Spring 2004 (Budget edition) - Taconic Hills Central School District

Vol. 16 No. 3 TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTLEARNING ADVENTUREThis Find THout teacher how shares on page an unusual 8.love for adventure with his students.Find out how on page 8.SPRING 2004SPECIAL ISSUE:School Budget& VotingInformation(pages 4-5)

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVEThe community room atTaconic Hills has beenofficially named TheVeterans CommunityRoom in recognition ofthe men and women fromthis area who have servedand who continue toserve in the U.S. armedforces. The room now featuresfascinating displays,plaques and memorabiliadonated by area veterans.“There are ten townshipsin this school district,”Superintendent Pacienciasaid. “Through times ofwar and peace, the familiesof this area havegiven their effort andsome have given their lives for our country. There isno apostrophe in the title Veterans Community Room.It is still the community’s room—the community willuse it for meetings, classes and a variety of purposes.But as such, it comes with the pride and our recognitionthat our community’s families have sacrificedso much.”The Veterans Community Room was officially re-christenedon April 2. Senator Stephen Saland (far right)and Assemblyman Pat Manning (second from right)were on hand, along with local community leaders,TH students and area veterans.HONORING THOSE WHO STRIVE On April 1, 28 TH HighSchool students were inducted into the NationalHonor Society. For a complete list of this year’sinductees, see page 10.USE OF POOL REMINDER:Parents bringing their elementary child/children tothe pool must remain in the pool area or the fitnesscenter if the child/children are under the ageof 12. If the child/children are under the age of six,parents may not leave them unattended and mustbe in the water with them.3

Proposed 2004-2005 SCHOOL BUDGETTaconic Hills Central School District Budget ComparisonBudget 2003/20042004/2005General Support 3,150,264 3,193,602 Administrative costs, insurance, building maintenanceand operation.Instructional 12,878,496 12,950,912 Teacher salaries, aide salaries, textbooks and supplies,special education programs, vocational education,athletics, computers, library costs.Transportation 1,765,716 1,762,261 Bus driver salaries, bus maintenance, fuel, garageexpenses, insurance and contracting.Community Service 50,943 62,431 Census and attendance tracking andcommunity events.Employer Contributions 5,452,647 6,295,465 Employee health insurance, social security, workers’compensation and retirement plans.Debt Service 2,969,957 2,958,848 Includes debt for central school construction.Total Budget 26,268,023 27,223,519 $Change: 955,496 % Change: 3.64%Revenue SourceState Aid 8,475,606 8,962,857 Includes revenues paid directly to the school foroperational, building and special purpose costs.Other Sources 1,547,965 1,407,965 Interest earnings, admissions to events, tuition, annualrefund from BOCES and transfer from building sale anddebt reserve fund.Fund Balance 725,000 725,000 Allocation of 2003/2004 resources.Tax Levy 15,519,452 16,127,697 $Change: 608,245 %Change: 3.92%Total Revenues 26,268,023 27,223,519 $Change: 955,496 %Change: 3.64%4PROPOSITION 12004-2005 BUDGETRESOLVED, that the budget for the school year 2004-2005 for the Taconic Hills Central School District atCraryville, Columbia and Dutchess Counties, New Yorkin the amount of $27,223,519 be adopted and the Boardof Education be further authorized to raise such portionthereof as may be necessary by tax levied on the taxableproperty of said school district.Questions & Answers• How does the proposed school budget for 2004-2005 compareto the current year’s budget?Last year, Taconic Hills was able to cut its budget by 1.38 percent.This year, mostly due to expenses over which the district has nocontrol, the district is proposing a budget increase of 3.64 percentover last year’s lowered budget.• What are the costs the district cannot control?As are all school districts in New York State, Taconic Hills is contractuallyobligated to pay for employee health insurance. That costis projected to rise by 14 percent in the coming year. The district is

