Red Hook Central School District

Red Hook Central School District The Red Hook Central School District serves grades PK-12 across three public schools in New York.

It spans portions of the towns of Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Milan, Clermont and Livingston in Dutchess and Columbia counties.

06/08/2026

Red Hook High School students will take their Regents exams at St. Christopher’s School, beginning Tuesday.
The school is located on Benner Road in Red Hook, a walk of less than 10 minutes from Red Hook High School and Linden Avenue Middle School.
All Regents exams administered by the school this month will be held at St. Christopher’s, beginning with English Language Arts Tuesday. Students taking these exams are being contacted with additional logistics directly.
Bus service will be provided for students to St. Christopher’s. Students taking a morning exam this week will be escorted back to LAMS afterward to wait for the afternoon bus or be picked up. Students can also be dropped off and picked up from St. Christopher’s, though students planning to drive themselves must park at the high school lot and walk to the testing site.
A nurse will be on hand at St. Christophers and both breakfast and lunch will be available to students.
We thank St. Christopher’s for volunteering use of their school. Its size and location make it the ideal option for reducing the hardship placed upon students by having to shift testing locations. Allowing use of the gymnasium is a great service to our district and greatly appreciated.

Major Life Event Exemptions
Under its Blue Ribbon Commission, the state Education Department instituted, beginning this school year, what are called Major Life Exemptions, which recognize unexpected events, such as a life-altering incident or severe illness, can significantly impact or prevent a student’s participation in a required diploma assessments.
A Major Life Event Exemption allows students who have experienced major life events to be considered for relief from certain diploma-related assessments, specifically state requirements, such as Regents exams. Students who receive an exemption will need to fulfill all other graduation requirements, including coursework and required labs, to earn a high school diploma.
It is important to note that this does not apply to AP Exams, which are administered by the College Board. No exemptions can be granted for these higher education exams.
To qualify for a Major Life Event Exemption:
-- A student must have been enrolled in a course of study or a make-up program (i.e., summer school, credit recovery program) leading to a required diploma assessment.
-- A student must have met or exceeded the expected learning outcomes for the course of study.
-- A major life event must have prevented the student’s participation in such a required diploma assessment.
If you think a Major Life exemption may apply to you or your child, please contact your counselor to apply for an exemption. Please note, the application does not guarantee exemption; ultimately, it is based on outlined criteria and superintendent approval.


Other updates:
-- This week we will be engaging with members of our student body, including the Class of 2026’s leadership, to involve their voices in the planning of our end of the year events and maintain a clear dialogue as we proceed. We feel it is important they understand this remains their school even as the physical building may be closed.
-- We are evaluating options for how to hold our June 20 commencement ceremony. While we have traditionally held it on the lawn at LAMS, our alternate location in the event of inclement weather has been the Performing Arts Center. Multiple parties have reached out to the district to offer their services in assisting to make our graduation exercises as memorable for students as ever, for which we are grateful. More information will be shared when it is available.
-- As mentioned in our communication Saturday, we are exploring options for additional Regents review. Those details will be shared with students directly when available.
-- As a reminder, we suspended our broad daily lunch distribution for high school students due to minimal interest shown this past week. School lunches are still available to those who notify the district they would be interested on a given day; please contact our Food Services Department at [email protected] or by calling 845-758-2241 ext.38010 to coordinate pickup.
-- Counselors remain available at LAMS for any student who may need to talk. Either make an appointment through your counselor or drop-in.
While it was difficult to announce the high school’s continued closure on Saturday, knowing how much returning to school meant to our students and staff, we were heartened and inspired by the understanding and support offered by our families and broader community. We, as school leaders, have been bolstered by that empathy, and we’re sure it’s a measure of comfort to our students, as well.

06/06/2026

With great disappointment and empathy for our students, especially the Class of 2026, we must announce that Red Hook High School will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
This is the outcome we have been working long hours each day for the past week to avoid. However, the latest results of air quality testing returned to the district Friday evening made evident it would be unavoidable, given the timeline of steps that must be now taken to fully remediate the damage done to the school by smoke and soot.
It is our hope that by announcing this today, students and staff can fully prepare for the end of the year, knowing what to expect.
We have already been planning for what this will mean, giving consideration not just to how instruction and testing will function, but also the emotional and wellness needs of our high school students, seniors especially.
Possible alternative locations have been evaluated, including Bard College. However, no available location was suitable for the scope of accommodating our total number of students or class sizes. We want to extend a special thank you to Bard for being a great community partner to our district. In addition to eagerly offering space for our use, the college hosted our Senior Awards Night last week and has provided support.

