OHES Paw Prints

Greetings OHES Families! As the August days tick away, Mrs. Caudill and I wanted to check in with our annual summer newsletter. Year one under our leadership offered many highlights and lasting memories. We are excited to ramp back up for year two, as we prepare to launch full-day kindergarten in the Montgomery Township School District for the first time ever!

While every new year brings new staff members to OHES, the group we have coming in for 2023-24 is not only a big one, but they come ready to share their diverse teaching experiences and eager to join the positive, caring culture that makes Orchard Hill such a special place. We will also be launching our new Early Childhood Center for our pre-school aged students, adjacent to the OHES main building. District and school staff are working hard to make sure the building is updated and ready to welcome students for the beginning of the year.

I have no doubt our staff at large has taken the time needed to connect with their families this summer! I for one have enjoyed my own children's increased confidence in swimming in the ocean, and I know Mrs. Caudill and her family have traveled far and wide for special opportunities on the youth sports circuit (see our family pics below!). I hope you have had similar meaningful experiences with your family and friends over the past couple of months, and are looking forward to the wonderful weather September always brings us here in NJ.

We are looking forward to welcoming all of our students to the 2023-24 school year in just a few short weeks. Below my signature you will find important information, including how to obtain your child's teacher assignment later this summer as well as the date/times of our annual Open House.

Wishing you all the best these final days of summer,

Mr. Van Hise

On Tuesday, September 5th, we will open our doors to parents for our annual "Open House" event. Homeroom teachers will be on hand to greet you as you and your student get a first look at their new classroom. Specific "windows" of time for you to visit are below and we ask that you please be respectful of your teacher's time. All PK open houses will take place at the Early Childhood Center, adjacent to OHES, along Burnt Hill Road.

• Kindergarten: 10:10-10:50am

• 1st grade: 8:40-9:20am

• 2nd grade: 10:10-10:50am

• K-2 Autism: 9:50am-10:30am

• PK Integrated AM: 1:40-2:00pm

• PK Integrated PM: 2:00-2:20pm

• PK Full Day: 1:45-2:15pm

Further details will be provided in a separate communication prior to the event.

On Friday, 8/25, you will be able to access your child's placement for the school year through the Parent Access portal. We have worked diligently to place your child in the best possible setting. Please know that at this time we will not be able to accommodate any requests for classroom changes. Thank you for your understanding. Once in Parent Access you will navigate to a welcome letter from your child's teacher. Also be sure to look at our Parent/Student Handbook for more information about our school.

Student Placement Information :

1) Visit https://parents.mtsd.k12.nj.us

2) Enter your username, which is your email address, and your password. If you forgot your password, use the "forgot my password" link. Your password will then be sent by email. If you are unable to log in or do not have an account, please contact genesissupport@mtsd.us.

3) Click on documents and view the teacher's welcome letter

As a reminder, school supplies by grade level can be found here.

Please click here for an important letter from our school nurse, Mrs. Hanna, regarding your child's health.

Our lunch service will be provided by Maschio's Food Service. Please click here for information for parents/guardians.

Our Montgomery Elementary School PTA president for the upcoming year is once again Mrs. Unnati Patel. She is working hard with her team of volunteers to plan special events for this year and encourages you to get involved. The PTA will make sure we have many "Welcome Week" volunteers to assist the children in finding their way to classrooms during the first days of school and we are grateful for their help. Our MES PTA is a great organization that supports many of our school-wide events. Click on the PTA link for more information on how you can get involved in our school

Friday, August 25th: Homeroom Teacher assignments will be visible in the Genesis parent portal

Wednesday, October 4th: 1st and 2nd grade Back-to-School Night

Thursday, October 5th: Pre-K and Kindergarten Back-to-School Night

There are many exciting things happening everyday at OHES. We will share these special events and learning that happens on Twitter. Please follow us for updates happening at OHES on Twitter at @MONTYOHES.