VOTE MAY 18, 2004WHERE Veterans Community RoomWHEN 12 noon to 9 p.m.REGISTRATION DATE May 6, 12 noon to 8 p.m., District OfficeEmployeeBenefits$6,295,46523%CommunityService$62,431*Debt Service$2,958,84811%Transportation$1,762,2617%Proposed Budget 2004/2005$27,223,519Instructional& General Support$16,012,960$16,144,51460% 59%* less than 1%also legally bound to contribute a certain amount to an employeeretirement system and to a retirement system for teachers. Thosecosts are increasing by 28 and 39 percent respectively.• What about costs the district can control?The district has worked very hard to hold the line on cost increases.In fact, outside the above-mentioned areas, the budget proposal callsfor a total increase of $133,787 or significantly less than one percent.• What cuts and additions are being proposed in this year’s budget?Additions to the budget include costs for increased security, routinemaintenance, the continuation of driver education and lockers.Reductions come in the areas of computer cost savings, a reductionin athletic supplies and equipment as well as costs saved bychanging from a four-house system to a three-house system. Thedistrict’s plan to convert to a three-house system will eliminate oneprincipal’s position, a reduction reflected in this budget.• Is any educational programming being cut out in this budget?This budget preserves the current educational programming, whichis enhanced by state and federal grants. One teaching position willbe lost through attrition.• What about the building repairs? Why haven’t you includedmoney in the budget for that?Testing on the building must continue at least through September.If repairs are to begin before the next budget is adopted, the districthas diligently maintained reserve funds for such purposes.• If I have other questions, what should I do?You are encouraged to attend any Board of Education meeting.They are open to the public. You may call any Board of Educationmember; they are members of the district’s communities. Also,you may call or write to the offices of the district’s school businessofficial, the assistant superintendent and/or the superintendent.Their names are always listed in the district’s publications foryour convenience.PROPOSITION 2RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the TaconicHills Central School District at Craryville is herebyauthorized to (a) acquire school buses at a maximumaggregate cost of $180,000 (b) expend such sum for thepurpose; (c) expend from the 2003 Bus Purchase ReserveFund an amount not to exceed $180,000 for such purpose;(d) levy the necessary tax therefor, to be levied andcollected in such amounts as may be determined by theBoard of Education taking into account state aid receivedand amounts disbursed from the reserve fund; and (e) inanticipation of the collection of such tax, to issue bondsand notes of the District at one time or from time to timein the principal amounts not to exceed $180,000, and tolevy a tax to pay the interest on such obligations when due.• What does this proposition mean in plain English?This proposition seeks voter authorization for Taconic Hills tospend money set aside in the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund set upin 2003 for two 65 passenger busses to replace older buses. Thisproposal does not seek additional tax money from voters.$20.00$19.00$18.00$17.00$16.00$15.00$14.00$13.00$12.00$11.00$10.00$15.70Average Tax Rate per $1,000of Assessed Value over Ten Townships$16.95 $16.94$16.39$16.32$15.94$14.3797/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 Year5

¡HOLA, ESPAÑA!SOMOS TACONIC HILLS!Over the past few months, middle school Spanishteacher Jennifer Bentivegna Li, with the help ofthe TH technology coordinator Bram Moreinis,has used video teleconferencing to allow her studentsto interact live with students in the town ofLliria, Spain.“Our students met a group of 15-year-olds living inthe Valencia region,” Mrs. Li said recently. “It was aneye-opening experience.”Kristen Davenport, one of the TH students whoparticipated in the project, said that “meeting” theValencia youths made her appreciate the complexityof Spanish dialect and regional customs.“When we asked them what their favorite holidaywas, they started talking about a holiday we hadnever heard of,” Kristen said. “So after the first videoconference, we went back and studied the region andlearned that there is a particular holiday that only peoplein that area celebrate, Las Fallas.”The cultural exchange project evolved in a three-foldmanner. First, a bilingual question-and-answer time wasprepared for the Spanish students to establish a relationshipwith the TH students. After that, students sharedconversations with each other on a web-based bulletinboard. The Taconic Hills students then spent a week inthe computer lab doing research on Valencia and designingweb pages about what they had learned. Theydiscussed this work with the Spanish youths in the secondvideo conference. The third video conferenceentailed the creation of a digital movie, in which studentstransferred video into a computer software program andedited it into a polished electronic narrative, which theysent to Spain. The movie showed the Taconic Hills building,featured interviews with TH teachers and shared avisit to Catamount and to a local farm, narrated both inSpanish and English. The students in Spain sent a videoof their school and their town in return.Mr. Moreinis said that the technology of video conferencingis opening up new horizons for classroom teaching,engaging students with the real world in highly motivatingways.“In addition to partner schools like this one, many universities,museums, science labs and other places providevideo conferences that Taconic Hills teachers can usewith their classes. This technology allows students to visita world-class museum without ever leaving their classroom,meeting experts, asking questions and gettinganswers as they go.”SAY “QUESO” These Taconic Hills Middle School studentsgot ready to meet counterparts in Spain through themagic of video conferencing.“Setting up video conferences can be complicated andrequires coordinated preparation and testing before eachsession,” Mr. Moreinis said. “The Spain video conferencepresented some unique difficulties because it was international.The actual technology didn’t work as well as wewanted it to. But it’s only a matter of time until everyonegets better at this. You’re going to see more and moreteachers using the video conference medium withtheir students.”“We gained a great deal of cultural awareness,” Mrs. Lisaid. “For example, we didn’t know much about LasFallas when we started. It turns out it is a very old, weeklongfestival of fires. The people burn enormous papersculptures and stage quite elaborate pyrotechnics.”“There was both a lot of technology learning and authenticSpanish learning,” Mrs. Li said. “Mr. Lampilla wasinstrumental with the movie production technology. Thestudents were very enthusiastic and hard working. Videoconferencing with students from around the world is nota typical middle school experience.”“Seeing the Spanish students face to face, being able toask questions and hear the language spoken by natives,is a very positive motivational learning experience,” Mrs.Li said. “This project was supported by a grant from theTaconic Hills Educational Enrichment Fund (THE E Fund)of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. I hopethat opportunities like this be will available for my studentsin the future.”6