This is what can be shared so far:
-- Virtual learning will continue each day through the scheduled last day of school, June 16. There may be isolated exceptions for instances in which a class may need to meet in an alternate location to satisfy a requirement; in that rare case, students will be notified directly.
-- This coming week’s Regents exams will be held at alternative locations and bus service will be provided. Those details are still being finalized and will be communicated Monday, but students should be prepared to take their exams as scheduled.
-- We will also be holding other Regents exams and finals scheduled to begin June 17 at alternate locations. Students can expect that schedule and locations to be communicated by the end of the week.
-- We are exploring options for additional Regents review. More details will be forthcoming when they are solidified.
-- We are suspending our broad daily lunch distribution for high school students due to minimal interest shown this past week. School lunches are still available to those who notify the district they would be interested on a given day; please contact our Food Services Department at [email protected] or by calling 845-758-2241 ext.38010 to coordinate pickup.

In addition to academic interests, we are also seeking to support students’ emotional needs, however possible. That includes not only our seniors who may be dismayed by this abrupt ending, but also our incoming Class of 2030 freshmen.

What to know:
-- Our freshman orientation scheduled for Tuesday is, of course, postponed. However, eighth-grade students can expect to receive their 2026-27 class schedules at Linden Avenue Middle School this week to best plan for their freshman year. And, we will be scheduling an alternate orientation event at the high school for late August.
-- Prom will be held as scheduled on June 13.
-- Our Senior Walk Through June 16, followed immediately by our Senior BBQ, will be held as scheduled. More details of how that day will work will be communicated as the day approaches.
-- We are planning a broad end of the year celebration for all grades to get together in person one more time, as students need an opportunity to officially say goodbye to 2025-26 together. Details of that gathering will also be communicated in the coming days.
-- As has been the case, counselors are available at LAMS for any student who may need to talk. Either make an appointment through your counselor or drop-in.

Each of these steps have become necessary because deeper analysis of our air quality samples taken within the school June 2 showed five of the 13 areas tested had above-average levels of soot and char. Accordingly, the district’s cleaning partner, Advanced Disaster Recovery, will be escalating remediation measures in preparation of retesting all areas and we are engaging in further analysis of problem areas.
These deeper results have also offered important information for evaluating which items located within the building may be able to be returned to students. More information will be forthcoming on how, and which, items may be retrieved. However, this is part of the larger remediation process and, in the interest of extreme caution, the district is being careful in these decisions. We thank students and staff for their understanding and patience.
This is not the news we hoped we would be conveying as we awaited our air quality testing results, and we share in your disappointment that these measures must be taken. However, each decision since the May 29 fire has been made carefully and in consideration of the wellbeing of students and staff. We are grateful for how supportive of each other our school community has been in recent days, and for your flexibility and patience. We will continue to keep families apprised of all developments as this important work of finishing the school year successfully continues.

As we reach the end of a difficult week, we want to take a moment to thank our partners engaging in the remediation of o...
06/05/2026

As we reach the end of a difficult week, we want to take a moment to thank our partners engaging in the remediation of our high school, Advanced Disaster Recovery, for their immense efforts, which will continue into the weekend. Though these images offer just a glimpse at the work being done in the building, it illustrates the precise task of cleaning in the wake of an incident of this nature, even when the damage incurred by the actual fire was so effectively contained by first responders.

We look forward to providing further updates to the community in the near future.

Red Hook High School’s Auto Club is holding an inaugural Car Show at Mill Road Elementary School Sunday.The event, which...
06/04/2026

Red Hook High School’s Auto Club is holding an inaugural Car Show at Mill Road Elementary School Sunday.
The event, which will feature classic and unique cars, as well as food vendors, drinks and live music, is a fundraiser for the club, raising money to support the success of the Winners Circle Project at the school, as well as next year’s car show.
As one of the first-year club’s goals is community outreach, the club is also donating half of all proceeds to Red Hook Responds.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for those ages 18-and-under and free for ages 5-and-under.
Entries are still being accepted. To participate, it’s $15.
Members of the Auto Club and adviser Steve Hutman recently spoke with Townsquare Media's WPDH, appearing on its radio show “In Touch with the Hudson Valley,” which you can listen to on WPDH's site.
The show promises to feature vehicles of various makes, models and years, in addition to the project cars being worked on at the high school. The show begins 10 a.m. Sunday, June 7, and is scheduled to end at 4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the show may be moved to June 14.
Listen to "In Touch with the Hudson Valley" at https://wpdh.com/red-hook-auto-club-event/?tsq=sl&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR0ZHYzdGVGo5TVNKZHpuY3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aBy1UG2H1Hzb7Yye7sRnKDWVquWjQd6q92dLuSMoZHwtNP8qhXvpZB-BEKA_aem_aarfquIKFjm7v0zKITlrhA&brid=YWdncwGWHl7NH0KuACXbC8jNxuZl

