interests in the arts and
government; through exchange programs, advanced placement courses and an
extensive and varied athletics program; and a state-of-the-art library media
center.
District
Profile
The Taconic Hills Central School provides a public education for 1800 - 1900
students who live in southeastern Columbia County, an area just under 250
square miles that includes ten townships, either partially or entirely.
Commerce derives from agriculture, small and independent businesses, service
organizations, tourism and a real estate market influenced by nearness to
New York City.
In recent years, the Board of Education and School Administration have
placed increased focus on continuous program improvement and higher
standards for students, staff and programs. One aspect has included the
reorganization of the district’s four schools into the three noted
previously. The district’s new state-of-the-art facility on a large campus
includes a modern Performing Arts Center and a continuing education program
for adults.
The
Taconic Hills Central School District
website
provided most of this description and should be accessed for more information.