THE PARENT CONNECTION:REACHING OUT,MAKING ADIFFERENCECONNECTING Jessica Miller, Andrew Shanock and Tricia Petromelis run aconstant schedule of programming for families in The Parent Connection.The Parent Connection, located in room E121 in theelementary school, is designed to help families dealwith a wide range of issues in and out of school.Now, The Parent Connection is expanding into the secondaryschool. In March, working with schoolpsychologist Andrew Shanock, The Parent Connectionbegan a five-week program called “Family Matters,” opento families of middle school students. The program isbased on an established psycho-dynamic system calledthe STEP Program, Systematic Training for EffectiveParenting, to help parents communicate better within thefamily, solve problems, create discipline and instill moreconfidence in their children.The Parent Connection coordinators Jessica Miller andTricia Petromelis are assisting Mr. Shanock in the “FamilyMatters” program, as well continuing their own scheduleof programs for families with younger children. Mr. Shanockwill be focusing on secondary school programming.“Overall, my main goal is to help parents and studentsbecome better advocates for themselves,” Mr. Shanocksaid. “They need to learn how to work the maze of education.I want to help them both cope with the difficultiesof high school and see the possibilities. I’d like to bridgethe gap between parents and teachers, community andstudents, helping everyone get on the same page.”“I hope to help parents prepare for high school issues,transitional issues, college issues and special ed issues,”he said.Before coming to Taconic Hills, Mr. Shanock was aschool psychologist in Philadelphia, where he received amaster’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and adoctorate from Temple University. He has worked in residentialfacilities and does counseling in the region.The Parent Connection has offered a full menu of programsthis year, from family literacy events to a programon helping parents deal with stress during the Christmasholiday season. A two-part “Discipline that Works” programhelped parents use discipline in a positive way withtheir children, as well as understand their child’s individualtemperament. Assistant Superintendent KathleenCollins hosted a math night in April. This spring, TheParent Connection is offering an ongoing computer literacyprogram.“The program will cover resume writing, working withWindows, using Excel and savvy surfing on the internet,”Ms. Petromelis said. “Science teacher Kathy Marchionnehas served as one of the coordinators of this program,and it should really help people who want to get moreout of their home computers.”Room E121 will be set up as a mini computer lab for theprogram, with eight computers available for use. The sessionsrun from 6:30-8:30 p.m. once a week.The Parent Connection is also offering a project calledLightspans, which provides students with Sony PlayStations and academic software to use at home.“We’ll have 15 consoles with math and language artssoftware,” Mrs. Miller said.Much of The Parent Connection’s funding comes fromgrants put together by Mrs. Collins. The Taconic HillsEducational Enrichment Fund also supports ParentConnection programming.“We’re building a consistent group of parents,” Mrs.Miller said. “We feel that people are getting a lot out ofthis resource and the workshops. We’re also available forwalk-in visits on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons ifsomeone has something they’d like us to try to help themwith. We can make home visits, too.”For more information about The Parent Connection, or tojoin the ongoing computer literacy program, familiesshould call 325-0603.7