The Red Hook Education Foundation’s 14th annual gala is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at Lasting Joy Brewery in Tivoli.T...
06/04/2026

The Red Hook Education Foundation’s 14th annual gala is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at Lasting Joy Brewery in Tivoli.
The gala is the foundations largest fundraiser of the year, which has helped the organization raise more than $650,000 to support Red Hook Central School District programs.
The impact made by the Red Hook Education Foundation is evident in each of the district’s school buildings, from Mill Road’s balance bike program and outdoor stage, to funding for Linden Avenue Middle School’s Latin Culture Fair, to the high school’s RoboRaiders robotics team and Summer Academy, and, of course, the Performing Arts Center, to name just a few.
The gala promises to be a night of fantastic food and great music while celebrating all the great things that make the district a unique learning environment.
Visit the Red Hook Education Foundation site (https://redhookeducationfoundation.com), or see the attached fliers in English and Spanish, to learn more and secure your place at the gala. General admission tickets are $75. There are six sponsorship levels, ranging from $300 to $10,000, with escalating number of tickets, benefits and recognition.
The gala is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. June 12 at Lasting Joy Brewery, 485 Lasher Road in Tivoli. We look forward to seeing you there in support of this great, entirely volunteer-run organization.

06/04/2026

Based on the results of air quality testing at Red Hook High School returned Thursday, we are escalating the scope of building remediation as we wait for a deeper analysis of the samples.
The samples, which were taken Tuesday, each contained the presence of soot and char, indicating further remediation is required before the building can be reopened to staff and students.
In addition to assessment of which areas of the building must be further remediated, the district is beginning the process of replacing ceiling tiles throughout the building.
Continued analysis of the existing air samples is already underway, which will provide a greater understanding of the air quality.
High School students can expect to continue virtual learning on Friday as previously announced, and the district will provide further information regarding the status of instruction on Monday in the near future.
The measures in place to support students during this period of virtual instruction will continue until we are able to return to the classroom:
-- Counselors remain stationed at LAMS for any student in need of support. Students should message their counselor on Teams to set up a time to visit; students can also stop by without an appointment and see a counselor at their earliest availability.
-- All high school students can pick up school lunches at the Mill Road Elementary PK-2 parking area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day we are in virtual learning.
-- Bus service for all students engaging in Dutchess BOCES programs will run as scheduled on days in which we are in virtual learning. Students who attend BOCES for half-day sessions need to spend the balance of their day at LAMS if they do not have their own transportation to or from home in the middle of the day.
-- Some planned field trips have been able to continue despite the building being closed. Remember to talk with your individual teacher to discuss any planned trips.
We are grateful to students, staff and families for making the shift to virtual instruction this week smooth and effective, ensuring learning could persevere despite unexpected challenges. We will continue to provide updates on our progress as we enter the weekend.

There’s still time to sign up for Roger’s Run 4 AMC this Saturday, June 6, beginning at St. Christopher’s School in Red ...
06/04/2026

There’s still time to sign up for Roger’s Run 4 AMC this Saturday, June 6, beginning at St. Christopher’s School in Red Hook.
Now in its 16th year, Roger’s Run aims to raise awareness about Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, while also raising money for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc., and the Red Hook Raiders Sports Club. The event through the years has raised more than $140,000 for AMCSI. And, each year, Roger’s Run provides a $625 scholarship to a senior graduating Red Hook High School who plans to pursue an education in occupational or physical therapy or physical education.
Roger’s Run includes a 5K (3.1 miles) and a 1-mile component.
The 1-mile race is set for 8:45 a.m. and the 5-kilometer run/walk is set to begin at 9 a.m. June 6, both at 30 Benner Road in Red Hook.
Sign up by visiting https://www.rogersrun4amc.com/ or, for race day registration, visit the race site beginning at 7:30 a.m.