8A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...GRANT PRIME—SAILOR,TEACHER, EXPLORERNearly 400 years ago, Henry Hudson, in theemploy of a Dutch trading company, captained aship called the Half Moon north on a wide, tidalbody of water that looked a lot like a river. But becausethe water was tidal, and because it was saltwater,Hudson believed he had found a link to an ocean to thenorth. That year, while Hudson tried to reach China totrade spices, he began the process of European settlementin the wilderness land where Taconic Hills nowstands. And in the year 2004, in his classroom in the elementarywing of Taconic Hills, one TH teacher neverquite loses track of that time, that man or that small,rounded wooden sailing ship plowing up the unchartedwaters of the river that would eventually bear Hudson’sname. For while Grant Prime has dedicated himself toteaching, another part of his life is dedicated to Hudson’sship and to the history of the river and the region. Everysummer, Mr. Prime works aboard the Half Moon, a replicaof Hudson’s historic ship.“I’m fascinated by history and what it has to say to us,”Mr. Prime explained recently. “And I’m particularly fascinatedby historical ships. I’ve sailed the Half Moon andhelped repair her in dry dock on Staten Island. We sailthe ship just the same way Hudson did—all the work isdone by hand.”“I got interested in the history of the New Netherlandswhen I was a kid. I joined a historical society, the YorkerClub. In 6th grade I worked on an archaeological digwith a local museum at a revolutionary war fort. I madea model of the fort and carted it around to differentplaces—it was the bicentennial. I ran into guys doingrevolutionary war reenactments. Eventually, I hooked upwith guys who were sailing these historical boats. Then Imet the people who run Half Moon.”In his 5th grade classroom, Mr. Prime tries to transfer hispassion for history to his students, and now he is on theverge of bringing together the two sides of his life. InMay, he will be taking four TH 7th grade students on afour-day trip on the Half Moon, sailing from Peeksvilleup to Albany and teaching the students how to crew theboat. The trip is made possible by the New NetherlandMuseum in Albany, which owns and operates theHalf Moon.“It’s a great opportunity,” Mr. Prime said. “The hard partis choosing four students when so many more would liketo do it.”“There will be kids from two other schools on board andthey will do a variety of jobs, from climbing the riggingto helping in the galley and actually sailing and steeringthe boat. I’m grateful that the school board approved thisproject.”The trip is free to both the school and the four studentswho are chosen for it.How does Mr. Prime compare sailing an historic ship toteaching 5th grade?“Teaching is harder,” he said. Like all TH teachers, heputs in a long day, starting at 7:30 and lasting well intothe afternoon, with homework to grade and preparationsto make in the evening. Mr. Prime co-teaches withCharlene Hunter, who specializes in science while Mr.Prime specializes in social studies. After school, he is thecoordinator of the elementary school’s Odyssey of theMind program.“Both in sailing and teaching there are a lot of challenges,good challenges and bad challenges. I’ve takenthe Half Moon out into the Atlantic and down to theChesapeake Bay. The ship was built as a trading vessel. Itwas built to hold as many barrels as possible. So it’s nota smooth ride. In a storm, it kind of corkscrews around.The upside is that it’s very buoyant. We’ve gone up andover 30 foot waves.”Like historical sailing, he finds the challenge of teachingto be timeless, too.“You’re always facing basic challenges. You’re always tryingto figure out ways to make the curriculum interestingfor all the students, including ones who tend to be wanderingin their minds. I always think: there’s got to be away to make this work. The tiring part is the amount ofenergy that teachers have to use just to get kids on taskand make the day happen on schedule.”

As the weather warms, Mr. Prime thinks of the feeling ofwind racing across the water, the sway of a woodenhulledboat, the way the river opens up at Nyack and theTappan Zee Bridge. In his classroom, students who wantto go to the bathroom know enough to ask for “the head,”and there is a lot of seafaring literature that can be sharedin 5th grade language arts. But taking TH students ontothe river this summer is a particularly satisfying thought.“I guess it’s about the river and the ship and this area.The museum’s goal is to make people more aware ofthe history of the New Netherlands—and that’s a goalof mine, too.”WHAT IS THE HALF MOON?Built in Albany in 1989 with private funds and the support of many regional corporations, the Half Moon is afull-sized replica of the ship Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson and eventually to the Hudson Bay. It is alsothe home base of the New Netherland Museum. The museum and the ship are run by volunteers, funded byprivate contributions and serve as a non-profit educational organization for students and adults. The shipoffers programs in which 7th grade students not only sail the ship, but also complete an interdisciplinary educationalproject involving history, science and geography.When the ship is dockside in Albany it is open to the general public on weekends and to school visits duringthe week. The New Netherland Museum also offers both a 4th and 7th grade curriculum designed to meetNew York State social studies standards.Adults who would like to sail the ship are welcome to sign up to spend time on board. “We welcome volunteers,participants and contributions,” said Half Moon captain Chip Reynolds. “We’ve had people who’venever been on a boat before and we’ve had a commander of a nuclear sub serve as part of the crew. It’salmost always a very profound experience for everyone.”For more information about the Half Moon, the public should call the Albany Visitors Bureau a 518 434-0405or visit the museum’s website at www.newnetherland.org.Photo by James Cleveland/New Netherland Museum9