06/03/2026

We are expecting the results of air quality testing inside Red Hook High School on Thursday, an important step in our work to assess the building.
Air samples were taken at various spots around the building on Tuesday, following the substantial completion of remediation following Friday’s fire. Remediation in the bathroom areas most directly impacted by the fire and sealed from the rest of the building remains.
The air samples will indicate how soon cleaning can be completed, which items left in the building may be salvageable and when we would be able to assess the school building.
We thank students, families and staff for their patience as we engage in virtual learning. This has been an unexpected set of challenges in a variety of areas, and our community has handled it with poise and professionalism.
We have been in regular contact with the Red Hook Police Department and are aware the department has identified a student it believes created a social media account that contained a post referencing Friday’s fire, of which the district became aware after the incident.
With any reported violation of our Code of Conduct, the district conducts its own investigations, and enforces the Code of Conduct as appropriate. We thank the Red Hook Police Department for its continued investigation into Friday’s fire and any activities that may surround it.
We look forward to providing additional updates regarding the air quality testing and the timeline for assessing the building when the information is available. Thank you all once again and we look forward to another productive day of virtual instruction Thursday.

06/02/2026

Red Hook High School will remain in virtual instruction for Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, as we continue to work toward reopening the building. Academic support will be available at Linden Avenue Middle School’s Innovation Lab in the afternoons and evenings beginning today.
While the cleanup of the building is substantially complete, results from air quality and HVAC testing conducted today are still necessary to ensure conditions are suitable for reopening the school. The results, which will also shed light on which items left in the building may be salvageable, are expected later this week.
We thank students, families and staff for a successful relaunch of virtual learning this morning which, with few exceptions, has been going smoothly throughout the day.
Our Night School is another opportunity to supplement that experience with live interaction. The academic support sessions will be held from 2:40-8:40 p.m. today, 2:40-5:40 p.m. Wednesday and 2:40-8:40 p.m. Thursday this week at LAMS’ Innovation Lab. A certified teacher will be available to offer academic support and it’s open to anybody on a drop-in basis.
Students who prefer to learn in a classroom atmosphere, or those who lack reliable internet access at home, are also invited to take part in virtual learning during the school day from LAMS’ Innovation Lab.
Remember also, Bus service for all students engaging in Dutchess BOCES programs will run as scheduled on days in which we are in virtual learning. Students who attend BOCES for half-day sessions need to spend the balance of their day at LAMS if they do not have their own transportation to or from home in the middle of the day.
And, high school students can pick up school lunches at the Mill Road Elementary PK-2 parking area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day we are in virtual learning.
We appreciate the flexibility of our staff at both the high and middle schools as we continue navigating this unexpected set of challenges, as well as the dedication of our students and families. We will continue to make every effort to ensure this week’s instruction is as smooth and rewarding as possible as we work toward returning to the high school building.

06/01/2026

While crews continued the process of remediating Red Hook High School Monday, teachers and staff prepared for the school’s students to begin virtual learning Tuesday.
District and building leadership continue to evaluate if virtual learning will be extended beyond Wednesday. While much of the building has been cleaned of soot resulting from Friday’s fire, some classrooms and lockers on the second floor still need to be remediated. An air quality test of different parts of the building is scheduled for Tuesday.
As cleaning crews enter each space, they are carefully evaluating personal items belonging to students and staff. So far, we have been able to return essential items like laptops, phones, keys, IDs and medical supplies to those who have requested it. However, due to the nature and severity of the smoke that spread throughout much of the building, some personal items may not be salvageable. The district is working with the cleaners to evaluate these items and will provide more information in a future communication.
Other updates:
-- The districtwide Jazz Festival scheduled for Tuesday at the high school’s Performing Arts Center has been postponed. The music department is seeking a reschedule date and it will be communicated when it is solidified.
-- Bus service for all students engaging in Dutchess BOCES programs will run as scheduled on days in which we are in virtual learning.
-- Food distribution began today at Mill Road Elementary. All high school students can pick up school lunches at the school’s PK-2 parking area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day we are in virtual learning.
-- Counselors are stationed at Linden Avenue Middle School for any student in need of support. Students should message their counselor on Teams to set up a time to visit; students can also stop by without an appointment and see a counselor at their earliest availability.
High school leadership and teachers met virtually Monday morning to discuss how students will engage in virtual learning beginning Tuesday. The school will follow its regular bell schedule and students will log in to their classes at the beginning of each period. Teachers will be accessible during their normal class times and students can message teachers directly.
A dedicated space is also set up at Linden Avenue Middle School for students who are without reliable internet access or simply prefer to learn in a school environment.

Address

Red Hook, NY

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18457582241

Website

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