2004 Honor SocietyINDUCTEESSelected for theiracademic achievement,school citizenship andcommunity involvement,these are the new THinductees into theNational Honor Society:10OPENING THE DOOR “Stage Door,” a dramatic comedy set in the 1930’s, was presentedby the Taconic Hills High School drama club in March. Director MichaelRobbins was thrilled with the production and the response it received. “The productionexceeded expectations,” he said. “Thirty-three students spent four monthsputting in a lot of time when they could have been doing other things. The resultwas a very polished, professional looking performance.” Mr. Robbins said that theplay’s setting, time period and style prompted the Taconic Hills actors and crew tothink about the way the world has changed and to capture an art form—the one setstage play—that most young people have not experienced before. “I think it was ameaningful experience for the cast and crew,” Mr. Robbins said. “As it was for me.”The elaborate set and costumes were made possible by the generosity and labor ofmany local businesses and parent volunteers.Above, cast members are pictured during a dress rehearsal.RAISING A VOICE Arnold T.Anderson Sr. of Copake VFWPost 7955 (center rear) presentedcertificates to contestwinners and the schooladministration in December.Pictured in the front row (leftto right) are Patriot’s Pen essaywriters Evan McCormick,Kelsey Campbell and JamesMcNamee. In the secondBrian AdrianceBrad BoylesKayla ChambersAmy CutlerJosh EsrickStephanie GardinaHeather GaronClare GarvieEmer HaldaneRachel KeyserDaniel MaharTheresa MaharSarah MartinGina MastropoloJennifer McCauleyBridgette MillerMegan MitchellKim OstranderSerena RaceSamantha RiegelKayla SartoriSteven SpadaJason TaylorAngela ValdenKate ViebrockBenjamin VosburghMaude WhiteAshley Wolcottrow, standing between principals Michael Hartner (left) andJohn Gulisane (right) are Voice of Democracy winners SarahMartin, Bridgette Miller and Joseph Gursky. Mr. Anderson andthe VFW awarded the principals and Superintendent Dave Paciencia certificates in appreciation of their support forthis program.Kelsey Campbell’s 1st place Patriot’s Pen award entitled her entry to be forwarded to the next level of judging at theVFW Rip Van Winkle Counties Council, where she earned another 1st place. In a very close contest, Kelsey took 3rdplace in VFW District #3 competition, which includes 14 New York counties. The national VFW Patriot’s Pen is anessay writing competition open to 7th and 8th grade students. The national winner earns a $10,000 scholarship.In the Voice of Democracy competition, Joseph Gurksy’s 1st place award earned him an entry in the next level of judgingat the VFW Rip Van Winkle Counties Council, where he was awarded 3rd place. The national VFW Voice of Democracyis a rhetorical contest open to students in grades 9-12. The national first place award is a $25,000 scholarship.“One day, we are going to have a national winner from Taconic Hills,” Mr. Anderson predicted.

YOU ARE INVITED:TACONIC HILLS COMMEMORATIVE PARK TO BE DEDICATED JUNE 19On June 19, rain or shine, a project that has beenfour years in the making will be dedicated as agift from past students to those of the future. TheTaconic Hills Commemorative Park, located in the grassyarea behind the administration wing of the building, isthe culmination of a great deal of hard work and planningby the Roe Jan Alumni Association with thecooperation of the administration and Board of Education.“The park commemorates the path education has takenin the district from one room school houses to the currentTaconic Hills campus,” said Mary Mazzacano, who waspresident of the alumni association and chairperson ofthe commemorative park committee.The park’s bell came from the one room school house inHollowville. Other parts of the display represent otherdistrict schools, including the former Roe Jan andOckawamick schools. Under the guidance of senior classadvisor, Terry Leggett, the last four TH graduating classeshave contributed money to the plaques in the park. Theclass of 2004 has contributed a bench. At the dedication,which begins at 10:00 a.m., school songs from TaconicHills, Ockawamick and Roe Jan will be sung. Local dignitarieswill be on hand for the event.Mrs. Mazzacano said she has a lot of people to thank atthe event. “Everyone did so much. The original park committeewas composed of myself, Bud Atwood, alumnihistorian John Dunn, Ed Bradway, Ed Jacklin and PatWemitt, who was the liaison with the school. We willalso be thanking our landscaper, Matt Tomich. I hope tosee everyone in our community on June 19.”Refreshments will be served immediately followingthe dedication.GRAND OLE OPRYCOMING TO TACONIC HILLSIn support of the THE E Fund, one of the legendary figures in countrymusic, and a staple at the Grand Ole Opry, is coming to Taconic Hillsat 7 p.m. on May 14. Charlie Louvin, 1/2 of a legendary duo whoseclassic country music just won two Grammy Awards, including bestCountry Album of the Year, will be on the TH stage along with a host oflocal talent, from bluegrass musicians to such homegrown talent as THMiddle School Principal Michael Hartner.Bob Bates, a TH music teacher who has worked as a professional musicianin Nashville, is responsible for bringing Charlie Louvin here.“What we’re doing is not only paying tribute to Charlie and his music,”Mr. Bates said, “but recreating the atmosphere and excitement of theGrand Ole Opry itself.”Louvin brother songs include such vocal classics as “When I StopDreaming,” “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby,” “You’re Running Wild,” “My Baby’s Gone” and “Must You ThrowDirt In My Face.” Charlie’s brother, Ira, died in 1965.The show will feature tributes to such stars as Roy Acuff, the Carter family, Dolly Parton, Ricky Scaggs and George D.Hay, the original announcer from the Grand Ole Opry. Various TH teachers and students will be playing and singingthe roles of these Opry stars.“This area happens to be saturated with bluegrass lovers and some great bluegrass players,” Mr. Bates said. “Althoughthe Louvin music is classic country, it has been loved and adopted by bluegrass fans.”Fans are urged to get their tickets early. Tickets are available at the Church Street Deli in Copake, at A Sharper Image inPhilmont, Stewart’s Shop in Hillsdale, at the greeting desks at Taconic Hills and at the door. Prices are $12 for adultsand $5 for children 12 and under. The show will benefit THE E Fund and the activities it supports at Taconic Hills. 11

Photos by Mark ClarkeBRAVE NEW WORLD Every year, the town of Numata Japan, located in a rural area two hours north ofTokyo, sends ten high school age students to Taconic Hills, along with a teacher who is also the group leader. TheseJapanese exchange students stay with Taconic Hills families, go to classes, make friends and help Taconic Hills studentsget a sense of what they share with people from a very different culture. Barry Emberlin, a history and Englishteacher, coordinates the program. “I think it’s very important that we instill an appreciation of other parts of the worldin our children,” he said. “We can do it on one level through our curriculum, but this program reaches deeper.” Mr.Emberlin said that he hopes that Taconic students can someday reciprocate by visiting Numata and staying withJapanese families there.Taconic HillsMISSION STATEMENTOur school is a K-through-life community of learners whereevery 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 meansto 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 todayand the challenges of the future.We will provide a positive, safe and caring environmentwhere teaching and learning are emphasized and rewarded,and where there is mutual respect. We will hold ourselvesaccountable for this through on-going evaluation.May 6FYIDates to RememberVoter Registration, 12-8 p.m.May 11 Public Budget Hearing, 7 p.m.May 13 High School Spring Concert & Art Show, 7 p.m.May 14 Grand Ole Opry and Charlie Louvin, 7 p.m.May 18 SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE, 12 noon to 9 p.m.May 18 District Volunteer Luncheon, 1:15 p.m.May 25 Grades 5-6 Spring Concert & Art Show, 7 p.m.June 1Spring Sports Banquet, 6:30 p.m.12THE TITAN HERALD ispublished by the Taconic HillsBoard of Education.Editor: John SlotePhotographer: David LeeGraphic Design: Mark A. BerginQuestar III Communication SevicesPlease address correspondence to:The Titan Heraldc/o Taconic Hills School DistrictDistrict OfficeP.O. Box 482Craryville, NY 12521TACONIC HILLSCENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTP.O. Box 482Craryville, New York 12521Please deliver to...BOX HOLDER~ OR ~RURAL ROUTE RESIDENTof the Taconic Hills Central School DistrictNON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDHUDSON, NY 12534PERMIT #211